Adding more Solar Panels with NO room left on roof WHAT I DID

Add more solar to your roof when you have no room left. This is what I did to get more solar panels on roof.

[@RockofAgesTheBand]

Genius idea! You should hang a small red flag inside to remind you that it's "Open" so you don't forget and drive off with it out. I think you must hook the panels in Parallel though, because in series I believe that shading one panel "When Closed" will substantially hinder performance of the other (top) panel.

[@novavida1522]

That's a great idea. I have been trying to figure the layout of my van roof and you just solved the problem. Great video. Thank you.

[@phazah]

creative idea! just food for thought... run the brackets from side to side, then you could slide panels out over side door. could raise the height of brackets for three panels, one sliding out over passenger side, one over driver side. with front bracket being solid could have angled piece to act as wind break for panels. with your van, you could have six panels. enjoy your channel!

[@mwdeters]

Hi RC, Your neatness has not gone unnoticed! Most folks think DIY means sloppy and shoddy...you take the time to do a job right and clean. Well done. Mark

[@TheRamblinCamperVan]

+Mark Deters Thanks Mark!

[@cam-bo11]

Oh man, this is brilliant!! I've been 'racking' my brain (pun!) on how to get more solar panels on the top of my tiny Pleasureway roof. Now, to find someone to build it for me.

[@skyfrostthunderrock]

Real clever! I'd suggest cutting a notch on the top panel to keep it's power cord from rubbing against the bottom panel. Either way, what a fantastic idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@asimplekid7387]

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. This is the first time I've seen a sliding solar panel... may just have to steal your idea for my upcoming solar install. :-)

[@johndimmock6400]

The original thinking using "draw sliders" is a brilliant idea, not sure how the extended panes would work in high winds but realistically you would probably park them overnight as they would not be working and get them out during the day - well done

[@MrRickb04]

Great idea! If you wanted to get really fancy you could even tilt the whole sliding rack on removable struts like you might do for a single panel for when the sun is at a low angle like in the winter. Can you reveal where you got the 6" wide aluminum side angles?

[@skpjoecoursegold366]

great job Jay.

[@clarktferrill]

brilliant. ...watch those stainless fasteners around aluminum. .corrosive reaction

[@TheRamblinCamperVan]

Will do thanks!

[@409mark]

you do know you got guys running through their garages looking for old tracks to install more solar panels on their rigs that was pretty clever my friend

[@TheRamblinCamperVan]

+william burgin HAHAHAHA I HOPE SO! Thanks for watching William!

[@bosn8442]

Awesome job. I would have never thought of that.

[@TheRamblinCamperVan]

+Bos'n Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@jessamygoddard4112]

Brilliant! You are so clever to make that slide out! Thankyou for sharing! Take care!

[@TheRamblinCamperVan]

+Jessamy Goddard Thanks for the kind words Jessamy

[@allun13]

Excellent idea. You should claim the patent and sell them!!

[@epicvape6546]

You are a genius my friend!!!

[@TheRamblinCamperVan]

+Epic Vape HAHAHA I WISH! THANKS

[@rvpandamonium]

Awesome setup. .. definitely thinking out of the box. Great job and thanks for sharing. :)

[@TheRamblinCamperVan]

+Panda Monium Thanks Panda! Thanks for watching!

[@scottmauer7214]

I really like the simple drawer design for multiplying solar area! Great job!

[@stanlee763]

Quite a clever idea:-) A great mindset to be in when organising things in limited space situations.

[@WizzRacing]

I installed these types for years but use linear drive motors to open and close them. Just look up linear drives and motors. As they are pretty cheap. All you need is stop switches and 3 way switches to open and close them with latching relays to lock them solid in place and use soft close rails. I would add a wind fairing to block dirt, wind and rain from getting inside the tracks.

[@TheRamblinCamperVan]

Sounds great! Switches to open and close and not even get out of the van haha I love it! The only thing better would be remote control. But even more involved than what I already did. And I cannot say how easy it is to open/close and latch. Plus nothing more to brake or worry about this way... Its under my control and watch so nothing to worry or think about. My goal with this was simplicity. Thanks for watching!

[@docink6175]

+The Ramblin CamperVan I have to agree, why add something that could break. My largest pet peeve is electric windows in vehicles, they are so prone to fail, especially in humid or salty environments

[@tonym5878]

Love it! Very creative Jay. Thanks for sharing.

[@gleeritay]

Great idea, but here's another alternative....use a 200 watt panel instead of a 100 watt panel. I was going to do a 200 watt system with 2 100watt panels until I found the 200watt panels on Ebay for $269 each. So now I could go to a 400 watt system by just using 2 panels. Your sliding system means you could use 3 of these panels and get a 600watt system.

[@JamesDean-ow7qo]

Love your van, the slide-out solar panel, and the music that starts near the end at 6:10/7:31. Keep up the good work. I have a Samlex EVO 2224 and I'm ignorant as hell. Trying to find out how to set up AC during a pandemic in 2020.

[@monnaprovost7294]

Jay, you are so clever. someday I want enough batt power to use an ac and this may be the way. Safe travels, Mo

[@DougDiLaura]

Excellent video! Very nice solution. Thanks Doug

[@songbirdnls]

Very impressive. My only thought is to rig the wire from the opposite side so that it has slack when the panel is open so that it doesn't get stressed flapping around while driving.

[@rickyrox341]

Ingenious! Now all you have to do is make a couple of brackets tall enough to cover that mongo AC cover for another one.

[@MrROOKIE49]

Love that build. If you added a 3rd one to the front when it was out it would shade the windshield.

[@pelecho]

Really good idea installing the panel like that!!!!! 👍

[@ernestoquintero747]

Excellent idea.

[@krsjames1]

Great system...might be doing something similar when the family and I start full timing. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos.

[@VerticallyUp]

Give yourself a pat on the back friend, this is very cool. Be great to see when you eventually do the other 2 side slide outs down the track. Pleasure watching, regards from Australia..!

[@wincrasher2007]

Excellent! You could do a similar setup on your rear panel and have the extra panel slide out over top the air conditioner unit.

[@jdventures1206]

Fantastic idea even if you do have room on the roof that would be a great idea to use anyway. I have ladder racks I'm going to use that drawer idea one solar panel on top one solar panel on bottom of the ladder rack with that drawer idea

[@JWynnnn]

Very nice sliding solar. 👍

[@wendygarcia201]

Absolutely ingenious! Keep on Rocking!

[@JonathanSmith1119]

Neat install. I was thinking maybe add a small slant to the panels so water will run off and offset the top one a little so the bottom one is completely uncovered when opened? Very creative install.

[@TheRamblinCamperVan]

+Jonathan Smith Panels are at a slant and bottom slide out panel is mounted with "overextending" tracks so it does come out so that top panel makes no shade. Thanks for watching!

[@renatoscutube]

Congrats Jay, very creative...

[@TheRamblinCamperVan]

Thank you!

[@woolliehead]

hi that is a great idea for the panels I didnt think of that when I added to my caravan I put higher wattage panels as in 190 watt and I have 2 I am in australia so plenty of sun all year round and I have 3 100amp hour batteries keep up the good work

[@donmcc6056]

Great idea! good job on the install, thanks for sharing.

[@terryskeans1221]

Wow that is Amazing. How Smart you are. I will do that very same thing if I set my Solar up. Great Video and Thanks. :)

[@iraidalopez3598]

Very nice van ! and thanks for your advises.wow!brilliant!!!

[@docink6175]

that is an ingenious idea!

[@mhandler2000]

Nice job, Jay! Lookin good! : )

[@TheRamblinCamperVan]

+Mark Handler Thanks Mark!

[@Magic-kr3do]

Very cool, it's magic. This video was worth watching, thank you for sharing your idea.

[@EASTSIDERIDER707]

Nice. I was trying to work out a system for a cargo trailer to double the number of panels and provide dome extra shade on the sunny side. I saw one RV that had a wall of panels hanging on one side. It seems a bit sketchy; a branch in camping spots or other vehicles in parking lots could do serious damage.

[@TheGrayman1234]

Love the overall solution. Effective for your needs. However, the single latch is a single point of failure. Put at least two latches on. If you do not want to put it on the far front side then put it on the near back side. Good job though.

[@ceciliacecilia4162]

Thank you so much. Really solves my problem. Very ingenious.

[@camperdave4990]

Really a great idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@paveloleynik2743]

Excellent! Thank for idea. Applauding!

[@jmrichsonsr]

Very clever. Thanks for sharing.

[@jcharlescon1]

So cool, more power is great.

[@alvaradacosta4111]

WOW, thank you for sharing.... this info is a game changer for me.... YAY

[@RollingEarthShip]

Good job and excellent idea. 👍🏻👍🏻😄🚐

[@SBecktacular]

awesome idea!.....once again, a great vid and topnotch work.

[@TheRamblinCamperVan]

Thanks again bud!

[@randombrandon1940]

+The Ramblin CamperVan Great idea, was it worth the money and work to add another panel? power gains? Thanks for sharing!!

[@BlaneysChannel]

Clever. That's what you call solving a problem. A man with a brain.

[@TheRamblinCamperVan]

Thanks Solo! Greatly appreciated!

[@rlvallance]

patent it before someone else does.Great idea!!

[@SM-iu3og]

Great video and ingenious build. But can you make a video of how you installed the original solar in the first place? I have a similar camper (2000 Roadtrek) and would like to know what batteries, change controllers, inverters etc you had to use. . Most of the videos about going solar seen to be for large buses or travel trailers. Thanks.

[@putjecilj984]

Good job!!!

[@kg-ti4lu]

very clever, thank you for sharing that

[@lagunn327]

Great idea!

[@Camden0203]

Nice setup.

[@TheGrowGeek]

Awesome Idea that is so smart. totally will use that.

[@sonia0865]

I have a Pleasure Way just like yours. Was trying to figure out how to get solar on roof. I want 400 watts of solar and didnt know how to get that many panels up. I wish you had done a complete solar install video step by step so that i could do it, especially the additional adds ons

[@GaryPClark]

Damn good idea to double up your panels.

[@BarryAllen-hm1op]

Outstanding. Thank you for the great idea!!!

[@valetailer463]

really well-done and helpful video. Thanks bunches!

[@tjdell480]

What a great idea! Good stuff!

[@edrasmussen1745]

great idea. I'm subscribing to your channel. keep up the good work and ideas..

[@vasel208]

Excellent idea. thanks for the video. 😊

[@laurajphillips5981]

Very nice, you explain things well, Thank You!

[@vankind8547]

Very innovative, I like it👍👏👏👏

[@TheRamblinCamperVan]

+VanKind Thank you!

[@ekoms108]

at 5:15, u need to wrap the top wires because it looks like they are being rubbed and u dont want that wire to energize your roof.

[@davidl1338]

Came across your channel today. Brilliant solar setup there. Sub'ed and going to check out your other videos :)

[@KennethSievers]

Nice setup!!!

[@gjonesii]

Nice work man.

[@leebarker4207]

Nice job man I love the concept!

[@eksine]

dude if you tie a rubber band on the cable for the sliding panel it will pull the cable back when you slide the panel close

[@ColinTonkasdad]

always nice to see a clever idea ! may use that idea so thanks incase i do .. cheers from tamworth uk

[@RetiredTony]

Great job man!

[@christysittig1200]

very good idea! I am a solar advocate and I think we need lots more solar. I want a "solar" run vehicle instead of gasoline... any time soon???

[@Yenko1992]

man that setup is genius you can double your output that's yours really cool where did you get that slide in that heavy gauge aluminum

[@demenagementspeedy]

wow that's is impressive. Great job

[@caradu9973]

Nice setup

[@Billodnh]

Video production tip. Never talk about what you are going to do or show. Just do it or show it. We all have pause, rewind and fast forward. That way you can keep the rambling to the travel and the RV and not the verbiage. If you started with the shot of you pulling out the solar panel and than cut to you saying: "Cool huh? Let's take a look at how I did that" you would have done something the pros do... hook 'em in early.

[@BudhagRizzo]

Superb idea!

[@TheRamblinCamperVan]

Thanks Rizzo!

[@runlikethewind49]

Hi Jay.....terrific idea!! Found you as I was looking for a way to maximize the little space we have on the Leisure Travel Van we just purchased. Can you tell me where you found the 6 inch outside brackets and the slider? Absolutely awesome job....we are just beginning our journey.....sure appreciate your insight.

[@KristoferTravelsHomesteading]

Amazing! Good thinking!

[@Lovelace069]

Super creative idea,,,,,,,, subbed!

[@Sahti]

I made yesterday plans in my head to do install just like this. Today KZbin recommended this video. Nice install! How about after for a while, have you been pleased with this install?

[@rsg1963]

Cool stuff, but how does the system deal with the shading from the upper panel even when pulled all the way out? and the fixed unit with the max air vent cover? I thought solar was very fussy about shading. Like it will shut down a large percentage of the output. Just trying to understand. I love this idea! Perhaps longer drawer guides?

[@David-rx2to]

Very clever with the tool on the end of the painting staff. How has the slides survived exposure to the weather/dust/dirt over the years? Did the bearings/lubrication become contaminated and cause the operation to get compromised?

[@CreachterZ]

Brilliant!

[@richbolton2597]

Great idea am doing the same thanks

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Sweet you get more shade too this is what I love about solar panels they keep the heat out your cabin. you have a nifty snake catcher too?

[@TheRamblinCamperVan]

Yup the whole top is out of the sun now haha. Yeah that solar puller outter and inner extension rod can be useful in many scenarios. Thanks for watching

[@roamer3727]

its a fantastic idea thankyou very much for sharing

[@BlindViews]

awesome idea

[@jp9782]

Thats really great. Best RV Mod I've seen in a long time. Well done. Does the panel completely slide out or is a bit of it shaded?

[@TheRamblinCamperVan]

+John-Paul Jespersen It completely slides out and lines up with the one thats already exposed. So full exposure. I made sure to get the right length sliders that also overextend. Thanks for watching!

[@asphaltgypsy868]

Pure GENIUS!!!

[@harleyd500]

Did you file for a patent? Love the ingenuity.