Using Zamp External Port with 2016 Aspect 27K

[FT RV]

My rig has a 100 watt solar panel on the roof and a 510 watt capable zamp solar controller. It also has a plug for additional solar, I am thinking a 200 watt foldable panel would be a nice addition for boondocking - is this as simple as it sounds? I know zamp used a reverse plug but there are adapters so I can use anything.

[Sparky19053]

Yes, but IF the panel you add is not a Zamp panel you need a polarity reversing adapter like this hhttps://www.amazon.com/Sunway-Solar...99&sr=8-3&th=1
The Zamp controller and panels are wired backwards from all the others. I have 1x100 watt Zamp and two other Renogy brand panels with the adapters for a total of 480 watts on my roof. During the winter storage months the RV is covered so no juice from the sun, I plug in a 100 watt panel that is resting on top of the cover to keep the batteries fresh throughout the winter months. Just be sure to secure the temporary panel, Last spring I had a 100 watt panel get tossed about 50 foot in a down burst storm. It was trashed.

[FT RV]

Originally Posted by Sparky19053

Yes, but IF the panel you add is not a Zamp panel you need a polarity reversing adapter like this hhttps://www.amazon.com/Sunway-Solar...99&sr=8-3&th=1
The Zamp controller and panels are wired backwards from all the others. I have 1x100 watt Zamp and two other Renogy brand panels with the adapters for a total of 480 watts on my roof. During the winter storage months the RV is covered so no juice from the sun, I plug in a 100 watt panel that is resting on top of the cover to keep the batteries fresh throughout the winter months. Just be sure to secure the temporary panel, Last spring I had a 100 watt panel get tossed about 50 foot in a down burst storm. It was trashed.

Great info, thank you! About to go boondocking in the desert "bone stock" (actually not, it has two lifeline AGM's that I've barely scratched the surface of when dry camping so far), I figure 3-4 days before the water runs out (small FW tank) and I'll just run the gennie if needed before picking up an ex panel and adapter.

[Sparky19053]

FT RV, You are very welcome. I have to assume that you will be using the propane option for your refrigerator? 200 watts of solar will not get you very far with the frig on electric.
Travel safely and enjoy your tip.

[FT RV]

Originally Posted by Sparky19053

FT RV, You are very welcome. I have to assume that you will be using the propane option for your refrigerator? 200 watts of solar will not get you very far with the frig on electric.
Travel safely and enjoy your tip.

Oh yeah propane for everything including the furnace when needed, and the generator if the batts run low

[Fanrgs]

If your Zamp controller is a 30A PWM, each port may only handle a 150w panel. Check your Zamp manual.

Do you have an exterior SAE port in a bay or the battery compartment? If so, you might get a 100w portable solar panel and several cheap 10' SAE cable and connector kits from Harbor Freight to use in low sun-angle periods (October to April) and when parked in shade. In winter, my 100w portable panel set up at the optimum solar angle can produce nearly as many amps as the 350w of flat panels on my roof.