ZAMP portable - what size?

[philly_air]

We're planning to get a ZAMP portable unit for our 2017 28 RBQ and are total newbies to solar. They sell these suitcase kits from 40W - 200W.

For others with a similar rig, what size do you have and is it sufficient to keep your batteries topped off?

Thanks!

[Banff18]

Originally Posted by philly_air

We're planning to get a ZAMP portable unit for our 2017 28 RBQ and are total newbies to solar. They sell these suitcase kits from 40W - 200W.

For others with a similar rig, what size do you have and is it sufficient to keep your batteries topped off?

Thanks!

We just got our 2018 IS 30 RBQ and looking into the same same thing. We did get the installed solar panels of 160w but we are wanting to add 160w portables. So I hope we get some get responses.

[LiLNomad]

I have the Zamp 120 and it powers all my needs.
LilNomad

[DKB_SATX]

I have the ZAMP 160W set and it'll probably be OK when we're boondocking w/ just 2 ppl (2 phones, less pump & light usage, etc.) but with 4 ppl charging 4 phones and a couple of iPads on a sunny day with decent exposure it was borderline. If I had it to do over again I'd have gotten the 200 (the 160 was part of another deal) but before I spend any money on more portable stuff I'd put 400w on the roof.

[KJRitchie]

I have the Zamp 200. 200w works better on clouding days. Get an extension cable. Better yet make your own extension cable with a thicker gauge wire. If you ever get roof solar remove the Zamp controller on the panel and install a port to plug the portable panel into the roof system.

Kelvin

[SilverHouseDreams]

As an alternative to save $$, Renogy sells very similar setups and they have "refurbished" or otherwise discounted models available on their site and/or eBay. Zamp costs more as they pay for their presence within the RV market focused shops.

[Martee]

I have a Zamp 160W installed on the roof of my 25FB and it does a good job of keeping the batteries full. However, cloudy days, rainy days and always parking my AS in the shade to keep it cool reduces my roof top solar efficiency. So I recently purchased a Zamp 160 portable unit with an extension cord to reach the sunny areas around the campsites. It plugs directly in to a Zamp port coming off the roof system. I think it compliments the rooftop solar system extremely well.

[2Dreamin]

We have the Zamp Portable Suitcase, 160 Watts.
When we looked at the physical size difference between the 200 & 160 there was no ? About which one to go with. The 160 is still heavy but fits nicely under the bench seat on the 2016.
DH is really glad we did not go with the 200.

Storage was an issue
Physical size
Weight
And how unwieldy setting it up.

We had a quick disconnect added to the van and we had to order an extension cord.��

[JohnTF]

I see 2 main issues here , 1st knowing enough to not get ripped off $600 - $1,000 for these is getting ripped off .
Next back to knowing enough , after having a good source , matching your consumption with production [ watts ] and do not forget headroom - when sizing almost anything , you go a little extra , 20% is close .
An average price for solar panels has gone down for some yrs. now , around $0.70 per. watt and not more than about $1.50 , on the high end - is smaller panels under about 150 watts and lower voltage , 12 volts use to be the standard , now at least 24 volts is where the majority of systems are - and thats where the high pricing starts - low volume - means high pricing .
So learning enough to understand / find out your consumption , then do not buy kits / systems , being able to match the different components - panels , charge controller etc.
Then you will get good performance at good pricing .
Two thinks about kits - plug . & play = means your an easy target for excessive pricing - now that it is the standard .
Lots of sources , just one https://www.wholesalesolar.com/solar-panels

[GammaDog]

We use the Renogy 200 w suitcase. It seems right for our needs and with 4-ish hours of sun/day we never need to use the generators. I'm thinking Zamp would do the same.

[bbandeddie]

What JohnTF said. You can buy 2x 100W Renogy panels for about $130ea and pair of parallel-ing MC4 connectors and some 10 or 8Awg cable and a connector to plug in at the trailer end. Go to the hardware store and pick up a $15 piano hinge and some pvc pipe and make a stand like this and your done for under $400 in an hour or so.
We’re pretty light power users (usually around 20-30Ah to recover) so 200W has been more than enough for us. In dec/Jan, it can take most of the day to recover esp if we have a travel day too and turning the panels to follow the sun but come February and no problems.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by bbandeddie

What JohnTF said. You can buy 2x 100W Renogy panels for about $130ea and pair of parallel-ing MC4 connectors and some 10 or 8Awg cable and a connector to plug in at the trailer end. Go to the hardware store and pick up a $15 piano hinge and some pvc pipe and make a stand like this and your done for under $400 in an hour or so.
We’re pretty light power users (usually around 20-30Ah to recover) so 200W has been more than enough for us. In dec/Jan, it can take most of the day to recover esp if we have a travel day too and turning the panels to follow the sun but come February and no problems.
Attachment 310163

You guys are right...but, ok, your at $400....without a controller, so add at least$100 (I submit not to skimp here, more like$200 for mppt). Now we're at $500 -$600. ZAMP come with a really nice semi-hard case. Call that $75. Hmmm, still can do it yourself for a bit less, but not that much. That said, I'll be making a 200 watt setup for my son, as I already have a nice 15 amp mppt controller on hand.

[Mattirs]

If you are only running 200W of panels you will only need a 15amp controller. The most you will push through under ideal conditions is just under 11.5 amps. When you expand beyond 200W will the higher amp controller be necessary.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Mattirs

If you are only running 200W of panels you will only need a 15amp controller. The most you will push through under ideal conditions is just under 11.5 amps. When you expand beyond 200W will the higher amp controller be necessary.

What higher amp controller? I said 15 amp.

[Mattirs]

Sorry, thought you said you had a 15amp controller and was planning on buying a higher amp one to replace the 15amp one.

[dznf0g]

My bad, I'm adding another 100w to the roof, plus 100 already there plus my 160w zamp. 15 amp handled the 260 I had, considering rating conditions and losses, but I need more capacity for 360w. I'll donate the 15 amp morningstar mppt to my son. I'll build him a 200w portable, as he has a soft top overlander style OPUS 200 offroad. Nowhere to mount panels.

[bbandeddie]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

You guys are right...but, ok, your at $400....without a controller, so add at least$100 (I submit not to skimp here, more like$200 for mppt). Now we're at $500 -$600. ZAMP come with a really nice semi-hard case. Call that $75. Hmmm, still can do it yourself for a bit less, but not that much. That said, I'll be making a 200 watt setup for my son, as I already have a nice 15 amp mppt controller on hand.

You’ll find that the charge controller packaged in the suitcase kits is basic with little programmability and doesn’t come with a temperature sensor. Also, it will be crippled by being installed nearest the panels instead of nearest the battery. But yes you’re right, in the end you only end up saving a hundred or so but you end up with a much more effective system.

[Too tall]

Question. I'm looking at a 200W panel that does not include a controller. If my 2017 FC already has solar and a zamp plug to attach a portable panel I don't need a controller with this unit correct?

[dznf0g]

Assuming you now have a controller sized for adding 200 watts.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by bbandeddie

You’ll find that the charge controller packaged in the suitcase kits is basic with little programmability and doesn’t come with a temperature sensor. Also, it will be crippled by being installed nearest the panels instead of nearest the battery. But yes you’re right, in the end you only end up saving a hundred or so but you end up with a much more effective system.

True, but the one that came with mine 3 or 4 years ago wasn't bad. It was pwm, but more efficient than I expected.
Crippled is a bit much though, mine puts our 8.5 amps at solar noon.