Solar

[jeffandrews55]

Just bought 2017 3310 model. Never have used solar. Is this solar receptacle going to charge batteries while being stored or is this to power the rv in lieu of electric hook up? Advice on solar...

[sgtlm17]

That is simply a plug that is wired to your batteries. It allows you to plug a portable solar panel in to assist with battery charging while boondocking or disconnected from shore power. Simply put its a wire to the positive and the negative terminals of the coaches battery. Take note the plug is a Zamp which is the manufacturer. You can plug a Zamp portable panel in very easily. Other portable panel manufacturers have reversed wiring compared to Zamp and you would need a plug adapter to reverse the polarity.

[jeffandrews55]

Thank you. Any advice on the size of the solar unit i should buy? I see 50 watt, 80 watt, 100 and up...I just need one for a 12 volt system, right?

[Rich.M]

The answer depends on your requirements. Here is a link to get you up to speed, be sure to read part 2 on amp hours and solar.
The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)
You will need to determine your amp hour per day needs.

[Eratosthenes]

Originally Posted by sgtlm17

That is simply a plug that is wired to your batteries. It allows you to plug a portable solar panel in to assist with battery charging while boondocking or disconnected from shore power. Simply put its a wire to the positive and the negative terminals of the coaches battery. Take note the plug is a Zamp which is the manufacturer. You can plug a Zamp portable panel in very easily. Other portable panel manufacturers have reversed wiring compared to Zamp and you would need a plug adapter to reverse the polarity.

As you say, this plug would allow a solar panel to keep you coach batteries charged. I am thinking about a small panel that I can use to trickle charge the batteries ... but what about the chassis battery? Will this plug keep the chassis battery maintained?

This is mostly for storage. I hear about other manufacter's coaches where the chassis battery is drained in only a couple of weeks by the dash radio.