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RBREW's avatar
RBREW
Explorer
Jun 08, 2019

Solar Panel Mounting Advice Needed

Hey everyone, first post here. This forum has been a great source of info for me.

So I’m looking to install some solar panels on my 2006 Four Winds Express Lite. Until now I have had just one panel mounted on a portable stand but I’ve decided to add at least one more panel and I don’t want to be dragging two of them around.

My question is, when I mount the panels on the roof i’m assuming I want to try to screw them into the trusses right? I don’t know how thick the plywood material is so i’m a little leery about just screwing into the plywood. So assuming I do want to hit the trusses, what is the best way to find exactly where they are? I think I can see them indicated by the lighter spots on the roof (see pic) but I want to be sure before I start drilling. I’ve tried a magnet but it doesn’t want to stick to anything. Maybe I need a heavier duty magnet. I’m guessing the trusses are a ferrous metal and not aluminum or wood right? Anyone have the spec on what the truss spacing is on this particular trailer?

Thanks

17 Replies

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  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jun 08, 2019
    RBREW wrote:
    how can I tell the thickness of the sheeting?
    Check roof vents like refer and air vents removing trim. Drill a small hole noting drill depth - and then probe with a wire with a 90 degree bend.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jun 08, 2019
    RBREW wrote:
    how can I tell the thickness of the sheeting?.
    Maybe your mfr knows.
  • twodownzero's avatar
    twodownzero
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2019
    I indiscriminately put the screws through whatever my roof is made from and some sealant over and under that. They haven't blown off yet. Don't overthink it.
  • RBREW's avatar
    RBREW
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2019
    I didn’t notice any soft spots but I wasn’t looking for them. What would that tell me? I will try pulling some fixtures and see if I can locate any trusses, good idea. And if I don’t worry about hitting the trusses how can I tell the thickness of the sheeting? I know I’m probably making this more complicated than it needs to be but want to do it right the first time.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jun 08, 2019
    Wood is used a lot. Remove ceiling fixtures and probe for trusses. I could actually see mine.

    VHB tape and screws should hold.

    Advice: Z clips make panel removal difficult. Use 2 pieces of Al angle bolted together. Stainless screws and bolts.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jun 08, 2019
    Before assuming you need to do that, determine the thickness of your plywood. Mine's only maybe 1/8" and 8 big wood screws hold my panels just fine.

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