Zamp or Renogy

Eph89

We have a new to us, 2017 T@G Max and want to buy a solar suitcase. Reading many of the other discussions has been helpful in some regards, but I have not seen anyone tackle a head-to-head comparison of Zamp vs Renogy. I know that the T@G has a Zamp outlet, I have read that Zamp's connections are reversed from "most others" but no one has addressed why they chose one over the other. Does the Zamp simply plug into the camper, while the Renogy must be attached to the battery with the alligator clamps, or can you plug it in using the MC4 to SAE Adapter? Do most people make the choice based on simplicity versus economy?
Any help on this topic would be much appreciated. We would like to move forward with this, but feel overwhelmed!

@JamesDow said:
I use Renogy 100 watt Solar Suitcase w/ 20 Amp Voyager Controller. (26 lbs)
I find the key is to have additional Solar Wire Extension (15ft.) to allow movement of the panels to maintain orientation to the sun and out of tree shade, etc.
I also have a Renogy MC4 to SAE Adapter.
The Voyager controller allows for another set of panels if the need arises.
So far, I have not found the need for additional panels.
I secure the suitcase with a 20ft locking cable, which provides some theft deterrence.
Buy directly from Renogy and not Amazon. You can get the same price and maintain the Renogy warranty in the event the product is received damaged in any manner.

JamesDow

The T@G has a SAE plug in the front box connected to the battery. The SAE connector is a physically genderless two-conductor DC connector. The name comes from the Society of Automotive Engineers who created the specifications the connector is based on. Zamp is a brand.
Below is a link which ran on the T@B forum regarding Zamp vs Renogy.
Hope this helps.

[Zamp vs Renogy https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/6994/zamp-vs-renogy](Zamp vs Renogy )

Sharon_is_SAM

Both Zamp and Renogy make quality, monocrystalline solar suitcases with and without charge controllers. I think Renogy has always been priced more favorably for the same level product. I believe that Zamp was the first to offer suitcases and maybe that is why Pleasant Valley installed a plug and play Zamp port.

Michigan_Mike explains it here: https://teardrop-trailers.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/128/zamp-solar-connections-explained

For my money, just like James Dow, I went with Renogy and their Wanderer PWM controller that would allow for the future addition of another suitcase. Although we chose to have a separate controller (out of the weather and closer to the battery is ideal), you can purchase plug and play Renogy suitcases with a built in controller just like Zamp. You can easily use your Renogy suitcase via the solar port using the Renogy MC4 to SAE adapter or arrange the solar port wires so that the top SAE terminal in the port connects to the negative terminal of the battery and the lower terminal of the port connects to the positive terminal of the battery. You can also choose to not use the solar port and just clamp to the battery.

Solar has come down in price and there are lots of options. I see no reason to overpay. To compare Zamp offers a 90 watt suitcase with controller for $450, Renogy offers 2 different suitcase options with 100 watts and controller for $260 - $350.

daveandcorlene

Our Zamp suitcase came with both alligator clips and the plugin adaptor. Both options work fine.

lipcio

Zamp - $$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Renogy - $$$

HellFish

I have the 100 watt Renogy suitcase with built in controller. I see so much talk about the reversed polarity between the Zamp and Renogy...I wish all "problems" were so easy to solve. On the back of the controller you loosen the screws, and reverse the two output wires...no more reverse polarity, just plug it in. The plug polarity should not influence your decision as to which to buy...it's a non issue.

JamesDow

Or do what I did, swap the genderless SAE plug on the T@G at the battery. This preserves the correct orientation as noted in the Voyage Controller Manual.
The outcome is the same. A no brainer for sure.

HikinMike

Well, I was going to purchase the Renogy 200W suitcase but went with the Zamp 180W suitcase. The Zamp with accessories was about $200 more. Both set ups will be more than adequate for what we need, however, to show you how nerdy we are, "destination miles" was the deciding factor (its called food miles when considering something edible).

The plan is when we camp at State Parks, to hook up to tent sites instead of electric sites. Also, we want to do some boondocking until it gets too hot to camp without AC.

beaky

https://www.amazon.com/zdyCGTime-Connectors-Disconnect-Extension-Maintainer/dp/B083R5D4JR/ref=asc_df_B083R5D4JR/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=416672338041&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12137949072319901074&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031397&hvtargid=pla-870925672502&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=94717460820&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=416672338041&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12137949072319901074&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031397&hvtargid=pla-870925672502

LuckyJ

Simply said, the connector of the solar plug for tge T@G want to isolate and protect the positive terminal of the solar panel. If memory is right, it was as simple as that.

HikinMike

Solar ready

LuckyJ

@HikinMike said:

Solar ready

Hummm, not sure I like how they moved it from original location. I wonder if well the wires are connected, water would not accumulate in the trailer side of the connector. ???

HikinMike

I actually installed this. The wires are connected directly to the battery and the in-line fuse is inside the battery box. Wires are secured along the way to prevent chafing. This is the part:
https://www.zampsolar.com/bracketed-solar-port

HikinMike

I had an opportunity to try out the new panel. Charging at 9.2amps in full sun. Worked perfect.