Can You REALLY Install A Solar Panel On A Camper Van THAT Fast (Van Life Tips and Tricks, 3M VHB)

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Check the current pricing/coupons on the things I use: amzn.to/46jU9L3 - Renogy 100 Kit amzn.to/47GKejW - Renogy 200 Kit amzn.to/4aoBVvp - Renogy 100 Panel Only amzn.to/48bxCS9 - Renogy Brackets amzn.to/41bjW7a - 3M VHB Tape amzn.to/3ThI9qM - Eternabond Roof Sealant Tape amzn.to/4cqlVZN - 10 Foot Solar Panel Extension Cables amzn.to/3yEZZM9 - 6 in 1 solar cable adapter amzn.to/3H0d0AE - Bluetti EB70S Power Station amzn.to/3X0F7sL - VTOMan 1000 Power Station amzn.to/3urIblw - Alpicool 12v Refrigerators amzn.to/3UnlI3u - Setpower PT55 Dual Zone Fridge amzn.to/4biEaQd - Gooloo GP4000 Jump Starter (This is a BEAST!) BudgetTravelGuy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for people to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I also participate in other affiliate programs where I may be compensated for referring traffic. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Go to Facebook and FOLLOW our page for other hints/tips/thoughts/fun stuff--- tinyurl.com/qqdx8lg ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4OvaYN5rNGVb80 - Does Buc-ees Hate VanLifers? kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4bMZptrmLKEqbc - Minimalistic Minivan Camper Build kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHKng3SplJZ2ga8 - Camper Van Inverter Install kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3Solop4m5isl9k - Minivan Passenger Seat Removal/Reversal kzbin.info/www/bejne/raiUiK2Hg6aHhMU - Best Vanlife Toilets 2024 kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4aqpJlpa8yKm7M - Minivan Build 2.0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6bXY4tqrL1oapI - Best Power Station Brands kzbin.info/www/bejne/foCkk3SHd7OcqLc - VanTrue Dash Cam Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJe2h3esZ7SYd68 - Zero Degree Minivan Camping kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZe6kKeeq9Kmr8U - 12v Blankets For Van Life kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4jXkHl6g6qDmqM - How Long Will Bluetti Run 12v Fridge? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZWal2R4er6GZ6s - How To Run A 12v Fridge On Solar kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3vXpmWtZpJkh68 - Van Life Sucks (or Does It?). kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2Gyfn6PZ8hkedE - Bluetti Power Station Review (EB70S)

[@Believe30]

What I want to see is the wires coming in!!

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Believe30, I'll have a followup vid out soon showing several options for getting the solar panel wires into a van (without drilling holes).

[@rigidchop]

Taped mine over a year ago. Still holding strong. Didn’t sand anything, just cleaned it good with alcohol. Been on the interstate many times since it’s been on there.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Thanks, rigidchop, for adding your experience with installing the solar panels this way, as a lot of people are nervous to try it (which I understand, as I was a bit nervous the first time I tried it, also). More soon...safe travels!

[@PattisArtInnaVan]

The one thing I didn't see is where the wires actually come into the van without drilling any holes? If they go thru the window how do you close it to keep out rain? If they go thru the door opening how do you get them to not be pinched? I really like this idea, just that one detail I would be interested in hearing about. Thank you!

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

I'll have a followup vid out shortly showing several ways to route solar panel wires (without drilling holes). Safe travels!

[@PattisArtInnaVan]

@@BudgetTravelGuy Cool beans! Thank you! New sub 👍

[@deniseagababian3697]

I didnt see where you ran the cord from the roof to the inside that is what I would like to also see please.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Will do, Denise...I'll have a followup vid out soon showing several options for getting those solar panel wires into the van (without cutting or drilling holes).

[@lynnef3297]

Excellent diy video showing how to install a solar panel to a van roof and connect to a power bank. Thanks, Kevin ! 😁👍

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Thanks, Lynne...I'll be doing some followups soon to answer more of the solar/connection questions folks have been asking. Safe travels!

[@kris-ch7dm]

That's exactly how I secured my 2 panels except I may have used a TON more eternabond ! I also placed a sunroof wind screen directly in front of them to prevent any wind noise while on the highway. Best way to secure rigid panels. I would love to see a video about frequently needed spare parts for minivans that a slightly skilled person could reasonably change out with a few tools. You had made a video about 4 years ago about $10-20 parts that could leave you stranded....well, I've replaced those parts you recommended and so far so good. I have a chrysler [ I know ] T+C 2006 175k. Kris

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Thanks, Kris - that's an excellent idea (parts to carry) for a future video - and I'm glad you replaced a lot of those parts in that older video I did. Also an interesting idea of adding a windscreen in front of the solar panels...I may have to consider that. More soon...safe travels!

[@RA-rf4nz]

What about when you have to replace the solar panel?

[@anitasimmons3599]

Thank you for another great video. I really like your KISS methods. ❤😊

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Thank you for the kind words, young lady! Glad you find some of this stuff I put out useful to you...more soon...safe travels!

[@moldersmosaic1977]

From Mississippi…thanks so much for this video! Now I think I can put my solar on the roof of my Honda Odyssey when I get it ready for camping. My KZbin channel will be Molders Mosaic when I get it going again soon.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Very nice...you'll never regret adding solar (or having a 12v fridge). Good luck with rebooting your KZbin channel - it's a lot of work but it can be fun.

[@moldersmosaic1977]

@@BudgetTravelGuy what program do you use for editing?

[@Gramma-Bambi-Lynn]

Very helpful solar panel info, thank you! I look forward to your future video about the wiring placement.

[@dianevitale1214]

Just bought a 1998 e-150 sherrod conversion van with a high top some call a turtle top. This ole gal doesn't know what material high top is made of and if not metal if your process would work for solar. Also don't know what top looks like for I'm scared of heights to go up a ladder; my legs and back give me woes. Don't know if the surface is even enough. Love your video and get where you're coming from. I need easy and best for the buck. Scraped together money to buy my Van.

[@lissaestes7017]

Hey, Kevin. I keep my 100 watt hard solar panel inside my van while traveling. If I get a shady spot to camp I just leave it inside. If I have open sky I just ball bungee my panel up on my roof rack. I used to have a heavy duty setup, but it was so difficult to put on and off. I have driven surface streets with my panel bungeed on, but I wouldn't go on an interstate with it. I love the idea of a permanent installation, but my van is older, so my question is- how would I take the panel off when I change vehicles? Also, if I put my panel on permanently, can I run my van through a car wash that has those long swishy brushes?

[@MsElektra33]

Is there a way to remove the solar panel in case you want to replace it later?

[@sdbpost]

I was about to ask the same question. Doesn't look like enough space to get fingers much less a wrench underneath. Which also brings up the question of tightening the bolts over time.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Good question, MsElektra33...It's actually fairly easy to remove a taped down solar panel if you ever need to remove/replace/reposition it. I'll try to get a followup vid out soon.

[@gwb8445]

Very practical advice. I subscribed!

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Thanks, gwb8445 - I'm glad you found that van solar install video useful to you, and that you'll find some of the other stuff I'm rolling out helping as well. Safe travels!

[@theicangram]

Oh. I really like this approach. Might just have to put a panel on my car now. :). Curious where you run the cables into the car if you use the panel to charge when the doors are closed and even when driving?

[@3generations393]

Still not sure I want to park in the sun. Maybe have both portable solar panel & one on the roof 🤷 Also, what about moisture getting into the back side of the bracket?

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

3gens, the brackets (and solar panel housing) are aluminum, so moisture won't affect them. The 2nd tape I used keeps moisture out of the main tape (and from the surface I sanded). I understand what you're asking, though, and If you wanted, you could add a additional little strip of Eternabond to the rear of the bracket just to get everything completely airtight. More soon..safe travels!

[@tod8205]

Hey Kevin, Can you give more details on the solar install on your Roadtrek. I have the 210 versatile model. I am not sure how to put the wires thru. For me my only option is thru the air vent but not sure how to do it. I would appreciate it.

[@dross24MA]

Does it matter if the panel faces so the wiring cables come out toward the front or the back of the vehicle?

[@dross24MA]

1. Is it better to use 2 100W panels or a single 200W panel? (I have a former extended passenger van, so I have extra roof length.) 2. If I were to use 2 panels, do I hook them in parallel or series - and why? (Yes, I have read about that, but I am still confused!) 3. Also, do we uplug the solar connection once the PPS is fully charged or leave it plugged in? (Does having it constantly plugged in "train it" to need to be connected?)

[@mvneighbor4380]

Just to clarify; your window is always open to run the lines?

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Yes, in that solar install I did route it through the side window (which I normally have open at night for airflow, anyway, and it really makes no difference during the day. For those in 'buggy' areas, I'll make a future video how on how to keep them out, along with several option (no drill) options for routing those solar panel wires. More soon...safe travels!

[@SHomaidan]

Hi Kevin. Thank you for the informative video. Would a 200 or 300 watt panel fit on a minivan roof?

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

It's hard to find a 300+ watt panel that will fit a minivan, but there are many options in the 220-280 watt range. You bring up a good question, and I'll do a followup soon on the max that can be put on a minivan, along with how much different needs require. More soon...safe travels!

[@thomastaylor2513]

All solar panels include measurements so measure your roof where you want to place it and then check to Size of your panel you want to buy

[@Brigand231]

Another good video, Kevin! Asking for the third time now, since it's not getting answered... When plugging your power station in while driving, is it better or use a 12v port or will it charge faster using the 110 built in inverter plug if your van has one (Grand Caravan, Town and Country, etc)?

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Hmm, interesting question...The 110 outlets built into some of these vehicles are pretty low power, so I would NOT chance the power station trying to pull more than that port can safely output (unlike a wall plug in a house, there IS going to be a limit in the vehicle). I'd only recharge the power station using the 12v port in your vehicle while driving. More soon...safe travels.

[@Brigand231]

@@BudgetTravelGuy Cool, thanks for the response!

[@petuniaromania6294]

Need a better video on the wiring.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Petunia, with one solar panel it's impossible to hook anything up wrong/backwards, as the connectors will only fit one way. However, you brought up a VERY good point, and I'll do a follow up video soon showing the connectors better, along with different ways to route the wire(s). More soon...safe travels!

[@petuniaromania6294]

@@BudgetTravelGuy thank you very much!

[@Believe30]

Can you go thru the carwash after doing this?

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Good question about carwashes and solar panels. I'm not a fan of automated places , so I would advise against it. (I have a friend that actually had a side mirror completely torn off his new car in one of them!) More soon...safe travels!

[@Kimbers58]

😊👍🙋‍♀️

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Thanks for that! I'm glad you found the solar install video useful to you!

[@lucyf6613]

So this is going to sound hateful, but I don't mean it to be. You guys are smart, but why would you need him to show you what to do with wires? Just asking, nothing hateful intended.