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Drilling holes in trailer roof to install solar: worth it?

OregonMan
Explorer
Explorer
Hi guys, so for a while now I've been wanting to install solar on my travel trailer. Problem is I'm not very handy, a little on the heavy side and drilling holes through my trailer roof just doesn't sound great.

Do you think it's possible to get the same amount of power generated from solar using the flexible foldout panels? Would it be possible to just use these during the day as we need them, then stow them away, without having to install a bunch of panels on the roof?

I feel like solar tech is improving quickly. Don't want to screw up my trailer and spend a full day working on this if in 2 years Tesla comes out with some amazing portable solar generator. Thanks for any feedback.
33 REPLIES 33

Terryallan
Explorer II
Explorer II
OregonMan wrote:
Hi guys, so for a while now I've been wanting to install solar on my travel trailer. Problem is I'm not very handy, a little on the heavy side and drilling holes through my trailer roof just doesn't sound great.

Do you think it's possible to get the same amount of power generated from solar using the flexible foldout panels? Would it be possible to just use these during the day as we need them, then stow them away, without having to install a bunch of panels on the roof?

I feel like solar tech is improving quickly. Don't want to screw up my trailer and spend a full day working on this if in 2 years Tesla comes out with some amazing portable solar generator. Thanks for any feedback.


I believe your flex panels are the best idea. Panels permanently fixed to the roof will get dirty and not be effective. I use a small pannel to keep the battery charged while I dry camp. And in the winter I hook it to the battery to keep it charged.
I would go that way if I were you.
Terry & Shay
Coachman Apex 288BH.
2013 F150 XLT Off Road
5.0, 3.73
Lazy Campers

jdc1
Explorer II
Explorer II
Drilling a few holes couldn't be any worse than cutting 14" X 14" AC holes, 1'1/2" vent pipe holes, holes for TV antenna cable or skylite holes.

midnightsadie
Explorer II
Explorer II
my .02cts no ,for what you think your going to gain its not worth the possible leak down the road. by a bigger better battery.

agesilaus
Explorer III
Explorer III
Some folks are using super strong 3M tape and say it works as well as screws
Arctic Fox 25Y Travel Trailer
2018 RAM 2500 6.7L 4WD shortbed
Straightline dual cam hitch
400W Solar with Victron controller
Superbumper