2020 R Pod 171 Solar Setup
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16351
Printed Date: 08 Jan 2026 at 3:12pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: 2020 R Pod 171 Solar Setup
Posted By: zachthecamper
Subject: 2020 R Pod 171 Solar Setup
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2026 at 3:36pm
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Hey there forum! I finally climbed on my roof and found my solar hook ups were Go Power branded and measured out the area for install of a panel. I am having trouble selecting a panel and curious what was OEM. Does anyone know for this year and system what panel was supposed to be ordered to get this going? I'd assume it would be a flexible 100ish Watt panel but who knows. If someone has this model with the factory installed solar system I would love to see a picture or any details. Also did R Pod ever send out instruction manuals for DIYers to do this install themselves? Thanks     |
Replies:
Posted By: zachthecamper
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2026 at 4:27pm
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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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Posted By: zachthecamper
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2026 at 4:30pm
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2020 R Pod Manual delivered this photo which helped me track down the OEM Go Power panel. https://forestriverinc.com/brochures/2020/2020rpodbrochure.pdf |
Posted By: Rpod-Couple
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2026 at 4:52pm
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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 |
Posted By: zachthecamper
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2026 at 5:31pm
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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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Posted By: Rpod-Couple
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2026 at 6:03pm
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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 2021 R-pod 2023 VW Atlas Cross Sport |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 06 Jan 2026 at 2:41am
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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. ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: JR
Date Posted: 06 Jan 2026 at 8:26am
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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 |