Hi allIm in the process of adding a solar panel to my 94 pleasure way...ive read that 3m vhb tape works but there are a number of numbers... for those who have done this. What tape did you use.Thanks

I used Eterna Bond as an experiment to avoid putting holes is a completely watertight roof. So far it has worked splendidly.

ander wrote:Hi allIm in the process of adding a solar panel to my 94 pleasure way...ive read that 3m vhb tape works but there are a number of numbers... for those who have done this. What tape did you use.Thanks3M VHB is 3M's "Very High Bond" double sided bonding tape which is a very high strength tape that when applied correctly is a proven alternative to rivets, welding and other fasteners such as screws and bolts that results in a very strong and permanent joint. I have used the product for a number of years with great success. It is used extensively in the building industry and by aircraft manufacturers to yes, hold commercial jetliners together instead of using rivets at times. Most, but not all the different numbers are due to different widths of tape, different colors (of center foam) and most useful, different thickness of the center foam. If the surfaces you are adhering together are VERY level, then you can use a very thin tape, but if the surface is not totally level when you want to use a thicker tape which has a thicker center core. An example of this are the numbers and letters attached to the sides and rear of cars and trucks to distinguish different models. Those model numbers are glued on with a product like VHB. It is my understanding that AM Solar of Springfield Oregon has used 3M VHB to attach solar panels to class B's. You can purchase 3M VHB at Amazon and ebay in small amounts.

Eternabond is not a glue and never really dries, there have been posts about this for the last 10 years. Sealing is one thing. Attachment is another.I have 5ea. 21V 100W panels on the roof mounted with #4950 VHB. The 1st two mounted in 2007, and the last in 2013, all the same tape, all sealed with Dicor to keep the weather out. And all are as stout as the day I installed them.I ALWAYS keep a small supply of VHB around for all kinds of things.

I used VHB tape to hold our 185W panel with ABS mounts. I called 3M and talked with an engineer who gave me the required number of square inches for proper attachment. I also got the lecture on surface prep.

I mounted a solar panel on my 2000 LTV and because it was mounted using 4 aluminum brackets to allow cooling under the panel, rather than flat to the body of the van, 3M advised me to use Mounting/Sealant #4000 which they said is designed to adhere products of different chemical makeup. They were very helpfull with any questions I had. The sealant comes in a tube, is quick to dry, but has terrific sheer and dynamic holding power.The VHB tape was my first consideration until I talked to 3M and had difficulty finding the tape that I felt would do the job I was doing.Because of the heat generated by solar on the roof, I wanted ventilation under the panel, hence useing the mounting brackets to lift the panel 1/2 to 3/4 inch off the roof.Good luck which ever method you use. Don't hesitate to call 3M's toll free number for their advise.Barry

Vhb tape question | Good Sam Community

loving_retireme
Explorer
Jun 23, 2015
VE3ESN wrote:
Don't you have to drill into the roof anyways to run the power cable from the solar panel(s)?

It is not necessary to drill any holes in the roof. I know installers that run the cables down the black tank vent pipe in RTs, or through the roof air conditioner or even the refrigerator upper vent if it is on the roof.
ander
Explorer
Jun 22, 2015
VE3ESN wrote:
Don't you have to drill into the roof anyways to run the power cable from the solar panel(s)?

The hope is to have 3 panels eventually. All will be run to a junction box with one hole throught the roof.
stan909
Explorer
Jun 22, 2015
Yep. One hole. Not 5.
VE3ESN
Explorer
Jun 22, 2015
Don't you have to drill into the roof anyways to run the power cable from the solar panel(s)?
PSW
Explorer
Jun 22, 2015
I installed a Renogy flexible solar panel to my roof using the tape last year. Worked perfectly, prep being the secret IMO. I check everything on the roof before each trip and after each 1000 miles. No worries.
loving_retireme
Explorer
Jun 22, 2015
coolmom42 wrote:
I'm following this thread with interest, for future reference.

One thing comes to mind---is it possible to ever remove anything that's been attached with this VHB tape?

My experience is when anchoring devices inside my RT using up to a few square inches of 3M VHB you can remove them with some work. However if we are talking about attaching solar panels, or an entire glass wall on a 50 story high rise as most are using 3M VHB - good luck.
SCVJeff
Explorer
Jun 22, 2015
coolmom42 wrote:
I'm following this thread with interest, for future reference.

One thing comes to mind---is it possible to ever remove anything that's been attached with this VHB tape?
yes. A Piano wire and allot of patience.
My_Roadtrek
Explorer
Jun 21, 2015
Yes
coolmom42
Explorer II
Jun 21, 2015
I'm following this thread with interest, for future reference.

One thing comes to mind---is it possible to ever remove anything that's been attached with this VHB tape?
ander
Explorer
Jun 21, 2015
Thanks everyone

Ill give 3m a call and see what they say.
im not against drilling and using well nuts but tape would be alot easier.

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