Attaching Solar Trickle Charge to RV Cover
I want to keep my trailer covered in storage AND I want to keep my batteries charged without having to lug them to and from storage. Wondering what methods, if any, folks have used to attach solar pan...
Forum Discussion
I attach my temporary-mount solar panels to the RV using powerful neodymium magnets. Simply use 3M VHB tape to permanently attach the magnets to the panel, then use another piece of VHB tape to mount a piece of thin rubber to the opposite side of the magnet. This allows you to attach the solar panel directly to the body as well as on top of the cover without marring the paint. I attach one solar panel on the hood, facing west, and a second identical panel on the side of the RV, facing south.
The number of magnets required will depend upon the weight of your panel(s) and the type of magnet you select. I use six 1" diameter x 1/4" thick N42 disc magnets I purchased online from K&J Magnetics. I see that they now carry N52 magnets as well.
N52 Magnets are $7.70 apiece, but each one is capable of "lifting" 33 pounds axially.
The only downside is that you may have to periodically clean off an inexplicable accumulation of iron particles from the magnet to prevent them from rusting and discoloring either your cover or the vehicle's paint. Apparently, there is an infinitesimal amount of iron suspended in the air - possibly from brake discs or drums.
The number of magnets required will depend upon the weight of your panel(s) and the type of magnet you select. I use six 1" diameter x 1/4" thick N42 disc magnets I purchased online from K&J Magnetics. I see that they now carry N52 magnets as well.
N52 Magnets are $7.70 apiece, but each one is capable of "lifting" 33 pounds axially.
The only downside is that you may have to periodically clean off an inexplicable accumulation of iron particles from the magnet to prevent them from rusting and discoloring either your cover or the vehicle's paint. Apparently, there is an infinitesimal amount of iron suspended in the air - possibly from brake discs or drums.
