Adding Big Solar to a Little Camper!

[@TornadoCrafter]

I'm glad you mentioned airspace under the panel. For people not familiar with this, some good long term testing has shown a panel with no airflow underneath runs hotter which results in less output and a shorter lifespan.

[@EKEACRES]

Just a thought. Make sure from time to time to clean/wipe off your roof fan blades, so the accumulated dirt doesn't burn out the motor prematurely. Great install Slim.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Yes! I didn't even know they were that dirty till I was up there filming. They are clean now! SP

[@flatbedtruckingsamrides.9355]

Noticed the roof is pretty pliable. Maybe a fairing at the front edge and blank off the sides to keep highway wind loads pulling up on the panel to help out the underside washers? Really look forward to your video's. Flagstaff, AZ was great this week!

[@donaldnoonan]

I like the fact that you’re not an expert but you’re willing to learn from your mistakes and move forward without abandoning a project. Best wishes from Texas

[@Tuckerclan]

Hi again, Slim. Just a thought .... When I build things like this through fiberglass or any roof system, I like to use a longer bolt and a double nut. The reason being I can drill the hole, use rubber inside and out, 2 washers and actually check then for any leaks. Then adding the rail followed by a second nut. This allows you to make the hole you drill and bolts more permanent. If you have to change out your panel or decide to go with something different you undo the top nuts, but the lower nut and bolt stay solidly in place. Never a leak. Also allows for any modifications you want to make in the future. Just a thought. Love the vids. Stay safe and keep 'em coming.

[@SlimPotatohead]

NOTE FROM SLIM: I greatly appreciate all constructive feedback from my viewers. A little clarification may however be beneficial. This solar install is a work in progress. It is not complete, and several other phases of the build are planned based on preliminary test results. I do not recommend anyone follow this design until I have made final conclusions later in the year. Thanks! SP

[@TallmanProductionsBakersfield]

Hey slim. Great video as always. Lots of people out on BLM land in AZ. Don’t know where you are but I drive a lot and see people doing some great social distancing out there.

[@phillipjeffries7645]

You are a responsible (and modest) fellow Slim. From an engineer that has been using solar for years, your installs are well thought out and your engineering is solid. My next planned upgrade is LiFePO4 batteries, just waiting for the prices to come down.

[@P_RO_]

MUCH respect for your approach to showing your solar system. You either need to understand what you're doing deeply and well, or leave everything about the wiring to a Pro solar installer, not just an electrician or car audio expert. There's a whole lot of power involved and many details which require careful attention, and doing it wrong can mean watching your trailer turn into ashes or worse. Just catching back up with you- I never imagined you without the A-liner but I think this is a better choice. Happy Travels!

[@TheLeep1]

Slim...I have been watching many of your videos and have a question that I believe you can fix for me rather quickly..I have the Renogy suitcase solar panel kit..But it only has a 10 foot cord..One side has the clamps that go on your battery's.The hookups are the same, red to red and black to black push together wires/connectors..I want to extend them by another ten feet, but no one at either rv places here in Butte have any idea how to extend them..There must be an extension you can plugin but I researched them on Renogy and can't find one..They are standard push in plugs..Do you happen to know a place where I can buy the ten foot extension where I can simply plug them all together.Thank you for your time sir and I hope you know where I can find one,..Norm Leeper

[@kennyw871]

Just a thought, but I was a little suprised you did'nt install the solar panel with the capabilty of adjusting it according to the angle of the sun, by having one end rise so the entile panel was at an angle to maximize solar gain. I think this would come in handy, especially when off-season camping in the northern latitudes.

[@C-TOS]

Paraphrasing "Nothing is permanent", there never have been more true and relevant words said, especially in these times.

[@peacefulwife5199]

👍

[@flyingirish66]

First of all, loved the bird. Secondly, I rarely comment on ANY videos, but I wanted to compliment you. I liked the mix of providing examples of details, and referring viewers to professionals. Good job. Keep them coming.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Wow, thank you!

[@pansnemesis]

I have to thank you sir... after about 3 years of saving and thought I've decided to buy a small camper... idk anything about these so I've been on a research binge for the last couple months and your videos have helped me greatly... truly appreciated, God speed sir.

[@williamguildner7988]

200 hundred videos of Slim enjoying nature in the wild. 2 seconds of one bird in the city,singing; “where is that %#}{ bird? 🤣🤣. You have been cooped up to long. Iam glad you mentioned the haircut thing. We are all getting shaggy! I hope no plans for wind turbine.

[@billyk...]

Slim can't be just your average RV'r. His work is too good to be your average Joe's. This man knows what he is doing and is very good at it.

[@3DPDK]

30 volts at 6 amps raw from the panel - wow. You could charge two 8D deep cycle batteries in about eight hours with that amount of current. Nice install. As a retired boat builder I totally agree with your through bolt mounts and the care you took to seal them. Short-cut building methods usually turn into long term headaches - been there, done that.

[@kateackerly6559]

😂 Slim gave us the bird! Had TC sitting in my lap. Now, normally she makes a point of ignoring my cellphone or tablet. That bird, however, had her attention. So... That conformed, to me, that she was deliberately ignoring the cellphone when friends try to talk to her. (Feral cat that survived 8 years before deciding to retire and move in to house cat duties. Best mouser I ever had. No dummy.)

[@PeaceChanel]

Peace… Shalom… Salam... Namaste and Thank You so much for All that you are doing for our Mother Earth 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ 🌷 ❤

[@cs-mh2dh]

You are absolutely smart to use rails and not make your panels permanent. Your reasoning was smart thinking.

[@MinorCirrus]

You should design trailers for a manufacturer, Slim. All of the modifications you do are so much more functional and optimized, it's crazy.

[@born2bwildne744]

Closing in on that initial KZbin plaque !!!!! 100k subscribers, here you come !!!! Great channel !!!

[@WildWestGal]

Slim, you're new little eggshell is looking fantastic, very cozy and bright! And, as usual, your precise work and reasoning for the way you go about it are excellent. I, too, would want the panel bolted down. We've all heard the stories of "flying solar panels". And I loved the video's ending, lol!

[@collinmcginnis5014]

Hey Slim - for future reference - you can also use a radial arm saw to cut aluminum like that. You just have to use a carbide tipped blade, and be slow and deliberate with your cut. It leaves a very clean edge.

[@alanjackson4646]

I am a nut and bolt man, can’t seem to trust just gluing something of that weight to a vehicle that travels through the air at 60 mph + . Great vlog, many thanks AJ

[@raychambers3646]

I'm with you on the nut and bolt .I've seen a 1/4 inch bolt hold something rather heavy up.

[@davidwellen830]

I agree.

[@2019freddie]

Alan Jackson; with the correct adhesive used you wouldn't have to worry about panels coming off. Plus any bolts through a roof is an extra chance of water ingress.

[@nigelbush7255]

Looking good slim putting up that solar panel is something I would leave to the professionals which just goes to show how clever & resourceful you are ,well done

[@sugarsnap1578]

Slim you are so knowledgable with everything installing that panel was easy ,I love that trailer

[@TimLeeLetsGo]

LoL love the ending ..talk about "flipping the bird" 😆

[@pagewhite61]

The new little trailer is taking shape! Thanks Slim.

[@allenheaps2084]

Slim, your ingenuity never ceases to amaze me! Can't wait till you can get out camping and see how nice the solar panel works.

[@stilltlrforlife]

This quarantine is a perfect opportunity to do all the upgrades and repairs neccesary to make your adventures go that much smoother, same thing I'm doing with my camping setup. Although I am not a trailer camper for the simple fact I cannot afford it at the moment, so I tent it but it is as close to having a trailer as possible. Like you I'll be heading out as soon as we get the word we can go, outdoors in the wilderness is where I need to be

[@robertfulton1991]

I think your way of putting the panel up on the roof looked just fine.

[@pattiwhite9575]

The bird was cheering you on. He is excited about the weather too. He may get a jump on traveling before you.

[@azclaimjumper]

Good One!

[@thecritterandthebutterfly]

Nice start on the solar install. It's like I say, There's more than one way to strip a wire. If you are comfortable with your install, and it's safe, go with it. We're doing a solar upgrade on our Trailmanor during this downtime along with a few other mods. Being a folding trailer installs require some creativity. The delayed shipping we've been experiencing has made the process run a bit longer than usual. Most of the loud birds we get around here have the markings of the U.S. Marines, Navy, or Air Force on them. I don't mind recording with the feathered ones around at all. Camping time will come soon. We can't wait to get out there either. Stay safe.

[@davidwellen830]

I have watched all of your videos about re-doing your new trailer and I wanted to tell you that I think you have done a really great job of modifying your trailer. I like what you have done, the way you accomplished each job and the so far finished product. Some may criticize but you can count me as one who thinks you have done a very good job on each task so far.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Wow, thank you! SP

[@loubonanni7265]

Always good to see you updating and improving your trailer. My coffee was extra good this morning!

[@wyattfamily8997]

11.30 p.m. in Queensland Australia.

[@ladeene06]

My coffee as well.

[@leslieboles6439]

It's nice to see tricks to doing these things by yourself. I was just telling my son how I don't know how guys do these things by themselves. It seems to be that when I try do do projects by myself I always wish that I had another person there.

[@karolmolitor4675]

The ending with the bird was hilarious!

[@scotts.2624]

Should you put a fairing on the front of the panel to divert the wind up and over the panel? I think the buffeting of the wind under the panel would stress where the bolts attache to the fiberglass and lead to initial hairline then ever larger cracks.

[@janmariolle]

You have made your new trailer truly your own. Thanks for sharing.

[@gordonmaxey3006]

Look forward to you to be soon camping by the pines and hearing the birds singing, nice job my friend.

[@gigmaresh8772]

That gives you time to show those wheel bearings some luv 💞 Thank you from (almost) the bottom of Missouri

[@HoneyandMe]

I want a friend like yours...the kind who gifts you massive solar panels!! We also used screws to install the panels on Honey. Tape is great, but I trust screws. Can't wait til we can get back out there too! Take care and stay safe!-Sue

[@michaelrees5563]

The old guy here Slam. I heve 3 hundred soler on my van and too batters. So I wanted more soler then then I was getting so upgraded to a solar boost blue sky controller. Oh and upgraded the wireing as will. Happy travel my friend

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

Hi Slim, I ran wiring direct from my batteries in a manner that I can use alligator clips to easily attach/detach portable solar panels. Those flexible panels can be re-used as portable ones ... just wire them directly to the MPPT controller to take full advantage of how MPPT works! Cheers, Steve

[@mark1966]

My Idea for The English Pennliner’ is to have x2 solar panels, hinged at top, and simply hung over apex of the A - frame, held in place by bungee straps, when needed, and stored flat in transit, I’ll have to do a video explaining, anyway, another great video Slim.

[@joelrdizon]

We're all in the same lockdown boat all around the world, brother. I'm here in the Philippines hunkered with my wife playing scrabble again after all those decades. SCRABBLE!!! I just realized I barely even know how to use the dictionary anymore, you can tell cause I'm not even challenging "bligst"---if that's even a word. At least you are spending better quality time with your working hands than I am with my lethargic brain. In fact with this much time in your hands I wouldn't be surprised if that bloody trailer be nuclear-powered by the time you go back camping.

[@johnplouffe3673]

I enjoy your videos living in a small trailers it just goes to show you how much space you really need living in keep them coming thanks

[@johnaverick7468]

I like the way you make things that you can " Undo " if ever needed . Very smart to make things were cercumstances may change.

[@91CavGT5]

I have used the EPever Tracer charge controllers for a few years now and love them. I’ve never had a problem out of them and they have always performed superbly. Good choice!!

[@JC-vb2kd]

Awesome Flicker!! You should just camp at home. Nature everywhere. Thanks for the great videos Slim!!

[@jerrypauling7809]

He (the bird) is cheering you on. Camp On Bud

[@jameschristie4596]

Great to see you using Dicor. I was tence when you used the word "caulking" before showing the brand. My very costly Keystone Cougar 31sqb trailer...the factory, they used the cheapest caulking possible and it has been a time consuming nightmare to remove the garbage and replace it with Dicor. Always great to watch KZbinrs teaching others to do it right.

[@martresalapisou2272]

Good for you, long live Solar. I starterd with one panel,now i GOT 20 .I love it

[@SlimPotatohead]

You must have a very big camper! SP

[@hughmccormick6844]

From a fellow camper in Manitoba thanks for the great videos, they are most enjoyable

[@morganrussman]

Slim, I'm with you on the idea of not permanently mounting your panel, but, It's sort of a bit of a wonder you didn't really put a tilt kit on your panel. Course, looking at your roof, I wonder slightly if it would have helped any. Regarding the tilt kit, I've seen a few people on youtube do it, Rv Geeks did it. But hey, to each his own I suppose.

[@adrianvanveen9912]

The neighbour, Northern Flicker (bird) loves your videos, and so do I.

[@hillcountryhick4639]

Thank you for the bird info!

[@bike-n-hikecascomaine5052]

Enjoyed your video, great shot of the bird at the end.

[@northernoutdoorsmandave9067]

Good job Slim. Trailer looks warm and cozy. Ready for your future adventures. Stay safe.

[@Redf322]

This trailer is going to be great. The rubber strips will help stop vibration. Good work.

[@merlin1477024]

Another great video Slim. The trailer is sure becoming a comfy homey place. Can't wait for us all to get to be out there again. Stay safe there!

[@lamarrharding4776]

I went to a wrecking yard, took a wide plastic railed roof rack from a minivan, glued it down with urethane windshield adhesive. The crossbars latch to the rails and are screwed to the panels so the panels can be moved to the sun while I'm in the shade!

[@garyberliner9364]

Really liked your ideas, work and humor. Safe and fun travels my brother.

[@contrafax]

Your videos were a bright point in a rough year, thank you for your content.

[@champagnesylvie-lavieenfra1378]

Nice video one time again! great idea and great tiny camper ! the bird at the end make my day !!! best regards from la France in Europe !

[@rubiteve]

Slim you are almost getting that KZbin 100K plate :)👍

[@5argetech56]

Smart idea Slim. I wouldn't even trust that Flex Seal tape that you see on TV. What you don't need to happen is for that tape to give out, and your panel comes flying off the roof, crashing into someone's windshield. They crash, they get killed, you're liable. Having the panel bolted to the roof, means it ain't going nowhere.

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

Wonder how many attempts Flex Seal actually did before being able to shoot the commercial??

[@dogleg6669]

I think of you this weekend when I hit the hills. Another great video.

[@peters7413]

You make my hart rate og down , that's why I love you.... and as my dad always says.... nowhere where you are, ,, and is perfectly still don't look for nature.... nature will come too you... Soo .... don't be angry at the pole bird... it was nice of him stopping by... 😊

[@davidmilla2043]

Seriously considering buying a 12’-16’ trailer next year. LOVE your videos!! I’m budget minded, want the smallest trailer for 1 person, BUT want a commode & shower. Keep the videos coming!

[@mikelandes5168]

Now things are done !! I personally think your better off !! Love your vids!!!

[@SMITHYSKONTIKI]

Carnt wait to watch your travel videos again keep safe mate

[@H0LDENSUX]

I miss the A frame trailor.

[@JAMESMT-mm6zl]

Really enjoy your Tues morning video's.....cup of coffee and Slim get's my day off to a good start. Thanks

[@heidieho4470]

Cool to Hang out in your driveway with you while you fix up the camper. One night you can take it for a dry run and camp in the backyard. I’ll bring the s’mores.. Peace man

[@yokikokudou]

Nice that you share the pros&cons of installing method options for solar panel.

[@David-rx2to]

Now that's a solar panel! Good job mounting it. I was thinking VHB tape the whole time you were drilling and bolting...good thing I didn't jump the gun and comment halfway through the video. Don't be afraid to cut your own hair...I've been doing it for years. You can buy an electric razor for about the price of one haircut, and they come with snap on "combs" of various depths so you can't cut too much off. It's as easy as snapping on the comb of your choice and "combing" your hair.

[@bradleylomas7525]

The bird. Lol. Save the best for last. He was a nice touch during the video you made. Another good upload! Just one thing, "the Corina"? Don't let it stop you from living life. Many have. I'm not. It's there, but not as bad as what they say. Enjoy life and thanks again for the video.

[@johnpaulgarcia6906]

On the grid next few videos? Aye. I'd be shocked. Stay safe slim 👌

[@darcy8567]

Again, you don't fail to deliver. I can't get out right yet... but soon! Slim, thank you for taking us along on another adventure. You didn't leave your yard, but watching sure allows us to leave ours! My deepest thanks.

[@kirkchestnut5045]

The minute the quarantine is lifted, it’s going to look like an Oklahoma Land Rush!

[@deberryfh]

Ha Ha, some people have a way of explaining things best. You said it perfect.

[@mikeorjimmy2885]

Being from Oklahoma I resemble that remark.

[@ChristinaColoradoan]

I'll be a part of that! 👍🏻🌞

[@paulsccna2964]

And the weather could just right for camping too.

[@timothyhays1817]

That can't happen SOON enough.

[@glennhinatsu1110]

Hi Slim. I always find your videos very entertaining and informative. Nice new trailer!

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

ENJOYED ! BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU ON YOUR JOURNEYS ! THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME TAG ALONG WITH YOU ON YOUR JOURNEYS !

[@Alex_Gorell]

All most at 100K Slim. Congrats in advance!

[@ronwasser4852]

Looking forward to your actually putting your solar to use. Also beefing up the wires of the preinstalled factory solar wiring. Stay safe ✌️

[@attackspeed9]

You have to have an engineering background! Just excellent skills, much better than me. THANKS Slim, love your videos.

[@Ms.Frankenbuilder]

They make a metal connector for the mc4 connector wires, makes it a little easier and clicks the fitting into place. Nice job mounting the panels

[@Cecilia-fc3sg]

Your videos are unequaled so no matter how long this lockdown goes on for, I will be thrilled when it comes up a Slim video has been posted. Thank you for sharing things with the rest of us!

[@michellerobinson4291]

Slim, you are amazing! I love how you think through your modifications and how you present your videos. Keep doing what you do.

[@bobshaw4063]

Slim stay well buddy . Enjoy your new traier whenyou can start camping again . Cheers !

[@dallasdickerson6677]

Here in Pennsylvania private owned campgrounds open this Friday but state parks open may 14th. Just an FYI if your coming this way.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Good to hear Dallas, but I'm in Canada. US Border is closed. SP

[@lumpyg63ipod]

Good choice going with nuts and bolts! I attached some very light weight led lights inside a horse trailer using VHB tape. The roof material is very similar to that of your trailer. I put enough tape to cover the entire area of the lights (about 6” X 4”). With the change in temperature they kept falling off. Can’t imagine what 100km/h wind speeds on the highway could do! Not to mention weather!!

[@peted7687]

I really enjoyed watching your videos. From Aliner to your egg shell. Cant wait for adventures in the coming future

[@sueprostko3222]

Slim you are the BEST vloger...

[@aliibrahim2065]

Nice weather...... nice performance..... for bad weather . The good thing in your life ... theirs no manager chasing you ....

[@SlimPotatohead]

For bad weather, also excellent. I was getting 3 Amps in clouds. Old rig only 1 amp in similar circumstances. SP

[@deuceaid6868]

Hey Silm, I only have one KZbin video, but you might like it. When I saw the front of your trailer, it looks like mine did before my modifications. Also I just have to say I enjoy all your videos!

[@SistahRev]

ALWAYS enjoy your ingenuity & creativity, Slim, and I admit to great envy of your innovative understanding of materials, tools, and physics that enables you to design & create whatever you need to implement the functionality you envision- and that with excellence, precision & panache!! As always, thanks so much for sharing the wonderfully vast range of your interests & skills (I’m amazed at the contrast between this video and your stunningly lovely, soothing & inspiring “Cup of Coffee & A View” recent video!!!). Stay healthy, be safe, and keep ‘em coming!! 💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@cowboyscoffee]

Camping rush is right good job slim

[@DOGakaDefenderOfGems]

Like you, I am waiting for the "go" to get out there...(Ontario is taking a little longer to recover unfortunately) and I appreciate all the sacrifices that Canadians have done for one another (and me as I'm vulnerable) through these times, so I would feel guilty jumping the cue as well...but I can't help but laugh at the fact that social distancing would be so much more effective if we were independent in the woods...LOL...crazy backward that is...stay safe and thanks for respecting the guidelines...be well.

[@cathietonkin5577]

My goodness.... you’re the ‘macgyver’ of rv’s!!!! 🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@keithmesser1408]

Hi from Australia. Another great video.

[@kennethhieke6623]

Well done! A real labor of love. You are fearless...

[@SaintCoemgen]

I don't always agree with everything you do. But that is okay, it is your trailer, not mine. I don't always agree with all your commentary. But that is okay, this is your channel. I don't always agree with where you travel. But that is okay, our wanderlust differs. But despite all that, and indeed *because of that*, I always agree with your entertainment value. You keep it fresh. Different. You do what you want, not what the crowd expects. Kudos. Keep it up. Never change who you are. For that I love your channel and subscribed (and because..... so close.... so trying to help get you over the 100K mark). 😎

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi Saint Coemgen, I appreciate your respectful thoughts. Yes, if I can't be me, the videos would cease. Good to hear we are both the same in many respects. Thanks! SP

[@CR25325]

What an accomplishment to make all of these modifications, and a great way to make good use of these “stay at home” days. I can’t wait to see you out there enjoying your efforts. I think a lot of people will be sporting new hair styles when all of this is over. Thanks for sharing another great video!