Plug A Zamp/SAE Solar Panel Into A Prewired Furrion Solar Port
The prewired Furrion solar port has started showing up on a lot of new RVs, travel trailers, and fifth wheels. It’s a quick connection that is wired to the RV house batteries.
I have written a post about solar panels compatible with this Furrion port, and how you can use third-party panels, you can find that post here.
If you already have a Zamp solar panel or a different aftermarket/third-party panel with an SAE connector, you’re not out of luck though, as there are still ways to connect those panels to the Furrion port.
Before we get started, you need to understand that just because you can plug a Zamp solar panel into a Furrion port doesn’t mean that you should. Depending on the panel, you need to make sure that the panel outputs less than 10A since the Furrion port has a 10A fuse on it.
Also, since this is a little bit of a mod, you’re doing all of this at your own risk and I am not responsible for any damaged panels, ports, or wires.
The adapter you will need to connect a Zamp solar panel to the Furrion solar port is this adapter (click to view on Amazon).
With this adapter, you’ll be able to connect a panel like the Zamp 90W (click to view on Amazon) to a Furrion solar port.
Note that Zamp has reversed the polarity on their connectors, so you’ll have to use the reverse polarity adapter included with the adapter above to connect a Zamp panel to a Furrion port.
Zamp also sells a cable that does the same thing as the adapter above, but this cable doesn’t include the reverse polarity adapter you’ll need to use it with Zamp solar panels.
Related Post: Use Aftermarket Solar Panels With Furrion Solar Port + Panel Recommendations
If you have another third-party solar panel with SAE connectors that isn’t a Zamp panel, you will probably not need to use the small reverse polarity adapter.
If your solar panel has MC4 connectors, like the Renogy 100W suitcase, the adapter you’ll need is this one (click to view on Amazon).
Before you plug the panel into the Furrion solar port, follow the positive wire from your panel to make sure it’s going to the bottom pin of the Furrion port connector. The bottom pin is positive, and the upper pin is negative.
What You Need To Know When Connecting A Solar Panel To The Furrion Solar Port
Since the Furrion solar port is a direct connection to your battery, with only a fuse in-between, you need to use a solar panel with a charge controller. The charge controller protects the battery by preventing overcharging.
Another thing that is important to know is that the Furrion solar port can only handle up to 10A, and a 100W panel generates about 5-6A.
Related Post: What Is A Solar Generator?
Do Zamp’s Solar Panels Come With Charge Controllers?
Zamp’s portable panels come with charge controllers.
There are four sizes to choose from, the 45W, 90W, 140W, and 230W. The large models will output more than 10A and are not safe to use with the Furrion port.
Can I Install A Furrion Solar Port On My Camper/Van?
Yes, Furrion sells the solar inlet kit (click to view on Amazon).
Can I Use An SAE Extension Cable?
Yes, an extension cable like this will let you put the solar panel further away from your camper. It’s a 16AWG wire, so I don’t recommend using these with panels generating more than 10 amps.
What If My Solar Panel Has MC4 Connectors?
If your solar panel has MC4 connectors with a positive (red) male connector and a negative (black) female connector, this adapter (click to view on Amazon) will let you connect it to a Furrion port. Make sure it’s a panel that has a charge controller and doesn’t output more than 10A.
How Do I Improve The Charging Efficiency When Using Solar Panels?
The easiest thing you can do is tilt the panel to face the sun directly. You might have to move the panel over the day, but it will be worth it since it will improve the charging efficiency.
Related Post: This Solar Panel Charges Both Power Stations And RV Batteries
Another thing you should do is make sure that there is no shade on the panel
How Big Should The Solar Panel Be To Charge My RV Batteries?
I recommend reading this post that answers that question.
Will A Solar Panel Power My RV/Camper Outlets?
No, solar panels generate electricity to charge your batteries that are either 12V/24V/48V. To turn the 12V into 120V, you need an inverter like this (click to view on Amazon).
An inverter is wired to your battery and will then power AC outlets on the unit when it’s turned on. You can then pull an extension cord into your RV to power electronics.
Please leave a comment down below if you have any questions.