I just bought a TAB Outback and need some advice on solar power. I'm 75 and plan to take my last great adventure on an extended trip West. Utah, then North to Yellowstone, into Canada then on to Alaska. Being the neophyte on boon docking that I am I'm looking for suggestions on a solar configuration that would keep the batteries charged when off the grid. From what I've learned on the forum I'm thinking 2 6volt wet batteries and a Zamp 200w suitcase panel. The Tab has a WFCO Ultra 3 stage converter. Is it as simple as attaching the solar panel alligator clips to the battery? I'm pretty sure I am missing something. I look forward to some great advice from you guys. BTW, I'm really impressed with the wealth of information available on the forum.
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Draco dormiens numquam titilandus.
I do have an SAE plug connected to my batteries so that I just plug my mating plug on my Zamp into it so that I don’t have to use alligator clips. If you look in Walmart’s fishing department, you can find trolling motor plugs that are the same as a he SAE plugs that I use.
2021 T@B 320S Boondock “The T@B”
Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
Just my two cents.
Draco dormiens numquam titilandus.
2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
2017 Toyota Tacoma with tow package
Pacific Northwest
DIDO ~ 2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R White - 2013 M@x Q White Trim Silver Body
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BD8IQ4/
2013 CS-S us@gi
2015 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Double Cab
2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
2021 T@B 320S Boondock “The T@B”
Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
2018 320S Outback
{{ My understanding from reading several posts here, power system guides, and lithium battery guides. }}
To Clarify.
The T@B stock power system's charger feature does and does not work with lithium batteries.
Does . . . . it can be safely connected to the battery and it will charge the lithium battery to a point.
Does Not . . . . fully charge a lithium battery. To obtain a full and correct charge a solar system (with lithium controller) or a AC powered stand alone lithium battery charger is needed.
So lithium batteries can be used with our standard T@b systems, one just needs to make sure you have an additional method to complete the full charge/balance operation at some reasonable time frequency.
TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
Adventures: 54 Nights: 341 Towing Miles 43,780
CincyKid
Cincinnati, OH
However some solar panels come with a voltage controller (designed for charging batteries) installed on the back side of the panel. Other brands only have the solar panel and a few feet of connection wire. You need to research which approach/products meet your specific needs.
Not a clear Yes, No answer.
A specific solar panel may or may not come with a connector installed on the wires. If you are purchasing a Zamp product it most likely will have the build in controller and a Zamp Connector on the wires. Zamp Connector is just a standard 12VDC two wire connector. Zamp does make 'side mount' connector that can be mounted on the side of TUB (for example) so you have 'an outlet/inlet' to plug the solar panel into.
Walmart is just one of several locations that tend to stock the standard "in-line" 12V connector.
You can purchase cables that have Battery Ring Terminals are one end and a 12VDC plug at the other. So when you set up your solar panel you just plug in.
You can also buy a short 12V male/female connector and some ring terminals and make your own.
On my T@B I've installed a 10W solar trickle charger. Panel and controller purchased at Amazon, ring terminals and extra wire at the local hardware store.
TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
Adventures: 54 Nights: 341 Towing Miles 43,780
royinmich - I knew nothing about solar when I bought my Outback two years ago. Nothing, nada. So I wanted something idiot-proof. I bought a Zamp suitcase because it plugged directly into a Zamp outlet already installed on the propane tub (no alligator clips needed). The Zamp has a controller built-in, so no need to do anything else. You take the Zamp out of its case, unfold it, extend the legs and place it facing the sun, plug its cord into the outlet on the propane tub and you're done. I believe I read on the forum that NuCamp stopped putting the outlet on the propane tub with the 2018 models. If so, you just need to buy one of these (only $12):
https://www.amazon.com/Zamp-Solar-RVROOFSIDE-Sidewall-Port/dp/B00T36YVI4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522011988&sr=8-1&keywords=zamp+solar+plug
So far as securing the panels against theft, here is the cable and lock set up I use:
Good luck! You'll learn an awful lot about solar as you move forward.
2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
Draco dormiens numquam titilandus.
https://smile.amazon.com/Sunway-Solar-Connectors-Maintainer-Controller/dp/B073158Q24/ref=sr_1_33?ie=UTF8&qid=1522039503&sr=8-33&keywords=solar+cable
CincyKid
Cincinnati, OH
2018 320S Outback
How do I reply to individual posts of this thread??
T@Bit@t 2015 S Max Outback, ‘18 V6 4Runner