inexpensive panels

Tom_M here. I don't understand all the negative comments about portable panels. If you want to park out in the sun and roast, fine but I prefer the shade on hot days. Also there are some places that I camp where I can't park in the sun so my only option is to set my panels out in a sunny spot.

I first mounted a panel to the side of my motorhome back in 2010 when I moved a 125 watt panel from my pickup camper.

This was shortly before heading to Florida. A bit on the cool side that day.


Later I added an 85 watt panel.


The 125 watt panel which weighs 27 pounds was a bit difficult to handle so I purchased a 180 watt flexible panel. I moved the 125 watt permanently to the roof. I built a frame for the flexible panel and it weighs 12 pounds.


I don't recommend using a flexible panel. It died this year so I replaced it with two 100 watt glass panels.

RLS7201 wrote:

BFL13 wrote:
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/30148343/gotomsg/30148770.cfm#30148770

Scroll down to Tom-M's photos

Thanks for the link. I see nothing repulsive about the side mounted panels on that class C. No climbing on the roof to tilt. Nice piece of engineering. Those panels would be out of place mounted on a high end rig.
I have a space on the curb side of my ol Bounder that I've considered mounting a panel but that got put on hold when I installed the SolaRVector lifts on the roof panels.

Richard

Never said it was "repulsive".

More like not everyone's cup-o-tea..

Also have to be aware that those panels will add some extra width to the rig, while 1 or 2 inches to EACH side doesn't sound like much, it is if your rig is already 8.5ft (102") and generally the max allowed width without oversized permits is 9' (108") :E

Have run into a few construction zones that were UNDER 9' and my trailer at 8.5ft on the outside of the tires barely had an inch to spare on each side..

BFL13 wrote:
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/30148343/gotomsg/30148770.cfm#30148770

Scroll down to Tom-M's photos

Thanks for the link. I see nothing repulsive about the side mounted panels on that class C. No climbing on the roof to tilt. Nice piece of engineering. Those panels would be out of place mounted on a high end rig.
I have a space on the curb side of my ol Bounder that I've considered mounting a panel but that got put on hold when I installed the SolaRVector lifts on the roof panels.

Richard

BFL13 wrote:
You're just annoyed because your DW refuses to work as Canteen Manager in that popcorn wagon you built. The popcorn graphics around it are cool--nice job! :)

Actually, I AM retired and DW is STILL working (although working from home but at least she could do that)..

My job unfortunately I had to physically be present to do it and it was a one hr commute each way.. Add in all of the virus rules and a bunch of new management changes which were pretty hostile towards my job and I gave them the heave-ho after 22yrs of company service.. No way am I ever going to be able to replace the wage I was getting with another job so I had to make sure my retirement funds were sufficient.. DW is basically working for the next few yrs just for the insurance..

I would gladly run the popcorn wagon for just for kicks as a hobby if it wasn't for the virus thing..

DD keeps telling me that I need to do a restaurant, loves the smoked ribs, pulled smoked pork, smoked baked beans, smoked cheese, smoked chicken and more.. Sadly hobbies tend to lose their "fun" factor when you turn them into a job :E

The popcorn graphics are cool :C . But I wouldn't want to live in it though.

You're just annoyed because your DW refuses to work as Canteen Manager in that popcorn wagon you built. The popcorn graphics around it are cool--nice job! :)

BFL13 wrote:
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/30148343/gotomsg/30148770.cfm#30148770

Scroll down to Tom-M's photos

I don't know, looks like a twin to the popcorn wagon I posted..



Tom's setup..






Yeah, that definitely is not going to win any points with my DW.. Not sure too many significant others would approve either, even if they were told they could run their hair drier all day..

My problem is I'm already at the maximum legal width--so doing an awning would probably have to be a flexible panel.

We all know flexibles are lower output--and rolling tightly is not going to improve life span one little bit.

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/30148343/gotomsg/30148770.cfm#30148770

Scroll down to Tom-M's photos

BFL13 wrote:
Nope, does not have the Gypsy Caravan look. Looks ok. Anybody got a link to his rig photos?

??



This do?

:E

Basically hinges on top of the panels and swing them up for use and drop for traveling.. Yeah even without the popcorn graphic I doubt to many DW's would be happy about that idea..

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Sealing the entire roof with solid panels with an inch for air space for ventilation takes design expertise and a bunch of aluminum square tubing. Attachment points along the edges and front and rear. This would reduce summer oven effect.

Umm.. It was a joke.. :S :B