12 replies to this topic

[Holmes]

Been looking, searching and still having trouble finding my answers. Looking for the largest watt panel, non flexible that will mount to my yakima rails, in-between two vents that will work with the stock 12v deep cycle battery. I currently don't have a panel or am with the swift, I just purchased it, or I would be able to get measurements myself. Also would I be able to go with a better AMG SINGLE battery with a larger panel to power the furnace and compressor fridge? Its a 2020 shell model with furnace. I do apologize for the redundant question, new FWC owner Nick

[Holmes]

* Also has MPPT charge controller and is wired for solar.

[Davehwa]

Overland Solar makes the stuff that FWC puts on their rigs.

We’ve got a 160W semi rigid on top, mounted to Yakima rails. Currently considering their 130W fold-out (The Bugout) for our accessory plug-in on the back.

2020 Hawk

[Holmes]

I was checking out that semi flexible panel by overland as well. I noticed it had mount holes too, I wonder if you could forgo building a frame for it and directly mount it to the yakima rails. I'm sure more potential for damage.

[ckent323]

I found I can mount either a 60 cell or 72 cell residential type solar panel between the vents on my camper.  I am presently comparing price and cost of serveral 360 - 400 watt panels.  One of these panels is slightly lighter in weight than the two 100 watt panels presently on my camper.  That is 80% or more power for the same weight as I have now.  360 watt panels cost in the neighborhood of $325 +/- $50 or so depending on brand and power (350 W - 400 W)

My panels are mounted directly to the Yakima rails (Yakima Bar Towers not used).  

 

 

See post #9 in the following thread.

 

 

https://www.wanderth...323#entry244979

I hope this is helpful.

 

Craig

 

Edited by ckent323, 06 April 2021 - 05:14 PM.

[Jon R]

Hi Craig,

 

I'm going to briefly hijack this thread because of the nice picture you posted.  My new Grandby arrives in about a month and I will be mounting between the vents two Renogy 200 watt rigid panels that span the Yakima tracks.  In planning how to eventually mount them to the tracks, I've been assuming there is enough of a lateral arch to the roof that I can't have a straight frame piece go across between the tops of the tracks without hitting the roof in the middle.  However, your setup shows that is not the case for your camper.  Do you know if the newer campers have a similar roof contour with no lateral arch?  That would simplify my mounting arrangement.  I could drive to the dealer to look but it's a half hour away. 

 

Thanks for your, or anyone else's, response on this.

 

Jon

[rando]

The roof is pretty much flat.   There is no problem having a panel spanning the Yakima tracks, that is how most folks do it.    2 x 200W panels will be pretty heavy to lift though. 

[Jon R]

Thanks for the response on the roof shape, Rando.  They are 25 lbs each, which I was assuming would be OK.  Do you think I'll end up wanting to replace the lift struts with 50-55 extra pounds on the roof?

Edited by Jon R, 06 April 2021 - 10:00 PM.

[rando]

My experience is that the lift struts only help so much, and mostly with 2nd half of the lift and with lowering the roof.   The way they are mounted they are initially pushing outward, not upward.   Once you get the roof part way up then they start pushing upward and provide more assistance.   

 

I have about 50lb on my roof and 30lb struts, and while it is not a problem to lift the roof, it is not something I look forward to.  In fact I bought an electric linear actuator to push the roof up, ostensibly to help my partner lift the roof, but I find I use it more often than not as well. 

[Holmes]

Hey Craig and all, thanks for the response and input. Hoping I can survive with one single 200W panel. Probably go rigid, probably go with a ronogy 200W and an additional deca 12v agm.
I really don't want to purchase another battery but with a compressor fridge and furnace I probably should. Nick

Edited by Holmes, 07 April 2021 - 04:18 AM.