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02-13-2019, 05:32 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Axis 25.4
State: Arkansas
Posts: 2,669
THOR #12231
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What do you think about the drill less solar mounts?
What do you think about the "drill less solar mounts" on a TPO roof? (Of coarse I think they would work better on a fiberglass or tin roof but it looks like a few RV'er are glueing down to TPO as well).
Im still on my solar quest and if I decide to go with rigid panels it would be nice to install the drill less corner solar mounts.
https://www.amazon.com/NUZAMAS-Unive...JTJ36VFGZKYNYV
But im afraid over time they will want to tear the roof by lifting the TPO up so I thought I might drill holes in just 2 corners or perhaps all 4 corners??
The way I look at it the z brackets have two screws per a foot (so 8 screws / holes) where as if I use the drill less ones I can glue it down (Or use VHB tape) plus add one screw per a bracket (so only 4 holes). The glue (VHB tape) should prevent the screws from ripping out and the screws will help prevent the panels from breaking loose if the TPO gives out.
What do you think?
__________________
2017 Axis / 25.4: Big Foot Levelers, Aims 1200 Watt inverter, Ceramic Window Tint, Full River AGM 6V batteries, Front Hellwig Sway bar / Rear Track Arm, Safe T Plus Steering Stabilizer, PD 4655 converter, Hard Wired Surge Guard, WEboost + WiFi Ranger, LED Headlights/Driving lights, TPMS, Surge tank, Tornado flush, Viair Compressor
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02-13-2019, 05:47 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 25.4
State: California
Posts: 784
THOR #6582
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I bought my panels from AM Solar. Their bracket has a small, maybe 1x3 area with VHB. Thats all they use on 'glass and metal but insists it be screwed onto a TPO roof. I thought about, but didn't, taping that "foot" to 4x4 gal plate, attaching it with VHB or Dicor and a couple of screws as you're thinking. I even though about laying Enternabond over that. But the rain was coming...it's the VHB and one screw overlaid with Dicor. I do intend to revisit it.
__________________
I'm wearing trifocals now but my hindsight is 20/20.
*************
Bilsteins and Sumos front and rear...HUGE! FatMat and Hoodliner...HUGE!
Hellwig sway bars F&R, 235/85 Hankook ATM, alignment...HUGE!!!
Battery watering, 260watts Solar and BigFeets to make life easier.
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02-13-2019, 06:06 PM
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#3
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Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
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To me those look like the flange on the hatch cover. I would install it the same way (with a hatch or window kit).
Put some sealant on the bottom, drill holes in it + roof (probably about 6 per corner piece), screw down and dicor over everything.
I wouldn't rely on the TPO roof holding anything down...its just a loose membrane--it would be like securing something to your awning fabric.
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02-13-2019, 06:32 PM
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#4
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JamieGeek
I wouldn't rely on the TPO roof holding anything down...its just a loose membrane--it would be like securing something to your awning fabric.
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I agree: use the proper screws and sealant, and you'll be very happy with the results.
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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02-13-2019, 06:47 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Axis 25.4
State: Arkansas
Posts: 2,669
THOR #12231
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Ok, so use VHB tape plus screws if I use either mouting system? Better safe than sorry.
So do we like these plastic feet better than Z brackets? Do they look better?
They come in white or black. I like the looks of the black but the white makes more sense being on the roof + it makes them stand out less.
One Plus might be when I clean the roof it should prevent the sharp edges of the panels from cuting me or snagging on any blue jeans or rags / brushes I use.
Might also reduce tripping hazard?
Im not set against drilling the roof but I want the best looking, most solid mounting system. And if I can drill less holes the better.
__________________
2017 Axis / 25.4: Big Foot Levelers, Aims 1200 Watt inverter, Ceramic Window Tint, Full River AGM 6V batteries, Front Hellwig Sway bar / Rear Track Arm, Safe T Plus Steering Stabilizer, PD 4655 converter, Hard Wired Surge Guard, WEboost + WiFi Ranger, LED Headlights/Driving lights, TPMS, Surge tank, Tornado flush, Viair Compressor
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02-13-2019, 07:01 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 25.4
State: California
Posts: 784
THOR #6582
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__________________
I'm wearing trifocals now but my hindsight is 20/20.
*************
Bilsteins and Sumos front and rear...HUGE! FatMat and Hoodliner...HUGE!
Hellwig sway bars F&R, 235/85 Hankook ATM, alignment...HUGE!!!
Battery watering, 260watts Solar and BigFeets to make life easier.
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02-13-2019, 07:09 PM
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#7
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Long & Winding road
Ok, so use VHB tape plus screws if I use either mouting system? Better safe than sorry.
So do we like these plastic feet better than Z brackets? Do they look better?
They come in white or black. I like the looks of the black but the white makes more sense being on the roof + it makes them stand out less.
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The z-Brackets have a pretty darn good reputation...
As far as the color of the brackets: you'll probably cover them up with all sorts of sealant anyway... the color of them is probably a "non-issue".
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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02-13-2019, 07:26 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Axis 25.4
State: Arkansas
Posts: 2,669
THOR #12231
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Ok, thanks "G" and Bob.
Stuff like this I like to take my time and look at the pros and cons before I purchase or install it. Might take months to figure it out (im in no rush). But I think I have the general kit figured out (200 watts, Mppt controller with BT).
The worse thing to me is that "little voice in my head".... "Why didnt I do this or that?" or "I should have spent a little more and got that" etc.
I know Bob knows all about the "Voice in his head". LOL.
So research is key for any big purchase or major mod.
__________________
2017 Axis / 25.4: Big Foot Levelers, Aims 1200 Watt inverter, Ceramic Window Tint, Full River AGM 6V batteries, Front Hellwig Sway bar / Rear Track Arm, Safe T Plus Steering Stabilizer, PD 4655 converter, Hard Wired Surge Guard, WEboost + WiFi Ranger, LED Headlights/Driving lights, TPMS, Surge tank, Tornado flush, Viair Compressor
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02-13-2019, 07:34 PM
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#9
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Long & Winding road
...I know Bob knows all about the "Voice in his head". LOL.
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When they sing off-key:
Nobody can get by with just a single voice.
http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1550086424
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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02-13-2019, 07:56 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
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I didn't know those drill-free brackets existed. Like you, I'm still peeking in the windows of solar. This moves me up a few rungs. The attachment system is the only thing holding me back. I would glue them and then lay Eternabond along the otter edges. No drilling here...just can't bring myself to do it. These coaches are already pre-wired for it on the roof, right? Seems I read something about it in the papers that came with the Owner's Packet.
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
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02-13-2019, 08:00 PM
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#11
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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02-13-2019, 08:29 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Axis 25.4
State: Arkansas
Posts: 2,669
THOR #12231
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Yep, 2018 Thor (gas coaches) and up are wired for solar.
Mine is 2017 (so no preinstalled wires) but thats Okay, I can custom mount mine inside and out.
__________________
2017 Axis / 25.4: Big Foot Levelers, Aims 1200 Watt inverter, Ceramic Window Tint, Full River AGM 6V batteries, Front Hellwig Sway bar / Rear Track Arm, Safe T Plus Steering Stabilizer, PD 4655 converter, Hard Wired Surge Guard, WEboost + WiFi Ranger, LED Headlights/Driving lights, TPMS, Surge tank, Tornado flush, Viair Compressor
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02-13-2019, 08:33 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Axis 25.4
State: Arkansas
Posts: 2,669
THOR #12231
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton
I didn't know those drill-free brackets existed. Like you, I'm still peeking in the windows of solar. This moves me up a few rungs. The attachment system is the only thing holding me back. I would glue them and then lay Eternabond along the otter edges. No drilling here...just can't bring myself to do it. These coaches are already pre-wired for it on the roof, right? Seems I read something about it in the papers that came with the Owner's Packet.
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Yeah I been looking off an on for a year. I like these plastic mounts and the Eternabond with glue or VHB tape should hold fine.... But I might still use one screw per a foot (or perhaps just two of the feet?) to makes sure the dont break loose or damage my roof.
I really would like the flexable panels (and just tape them down) but the reliablity is not there yet and that would upset me if I had to replace them (even if it was under warrantee) within the first 5 years (Which is highly likely from the research I have done so far - many fail within the first year).
So I will keep digging and let you all know what I find that works best for me. Perhaps it will help someone down the road as well.
__________________
2017 Axis / 25.4: Big Foot Levelers, Aims 1200 Watt inverter, Ceramic Window Tint, Full River AGM 6V batteries, Front Hellwig Sway bar / Rear Track Arm, Safe T Plus Steering Stabilizer, PD 4655 converter, Hard Wired Surge Guard, WEboost + WiFi Ranger, LED Headlights/Driving lights, TPMS, Surge tank, Tornado flush, Viair Compressor
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02-13-2019, 08:39 PM
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#14
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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I'm still leaning toward a couple of "suitcase solar" kits, that I can clip right to any battery that might need some attention...
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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02-13-2019, 08:58 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Axis 25.4
State: Arkansas
Posts: 2,669
THOR #12231
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Yeah I like that Idea (Suitcase) but I dont want to have to set anything up. If I was at one place for more than a few days that would work Okay.
Plus Im still working so sometimes I have to stop for several hours (in parking lots) to get work done... then Im back on the road. So it would be nice not having the Genset running the entire time. If I use my printer that will suck a lot of juice too.
__________________
2017 Axis / 25.4: Big Foot Levelers, Aims 1200 Watt inverter, Ceramic Window Tint, Full River AGM 6V batteries, Front Hellwig Sway bar / Rear Track Arm, Safe T Plus Steering Stabilizer, PD 4655 converter, Hard Wired Surge Guard, WEboost + WiFi Ranger, LED Headlights/Driving lights, TPMS, Surge tank, Tornado flush, Viair Compressor
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02-13-2019, 09:55 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2013 31L
State: Florida
Posts: 2,184
THOR #908
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i have the roof sprayed by rvroof.com so I've been thinking along these lines off and on. Didn't know about these purpose made brackets though. I have just been contemplating sticking down some flex panels, or perhaps rigid ones...low profile right down on the roof
I figure mine is a good bit stiffer and stronger than just the TPO sheet
or I've thought for example on top of the AC shroud I could put a small flex panel
I just hate the idea of drilling through my caulk-free roof.
When I had it done they told me they would re-spray for anything like this if ever needed....but I'm not sure if they meant for a price or not. Regardless it's as much about the hassle of getting it there, dropping it off, etc...
I've also considered looking closer for a way to perhaps attach some metal structure bridging between two existing hard points...such as the AC frame and a roof vent/fan....then attaching solar to it.
In the end, I really dislike adhesive type connections. So many things that can go wrong. I'm a mechanical guy, and just feel better about mechanical fasteners.
so I keep coming back to just screwing the things down and then someday getting those spots re-sprayed by rvroof.com....IF I ever do get around to doing solar...
__________________
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02-13-2019, 11:15 PM
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#17
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Long & Winding road
... Plus Im still working so sometimes I have to stop for several hours (in parking lots) to get work done... then Im back on the road. So it would be nice not having the Genset running the entire time. If I use my printer that will suck a lot of juice too.
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You're definitely not a candidate for the suitcase setup...
We usually set up in one place for a couple of days, so it's not a problem for us.
I was just trying to throw an "Out of the box" possibility toward you.
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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02-14-2019, 02:56 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 25.2
State: Missouri
Posts: 1,038
THOR #4687
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Long & Winding road
Yeah I like that Idea (Suitcase) but I dont want to have to set anything up. If I was at one place for more than a few days that would work Okay.
Plus Im still working so sometimes I have to stop for several hours (in parking lots) to get work done... then Im back on the road. So it would be nice not having the Genset running the entire time. If I use my printer that will suck a lot of juice too.
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I am going to throw this out, just because my little "voices" are arguing back and forth. We haven't done as much "boondocking" as we are planning on doing, but so far we have tried to find nice shady spots to park to keep the temps down in our VEGAS..
So, then the question in my head becomes, "if I am trying to find a shady parking spot, that probably wont be condusive to rooftop solar"..
And since solar while driving isn't probably a high priority (since the alternator helps to charge the batteries)do I really want roof top solar, or would building an easy setup portable solar be more useful...
Any input from all you boondockers would be greatly appreciated!
__________________
2016 25.2 VEGAS with 2017 Jeep Wrangler AND Two Dogs; Norwegian Elkhound & Morkie (The RV is actually the Dog's)
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02-14-2019, 11:48 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mo_Mike
I am going to throw this out, just because my little "voices" are arguing back and forth. We haven't done as much "boondocking" as we are planning on doing, but so far we have tried to find nice shady spots to park to keep the temps down in our VEGAS..
So, then the question in my head becomes, "if I am trying to find a shady parking spot, that probably wont be condusive to rooftop solar"..
And since solar while driving isn't probably a high priority (since the alternator helps to charge the batteries)do I really want roof top solar, or would building an easy setup portable solar be more useful...
Any input from all you boondockers would be greatly appreciated!
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The portable units would fit your bill. You can camp in the shade and move them around to find the sun.
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
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02-14-2019, 12:38 PM
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#20
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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I see your logic... Search for the Sun, and it may just find YOU!
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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