Solar Ready?

logspec1 · 05-13-2018, 06:53 AM

I have a Rockwood 8329SS that is "Solar Ready". What does that really means? It has the plug on the outside for a 40 watt solar panel to plug in but I cannot find the controller anywhere in the trailer. Do I have to buy a controller also to go with the panel? Also, can I go bigger that a 40 watt panel? Primarily looking to just keep the battery charged. Not boondocking.

Thanks for your help.

Jay2504 · 05-13-2018, 08:52 PM

If it’s anything like our 2504s it’s a plug on the side of the unit with a little cap to cover the plug when it’s not being used. On the other side of the plug is 14 gauge wire that runs in to the battery. That is all you get. If it says Zamp then the polarity is backwards. I reversed polarity on mine and plug in a 1.5 amp battery charger/ maintainer. Jay

Kimber45 · 05-13-2018, 08:54 PM

its a 5$ plug and a sticker and marketing scam to make you feel good about going green. nothing more then a trickle charger for your battery if you have a panel.

logspec1 · 05-14-2018, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay2504

If it’s anything like our 2504s it’s a plug on the side of the unit with a little cap to cover the plug when it’s not being used. On the other side of the plug is 14 gauge wire that runs in to the battery. That is all you get. If it says Zamp then the polarity is backwards. I reversed polarity on mine and plug in a 1.5 amp battery charger/ maintainer. Jay

Yep, that is what I have. Not what I was hoping to hear, but what I expected. Thanks.

logspec1 · 05-14-2018, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimber45

its a 5$ plug and a sticker and marketing scam to make you feel good about going green. nothing more then a trickle charger for your battery if you have a panel.

I guess I can go to Harbor Frieght and get one of their small trickle charge panels. Thanks.

jayhawk117 · 05-22-2018, 10:43 AM

Will depend on the solar panel you use. The zamp panels have the control on the back of the panel. I have the 40 watt single panel and it does fine keeping the battery charged up. It won't provide enough to operate much inside the trailer however.

ImTravis · 05-22-2018, 02:52 PM

I have a 120 Watt panel with controller/etc built in. I plugged it into the Solar Ready Zamp plug, and it seems to be charging my battery. Plan on using it to keep the battery topped off while sitting at home, so I don't have to run a cable to the house for charging.

logspec1 · 05-22-2018, 02:55 PM

What panel do you have? Zamp is too expensive.

**Flybob** · 05-22-2018, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by logspec1

I guess I can go to Harbor Frieght and get one of their small trickle charge panels. Thanks.

Zamp uses a non standard plug configuration so you will need to make adjustments. In addition, I would caution getting a "trickle charge panel" as between wire loss, controller efficiency, panel efficiency anything much less than 100W panel will be a waste of money.

logspec1 · 05-22-2018, 03:12 PM

Yes. Thanks. I have rethought that and agree.

A41Capt · 08-09-2018, 10:55 AM

The Zamp plug on the side of my Mini Lite 2507 looks like a standard SAE plug with a rubber cap. Are you saying that the polarity on the inlet plug is reverses from the standard positive being shielded and ground being bare? You also state that the panel connection goes straight through to the battery. There is no tie in to the internal fuse panel?

I’m considering the purchase of a non Zamp panel system (they’re crazy expensive IMHO), and want to ensure I don’t fry something.

Thanks in advance, I’m a newbie Rockwood owner and just starting out!

John
Camp Verde, AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay2504

If it’s anything like our 2504s it’s a plug on the side of the unit with a little cap to cover the plug when it’s not being used. On the other side of the plug is 14 gauge wire that runs in to the battery. That is all you get. If it says Zamp then the polarity is backwards. I reversed polarity on mine and plug in a 1.5 amp battery charger/ maintainer. Jay

IsleDog · 08-09-2018, 11:19 AM

I have seen these plugs used for a variety of uses from solar to getting the bare plugs and wiring them to various 12v tools like an air compressor or fan. kind of handy in that respect. dont have to rip the battery cover off to connect something temporarily.

JaysFan64 · 08-09-2018, 01:05 PM

Polarity on the zamp plug is definitely reversed and requires an adapter or modification to use with other brands of panels. Readily available so no need to spend the extra cash on Zamp.

Some have purchased this: https://www.amazon.com/OptiMATE-CABL.../dp/B00AHCWGOO

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