TrailManor Owner's Forum  

Go Back   TrailManor Owner's Forum > TrailManor Technical Discussions > Solar Power
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 09-19-2023, 05:47 AM   #11
jessicatcampos
New Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2023
Posts: 3
Default

My setup includes a blend of Z-brackets, rivet nuts, and lap sealant, combined with an energy storage system from Ace Battery. So far, the system has been rock solid without any issues.
jessicatcampos is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2023, 02:25 PM   #12
Wavery
TrailManor Master
 
Wavery's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: San Diego, California
Posts: 2,935
Default

I've been using Z brackets held down with 3M VHB tape for years, on many different rigs. 3 different TrailManors, Coleman pop-up (aluminum roof) and 2 different motorhomes (fiberglass Roofs). I've towed for thousands of miles under every weather and wind condition imaginable. With the motorhomes (with large solar panels) I regularly drove 75mph.

In my opinion, if someone had a failure with VHB tape, there must have been an application error. A common error would be improperly preparing a sound surface by not cleaning thoroughly with soap and water, let dry, clean well with 70% rubbing alcohol on the roof AND the Z brackets (to remove manufacturer oils etc).

I would not recommend using VHB tape on a rubber roof or a painted roof (holding power is limited the the holding power of the paint). TrailManor roofs are anodized (not painted) and hold very well when prepared properly.

If you decide to go with thru-bolting the panels with an interior backing plate or large washers, I'd recommend that you install 1" long "crush-sleeves" between the layers of aluminum to prevent smashing the interior Styrofoam.


Well nuts or rivnuts are a better solution than thru-bolting IMO. However, VHB tape (properly installed) has a higher holding power. I just finished helping a friend install a solar panel rack on his Class a motorhome. The 165"x 88" rack sits 12" off of the roof (above the air conditioners) and there are 4, 385W solar panels on it. There are 6, legs with 15" long aluminum feet. Each foot is held to the fiberglass roof with (properly prepped) 1.5" x 15" VHB tape. Each leg has holding power of 1575# x 6, legs = nearly 10,000#.

Besides all that......... a solar panel mounted on the rear roof of the TM, sees very little wind resistance.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_3655.jpg
Views:	735
Size:	5.46 MB
ID:	22630  
__________________
TrailManor Elkmont
640W solar- 230AH LiFeP04 Battery
Wavery is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2023, 09:42 AM   #13
ShrimpBurrito
Site Sponsor
 
ShrimpBurrito's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sunny Beaches of Los Angeles
Posts: 3,276
Default

I think I must have posted this elsewhere, but I ended up using VHB tape also. Instead of Z-brackets, I used "Sticky Feet":

https://rvsolarstore.com/index.php?r...product_id=112

They're far more expensive that z-brackets (though not as much as they are now when I bought them), and are probably overkill, but it made installation on the uneven surfaces of the roof a breeze. Further, the panels are easily removed. They're not special -- just some machined aluminum, and they could easily be fabricated elsewhere. It's just a matter of work!

After I stuck the panels down with the tape, I applied some flexible caulk around each bracket to prevent exposure of the tape to the elements, though I'm not sure that's necessary. They've been on about 18 months now, and they're still rock solid. I'm happy.

Picture attached.

Dave
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	SolarPanels-inked.jpg
Views:	675
Size:	2.93 MB
ID:	22651  
__________________
2000 2720SL & 2007 3124KB
2005 Toyota Sequoia
Twin Battle Born 12v 100Ah LiFePO4 (BBGC2) batteries, 300W solar on rear shell, Link 10, Lift kit, Maxxis 8008 225 75/R15 E tires
ShrimpBurrito is online now   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
New ideas for solar panel installation Bill Solar Power 26 11-09-2022 03:49 PM
Solar install inghamm Solar Power 4 04-01-2017 08:54 PM
Portable Solar Panels Mr Geek Solar Power 61 01-03-2017 05:07 PM
Running the refrig on 12VDC while driving Bill Appliances 32 08-31-2007 09:36 PM
Solar Panels on TM?? oilspot Solar Power 66 07-04-2003 04:09 PM


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:12 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 2022 Trailmanor Owners Page.