Zamp Solar

[vlosh]

I'm getting ready to purchase a new 2503S with the pre-wire for a Zamp Solar system.

What does that get me? What do I need to get started with solar? With a solar panel plugged will it charge my battery, do I still need two batteries? What else will the panel do for me? A bit frustrating when the dealer does not know much about a feature on the trailer they sell.

Help please.

[SeaDog]

It is only the wiring to your batteries with a plug to fit the Zamp system, not much use other then a selling point. Invest in a second battery you will be ahead of the game

[vlosh]

Thanks for the quick response. I'm thinking a second battery too.

Good looking Lab. Mines a dark yellow/golden color about 90 pounds, great dogs.

[Homersimpson]

The Zamp Solar plug on the side of your trailer should lead to the battery. Some things to remember about the Zamp plug:
1. Zamp uses a reverse polarity from most every other brand, so you buy their brand. No matter, that can be switched back.
2. Zamp portable panels come with a weatherproof controller built in. Without a controller, you would cook your batteries on a sunny day.
3. The wire from the Zamp plug to the battery is maybe 12 gauge and is limited to how many watts you can hook up. But you could run heavier wire when you add your own on-board controller (see 2.).
4. Zamp panels are well made and easy to use, but pricey. The less expensive ones are all made in China.

[vlosh]

OK, FR Friends,

I am getting a new 2503S. I will probably install two 6 volt batteries and I will be getting a Zamp solar panel, at least an 80, maybe 120.

Now I need an inverter mainly to charge all those crazy devices you shouldn't use when your camping (phone, iPad etc).

Any suggestions on an inverter?

Any thoughts on my planning?

My dry camping is usually limited to 3-4 days at a time.

Thanks, Vern

[Kenny kustom]

Do you actually need an inverter?
A few well placed 12v sockets and cig USB chargers would work just fine.

[bikendan]

I simply got a 400w inverter from HF, to run the tv and DVD and to recharge the electronic devices.
I hardwired it to the batteries, in my old trailer.
my new TT has a 12v outlet I'll plug it into.

[ScottBrownstein]

Zamp really isn't for those of us who love to tinker, its for a new owner that just wants some solar power, buys it and plugs it in. No PWM vs MPPT, no 12 ga vs 10 ga. Nothing. In that respect it is successful, although quite low power. It lets the RV manufacturer put ready for solar in and not be telling a lie.

Do you need an inverter? Don't know, but I have always had one to power that phone or computer or DVD tablet and TV when I didn't want to run a great big generator to power a very small load. I used a Sam's club unit in my first RV and now have a 2000 watt and a 3000 watt inverter and 4 deep cycle batteries. We didn't have residential reefers and 35 inch LED TVs in those 1990's RVs. And we didn't have kids (or grandkids) who couldn't stand to live without the internet or a screen or two at all times.

Use a small 300 watt inverter and wire it directly in. Sure it comes with a cigar lighter cord as well but you will find that for more than maybe 80 watts or so, it doesn't work very well.

[wahoonc]

I put in a bunch of USB and cigarette style ports to charge stuff when not hooked up to 120v. I use the Blue Sea stuff.

Aaron

[johnbryanpeters]

Originally Posted by bikendan

I simply got a 400w inverter from HF, to run the tv and DVD and to recharge the electronic devices.
I hardwired it to the batteries, in my old trailer.
my new TT has a 12v outlet I'll plug it into.

The inverter itself blows away significant power as heat, let's guess 40% at under full load.

The brick that converts the 120 VAC back to DC for USB devices also wastes power as heat.

12 V USB outlets are the most efficient way to charge USB devices, and they're cheap. Google "12 V USB outlet".

[BooBoo23]

If you use a solar panel other that Zamp you will need an adaptor like this to change polarity. This one is presently out of stock but you could find plugs like it and make your own, just swap lead wires.
https://www.solardealz.com/Sidewall-...s-bdc-adpt.htm

[ScottBrownstein]

[QUOTE=johnbryanpeters;1480816]The inverter itself blows away significant power as heat, let's guess 40% at under full load. Quote]

Not any more. Inverters are central to all solar power installations and that is why they are so reasonably priced. Most are at least 90% efficient, some even 95%.

...and they can be pure sine wave.

They ain't your grandfather's multivibrator inverters anymore.

[Kenny kustom]

If you'd like an inverter..
I just happen to be selling a magnum 1k pure sine wave.