R-pod Owners Forum : Solar, 12volt questions http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Reviews and General Information : Solar, 12volt questions Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 02 May 2026 01:55:45 +0000 Sun, 22 Jan 2017 13:22:47 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=9236 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Solar, 12volt questions : Cool, thanks. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87140#87140 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9236
Posted: 22 Jan 2017 at 1:22pm

Cool, thanks.]]> Sun, 22 Jan 2017 13:22:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87140#87140 Solar, 12volt questions : Originally posted by Keith-N-DarP=I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87137#87137 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 9236
Posted: 22 Jan 2017 at 11:10am

Originally posted by Keith-N-Dar

P=I X E  Ohms Law.
I this case power = 20 amps X 12 volts or 240 watts.  With the line loss inherent with low voltage DC don't plan on much from that solar install.

Not clear what you are saying here. Twenty amps for a typical 5 hour sunny day gives you 100 AH which is 3-6 times the typical camper's usage.
]]> Sun, 22 Jan 2017 11:10:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87137#87137 Solar, 12volt questions : Originally posted by Keith-N-DarP=I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87134#87134 Author: Podster
Subject: 9236
Posted: 22 Jan 2017 at 9:31am

Originally posted by Keith-N-Dar

P=I X E  Ohms Law.
I this case power = 20 amps X 12 volts or 240 watts.  With the line loss inherent with low voltage DC don't plan on much from that solar install.

What solar install are you referring to? 
]]> Sun, 22 Jan 2017 09:31:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87134#87134 Solar, 12volt questions : P=I X E Ohms Law.I this case power... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87133#87133 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 9236
Posted: 22 Jan 2017 at 9:28am

P=I X E  Ohms Law.
I this case power = 20 amps X 12 volts or 240 watts.  With the line loss inherent with low voltage DC don't plan on much from that solar install.
]]> Sun, 22 Jan 2017 09:28:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87133#87133 Solar, 12volt questions : Originally posted by puudgedLOL,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87122#87122 Author: Podster
Subject: 9236
Posted: 22 Jan 2017 at 7:55am

Originally posted by puudged

LOL, I will make sure my geekies know what they are doing😫 My main go to guy installs electronics in fire engines and police vehicles... Cross my fingers that he knows what he is doing:) Thanks again for helping me out!


Yes, sounds like you have a good geek there. 
]]> Sun, 22 Jan 2017 07:55:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87122#87122 Solar, 12volt questions : Originally posted by... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87121#87121 Author: Podster
Subject: 9236
Posted: 22 Jan 2017 at 7:51am

Originally posted by mcarter

Podster,

Comparing notes. Where did you mount yours in 178? I mounted mine in the panel, near door, that is the dinette passenger seat. I can open door and look at 12v status and use USB and 12v charge with device resting on dinette cushion or table. Drilled a hole thru floor of front storage compartment, and ran 14 gauge wire into floor of electrics bay and used spare fuse for connection point. Works great, silicone holes and secured wiring below TT and in front storage area. From what I have seen the 179 is much easier to access.

I try to use what I call the service panel for all things utility... 

Here is a pic...

12-DSCN3385.JPG
]]> Sun, 22 Jan 2017 07:51:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87121#87121 Solar, 12volt questions : LOL, I will make sure my geekies... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87113#87113 Author: puudged
Subject: 9236
Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 7:27pm

LOL, I will make sure my geekies know what they are doing😫 My main go to guy installs electronics in fire engines and police vehicles... Cross my fingers that he knows what he is doing:) Thanks again for helping me out!

]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2017 19:27:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87113#87113 Solar, 12volt questions : Podster, Comparing notes. Where... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87110#87110 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9236
Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 5:02pm

Podster,

Comparing notes. Where did you mount yours in 178? I mounted mine in the panel, near door, that is the dinette passenger seat. I can open door and look at 12v status and use USB and 12v charge with device resting on dinette cushion or table. Drilled a hole thru floor of front storage compartment, and ran 14 gauge wire into floor of electrics bay and used spare fuse for connection point. Works great, silicone holes and secured wiring below TT and in front storage area. From what I have seen the 179 is much easier to access.]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2017 17:02:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87110#87110 Solar, 12volt questions : Originally posted by Pod... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87108#87108 Author: Podster
Subject: 9236
Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 12:22pm

Originally posted by Pod People

the other posts have answered your 12 volt receptacle questions.

...I'm not sure what the 20 watt designation is referring to. 


OP stated 20 amps, not 20 watts... 
]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2017 12:22:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87108#87108 Solar, 12volt questions : Originally posted by puudgedThank... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87107#87107 Author: Podster
Subject: 9236
Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 12:21pm

Originally posted by puudged

Thank you for the link! I just ordered these items, and will check around with my "geek" friends for some professional help!


You're welcome. I'm not familiar with the 172, but if you can mount the device in an area near the power panel where it is convenient to use, and draw power directly from a new run to the 12v side of the power panel, that would be best. You can certainly tap in to other wires as well, but depending on what you tap...it may limit the amount you can draw, but usually plenty power available for charging stuff, no problem. If you choose not to make a new run to the power panel, make sure you install an inline fuse on the power side of the tap and use a fuse rated appropriately. 

If one of your geek friends reads this and says "huh" don't let them do it... :-) 
]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2017 12:21:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87107#87107 Solar, 12volt questions : Thank you for the link! I just... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87103#87103 Author: puudged
Subject: 9236
Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 10:06am

Thank you for the link! I just ordered these items, and will check around with my "geek" friends for some professional help!

]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2017 10:06:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87103#87103 Solar, 12volt questions : thank you for the great information..... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87101#87101 Author: puudged
Subject: 9236
Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 9:32am

thank you for the great information.. The more I delve into these subjects, the more questions arise! I appreciate any input..

]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2017 09:32:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87101#87101 Solar, 12volt questions : the other posts have answered... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87092#87092 Author: Pod People
Subject: 9236
Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 7:49am

the other posts have answered your 12 volt receptacle questions.

The solar question is different.  I'm not sure what the 20 watt designation is referring to. It certainly is not the size of the solar panel.   Most of us use solar panels that are rated between 100-200 watts to generate the power that goes into the charge controller.  the charge controller is  the brains of the system and determines the actual amount of charge pushed on to the batteries to keep them fully charged. the controllers are generally rated between 20-50 amps.

Personally, I use a 100 watt Renogy suitcase panel system.  It is portable and has two 50 watt panels that fold together suitcase style.  It works very well to keep my two 6 volt golf cart batteries fully charged with about 5 hours of daily sun.

Use the "search" feature at the top of the page and you will find multiple posts about solar systems being used in the R Pods.  They are a very effective tool for boondocking. there is also a wealth of informatin on the internet about RV solar systems.  The size and types of systems are numerous and the technology is becoming cheaper and more efficient. It is a great way to have power if you are not plugged in to an electric source.
Vann
]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2017 07:49:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87092#87092 Solar, 12volt questions : Yes, many of us install a... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87090#87090 Author: Podster
Subject: 9236
Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 5:36am

Yes, many of us install a unit that has a 12v plug, USB chargers, and a 12v digital gauge to monitor the battery voltage. 

Cllena Triple Function Dual USB Charger + Blue LED Voltmeter + 12V Outlet Socket Panel Jack Marine For Digital Devices Mobile Phone Tablet

No, there is no wiring schematic available. 

If this kind of thing is new to you, it may be best to have a qualified technician do the installation. 

Also, it could void any warranty you may have on the system related to the modification.

That said, it generally doesn't stop most owners. If its done correctly, there should be no problem. 
]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2017 05:36:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87090#87090 Solar, 12volt questions : Thank you for the reply:) So,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87088#87088 Author: puudged
Subject: 9236
Posted: 20 Jan 2017 at 9:56pm

Thank you for the reply:) So, did you install the 12v outlet by yourself? I know there are 12v wires running all through the pod, but I am not sure how to access them. Is there a wiring schematic somewhere??

]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2017 21:56:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87088#87088 Solar, 12volt questions : Hi, congratulations on your... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87082#87082 Author: Podster
Subject: 9236
Posted: 20 Jan 2017 at 8:03pm

Hi, congratulations on your new Rpod 172?  

20amps is way more than a trickle charge and many of us have installed 12v plugs to run 12v devices and to also plug in a small 150-200w inverter to charge phones etc...

Good luck! Have fun! Smile
]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2017 20:03:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87082#87082 Solar, 12volt questions : We just bought an R-pod 172 with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87080#87080 Author: puudged
Subject: 9236
Posted: 20 Jan 2017 at 7:15pm

We just bought an R-pod 172 with the solar hookup. It states on the sticker "20 amp". (1) Is this the maximum solar panel that we can hook up? (2) Does this just trickle charge the battery?                          Our previous trailer has a cigarette lighter port that we could plug in a small inverter to when boondocking, and charge our phones and camera batteries. The pod doesn't have this.. So, I am wondering how can I use the 12volt sources to charge small amperage electronics? The solar and 12 volt stuff is so confusingCry

]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2017 19:15:44 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9236&PID=87080#87080