R-pod Owners Forum : ZAMP wiring http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : ZAMP wiring Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:34:00 +0000 Thu, 16 Jul 2015 12:23:09 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=6566 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ ZAMP wiring : Yup, or a SAE to PowerPole pigtail... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63490#63490 Author: shanebevel
Subject: 6566
Posted: 16 Jul 2015 at 12:23pm

Yup, or a SAE to PowerPole pigtail and then I can power everything I already have with PowerPoles. Why more people don't use that connector, I don't know. They are just awesome. ]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2015 12:23:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63490#63490 ZAMP wiring : Originally posted by shanebevelAs... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63486#63486 Author: furpod
Subject: 6566
Posted: 16 Jul 2015 at 12:19pm

Originally posted by shanebevel

As a weird side note, the first thing I thought when I saw the port was power access! The plug used (while not the awesome Anderson Power Pole) is a standard connector, so a man could build a pigtail to whatever he wanted and access 12v from the back of the camper through a sizable cable. Ham radio/chargers/12v led lantern all kinds of stuff. 

My only thought was that I didn't know if it ran through a converter of some type, but it looks like a direct connection, so that's pretty cool!

So in theory, any solar panel producing 12v+ could be used here right? Not just a zamp branded kit. 

Shane


Yes you can add a SAE connector to any panel/controller combo and feed at that port.. and yes.. 12v goes both ways.. so you could add a properly wired SAE connector to anything 12v you wanted to power outside. Wink
]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2015 12:19:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63486#63486 ZAMP wiring : As a weird side note, the first... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63459#63459 Author: shanebevel
Subject: 6566
Posted: 15 Jul 2015 at 11:02pm

As a weird side note, the first thing I thought when I saw the port was power access! The plug used (while not the awesome Anderson Power Pole) is a standard connector, so a man could build a pigtail to whatever he wanted and access 12v from the back of the camper through a sizable cable. Ham radio/chargers/12v led lantern all kinds of stuff. 

My only thought was that I didn't know if it ran through a converter of some type, but it looks like a direct connection, so that's pretty cool!

So in theory, any solar panel producing 12v+ could be used here right? Not just a zamp branded kit. 

Shane
]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2015 23:02:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63459#63459 ZAMP wiring : oooops, I mean total distance... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63065#63065 Author: mikeyg2347
Subject: 6566
Posted: 08 Jul 2015 at 9:09pm

oooops, I mean total distance of 50'. 20' plus 30', uh, somebody help me here...I ran out of fingers and toes.]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2015 21:09:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63065#63065 ZAMP wiring : Yep, I factored in the wire from... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63064#63064 Author: mikeyg2347
Subject: 6566
Posted: 08 Jul 2015 at 9:08pm

Yep, I factored in the wire from the connector to the battery for a total distance of 20'. Should be OK with 10 gauge wire all the way from the charger to the battery.]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2015 21:08:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63064#63064 ZAMP wiring : LOL, Good Deal...don't... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63059#63059 Author: Podster
Subject: 6566
Posted: 08 Jul 2015 at 7:30pm

LOL, Good Deal...don't forget to add the original 20' or so if you are using the Zamp Plug! 

Another acceptable practice if you don't know the amperage output of a panel, you can figure 1 amp for ever 15 watts of panel size. So a 50w panel is rated at about 3 amps out and a 100w panel at 6. 

Since amperage increases power flow, distance will be shorter and/or wire size will be larger. 

]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2015 19:30:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63059#63059 ZAMP wiring : Ditto on the calculator!! http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63035#63035 Author: Leo B
Subject: 6566
Posted: 08 Jul 2015 at 12:31pm

Ditto on the calculator!!]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2015 12:31:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63035#63035 ZAMP wiring : That calculator is really cool.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63028#63028 Author: mikeyg2347
Subject: 6566
Posted: 08 Jul 2015 at 10:22am

That calculator is really cool. Makes it easy for the rookie/amateur (me) to get a fast answer. Looks like if I use 10 gauge cable I can go about 35' from the Zamp port and keep the line loss to less than 3%. Solar chargers can be a challenge when you want the trailer in the shade, but the solar panel needs to be in the sun. Thanks for the link.]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2015 10:22:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63028#63028 ZAMP wiring : This solar wire size calculator... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63018#63018 Author: Podster
Subject: 6566
Posted: 07 Jul 2015 at 9:34pm

This solar wire size calculator may help and has more info about some of the variables...

10g is a pretty good size tube, presumably done by FR and Zamp to mute any critics about the wire being 
to small. I think FR and Zamp nailed it. There is no money to be saved where wire is used for power transmission. Smile



]]> Tue, 07 Jul 2015 21:34:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63018#63018 ZAMP wiring : There are a few variables, but... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63012#63012 Author: furpod
Subject: 6566
Posted: 07 Jul 2015 at 6:01pm

There are a few variables, but stranded copper 10g wire will lose about .25 volts every 15 feet. Your controller may have an adjustable output, or automatic.]]> Tue, 07 Jul 2015 18:01:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63012#63012 ZAMP wiring : Speaking of line loss, how much... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63002#63002 Author: mikeyg2347
Subject: 6566
Posted: 07 Jul 2015 at 2:51pm

Speaking of line loss, how much cable do you think is feasible before the charger becomes seriously inefficient? My Renogy came with 15' of cable which isn't nearly enough to take full advantage of the sun if you're under trees at all.]]> Tue, 07 Jul 2015 14:51:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=63002#63002 ZAMP wiring : Iv'e traced them, it's... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62971#62971 Author: Podster
Subject: 6566
Posted: 06 Jul 2015 at 11:59pm

Iv'e traced them, it's two #10 wires (red and white) directly to the battery. The distance is not a problem as far as voltage using 10 gauge wire. It's possible that plugging and sparking up front with batteries gassing and propane and all may be part of the logic to place the plug all the way in the rear? Dunno...]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2015 23:59:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62971#62971 ZAMP wiring : Originally posted by Pooterpod Originally... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62921#62921 Author: furpod
Subject: 6566
Posted: 06 Jul 2015 at 9:28am

Originally posted by Pooterpod

Originally posted by furpod

Directly to the battery is the correct way to hook them up. Line loss is an actual issue, and the most direct connection is the most efficient.
That must be why Forest River ran the wire from the battery to the farthest spot on the trailer on the factory install...LOL


Why Forest River does some of the stuff they do can only be answered by Miss Cleo...
]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2015 09:28:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62921#62921 ZAMP wiring : Originally posted by furpod Directly... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62908#62908 Author: Marx
Subject: 6566
Posted: 06 Jul 2015 at 8:22am

Originally posted by furpod

Directly to the battery is the correct way to hook them up. Line loss is an actual issue, and the most direct connection is the most efficient. I mounted my connector right to one of the battery box lids.


Great point and idea here for safety!
]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2015 08:22:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62908#62908 ZAMP wiring : Originally posted by furpod Directly... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62875#62875 Author: Pooterpod
Subject: 6566
Posted: 05 Jul 2015 at 12:57pm

Originally posted by furpod

Directly to the battery is the correct way to hook them up. Line loss is an actual issue, and the most direct connection is the most efficient.
That must be why Forest River ran the wire from the battery to the farthest spot on the trailer on the factory install...LOL]]> Sun, 05 Jul 2015 12:57:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62875#62875 ZAMP wiring : Directly to the battery is the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62862#62862 Author: furpod
Subject: 6566
Posted: 05 Jul 2015 at 8:42am

Directly to the battery is the correct way to hook them up. Line loss is an actual issue, and the most direct connection is the most efficient. I mounted my connector right to one of the battery box lids.
]]> Sun, 05 Jul 2015 08:42:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62862#62862 ZAMP wiring : From what I have heard there is... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62851#62851 Author: techntrek
Subject: 6566
Posted: 04 Jul 2015 at 10:51pm

From what I have heard there is no fuse, so I recommend adding a fuse at the battery connection.]]> Sat, 04 Jul 2015 22:51:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62851#62851 ZAMP wiring : Originally posted by johnmaciThank... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62841#62841 Author: Pooterpod
Subject: 6566
Posted: 04 Jul 2015 at 6:07pm

Originally posted by johnmaci

Thank you.
I was hoping they would have connected somewhere in the wiring panel or wiring bundle as a more "proper" installation.
I prefer right to the battery myself.( KISS) I have not followed the wires back from the battery, so  it is possible they run into and out of the fuse panel, but I was under the impression from another thread that it was a direct connection. ]]> Sat, 04 Jul 2015 18:07:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62841#62841 ZAMP wiring : Thank you.I was hoping they would... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62825#62825 Author: johnmaci
Subject: 6566
Posted: 04 Jul 2015 at 9:33am

Thank you.
I was hoping they would have connected somewhere in the wiring panel or wiring bundle as a more "proper" installation.
]]> Sat, 04 Jul 2015 09:33:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62825#62825 ZAMP wiring : There are two loose terminal leads... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62821#62821 Author: Pooterpod
Subject: 6566
Posted: 04 Jul 2015 at 8:46am

There are two loose terminal leads ( red and white) that exit the wiring bundle at the front of the Pod so I guess the answer would be connect directly to the battery. ]]> Sat, 04 Jul 2015 08:46:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62821#62821 ZAMP wiring : For those newer PODS that come... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62816#62816 Author: johnmaci
Subject: 6566
Posted: 04 Jul 2015 at 7:39am

For those newer PODS that come ZAMP ready, does anyone know how they are wired?
I just purchased the ZAMP Roof and Sidewall Port and would like to install it; Does it connect directly to the battery or to the wiring?

Thanks,
JD
]]> Sat, 04 Jul 2015 07:39:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6566&PID=62816#62816