How to Install Solar Panel 2021 Keystone Cougar 5th Wheel Upgrade ZAMP Solar to Renogy +Zamp Adapter

[@Raven5763]

Nice of Zamp to change a widely used standard on an oem install that will most likely be upgraded.

[@Raven5763]

I saw a quick polarity solution in another video involving zamp equipment. You can buy a small polarity changer and wrap it in electrical tape, or heat shrink tubing.

[@raulruiz1818]

Great Channel 👍🏽

[@vincebotkin1960]

I upgraded my 2021 Cougar to (10) Zamp solar panels. 1,500 watts total. (2) 60 amp Zamp charger controllers and (9) battleborn 100AH lithium batteries and replaced the 2,000 watt inverter with the Zanterra 3,000 watt inverter. Also installed a sub panel so that all outlets and rear AC work off the inverter.

[@russellstclair6068]

In this solar install video you inverted the adapter saying that the positive and negative were backwards from ZAMP. How did you determine that? Also, my salar ready system did not come with the charge controller so I will have to track down the wires. Are they coming down the wall behind the iN·Command? Thanks In advance.

[@cbatilo]

See 8:18 of the video - test it. Insert a red and a black of your multi meter. If your multi meter reads with a negative, the red is on the negative. If you don’t see a negative, that means the red is on positive. Look at the cable and you will see that typically the connector is reversed polarity

[@tomkilsby1717]

Hey Charlie, Tom here, we discussed the backup camera before. I have the same rig as you, the 290RLS. Mine had the Zamp 170w single panel kit installed with the 2000w inverter and same Zamp 30a controller. I purchased the single Zamp 170w panel expansion kit and it comes with mounting brackets but no fasteners. Do you recall the size of the screws you used for your installation? I'm not sure if the screw went through the roof or not in your video.

[@cbatilo]

I used a kit bracket and screws from HQST… I still have a set and measured it. It is 1.5 inches. If you are buying just the screws.. go with 1.25 inches… but 1.5 is fine.

[@tomkilsby1717]

@@cbatilo Thank you Sir! 1.25 it is.

[@da7heaven]

how did you decide to mount the panel 9-1/2" from the edge?

[@dcloud670]

Couldn't you just have reversed the wires at the charge controller so you wouldn't have to make a plug for the connection on the roof for panels?

[@cybredon]

Sounds like a legitimate fix instead of making a pigtail. Thoughts?

[@thebass999]

did you take into consideration the roof rafters when placing and screwing down the panel brackets? Did you drill pilot holes first? Also the connection box on the roof looks like it has two connection points, why did you only use one? Thanks

[@cbatilo]

The roof board is really thick. I suppose you can scan for the rafters and drill it in. It would definitely be more secure...solid! I did the same (not scanning for rafters) for my 2 year old Jayco TT and never had a problem... with regards to the input, I will be adding two more on the other / back side of the 5th wheel and reserving that input. Thank you so much for watching and questions.

[@joerod6106]

What are the benefits of the solar panels? We have a very similar unit and we were considering them... Obviously they will charge your battery but can you run any additional appliances or amenities when you are off grid camping?

[@cbatilo]

With our solar system… off grid, we run coffee machine and my wife’s hair dryer. Those two are the biggest drain… but all other runs great running in our solar / battery bank.

[@king4b1]

looks brilliant but I see on KZbin videos why they don't put elevated track to hold the wiring and keep it off the on the roof for better water runoff only needs a couple of small stands to hold it up I live full time in RV camp and I was installing starlink on my neighbours rv and they have Solar Panel and it had all sorts of crap round the wires so why can you not use small aluminium u channel upside down which the wire can tuck up in side it and it will protect it from wildlife and sun and you can attach it from one solar panel to the other save puting more holes in the roof

[@KaraGermanShepherdAdventure]

I really like the channel idea... thanks!

[@king4b1]

@@KaraGermanShepherdAdventure i got the idea from when I was breeding Parrots it was only why to stop them from eating the wiring for night lights

[@cybredon]

Where does the lower zamp plug go to. That's direct from the solar panels on the roof,correct? Now you make another adapter for it and it goes to your controller?

[@cbatilo]

If all your panels are the same… the lower “plug in” us for your “mobile” / ground type - face the sun solar panels. Again… these OA els must be the same rating/type--identical to the ones you have on the roof. Or you can also not mount any in the roof and you can plug at the bottom only.