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2020 R Pod 171 Solar Setup
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LeonMBarnes View Drop Down
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Joined: 18 Oct 2024
Location: Wichita Falls
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Posts: 15 		Post Options Post Options   Quote LeonMBarnes Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: 2020 R Pod 171 Solar Setup
    Posted: Today at 5:48pm
Thank you, that helps a lot.
Leon and Johanne Barnes
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gpokluda View Drop Down
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Joined: 11 Nov 2018
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Posts: 450 		Post Options Post Options   Quote gpokluda Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Today at 5:38pm
I am 99.99% sure you do not have a solar charge controller onboard the trailer. Make sure you get a solar panel that has a charge controller mounted to it.
Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
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LeonMBarnes View Drop Down
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Joined: 18 Oct 2024
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Posts: 15 		Post Options Post Options   Quote LeonMBarnes Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Today at 1:08pm
We have a 2016 RP 178, has a solar connector on the rear passenger side exterior wall. The owners manual refers to a solar charge controller to safely maintain the batteries and so they are not overcharged.

Does anyone know how to tell whether or not a solar charge controller is already in this trailer?
Leon and Johanne Barnes
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JR View Drop Down
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Joined: 31 Aug 2018
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Posts: 400 		Post Options Post Options   Quote JR Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Jan 2026 at 8:26am
I will see if I can help you in your solar quest.  I just sent you a private message, within the forums web site.
Jay

179/2019
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jato View Drop Down
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Posts: 3404 		Post Options Post Options   Quote jato Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Jan 2026 at 2:41am
A senior member on this forum has extensive knowledge on this topic and also an annual co-host on our Traverse City R-Pod rally; his name is JR.  I will reach out to him today so that he can get back to assist you.
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'11 model 177
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Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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Rpod-Couple View Drop Down
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Posts: 60 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Rpod-Couple Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jan 2026 at 6:03pm
Amazon shows several vendors of 200 watt flexible solar panel that are 30in wide any x 60-63in long. Looks like they have MC4 connectors that should plug into the solar prep. But I see you have only 24in width. A 100 watt panel will fit but start to run 8-10 inches down the curve on the front. Alternatively the 100W panel will fit length wise in front of the A/C between the TV antenna. Renogy’s 100 watt panel has 27 inche cables which should reach.
Steve & Elaine
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zachthecamper View Drop Down
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Posts: 8 		Post Options Post Options   Quote zachthecamper Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jan 2026 at 5:31pm
That's all real good information, thanks!

I would love to slap some 200W panels up on the roof but sadly I think the 100W felxible panel will be the most I can do before needing to install down the angle roof and start affecting the visual look of the camper.
I know 100W aint a whole lot but it will be mostly for trickle charging and charging phones, maybe the occasional inverter for powering a laptop or heated blanket.

Currently I have a rigid 100W panel which has been ground based but I just am tired of packing it in and out and also the possibilities of thief's while out hiking.
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Posts: 60 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Rpod-Couple Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jan 2026 at 4:52pm
My 2021 171 has a Go Power label that states wiring rated for 30 amps maximum. That should be good for 380-400 watts of total solar panel power. Note that two 200 watt panels only put out 400 watts on a very bright sunny day while sun is directly overhead. 

400 watts / 30 amps = 13.3V. Your panels will put out a higher voltage than 13.3V at their rated wattage which means actual current will be less than 30 amps for 400 watts of solar panels. And quite likely only get 180 watts per panel, 360 watts combined.

The maximum amperage is also limited by the solar power controller you select and charging current your battery(s) can handle. You will want to use at least two 12V batteries in parallel if you go with 200-400 watts of solar panels. 

There are better solar controllers than the Go Power unit ForestRiver recommended in 2020-2021.

You might download the Forest River Owners Guide app. Under Electrical, you will find a number of Go Power reference information. You might also search “solar” in the search section to see what others have used for their solar installation. 

Many folks have used ground based panels since roof panels can’t be angled to the sun
and can be shaded by trees. Lots of recommendations for solar. All depends on where you camp, and how much 12V equipment you plan to power with solar.

Good luck!
Steve & Elaine
2021 R-pod
2023 VW Atlas Cross Sport
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zachthecamper View Drop Down
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Posts: 8 		Post Options Post Options   Quote zachthecamper Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jan 2026 at 4:30pm
2020 R Pod Manual delivered this photo which helped me track down the OEM Go Power panel.

https://forestriverinc.com/brochures/2020/2020rpodbrochure.pdf
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zachthecamper View Drop Down
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Posts: 8 		Post Options Post Options   Quote zachthecamper Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jan 2026 at 4:27pm
Seems to be after calling some dealers, searching the web, and at manuals from this year rpod. The panel was a 110 Watt Go power Flexible panel.
Can be seen at this website:https://gopowersolar.com/products/110-watt-solar-flex-module/

After seeing the dimensions of the Go Power panel (21.4x44.6 inch) and the high price tag ($375), I am going with the Renogy 100 Watt Flexible panel which is a 1/3rd of the cost of OEM ($135).

Renogy 100W PERC Monocrystalline Black Panel I just purchased on Amazon and will install soon (will link pictures in thread after complete): https://a.co/d/5mGsw3z

Smart Solar 75/15 MPPT Charge Controller with Bluetooth I purchased and will install with panel: https://a.co/d/arErT03
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