Find cross pieces under metal roof to mount solar panel?
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Mar-11-2021 04:54 PM
Thanks,
Ralph
2006 GMC 2500HD, XCab, SB, 6.0L w/2001 Lance 845
Bilstein Shocks, TorkLift Stable Loads, 100 Ah LiFePo4, 225 watt solar
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Mar-17-2021 05:23 AM
bighatnohorse wrote:
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.
I tried well nuts and they failed to hold my solar brackets to the degree I wanted.
I chose to use rivnuts (threadserts is another name) and specifically this rivnut kit.
Mine were inserted through the rubber roofing and luan into the hole I drilled in the roof's aluminum tubing. This has worked well for about 15 years.
2014 Toyota Tundra Double Cab
300W solar, MPPT controller, LED lights
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Mar-17-2021 12:29 AM
joerg68 wrote:
On my 2002 Lance, the aluminum sheet roof was loose on top of a layer of plywood, with a thin layer of foam in between. It was not glued down as far as I could tell. That would exclude the no-screws method.
Yep! That would be a problem.
Though, it may not be if there is little lift on the panels. Hell there might even be downward pressure, making them stick better! :W
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Mar-16-2021 01:02 AM
The roof on that camper could be walked on, so I would assume there was a decent layer of plywood (1/4" ?) everywhere. I know there is on my current Northstar camper.
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Mar-15-2021 09:00 PM
Unconventional, but something to consider given you aren't adding more roof holes and you can mount it anywhere on the roof.
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Mar-12-2021 04:23 PM
'02 GMC DRW D/A flatbed
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Mar-12-2021 03:31 PM
joerg68 wrote:
Does that camper have an aluminum frame? If it is built like my 2001 Lance 915 was, it has a classic wood frame and an aluminum roof. There is a relatively solid layer of plywood under the aluminum.
You could remove the interior decoration of one of the roof vents; that is pretty easy to do and exposes the layering/construction of the roof.
Depending on the thickness of the plywood, you can bolt the solar panels directly to the roof with some short wood screws, without the need to find additional support.
Seal all holes / screw heads well, goes without saying.
You might also consider to mount an air dam of sorts in front of the panel, so the wind doesn't get underneath it while you drive.
not all. mine said there was but it turns out there wasnt. it only had plywood in the front bit.
Steve
2016 Cougar 330RBK
1991 Slumber Queen WS100
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Mar-12-2021 12:37 PM
Thanks,
Ralph
2006 GMC 2500HD, XCab, SB, 6.0L w/2001 Lance 845
Bilstein Shocks, TorkLift Stable Loads, 100 Ah LiFePo4, 225 watt solar
My RV Travels Webpage / Yearly Campsite Map / 740 Campsites / YouTube Videos /
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Mar-12-2021 09:24 AM
Look inside the camper at the ceiling , the trim that runs side to side every 4 foot will give you a starting place to use the Lance layout ,open the vent over the bed and transfer from ceiling to roof , the trim is centered on a framing member , they are 3/4 " wide . The roof is foam core between 3/4" wide x 1 1/2 " framing W/ luon under the sheet aluminum roofing
I would defiantly not just attach to the aluminum and luon . I would defiantly look for framing to screw to .
I just put 4 more 100 watt panels on my Lance Legend 500 added to the 140 watt that I installed years ago .
Use this dicor tape under the panel mts and seal over the screws and around the mts with dicor self leveling caulk
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Mar-12-2021 08:31 AM
You could remove the interior decoration of one of the roof vents; that is pretty easy to do and exposes the layering/construction of the roof.
Depending on the thickness of the plywood, you can bolt the solar panels directly to the roof with some short wood screws, without the need to find additional support.
Seal all holes / screw heads well, goes without saying.
You might also consider to mount an air dam of sorts in front of the panel, so the wind doesn't get underneath it while you drive.
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Mar-12-2021 08:05 AM
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Mar-12-2021 05:58 AM
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.
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Mar-11-2021 08:29 PM