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04-25-2019, 04:00 PM
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#41
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2013 31L
State: Florida
Posts: 2,183
THOR #908
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i'll add about the glue mounts...
since doing more research and thinking about options, it has come to mind about heat, and keeping panels cool for best performance. Looking at those glue mounts, being so big and 'bulky' they would prob restrict airflow under the panel just a little... maybe enough to be approaching an issue for small panels...but most likely not enough to worry about much....but still...
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04-25-2019, 04:29 PM
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#42
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Junior Member
Brand: Still Looking
State: Massachusetts
Posts: 2
THOR #14797
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What’s wrong with the newer flexible 100W panels, and glue? The marine folks have been doing it for years to curved decks, cabin roofs and even hatches....
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04-25-2019, 07:21 PM
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#43
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2013 31L
State: Florida
Posts: 2,183
THOR #908
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Quote:
Originally Posted by B767driver
What’s wrong with the newer flexible 100W panels, and glue? The marine folks have been doing it for years to curved decks, cabin roofs and even hatches....
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IMO, primarily cost. That's why I didn't seriously consider.
Secondarily, I have read that they don't last as long because they get hot
Not that I ever seriously considered this either, but it seems to me that it would be doable to glue down a traditional rigid panel.... continuous bead around the aluminum perimeter frame, with something like 5200. I doubt if it would come up.
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04-25-2019, 07:30 PM
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#44
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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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If you're concerned about keeping them cool: this mounting setup isn't going to help the situation...
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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04-29-2019, 04:02 PM
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#45
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: '17-Vegas 24.1
State: California
Posts: 2,227
THOR #13362
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Long & Winding road
Yeah I was thinking about flexable panels as well.... but the majorty of panel problems (from my research) was with the flexable ones. They just dont hold up very well over time.
Most had problems within a year or two and from my research ....dont expect more than 5 years life out of them.
Whereas the rigid have a 25+ year life and less problems in the first 5 years. Also it Looks like the name brands have better reviews (but cost a little more).
But that link you show looks like an excellent value and good reviews.....
It sure would be nice to just tape down the panels and move on. I been struggling with this decision for months now.....I guess I just need to pull the trigger on something and not look back?
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Well, Long & Winding (and others) has talked me into Solid vs Flex panels
Ready to pull the trigger on...
- 2 Renogy 100 watt solid monocrystalline panels
- 2 sets of Renogy Drill-Free mounts
- Sikaflex adhesive
- and a 30 amp controller
All for under $300 (plus wire & connectors)
I’ll probably just go with a PWM controller for now
If I upgrade to 6 volt AGM sealed batteries in the future, I’ll spring for an MPPT controller at that time.
Thanks for the Forum.
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'17 Vegas 24.1
Fallbrook, CA
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04-29-2019, 04:19 PM
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#46
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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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Congratulations!
Please take lots of pictures and notes; when you install them!
(We'd love to hear about it...)
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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05-03-2019, 06:54 PM
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#47
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: '17-Vegas 24.1
State: California
Posts: 2,227
THOR #13362
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Everything arrives today
It may take me some days to do the gradual and thoughtful install.
I'm glad that I went with the solid panels even though they're 15# each x 2 = 30# on the roof (versus 3# each for flexible panels)
I now have a legitimate long term defect & performance warranty.
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'17 Vegas 24.1
Fallbrook, CA
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05-03-2019, 07:36 PM
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#48
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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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The best of luck with the installation!
Read the instructions "eleventeen" times; before picking up anything meaner than a pencil!
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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05-05-2019, 01:29 PM
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#49
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: '17-Vegas 24.1
State: California
Posts: 2,227
THOR #13362
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Quote:
Originally Posted by taylorbob1
Everything arrives today
It may take me some days to do the gradual and thoughtful install.
I'm glad that I went with the solid panels even though they're 15# each x 2 = 30# on the roof (versus 3# each for flexible panels)
I now have a legitimate long term defect & performance warranty.
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My parts came in, everything looks clean (I ordered everything from Amazon, & saved $$$ via the open/damaged box warehouse)
So, with connectors & 30amp controller...$310 + sales tax on some items
I’ll mount the two solid panels with the drill-free mounts
It has been suggested that I “rough-up” the drill-free mounts on the underside with a Dremel where the Sikaflex adheres to the roof.
I’ll wire the two panels in parallel, with branch connectors, and run the red & black lines down the refrigerator vent using 10 gauge stranded wire directly to the PWM 30amp controller located just inside at the entry door wall
Finally, a short 2’ run with fuse from the controller to the +/- battery terminals under the steps
I chose an $11 PWM controller for now
I can upgrade to an $80 MPPT controller at a later date if more efficiency is desired
Photos soon!
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'17 Vegas 24.1
Fallbrook, CA
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05-05-2019, 01:57 PM
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#50
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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05-05-2019, 06:48 PM
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#51
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 25.4
State: California
Posts: 784
THOR #6582
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Quote:
Originally Posted by taylorbob1
My parts came in, everything looks clean (I ordered everything from Amazon, & saved $$$ via the open/damaged box warehouse)
So, with connectors & 30amp controller...$310 + sales tax on some items
I’ll mount the two solid panels with the drill-free mounts
It has been suggested that I “rough-up” the drill-free mounts on the underside with a Dremel where the Sikaflex adheres to the roof.
I’ll wire the two panels in parallel, with branch connectors, and run the red & black lines down the refrigerator vent using 10 gauge stranded wire directly to the PWM 30amp controller located just inside at the entry door wall
Finally, a short 2’ run with fuse from the controller to the +/- battery terminals under the steps
I chose an $11 PWM controller for now
I can upgrade to an $80 MPPT controller at a later date if more efficiency is desired
Photos soon!
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Bob, my experience with Amazon's Used and returned electrical/electronics prompts me to suggest that you assemble everything on the ground first and test it's functionality to make sure it's not DOA. That sticker might say it's inspected and tested but I've bought stuff that had been returned for warranty that just got passed through. Just sayin'.
__________________
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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05-05-2019, 08:03 PM
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#52
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: '17-Vegas 24.1
State: California
Posts: 2,227
THOR #13362
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Gnach:
Thanks for the advice
The only open/damaged box items I received were
- plastic drill-less mounts
- adhesive
- fuses, connectors
They all look fine
Saved about $30
Nice feature of Amazon is free & ez returns within 30 days...as long as it’s ordered thru the warehouse and not 3rd party.
I really like that
__________________
'17 Vegas 24.1
Fallbrook, CA
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05-05-2019, 08:39 PM
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#53
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 25.4
State: California
Posts: 784
THOR #6582
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Quote:
Originally Posted by taylorbob1
Gnach:
Thanks for the advice
The only open/damaged box items I received were
- plastic drill-less mounts
- adhesive
- fuses, connectors
They all look fine
Saved about $30
Nice feature of Amazon is free & ez returns within 30 days...as long as it’s ordered thru the warehouse and not 3rd party.
I really like that
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Yep, you should be good.
I'd bought a Sony headset but the Sirius XM receiver, antenna and Sony remote were missing. They made good on the XM and I didn't need/want the remote. The other problem was a pricey illuminated vanity mirror that I didn't install and notice the defective operation until too late. Live and learn, y'know.
__________________
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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05-07-2019, 02:50 PM
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#54
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: '17-Vegas 24.1
State: California
Posts: 2,227
THOR #13362
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Update on my solar install...
I pre-wired #10 wire from the roof, down the cool side (rear) of the refrigerator vent, then down under the fridge, across the floor under the sink to the entry wall.
I also pre-wired a 2nd set of wires from the controller to the batteries. A 30 amp fuse is between the controller and the positive battery connection.
So right now I’ve got my controller connected to the battery box and I get my standard readings without solar charging.
And later this week, time permitting, I’ll Sikaflex the drill-less plastic mounts, screw in the two 100 watt panels, and make the final connections.
__________________
'17 Vegas 24.1
Fallbrook, CA
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05-07-2019, 05:14 PM
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#55
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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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Awesome.... Cant wait to hear your results. Thats the same system im hope to install sometime this spring / summer (except I will go with MPPT right away).
I thought everyone was Against the glue down mounts on the TPO roofs? LOL.
I like the idea of it. Much easier and less chance of leaks. Can you add Eternabond tape to streathen it? Or for a backup incase something lets go?
You can always add like two screws (opposite corners) if you decide you dont like the glue down method or want a backup plan - just in case. Two holes are better that 4 (well 8 = 2 per a mount tab).
Let us know your final thoughts (after the panels are mounted) on the glue down method.
Take plent of pics please.
__________________
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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05-07-2019, 05:20 PM
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#56
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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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05-07-2019, 06:51 PM
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#57
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2020 Magnitude SV34
State: Florida
Posts: 4,148
THOR #12751
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After much lamenting over not wanting to drill holes and how well the drill-less mounts would work, I opted to go with two of the 160W Renogy flexible panels.
They are very light and they can be held down with eternabond tape or silicone structural adhesive.
It cost more for the flexible panels but I liked the lighter weight and having 2 panels capable of over 300W..... which also saved weight. Everything arrived yesterday but it will be a while till I have time to get to this project.
At least my Outlaw 29H is pre-wired and I have identified the wires where they terminate. Should not be too painful of an install..... I hope!
__________________
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05-07-2019, 07:17 PM
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#58
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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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We'll be waiting for pictures of the glorious results!
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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05-13-2019, 02:09 PM
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#59
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: '17-Vegas 24.1
State: California
Posts: 2,227
THOR #13362
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After inspection, one of my Renogy panels had a messed-up junction box.
The diodes inside were broken
Not sure how they got that way
New panel arriving today
Good panel on the top, bad one on the bottom
__________________
'17 Vegas 24.1
Fallbrook, CA
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05-13-2019, 02:13 PM
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#60
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: '17-Vegas 24.1
State: California
Posts: 2,227
THOR #13362
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In the meantime, the drill-less solar mounts are ready to fasten with Sikaflex adhesive as suggested by those who have installed on their RV roofs
Also as suggested...I used a Dremel to rough-up the underside of the mounts
__________________
'17 Vegas 24.1
Fallbrook, CA
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