Aluminum Camper Forum

Agree that best bang for the buck is a pair of Costco 6volts.  That's what I have on my 21RBS.  Heavy buggers, but can take more abuse (low draw downs etc).

I'd venture the 'best' today is Lithium Ion - the more the merrier.    Suspect I'll go that route next time around just because I'm getting to the point where I don't look forward to lifting them 6 volts.

The cheapest would be that group 24 auto/marine that many campers come with...

@tt2retire Nice work.  Curious as to why did you mounted the Victron BMV in the storage department.  Do you have the bluetooth dongle and just use the app?

The bedside countertops on my 21RBS were just glued on.  Space below was usable so I left original glue in place, and discovered it holds top on but easily lifts up to access interior.


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Interview with Tuttle - focus is primarily on Intech but some mention of Livin Lite

Video covers several topics, link jumps to Tuttle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnWSz3NNTkE&list=PL%3D28%3A30Y9NEq8hsX5lH7k9M4yxnqHqpe_4ajD3p#t=28m33s

Congrats.  Lance makes a nice trailer.

I missed this too! Awesome setup.  Love the diagram.  I assume you have verified that you'll have enough real estate on the roof for those large panels.  You have probably picked up the trailer by now. Would love to see pics of the progress!

Rolled around and inspected mine for the first time in a very long time.  All looks good and also came away with appreciation for how well these things are made.

Awsome - that helps! Thanks!

Better yet - mark up the image

Thanks. It would be great if you could rough sketch the frame and point out approx where these points may be.  That would help those of who want to roll under to take a peak (not that my close up vision would allow me to see them ).

Yes, just referring to the parking spot in driveway.  I do get your point on that it would likely get enough sun in the shaded spot to maintain it, but would hate to drill holes and discover otherwise.  I already have the Renogy 100wt flexible. 

No hurry so I think I'll hold off on the drilling any holes. This whole solar thing is just for the fun of it for me, to experiment with solar.  It's not like we really need it for anything.  My GC batteries hold us for a few days with careful use - and I have a pair of Hondas if/when I need to charge or to run everything off grid.  It would just be cool to be more energy independent with the camper.

Went to install the fixed panel yesterday morning and could not settle on location to mount panel. Turns out the best place to mount the panels is up front.  But unfortunately the front of the campers is shaded by a tree much of the time.  That's where the trailer is parked 99% of the time.

Now considering just returning the fixed panel and securing the flex panel someplace accessible, efficient, and where the snow will not build up.  Will package up panel and mount and ponder for a bit before sending it back.

Quote from: Jonathan on November 24, 2020, 10:40:57 PM
The butyl sealant is a critical component to the sealing.  The butyl never cures and stays flexible and pliable and will stay that way through the expansion and contraction of the metal and keep the penetrations watertight.  If you only use sealant there is a risk of disbonding  and allowing water to migrate into the penetrations.  Just ensure that the butyl is completely covered with sealant as butyl will breakdown when exposed to UV.

I had honestly forgotten what the butyl was. I was thinking it was something else. Once I googled it, it was like 'oh, THAT stuff'. Yes, will use that as well. I had some on hand but not the right size.  Right size stuff arriving today.   Thanks!

Quote from: Jonathan on November 22, 2020, 11:17:06 PM
What would be optimal is if you could fasten into the Cross beams if the spacing is right.  Uni-struts would allow you to hit the cross members but it also raises your profile and wind resistance.  Those mounts will all the "millions" of holes are nice but (I know this isn't your first rodeo)  when you install butyl tape or butyl sealant and fasten the screws through it, reminder to ensure you completely cover all the exposed butyl with another polymer sealant.  UV will eat up the butyl through all those those little holes.  I work in commercial single ply roofing and we use caulk tubes of butyl sealant.

Thanks. Panel placement will be dictated by available real estate, so yes I could install a bottom bracket (what you are calling a uni-lever) to pick up the roof frame cross-members and attach the mount to that.  Considered that, but the roof is pretty thick and there is not a lot of force on the mount, so was hoping that would not be necessary. 

Would love to hear from others who have screwed into the alum roofs.

Have not thought much or researched sealant yet.  Do I need to use butyl in addition to sealant?
Already have some of this: https://www.amazon.com/Dicor-501LSW-1-Self-Leveling-Sealant-10-3-Fluid_Ounces/dp/B000BRF7QE

anyone know if what is typically used is #8 or #10 or ?

https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Tapping-Drilling-Bolt-Dropper/dp/B076C4QRLM