Solar Trickle Charging Your RHO — Who’s Tried It?

[FrankNSteinPC]

I just received my first “Battery Too Low to Complete Request” warning in the Ram app while trying to trigger ventilation remotely.

I’ve seen plenty of posts from others experiencing battery drain issues — especially after the truck sits a few days or after frequent use of remote start, Ram Connect, or active ventilation. I know some of you have had to jump it or keep it on a tender.

Here’s my thought:
I’m considering installing a solar trickle charger (like the 20W SUNAPEX with MPPT controller) and was looking into whether the 12V accessory socket in the cab can be made “always on” to support this without hard-wiring to the battery.

From what I understand, the interior fuse box (driver’s side under the dash) has a 3-terminal fuse slot for the 12V outlet — and you can move the fuse between two positions:

• Position A: Constant power (even when ignition is off)
• Position B: Switched power (only active with ignition) - this I found on a TRX forum, so curious if it still applies.

Has anyone tried this?

• Does the always-on position actually stay powered with the truck off?
• Have you used a solar charger successfully this way?
• Any concerns with parasitic draw or warranty implications?

Would love to hear from anyone who’s tested this setup — especially if it helped mitigate the annoying low battery warnings.

Thanks in advance — especially if you’ve had to troubleshoot this yourself.

 

[D&Sadventure]

Sounds great at first, but may not be much point for some. Won’t help when parked in a garage. Maybe for people when parked at work or out shopping.

 

[FrankNSteinPC]

Sounds great at first, but may not be much point for some. Won’t help when parked in a garage. Maybe for people when parked at work or out shopping.

True - or people like me who cannot get their truck in their garage, go off-road, hike, camp, etc. I bought this to go off-road, to take long trips, and to be outside most of its life. The only time I will be "protecting" it from the elements is when there is hail in the forecast. Then the Hail Protector goes on it. Otherwise, mine lives outside.

My thoughts were in the Texas heat, putting a trickle charge on it, so in the event I want to use the ventilation option through the App, I am not draining the battery.

 

[kaos_859]

True - or people like me who cannot get their truck in their garage, go off-road, hike, camp, etc. I bought this to go off-road, to take long trips, and to be outside most of its life. The only time I will be "protecting" it from the elements is when there is hail in the forecast. Then the Hail Protector goes on it. Otherwise, mine lives outside.

What hail protector do you use? Thank you in advance.

 

[FrankNSteinPC]

What hail protector do you use? Thank you in advance.

Protect Your Vehicle from Hail

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hailprotector.com

I joke with my neighbors about finally being in the "Puffy Truck" club when I bought it. The guy across the street puts it on every time there is a possibility of rain. My next-door neighbor puts his on when it's calling for hail anywhere close to the DFW area. I will wait until the Hail Protector app signals that we have hail inbound and my UAV Weather app aligns. Both neighbors highly suggested the 3-year warranty. I also purchased the Bluetooth plug to start it remotely if there are storms overnight, but they haven't started yet.

 

[tbolts10]

Not the setup you're referencing but I've got this - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JLWFPX6?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Works fine so far, 20w seems excessive but I'm also in FL so lots of sun.

 

[FrankNSteinPC]

Not the setup you're referencing but I've got this - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JLWFPX6?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Works fine so far, 20w seems excessive but I'm also in FL so lots of sun.

Essentially the same - so do you plug it into the 12v and does it eliminate the battery drain issue?

 

[tbolts10]

Essentially the same - so do you plug it into the 12v and does it eliminate the battery drain issue?

yes, it seems to! I had it die once on me and bought this, hasn't happened since.

 

[RAM-Ranch-MT]

RHO got so many electrical gremlins that people are mounting solar panels to em. LOL.