Reversing polarity of Zamp outlet on T@B tub?

Photomom

Still trying to figure the easiest way to run an ARB off the T@B battery. I have an SAE to cigarette lighter adapter but I understand that the polarity of the Zamp outlet on the tub is reverse that of other SAE connectors. Could I simply reverse the two white wires that connect the Zamp outlet to the battery? I searched this site but haven’t seen this solution mentioned. It would be easy enough to reverse if we ever got Zamp solar panels.

Sharon_is_SAM

Yes, just reverse the wires and don’t forget to remove the Zamp sticker.  

ScottG

You might need to change the ring terminals at the end of the Zamp wires. Some batteries have different sized posts and the terminals may reflect that.

Tabaz

I just installed a new SAE port on the propane tub for my ARB. Assumed the center wire in the ARB cicarette plug was positive and wired the red wire from the SAE port to the positive terminal on the T@B battery. The ARB would not turn on. Switched the wires at the battery and the ARB worked fine. I recall reading it has a reverse polarity safety feature.

Photomom

By golly, I think we have it. We switched the wires from the Zamp connector between the battery terminals, dropping the battery hardware down into the battery box not once but twice. Plugged in the SAE-12v adapter, checked polarity, and plugged the ARB in. It powered up and was at target temperature in a half hour. The adapter is only 6 feet long so as long as we can get the SUV relatively close to the Zamp outlet we should be able to leave the ARB in the back of the SUV. I was concerned we might have to put it under the awning which would be bad practice with critters around.

BTW, the center pin on a standard 12v outlet is positive and the outer ring is negative. We verified that using an outlet in our SUV where the ARB was initially tested.

The battery read 12.5v before we started, dropped down to 12.2v while the ARB was cooling and then went back to 12.5v. Cool.

If we're happy with this arrangement after our upcoming week in the Adirondacks I'll install a second Zamp outlet on the tub. (If we're not happy the ARB is going back to REI.)

Tabaz

I was very impressed with the ARB on a recent 6 day trip. Kept the food at 27* and used very little juice.

NinjaHippie

Just got an SAE "gender bender" at Advance Auto Parts yesterday.  In the towing section.  Appears to only be 12g wire however.  Haven't used it yet so I'll be interested in seeing how well it charges.

jkjenn

Did you make your own 12v to SAE cable?

Photomom

jkjenn said:

Did you make your own 12v to SAE cable?

I have this one. It is only 16 gauge but it seems well made and it works. I would have made one if I could have found the components but I couldn’t source an SAE connector or a cigarette lighter type socket that weren’t already wired.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N7C0119/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Photomom

I think I need to make an insulating cover for the ARB. It was at 34F before I unplugged it ant 2 hours later when I checked it was 45F. Will try making something with reflectix.

jkjenn

Photomom said:

I think I need to make an insulating cover for the ARB. It was at 34F before I unplugged it ant 2 hours later when I checked it was 45F. Will try making something with reflectix.

So, after a little experimenting, I feel like I have a much better handle on how to get the most bang for my buck from the ARB. I think the secret is to fill it!! Fill it with cold stuff and it retains the temperature, much better.

pthomas745

Or the Optimate cable from Amazon that costs half as much....

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AHCWGOO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Photomom

We are camping now with our setup. Not really knowing whether the ARB would work for us we opted for the easiest solution which was to just switch the wires from the Zamp port between the battery terminals and use the above extension cord. Now that we see it works (nominally) I will install a second Zamp port on the tub and make a longer heavier gauge extension cord. 

The issue we’re having is that we need to run our generator every day during 4-7pm generator hours. The only things we’re running are the Alde (50F at night), the ARB, the stuff in the trailer we can’t turn off, and of course charging the iPhones.

mgreen2

pthomas745 said:

Or the Optimate cable from Amazon that costs half as much....

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AHCWGOO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

this connection is only 18 gauge wire so it will be reducing the charging capacity of your panels.