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Ramblin__Ralph's avatar
Ramblin__Ralph
Explorer
Mar 12, 2021

Find cross pieces under metal roof to mount solar panel?

I'm going to have someone install a second solar panel on the top of my 2001 Lance 845 TC. I installed the first one (see pic 1), but I'm too old to crawl around on the roof now. Is there some device or technique that I could use to find the cross pieces under the aluminum roof to attach the panel securely? For the first panel I got a drawing (see pic 2) from Lance that shows the roof structure. It's been 15 years, but I think I used it to find the cross pieces by measurement. I'd like to confirm this by a device/technique rather than drill tiny test holes.





Thanks,
Ralph
Truck Campers
  • bighatnohorse's avatar
    bighatnohorse
    Explorer II
    Mar 12, 2021
    In the event that you cannot find metal substructure I would submit for your consideration using well nuts.
    They are inexpensive and you can fail-test them in your garage/work shop by installing them in 1/8-inch luan and attempting to pull them out.
    They work.
  • KansasKen's avatar
    KansasKen
    Explorer
    Mar 12, 2021
    i used a zircon hd900 to find the square tubes under my roof. i borrowed a wallabot and it did not work.

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