Portable Solar for 2018 International 23FB

[weirdstuff]

Just ordered a 2018 International 23FB. The 2018's come with "2 Deep Cycle Group 24 Batteries with Mulit-Stage Converter."

I want to purchase a Zamp portable solar system to plug in to the new Zamp plug and play port by the batteries.

If I get the 160w or 200w Zamp suitcase, are those compatible with my batteries and converter?

I'm hoping this will really be as easy as purchase, and plug in!

EDIT: also considering just doing 120w, since the units are smaller and lighter weight

[KJRitchie]

I have a Zamp 200 but I connected via the alligator clips but the plug should work. Make sure you get an extension cord as the standard length is short. Then I had 200w installed on the roof with a Blue Sky controller in the trailer. I removed the Zamp controller on the panels and connect into the trailers solar system so I can have 400w if needed.

Kelvin

[weirdstuff]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

I have a Zamp 200 but I connected via the alligator clips but the plug should work. Make sure you get an extension cord as the standard length is short. Then I had 200w installed on the roof with a Blue Sky controller in the trailer. I removed the Zamp controller on the panels and connect into the trailers solar system so I can have 400w if needed.

Kelvin

That sounds like a great system. And thanks for the reminder to get the extension cord.

We aren't big energy users, so mostly looking for enough solar to keep our batteries charged and healthy. We used to have 200w on our Interstate, and that seemed to charge our batteries very quickly on sunny mornings.

Are 200w (maximum that we'd do) compatible with the batteries that I mentioned above?

And then, once the Zamp panels are plugged in, is the 2018 multi-stage converter adequate?

Where's Lewster when you need him? We need a Lewster signal, like the bat signal for Batman...to light up on the forums when we need him.

[Trailbob]

Any of the Zamp units should be compatible with the stock group 24 batteries. I think the new AS trailers come with a Zamp (SAE) plug, so it is likely "plug and play" with the Zamp portable units.

When I was shopping for a portable solar unit (to supplement my 145W rooftop panel), size and weight were big determining factors. How was I going to transport it, and how difficult would it be to set up/take down. I suggest that you consider where and how you will store and transport the portable panel when not in use, and then get the biggest that will easily work for you.

I use my 90W portable panel with my AS, and a small truck camper. I would probably have gone with the 120W if I bought it just for the AS (based on size and weight).

[WestieHouse]

Originally Posted by weirdstuff

Just ordered a 2018 International 23FB. The 2018's come with "2 Deep Cycle Group 24 Batteries with Mulit-Stage Converter."

I want to purchase a Zamp portable solar system to plug in to the new Zamp plug and play port by the batteries.

If I get the 160w or 200w Zamp suitcase, are those compatible with my batteries and converter?

I'm hoping this will really be as easy as purchase, and plug in!

EDIT: also considering just doing 120w, since the units are smaller and lighter weight

We have a 2015 23FB. I upgraded to 2 Group 24 AGM batteries and a multistage converter. Both easy to do and well worth the money. Mostly this helps me with not needing to monitor the batteries during a month (or several) of storage.

We use a 160 Watt Zamp solar panel when not connected to electrical. IT does the job very well to keep batteries charged. In addition to the longer cord, I recommend a good cable lock to prevent the panels from walking away if you are not at that Airstream. I found that a Lasso cable lock for my kayak works very well and gives me a good cable length to attach to a stationary object.

The length of both the cord and any lock is important so you can reposition the solar panels as necessary depending on your location relative to the sun.

The weight is 37 pounds. They are a bit bulky, but they lay flat without moving solidly either on the bed in the AS or in the back of our Grand Cherokee while traveling. We usually place our 20 lb. Westie on top of the panels laying flat in the Jeep and this gives her a better view as we drive. I store the panels in the AS when it is in storage. The case is sturdy and has good strong handles.

[dcasr]

I'm leaning toward the Zamp 200w for similar reasons, but am wondering how fragile the glass panels are. If they are lying flat on a picnic table would quarter sized hail break them?

I like that they fold together and have a protective case and handle.

How much amperage is line loss if you add the extra 15-16' extension cord?

I have a cab high Leer topper on my pickup and was thinking I would carry the Zamp upright on its side so that the 40" side was down on the floor. If properly braced to it won't fall over or be crushed from the side, do you think it will ride OK this way?

[TwoSporks]

We have owned the 200W Zamp panel for about three years and it is still working really well for us. We have a long review here: http://www.naturephotoguides.com/tra...system-zs-200p

Regarding the question in the thread about hail, we have had the panel exposed to hail on a few occasions with no issues. It will blow over in a really strong wind storm, which we learned the hard way. We had it chained up and one of the legs was damaged. So, we always lay the panel flat if high winds are a possibility.

The biggest drawback to the 200W panel is the weight - it is heavy and unwieldy due to the size. If you do not think you will need the full 200W for your power needs, the lighter panel might be a better choice depending on how strong you are. I can get the panel out of our truck but I have a really hard time getting in back in by myself.

As long as it is sunny, the 200W meets our needs which include working each day with two laptops, charging phones and camera batteries, furnace, and all of the other normal camping things. If we didn't need to keep our laptops charged, the 160W would probably be enough except for stretches of cloudy days or in quite cold weather.

[devilsbox]

We were 12 days last June in a field in NC. 2017 27' FB Flying Cloud, deep cycle batteries and 160w Zamp. Only had direct sun on the Zamp from about 1:00 on and still kept batteries charged.

Larry

[Tomhenritze]

I went with the zamp 160 based on weight and battery capacity. The 200 is really heavy (I am 6-2 180#, so not petite). The 2 stock batteries charge easily. A bought mine through the dealership because I read the factory installed wiring for the quick connect is reversed. Sure enough, when we plugged it in, they had to rewire in the battery compartment which is above my capability. 2017 27fb

[JACQUIE]

I find this all very interesting. We just purchased 2 flexible 100 w panels & 2 new 220 Ah 6V Magnacharge batteries, only had this for just over a week but it keeps batteries charged but we cannot charge cel phones, laptop or use any of the electrical plugs in Airstream. Our daughter has been using our trailer over past week & has had lights. We are going back today for a few days. Wondering if our inverter needs replaced or do we need more solar panels. Even the tiny night light which I am sure always was on even on battery power is not coming on now??

[gypsydad]

We have had the 80W GoPower folding unit for 4 years now, and are very happy. Very convenient and it sets up easy. It is not heavy, stores inside under the table of the 23-25' models, or in the 27-30' twins, stores at the foot of the bed nicely. we store ours there in our 28. The new units are plumbed for the Zamp, but I understand the Renology may also work. We just connected the GoPower directly to the quick disconnect cord included for attaching to your battery. We typically can charge the batteries or maintain them easily in few hours. The batteries jump from 11.8v to 12.1 almost as soon as we connect when sun is shinning. Few hours later we are at 12.5 or more. Works for us. We attach a 10' cable with combo lock on the hitch lock if we have to leave. We do not leave up in a windy situation, unless we are around. I think any of the 3 brands mentioned are fine; it boils down to price and how long you have to wait to get your charge...3 hours is not a big deal when camping.
https://www.amazon.com/Go-Power-GP-P...go+power+solar

[OrangeCrush]

We have a 2017 25FB and went with the ZAMP 160 portable panel. We almost exclusively dry camp and it does a good job of keeping batteries topped of for us and it is really nice to be able to position it for best sun when in the woods. Our original Interstates are already showing problems holding charge as measured by specific gravity so we are moving to dual 6v AGMs soon and I have already put in a multistage charger. I will add that the 160 fits perfectly in the wardrobe closet on our 25FB with added benefit of keeping the extra weight over the axle rather than hitch/TV. I talked to ZAMP and they told me the panels are surprisingly durable. As someone else mentioned the 200 is quite a bit larger and heavier so take that into consideration.

Robert

[Tiffin]

I have a 2018 25ft fly cloud with solar panels, i have not used solar before, when going off grid does the solar panels charge the batters and do i have to anything to the Airstream tsk