Solar Panel Install on rear shell

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by OneMoBear

I get why that is clear as mud I guess my real question is "The edges of the roof seem solid. Does anyone know if they are?"

Turnbuckle http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turnbuckle there ya go! One end attached to the frame of the solar panel and the other to some kind of hoop on the edge of the TM roof with some cable filling in the gap.

Malinda

I get you now.............a little over-kill IMO. Not to mention the "Yuk" factor and the leaking factor.

Ya, the edges are 1" square aluminum tubing but.....why? The aluminum skin is plenty strong enough to withstand the stress of anything under 150mph winds. The double sided tape really is sufficient to do the job but my paranoid self (which is obviously less paranoid than your paranoid self) would like to see at least 1 fastener as a back-up. If you don't have faith in pop-rivets, you might try a "Hollow wall anchor"
http://cgi.ebay.com/0-3-16-Grip-Holl...item3cb4315a8e
You can buy these direct from TrailManor. They are used to install the cabinet mounting brackets.

or rubber nutserts (they will give you a better seal)

I also found this, which I just ordered......
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hand-...motiveQ5fTools

[OneMoBear]

Well shucks, we do have a million dollar umbrella policy anyway

I'm really not seeing that big a yuk factor, very low and very short . . . I have ordered a number of those rubber anchors you recommend (they are great by the way) and have used quite a few anchors over the years. Solid is always better IMHO.

Malinda

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by OneMoBear

Well shucks, we do have a million dollar umbrella policy anyway

I'm really not seeing that big a yuk factor, very low and very short . . . I have ordered a number of those rubber anchors you recommend (they are great by the way) and have used quite a few anchors over the years. Solid is always better IMHO.

Malinda

The real issue with the cable and turnbuckle system is, as you tighten the turnbuckle, you will be pulling the edges of the roof toward the center. That roof just isn't designed for that sort of stress.

You might think that you wont be tightening it "that much" but trust me, over time, you will be tightening it continually as it seems to get loose. What will really happen is that the fasteners are getting closer together........just not a good idea. Turnbuckles and cables have their place and are a good system.....just not for this application. The roof is just too flimsy for that. The stresses are enormous.

[OneMoBear]

I personally wanted to toss a rope around the solar panel and air conditioner the first time out but Gene is hesitant to lose the solar panel and the AC at the same time.

[OneMoBear]

We weren't planning on this, to say the least, but we're taking the TM to Wyoming on Thursday.

Today we finally wired the solar panel and actually turned the inverter on and are here to talk about it

All is well in the DC world and thanks so much for all the help!

Malinda

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by OneMoBear

We weren't planning on this, to say the least, but we're taking the TM to Wyoming on Thursday.

Today we finally wired the solar panel and actually turned the inverter on and are here to talk about it

All is well in the DC world and thanks so much for all the help!

Malinda

Colorado to Wyoming.........in JANUARY????? What are you thinking?

[OneMoBear]

Originally Posted by harveyrv

Colorado to Wyoming.........in JANUARY????? What are you thinking?

With the combination of climate change and La Nina this is like Hawaii!

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by OneMoBear

With the combination of climate change and La Nina this is like Hawaii!

I'm just a cold-weather-wuss........

[OneMoBear]

I hadn't realized we left this thread hanging until it was quoted so I'll update. We broke in our solar panel and tape (tape, for pity sake ) during that January trip to Wyoming and I'm pretty sure now that if we get caught in a tornado, the TM might end up in Kansas but the tape will have the solar panel firmly attached.

Malinda

Are these suitable for RV battery connections?