http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Just bought my 179! Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 03 May 2026 13:07:55 +0000 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 17:04:59 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=5822 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5822&PID=56726#56726 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5822
Posted: 15 Feb 2015 at 5:04pm

Welcome.  ]]> Sun, 15 Feb 2015 17:04:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5822&PID=56726#56726 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5822&PID=56717#56717 Author: IL-Podders
Subject: 5822
Posted: 15 Feb 2015 at 8:25am

Welcome and congrats on your 179.  We are also new owners anxiously waiting for the cold and snow to move on. ]]> Sun, 15 Feb 2015 08:25:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5822&PID=56717#56717 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5822&PID=56716#56716 Author: Leo B
Subject: 5822
Posted: 15 Feb 2015 at 7:44am

Welcome to the group! Congrats on your 179!!]]> Sun, 15 Feb 2015 07:44:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5822&PID=56716#56716 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5822&PID=56715#56715 Author: Viperbyte
Subject: 5822
Posted: 15 Feb 2015 at 6:43am

Welcome PamJones and congrats are your purchase.

Concerning the size of solar panels, I have done some research and spoken with the Zamp Solar representative but I am by no means an expert.

The size of the panels you will need are not only dependent on your usage but also on the amount of hours the panels are exposed to full sun. As an example, here on the east coast most of the parks have a good canopy from the trees (not all but most) so this limits the amount of charge the panels will obtain. On the flip side if you are camping in the desert, there is high sunlight exposure.

Panels are rated by an amps per hour.

So to simplify this mumbo jumbo :) your usage of amps and potential sunlight exposure will determine the size panel you need.

For me, after doing some testing on how fast I drain my batteries and after speaking with Zamp solar the 160W portable panel setup should suffice.

As an FYI there are other brands out there but make sure the setup you purchase also has a controller. From what I have read you do not want to connect a large wattage panel directly to a battery group. The controller will monitor and adjust the charge so you don't damage your batteries. Also, there are different type of plugs so you will want to get the one that matches the plug on the side of your 179.

Just my 2 cents. Take care and Happy Podding.
]]> Sun, 15 Feb 2015 06:43:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5822&PID=56715#56715 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5822&PID=56714#56714 Author: Podster
Subject: 5822
Posted: 15 Feb 2015 at 5:46am

Howdy and Congratulations on your new 1 seven niner! 

Correct solar sizing is dependent on use (requirements), battery storage, charge efficiency, and available sun. 

But if you want to skip all the tech mumbo jumbo I can tell you that seems several campers are happy with around 100w. I have seen some use 200w panels. I will probably use a 100w panel with 2ea 6v batteries for dry camping on the beach at Port A where there is lots of sun. This system probably won't cut it in the Hill Country where there is lots of shade. 

I like the price and the looks of this setup: RenogyⓇ Foldable Solar Suitcase Battery Charger 100W 

This is interesting, for those looking for more power in a small panel here Renogy offers a 39" x 39" 150w Mono-crystalline panel.

Renogy 150 Watts 12 Volts High Efficient Monocrystalline Solar Panel for off-grid applications -- RV, Boat, Cabin, Yachts, Trailers, Motorhomes, etc. 

Please allow me to cordially invite you'all out to the BIG TEXAS RALLY this fall. 

2015 BIG TEXAS Rally! - R-pod Owners Forum - Page 1 

]]> Sun, 15 Feb 2015 05:46:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5822&PID=56714#56714 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5822&PID=56711#56711 Author: pamjones
Subject: 5822
Posted: 14 Feb 2015 at 11:34pm

I have been dreaming of owning an RV for 5 years and yesterday purchased an R-Pod 179. I am so excited and am already planning mods. My first mod will be slip covering all the cushions. All the colors options are pretty ugly in my opinion.

I want to get the ZAMP solar so I can dry camp. Can anyone advise on how many watts I should start with?]]> Sat, 14 Feb 2015 23:34:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5822&PID=56711#56711