Cargo Trailer/RV Tilt Panel Solar Install

We finally got around to installing solar on the roof of our 6X10 converted cargo trailer camper. Rather than just mounting the panel flat, we opted to make it so that we could tilt it using a bracket kit from Link Solar. This will work on any RV including vans, trailers, buses and motorhomes.
Parts List:
Solar panel tilt mounting brackets: amzn.to/2KqNxDn
Newpowa 200 watt solar panel: amzn.to/2Kecj9x
Renogy Rover 30 amp MPPT controller: www.renogy.com...
15A Diode Waterproof Solar Panel Cable Connector/Fuse: amzn.to/2KgplmM
Sikaflex 221 Adhesive/Sealant: amzn.to/2VEcfFq
ABS Solar Double Cable Entry Gland, 2 Wire (for passing wires through roof): amzn.to/2XK6fNP
"Z" Brackets for mounting solar panel: amzn.to/2ykJNAv
Solar Panel MC4 Extension Cable: amzn.to/2RNg0an
If you liked this video, please consider supporting our channel with a small donation to keep us going:
www.paypal.me/...
Our gear and equipment list (These links were functioning when this video was uploaded. If a link isn't working please search for the item on Amazon by it's name):
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, but the cost is the same for you! We need all the help we can get :0)
The gear we use and feel comfortable recommending:
Camera gear:
DJI Osmo Action Camera: amzn.to/2YBMKpl
Canon Vixia R82 camera: amzn.to/2oLHxxu
Takstar SGC-598 microphone: amzn.to/2IW7elP
Ulanzi camera/mic mount: amzn.to/2MlEIfS
B&W UV/Haze filter, 43mm: amzn.to/2OSkFqQ
My choice for video editing: Dell XPS 15 laptop: amzn.to/2BgdXmv
My broad brimmed hats:
Stetson Wildwood wool felt: amzn.to/2MKIQVG
Henschel Crushable Soft Mesh Aussie Breezer Hat : amzn.to/2nRAO4R
Camping gear:
Clam Screen Shelter "Venture": amzn.to/33zGorG
Clam Wind Panels: amzn.to/2MMFzVH
Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Off Grid Portable Foldable 2Pcs 50W Solar Panel Suitcase Built-in Kickstand with Waterproof 20A Charger Controller: amzn.to/2YLPbFW
Roll Cot: amzn.to/2nMYqHE
Gasifier Stick Stove: amzn.to/35eXpsr
Lixada Stick Stove/Grill: amzn.to/35dJeUC
NuWay propane heater: nuwaystove.com/....
Real Steel Bushcraft sheath knife: amzn.to/35Cl4ng
Ceramic Water Filter - Amazon: amzn.to/33BB6Mf
Gonagain on Facebook:
/ 2explor
Playlists:
Traveling the Western States With Our Converted Cargo Trailer Camper:
• Traveling the Western ...
More videos about cargo trailer, camper modifications and upgrades:
• More videos about carg...
About Us and Living Large On A Small Income:
• About Us and Living La...
Car maintenance and safety on the road and tips on getting out of trouble while traveling:
• More on car maintenanc...
Montana Camping Destinations:
• Montana Camping Destin...
Doing maintenance and making improvements to our off grid property:
• Our Off Grid Property,...
Explorer 867. Features the beautiful state of Oregon as well as gear reviews upgrading your outfit and keeping your equipment going:
/ @explorer867

[@yebonuts]

A good strong neodymium magnet would help you find the ceiling struts without having to do all the measuring. It's worked for me numerous times, and I'm in the business of modifying trailers and RV's.

[@gonagain]

Thanks for the tip! Linda just discovered a strong magnet we have will show where nails, screws are. Our walls are hard plaster, like cement and the stud finder we have doesn't help us at all.

[@PilotMcbride]

Ah yes, the ol' solar panels.... They're good if installed correctly, BUT, make sure the angle of the panel isn't too steep otherwise all the electricity will drain out and stain the roof and side of your trailer..... 😇 (Ah geez....... Who brought this bloke along.... 🤣) Good job Rick, will be interesting to see where you install your wide screen TV & the dish mate, 🤣. One of our local blokes installed a solar panel as a roof over his ute tray to power his tray mounted beer fridge. Works a treat!! Trouble is though, he only gives us water the cheap bugger, 🤣🤣🤣🤣. Well done, will be good to see it in service. Stay safe please, cheers.

[@gonagain]

LOL! Yep, gotta look for those unforeseeables. Hoping to get it out for a test run this weekend, but we'll see how the weather turns out.

[@PilotMcbride]

Some years ago we had a visit from a consultant to talk about installing solar. We wandered around the permimeter of the house chatting and when we were out the front, I started...... Me: I think our roof is too steep for panels. Cons: No, it is fine. Our installers are trained in rooftop work. Me: I'm not worried about the installers, but the roof is too steep. Cons: Pardon? Me: Pardon what? I said our roof is too steep. Cons: Why? What makes you say that? Me: Well, you know things flow down hill right. Cons: (really puzzled look on her face) Yes. Me: All the connections are on the high side on the panels..... Cons: (interrupts) Yes, that makes it easier for the installers to hook up the panels. Me: ok. But since everything flows down hill, these panels will fill up with electricity and most likely leak all over the place. Who's going to clean up the mess? Cons: (silence & dumfounded). No, No it isn't like that.... Me: (interrupts) But I'm an electrician. I know about these things. Cons: ( now going red in the face) I will have to check on that. But these are German panels, the best you can get. Me: Northern Hemisphere? Good Lord, and you're installing them upside down? Cons: No no.... Me: (couldn't contain my laughter) It's ok, I was pulling your leg. And what nice legs they are..... Wife (from front porch): PILOT!!! Me: Uh oh, in strife now. Cons: long silence....... 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Sue clanged pots & pans for a week. And the consultant had a pantsuit on, 🤣!! Couldn't see her legs 🤣🤣 People pay when they let me loose from the rathouse..... 🤣🤣 Cheer Rick & Linda

[@PilotMcbride]

@William 989 The premise behind my ‘advice’ harks back to the 70s when stories such as decimal time and dirty electricity from coal fired power stations. Parts of the electricity story stated in parts: - that the dark rings around the ends of flouro tubes was caused by entrained coal dust in the stream of electricity. - that if you pulled a plug out of a socket and not turn the switch off, electricity would leak out. And if you lived near a CF power station, you may find a dark stain under the outlet due to the prevalence of coal dust in the electricity. - that electricity substations were actually electricity washing stations to washout the coal dust. And a whole host of other claims. This one made major story in one of the papers, 😂 The decimal time saga was a government (mis)directive, 😂. As an electrical apprentice at the time, we made the most of it, 🤣🤣. So, the angle of the panel should be kept as close to perpendicular to the sun at all times to ensure that the complete flow of electricity through the panel and not impeded by low flow areas. The reduction in electricity will cause density rise and due the gravity will collect in the lower portion of the solar panel. We all know that solar panel seals are not pressure tested unless they are to be used underwater, so when the pressure is reduced to atmospheric pressure electricity will leak out, and if close to a CF power station, the entrained coal dust will stain your rooftop....... How did I do? 🤣🤣🤣 👋👋

[@CITAP1]

Having a solar system is such a life improvement in an RV. Funny, I'm in the shadow of Mt. Adams and to get signal, I'm laying crosswise in bed with the roof hatch open, sticki g my phone up through the hatch opening to get signal. You gotta do whatchya gotta do. Take care and nice install, enjoy.

[@gonagain]

I'd like to have a cell booster but can't afford one!

[@CITAP1]

@@gonagain Funny to see your comment. I just finished an all day BS fest with the State trying to get through to a couple departments and had to drive 25 miles to make reliable calls, and internet. Got my business done just before the UPS store closed. Had to fax at a dollar a page and mail things.nearly 40 bucks. Im looking around town for a cell booster. Wallyworld and Verizon store. At least the alarms and fires are out. I should make a video! Take care...

[@CITAP1]

I'm also trying to find yeast. 2 months and every store in every city I've gone to is sold out, go figure.

[@explorer867]

Rick, excellent job on your solar. Wow more snow, doesn't the weather man know it's spring Lol.

[@galardmills5306]

People say grommets. I’ve made stuffing tubes out of copper tubing and PVC pipe to feed through. I don’t trust the weak rubber material in grommets. I think you did a more careful job with the Sikaflex than the trailer manufacturer did. Nice work!

[@gonagain]

Thanks Galard. I did file that hole smooth and used tape around the wires first though.

[@Joplinbackyardfarmer]

I finally got my solar wired. Great feeling

[@gonagain]

Good for you Glenn!

[@scottgorman7166]

There goes the aerodynamics of the square box trailer....😃 I was going to mention 5200 but you got it. Great video

[@gonagain]

That 5200. If you get it on you you have to wear it off!

[@markleaman8313]

Shout out to you and Linda from Canada, can't wait for your next video, cheers! l

[@fishntools]

Grommet those cables where they pass through the aluminum skin

[@gonagain]

I should have showed myself filing the edges and wrapping with tape. The grommet is a good idea.

[@douglundy5755]

We're now using Loctite polyurethane roofing sealant, again same stuff. Stays soft and never degrades, much more reasonable price. Comes in black and white.

[@gonagain]

Thanks for that tip, I'll try it for sure. Polyurethane is the key.

[@Spinonemaster]

Nice Unit Rick ... it's nice to have a stand alone charging/storage in the trailer ... and/or charging off the vehicle while en route ... hope you , Linda and the Kids, Grand Kids are all doing well ... warming up here is eastern PA, already cut the grass once ...

[@gonagain]

We're all doing fine and I hope yous are well too.

[@shopart1488]

Another straight forward informative video. I have wired homes that I have built for myself as I have done electrical work in my younger days and I had electricians do homes I built and sold. But I have never ventured into the world of solar but it seems very easy to do . Thanks!!

[@gonagain]

With your background, you should be able to do solar, no problem.

[@vincentrvlife2393]

Nice video! I have a pair of those adjustable brackets. Was going to put them on my cargo trailer. Now they're headed to the roof of my short school bus 🚌🚌🚌

[@gonagain]

That will be a nice rig.

[@summerland6397]

In aircraft work we would spread the sealer evenly over the surface of the part to prevent dimpling on thin aluminum. Ensure good adhesion and proper seal. Less squeeze out and easy clean up. Looks great!

[@maximiliangage5288]

I dont mean to be offtopic but does anyone know a tool to get back into an instagram account?? I stupidly forgot the login password. I love any tips you can offer me!

[@vincentgordon7934]

@Maximilian Gage Instablaster =)

[@maximiliangage5288]

@Vincent Gordon Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site on google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Seems to take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@maximiliangage5288]

@Vincent Gordon It worked and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much you really help me out !

[@vincentgordon7934]

@Maximilian Gage glad I could help =)

[@jodyseaman1885]

That turned out great. Using big washers is a good tip.

[@gonagain]

It's been working perfectly Jody. I had to buy a small ladder to take along and it secures inside the rear ramp door, out of the way.

[@jonkirkwood469]

@@gonagain And that answered my "do you travel with a ladder" question. Thanks.

[@jamesemckinleysr3131]

Great job 👍

[@dncook1955]

As always, great job. True craftsman. Thanks for sharing.

[@gonagain]

Thanks again!

[@rksmith5273]

Enjoyed the video. You have earned another subscriber.

[@gonagain]

Thank you RK!

[@Onewithsausage]

Great video again, thanks. You and your wife have been a huge inspiration to me over the last year or so. I just ordered my first cargo trailer and looking forward to hitting the road soon. Safe travels!!!

[@gonagain]

Good for you on getting your cargo trailer ordered! Enjoy the build, whether you make it simple or fancy.

[@jimmybutler3728]

Like it all and your explanations good job...

[@rlvallance]

Thanks for all the videos.

[@gonagain]

Thank you for watching!

[@billmitchell7731]

Another good instructional video 👍👍👍

[@jimv.661]

Fun Video! Lots of great hints.

[@RVingwithG]

I have an RV and>> A trail like yours! I want to put SOLAR on it this summer too. I know for sure I will tilt the panels and use this kit, unless I can just build the kit with the gas struts and or a lift system I have.

[@gonagain]

If you do that I want to see some photos!!!

[@carlyellison8498]

Another great video. You are my "go to" for designing my trailer conversion. And I'm doing my solar now. But instead of drilling through the panels (voids warranty), I'm using IronRidge rails and hardware. They also hold the panels ~2.5" above the roof which the panel manufacturer requires (for air flow, I think). Mine won't tilt, though! But I have 1300W, so figure I'll be okay :-)

[@carlyellison8498]

I ordered my batteries, LiFePO4, from Xuba in China via Alibaba. I purchased eight 280 AH cells and have them connected in series for my 24V system. If you haven't been there, the DIY Solar Forum is a great place and has helped me a lot.

[@gonagain]

You have a fantastic system and should t be able to power anything you want and with that much solar you're right about not needing to tilt them. I'd like to have lithium batteries but they're out of my price range right now!

[@gonagain]

I checked out DIY Solar Forum and there's a lot of great info there. Thanks!

[@warsurplus]

Do you think the hole for the wire path needed a grommet to prevent the edges from chaffing the insulation and eventually possibly causing a short circuit? Great camera work and explanations. Thank you.

[@gonagain]

You can do that for sure. I didn't because the wire is passing through foam insulation and is also being held securely by mechanical fasteners and sealant. It should be fine.

[@cdlady54_95]

Great job. Thank you for sharing.

[@josephkirsch9880]

great job montana rick i made it back to PENNSYLVANIA my reverse went out in my camper hope all is safe smoke a cigar for me Pennsylvania JOE

[@gonagain]

I'm having one now Joe and happened to think about you just before I saw your comment here. I hope you're doing well.

[@lenwest7734]

Well Done, Podner. I also chose the Newpowa 210 Watt Panel cobbled to (a Renogy) tilt-frame. I came over to KZbin to seek a tutorial with the tilt-frame and found my way right to your same set-up. I’m presently wintering in my motorhome in Tucson but returning to our MT digs in another couple of weeks. (A whole lotta late winter events still goin’ on up there!)... My Wife’s Father and Brother live in Dillon, and I couldn’t help but notice your neighborhood looks just like theirs... I’m I right? Anyway, thanks for the walkthrough... I’ve got a rubber roof with aluminum struts, and hope to discover my struts lining up. ~GoneAgainToo. 😎

[@gonagain]

Hello Len! Yes, it's a lot the same here in Central MT as it is in the Dillion area, being mostly dry and sunny. That tilt feature is really handy in AZ in the winter time and makes a big difference.

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Good build - but no holes my my new trailer roof 😁 Cheers

[@gonagain]

Good sealant, like Sikaflex, and you'll never have a problem. I installed a 2nd panel using adhesive mounts and it's doing fine also.

[@patrickmckowen2999]

@@gonagain I might put some racks above the roof for mounting panels but the racks will be attached to the sides. Good idea about the VHB tape, I trust it but I also want to be able to take them off. I guess the lower supports could be taped to the roof and panels bolted to them. Something for me to think about 🤔. Cheers

[@jerrydeanswanson79]

Thanks for all your help...I have used and planned many of my conversion trailer designs using your suggestions. I will be installing two of the same panel you installed. A question about the tilt rack. I have used the foldable panels to charge my Jackery 1000 with great sucess. I will be installing a lithium batter in my trailer install. Currently, with my portable folding panels, you do indeed gain more watts with tilted panels. But, the sun moves across the sky (so to speak...smiles). You trailer is parked in one direction (which must also be another thing to consider when positioning your trailer, eh?), so...you certainly are not moving your trailer to get a better aim at the sun as it moves. How do you manage that directional positioning? Are you almost better leaving the panels flat? For the short time your panels are tilted up, do you think the additional wattage gained warrants the effort of tilting and un-tilting them. That's a lot of screws to change every tilt change, eh?

[@jerrydeanswanson79]

So...ask me if I am excited! Today I go pickup my new 6x10. I'll soon start discovering all the things I overlooked in my several month's-long planning and design draws. And you know...isn't the planning a big part of the fun of doing something like this? Let the games begin. I'll take photos from start to finish...as I don't consider myself video material...smiles.

[@gonagain]

Hello Jerry, congrats on your new trailer! The only time I use the tilting panel is when we are camping during the winter months and plan on being in a site for an extended length of time. In that situation, and because I need a bunch of power for my laptop, it does make a big difference in wattage that I'm getting. Otherwise, just put on more solar than you need and in most cases that will be enough. I do need to park the trailer so that the tilting panel will face south and not blanket the second panel.

[@anthonymarino4260]

well done

[@wrxs1781]

Good video, thanks.

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this,,very interesting video c.

[@johnmills837]

Stud finder will work to find rafters.

[@gonagain]

Maybe the new ones will work on metal but not the old one I have. Good idea though because that would have saved me a lot of time.

[@timburton1715]

Excellent 👍👏 job... I'm liking the shock assist idea but thinking what it would take to make it tilt via power operated instead of have to go up on the roof to tilt it up... I'm partially disabled and don't really look 👀 forward to rooftop visits... Thanks 🙏🏻 for sharing.

[@gonagain]

Hi Tim, look up "Hobotech" on KZbin and check out the video he did a week or so ago on a tilt panel using those gas shocks. I didn't do it because you still need to go up a ladder anyway, but it might give you some ideas.

[@georgehayduke6717]

Tape. 3m double sided

[@cetifoxproductions]

I really love your DIY and review videos. We have and older (around 2005) Homesteader 610CS cargo trailer that we converted to a mobile scuba center, and have just been embarking on the work to add a 200w Renogy solar kit to it. The big problem is this trailer has a curved roof on it, using a sheet of (what I feel to be) flimsy aluminum on the top. It is riveted to the rounded side/corner pieces with a modest overlap (which, as others with this trailer have noted) often leaks when the self-leveling sealant wears. So, while I see many, many conversions w/solar demonstrate attaching the panels just through the aluminum, that's just a disaster waiting to happen with the kind of roof the Homesteader Challenger has. Your idea with the rails is a perfect solution for flat aluminum roofs, but I'm looking for suggestions on how to deal with the curved roof without having to get someone to weld a custom framework. I'm also concerned with a mounting system that eliminates the probability of wind grabbing a panel and ripping it off. HELP!

[@cetifoxproductions]

BTW, to see the kind of roof I have, this video shows it perfectly: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4Gqp4xjer2bi8U

[@gonagain]

What about glued down flexible panels? I know the adhesive won't let go (Sikaflex 252). I know the panels aren't perfect, but they should do the trick and also last long enough. It may be your only real solution and they do work for others. I just watched the video and I'm still leaning flex panels. Look up some videos on mounting them to get some ideas.

[@cetifoxproductions]

@@gonagain I already have the panels now. I think I'm going to go with steel frames mounted to the trailer "bones". stretching across the top of the trailer and bending 90 degrees down to be bolted to the "bones" of the trailer should give me all but tornado-proof security. But thanks for responding and keep up the AWESOME videos! So much helpful info!

[@453421abcdefg12345]

That looks really good! Do you think it would be a good idea to fair over the leading edge of the unit to prevent wind howl as you drive along, it would also streamline the unit and prevent so much water flowing over it. Stay safe! Chris B.

[@gonagain]

I don't think it will matter too much. My gas mileage already sucks anyway. Also, I think the wind is mostly going up and over the trailer at that point. I don't think you need to worry about it. Thanks for watching!

[@kalebremillard7720]

❤❤❤❤

[@rlvallance]

wish you were my neighbor. We like the same things.

[@garretlewis4103]

Measure twice cut (or drill) once!

[@gonagain]

Yep!

[@jamesjackson7752]

Roll call I am here.

[@tonyyost7125]

Thank you.....I need the help....t

[@gonagain]

Glad it was of some help, Tony.

[@jamesbrown8157]

Did you worry about thermal transfer when you were insulating and putting plywood back on inside your trailer?

[@gonagain]

We were mostly concerned with stopping condensation and made sure we had a vapor barrier.

[@Syed.S.A]

I really learned something today. How much the solar panel was.

[@gonagain]

Glad the video helped! This is the 200 watt panel I installed and it's currently about $190: amzn.to/2Nylo1P If you buy it through my link I make a small commission, but the price is the same for you.

[@Syed.S.A]

@@gonagain Thanks, planning to buy same kind a trailer 6x12. Here in Alberta Canada it is around 7 k to 8k right now. I am looking around.

[@Perry3377]

You are quite the handyman Sr. I'm thinking about portable solar panels so I can maneuver it twords the sun while keeping my trailer out of the sun if possible... What do you think? Stay safe, Perry

[@gonagain]

We also have a Renogy "Suitcase" 100 watt portable panel and the only problem with it is that when we leave camp, which is everyday), we have to put it away to keep it from walking away. So when it could be doing the most good, it's locked up. Thanks for watching Perry.

[@RVingwithG]

I have 2 x 235AH, 6V Lead acid batteries, and no real solar yet. I do have ONE 25watt HF solar panel but not sure how well that is going to do.

[@gonagain]

I did that for awhile and that will only keep your batteries from discharging while sitting idle. You'll be putting in solar at some point, I can tell, but the good thing is that it's come way down in price.

[@pa77083]

When you have the panel tilted ... doesn't that limit the direction you can/should park the trailer? I guess minor consideration.

[@gonagain]

It would, to some extent, unless it's facing due south. Tilting the panel is more for fall and winter use in northern latitudes. Good question!

[@pjf7943]

It surely would have been easier on your back to work off saw horses..

[@TYB439]

Does tilting the panels give better performance than flat? How much?

[@gonagain]

Hey Skipper! It's mainly for northern latitudes with a lower sun angle and in that case you'll get 20-30 percent better efficiency.

[@pjf7943]

How did you prevent the bolt from turning while tightening the nut from above..??

[@gonagain]

It was a tight fit. Also, because the roof and the beam that I went through were aluminum, I didn't tighten very much to avoid crushing them, but depended on the Sikaflex to help as a threadlock.

[@pjf7943]

@@gonagain I'm paying close attention to your minimalist solar install, (minimalist=a good thing), including electronics, as I received one of the two panels I ordered. I don't remember, but, did you program your controller for the batteries you installed..?? Yes, I'll need to watch it a few more times.. LOL! You know, we seniors over 65 make it look easy to the under 65 who are unable to turn a screwdriver.. LOL!!!! OK, I'll stop......!

[@mr.waynes7555]

Do you have any room left in the trailer for your ATV, or have you scrapped the idea of bringing it along?

[@gonagain]

That's a good question. We can still take down the bunks easily and load the ATV, but we stopped bringing it along because of the inconvenience of offloading it every night to sleep. But with the 4x4 Yukon we can still go most places anyway, so we don't miss it.

[@erroneouscode]

IMHO, It's a waste of time angling panels in such a situation. Are you going to rotate the vehicle gradually around 180 degrees throughout the day chasing the sun? Better to just add another panel to make up for loss of horizontal placement, leave them flat and 'relax' which is what holidaying is supposed to be about.

[@gonagain]

Have you ever tested what the difference is by angling the panel to the sun? I have and it makes a huge difference, like 40%. If you don't have room for additional panels then this is worth doing.

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Should have power to spare now.

[@gonagain]

And it can't blow off the roof...

[@scenicdriveways6708]

@@gonagain LOL , that's always a plus.

[@gonagain]

@@scenicdriveways6708 I felt so bad when we had to dig out that day from your place.

[@chrispycriter6682]

check out slimpotatohead .he used extend a pole and a thingamagig on his to raise his from the ground

[@gonagain]

I'm familiar with Slim's channel and I'll look that video up. Thanks!

[@RVingwithG]

4:10 On that note, being you have built these before, why not make you own this time? ;o)

[@gonagain]

Lol, because I'm lazy! The kit is very reasonable priced.

[@tguthrie1121]

Can I bring my trailer to you to install? Lol

[@gonagain]

I might do a neater job on yours.

[@yv6eda]

Great work!

[@hvacmike1175]

Sika flex is used by many experimental aircraft builders to hold the canopy in place on the Vans aircraft kits. Strong product.

[@gonagain]

Yeah it is, you have to remove it mechanically.