Even Moar Solar! 1.4kW Rooftop RV Sliding Solar Install - How to Build an Overlander

I've linked some of the components used below for those interested.
After hauling 4 of our 8 Panels in and out of the truck last fall, I finally settled on a design that I feel is simple yet robust. The drawer slides allow the solar panels to tuck away under the top layer when we are in motion and we can extend them when needed with the flip of a switch.
Air Mufflers:
www.mcmaster.c...
Drawer Slides:
www.mcmaster.c...
Cushioned Round Body Air Cylinder, Double Acting:
www.mcmaster.c...
NITRA solenoid valve, 5-port (4-way), 2-position AVS-5111-24D:
www.automation...
12 Volt Coils to replace the 24 Volt coils on the above valves.
www.automation...

[@mikefranks4528]

I am back to revisit this in 2021 and (updated) 2022. I am amazed why this did not get over a million views but, in sharing that, I have surmised that there are only a hand full of us geeks out there in the world that appreciate this type of content. Amazing job!

[@carlosrios5162]

If it was more of a tutorial it would have more views I think

[@mikefranks4528]

@@carlosrios5162 yeah, I guess. The instructions he provided was enough for me to get started on it, so I guess we’re all at different levels of understanding and experience. but I’m sure the average novice can build this without the actuators to where they just slide them out manually.

[@carlosrios5162]

@@mikefranks4528 for sure but it's nice to be backed by a guy who have done it before haha! But I'll try it when I get to it !

[@Everlanders]

Dozens of people have copied the design and sent me photos... For smaller vans, manual slides work great, there is a big bus with linear actuators, air, whatever you need is pretty simple to add on.

[@carlosrios5162]

@@Everlanders thank you for your reply! It truly is an amazing design! Do you think you'll provide step by step tutorial how to make this :)?

[@thatradkid]

that was awesome. that was so cool. i thought to myself how to increase solar and jokingly googled slide out. this is so neat! very cool design.

[@georgefenrich8942]

WOW, Looks like you just Invented a great idea for trucks and RVer to Dubble their Solar footprint.

[@Atr42Greasemonkey]

Im currently designing something so similar but without the air shocks. Incredible work love it.

[@ACupOfDuck]

This was actually very clever! Why haven't i thought about it?! Great job!

[@RealChoice1776]

I never get tired of watching your videos I may have watch this one more that 20 times it’s just a great video and I have shared it with my family and friends - great job

[@mikefranks4528]

you’re not alone - I probably watched this about 50 times so far 😂 . such an amazing project. He is definitely one of my mentors.

[@coarsegoldkid]

Now you've done it. I have a long steep learning curve ahead of me to build a similar setup on a cabin roof. Outstanding build Sir. Outstanding.

[@gspowersolutions]

I was searching for this type of solar panels mounting system and found your channel. Thanks for your brilliant work. 👍💐😀

[@Everlanders]

Good stuff! Thanks for the comment!

[@Levi_Allen]

This gives me some idea of my own.. thanks for sharing. I’ve been adjusting to -30 up here in Sioux lookout, definitely different than what I’m used to.

[@Everlanders]

Levi !!! Nice to see you're still watching! I wish I could get my production values to 1/10th of what your quick vlogs are... Hit me up if you want a design audit, there is lots I learned the hard way but didn't make it in the video.

[@Levi_Allen]

Everlanders - thanks! I won’t be adding panels for a few months still, but I hadn’t considered stacking and having one set on slides. I might just make it a simple manual slide version though. If you ever have any video questions let me know! It was great getting to see the man behind the work in this video. Helps put a face to the voice. Also, it would be fun to shoot a video of your rig if you are out in BC again, let me know!

[@montanaprepper3926]

Love the rail design. I think I'll go with a manual deployment. I'm redoing my setup and this beats folding them out.

[@mikefeddersen2476]

Before I watched the video on the mini split a/c I thought they were folding. If a person used some ingenuity, they probably could have them fold and still flip to get some charging power while moving. I really like Everlanders design though. :)

[@iralifland7952]

Found the first video of the solar deployment..... ingenious..... the very coolest system to double up your solar.... I can't say enough... I want to build one for myself I have some time before my new sprinter arrives.... and along with everything else this will really keep me busy. I am installing a Volta system, and Buck from Volta told me a solar system needs to be much more than the standard 200w to even be worth the cost of installing solar... now I believe you have shown me the answer.... I will see what I can configure to make solar worth while for the Volta system. I am going all electric.. with at least 13KW system. Lots of boondocking and off grid adventures....can't wait Thank you again for the inspiration....

[@bobsmyth9069]

He tripled up! LOL

[@wideawaketotruth5301]

Thank you for sharing your innovative technique with full description.

[@Everlanders]

You are so welcome!

[@kkz2dgz]

l LOVE IT PLEASE KEEP YOUR VIDEOS COMING YOU HELP SO MANY OF US OUT HERE YOU DONT REALIZE YOUR IMPACT TO THIS COMMUNITY.

[@Everlanders]

We've made hundreds of videos after this one... ☝️

[@sunnydavies3990]

Appreciate this video is many years old but wow, I've just discovered this channel and I'm astounded at your skill

[@HANDMADEX]

Congratulations, good workmanship. Details are well thought out. The top and bottom panels are placed close to each other. The outward opening surface has been kept to a minimum, ensuring that it is resistant to possible strong wind loads. These seem like things that have been thought about. The pneumatic actuator creates a hard and jerky finish at the end of the opening process. This might be the only downside.

[@Everlanders]

In the final installation the air flow was restricted to control the speed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/opTGnGSbn9GLqpo

[@caldwellres1]

You... Are... Amazing!!!! Okay... Seeing that you are the first person to create such a brilliant piece of work, how many millions have you made so far?😄

[@Everlanders]

0 millions... 🙄

[@patrickmckowen2999]

@@Everlanders Do you have plans for sale -- I cant design worth crap but I can follow a set of plans -- Seems like lots of interest for you to cobble together and sell for 100$/download.

[@Everlanders]

It's really just three pieces of angle aluminum, 3" wide, and stainless steel drawer slides bolted to them and the solar panels... The other critical dimensions are going to depend on the vehicle you're mounting it to.

[@MiguelAngel-vz3dv]

WOW, thanks so much for your idea. is incredible!!! A greeting from Spain!

[@Colorado4x4Van]

That is awesome! Very creative idea! Looking forward to the install!

[@Scrambler85]

Very impressive, I thought of doing this last year for when I build a van next year. And here You have already have a working model for me to admire

[@danfraser107]

Nice video. You did what I want to do! Thanks!

[@fookdatchit4245]

Just discovered your channel today......... Blimey its bloody brilliant !

[@randycurry]

awesome build! thanks for sharing!

[@kbs7340]

Just bloody awesome!

[@Everlanders]

Oh wow, thanks, very kind of you to say...

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

Beautiful solar array! Greetings from Jamaica.

[@spyguyfl]

This is my dream setup for my Ambulance! You have amazing skills. You should hold workshops.

[@Everlanders]

We hold workshops every weekend, currently in Atitlan Guatemala...

[@randydicotti3975]

God certainly gifted some with abilities that others can only gawk at and scratch their heads (me). You must have a really high IQ fella!

[@yat2663]

Just discover your channel via "live and give 4x4. Just wanderfull, what a great job. I spent all this year thinking about this system and bum, you did it times ago. Thank you.

[@asdlb4]

Man, I really gotta learn how to weld...and then I need to learn how to weld aluminum. 😂

[@tefeixiang6861]

This is a huge idea, hope you're taking it to the next level, brilliant!

[@Everlanders]

Thanks! Quick question, what is the next level?

[@tefeixiang6861]

@@Everlanders, guess i'm wondering if you might be able to sell a bolt on frame kit or something like that where folks can bolt it on to their van and insert their solar panels into the framework, ie maybe initially with the option of not installing the auto expanding mechanism and let folks just pull the panels out manually. But bottom line is i haven't seen any kits that do this panel expansion and this would allow a lot more smaller vans to get up to the watts needed for the mini split AC. But then again i just started looking at this stuff as i'm thinking of converting my old toyota sienna into a camper and heard that it would take a lot more solar to get AC working and with your framework, it would double the wattage!

[@Everlanders]

It's just 3 lengths of Aluminum L channel and some drawer slides... Get out there and make it.

[@Cockeyed_Den8213]

Very well done. You know this is a money maker.

[@KyleClerico]

Yeah I would absolutely pay to get a system like this. Especially with that raspberry pi solar controller.

[@cdeboer11]

I was thinking about something like this for my van the other day but man you took it to another level, well done!

[@privatepilot4064]

That blows me away! Well, engineered!! You should make up and sell kits!!

[@Everlanders]

Nope, it's a piece of 3" angle aluminum with some drawer slides mounted to it... Just build one...

[@privatepilot4064]

Everlanders, I would love to but I’m handicapped. Back in the day I would have jumped on it. You did put a lot of thought into it. Very well done. Subbed.

[@dennisryan8642]

Excellent video . This would solve a lot of problems for a lot of people .

[@rockford5016]

Watched this video over and over. Thanks for your brain power, Great job. Saving up to start my build to 4-1-21. Have 24 foot bus with 20 foot roof space and want a 5 foot deck on rear roof. Have 4 solar panels now to go in front of the deck. All in planning stage nothing done yet.

[@Everlanders]

Glad I could help

[@bramick]

Wow, I'm speechless. So Simple. Great work. I've started from the beginning. Very educational to watch.

[@Gallardo6669]

Super made!! That's exactly what I was looking for to use on my cybertruck. Sounds awesome and cybertruck comes with compressor!!!!

[@Everlanders]

Glad you like it!

[@rockyalvarez520]

Very nice. I would like to see it upgraded to three drawer 12 panels.

[@78suntan]

Great build. Thanks for sharing.

[@Sowest03]

Thank you sir for sharing. I've watched Bearfoot Theory build out her Sprinter and also Adventures of A plus K on their build. I like Bearfoot Theory where a center walk was left open to clean the panels and envisioned having a double stack panel to increase the amount of charging. I'm four years away from my build but wanted to get some ideas and you've made what I envisioned! Thanks again. Hitting the road in 2024.

[@damienosborne3047]

Amazing! You're a genius. I think you should market this. I would definitely buy one for the roof of my motorhome 😊

[@Everlanders]

...It's just a couple of drawer slides.

[@reparatiismart]

air sistem is very light , good ideea

[@Everlanders]

Very light indeed!

[@pnwinfernopro]

Incredible work!!

[@matthewwalker6621]

This is a fantastic design

[@victornickerson2949]

Great concept and design. Only advice when the trough gets filled with ice it might not deploy, I would invert the trough so it won't hold water.

[@Everlanders]

There are no moving components in the trough, It is frequently full of ice and we've never had any problems.

[@SweenyTV]

Impressive work! I've been mulling the same idea over using electrical actuators instead of pneumatic. Thanks for posting.

[@Everlanders]

There are many reasons I chose air over electric, I'll need to make a video one day...

[@Everlanders]

I now have a Frequently Asked Questions post on this very topic on our website that gives lots of details... everlanders.com/FAQ-air-powered-slides/

[@SuperVS3]

Brilliant idea and an outstanding job executing it. Raspberry Pi's are awesome aren't they! When I build I hope you don't mind me seeking you out for that sliding solar design as well.

[@charleshallsc]

Im wondering if a third layer would be possible

[@Everlanders]

Sure...

[@charleshallsc]

Everlanders thanks considering this for a skoolie build. Thinking a third layer could act as some what of an awning.

[@privatepilot4064]

Charles Hall, this guy laid down a pretty solid idea. Some brainstorming could really open up some more possibilities (like yours) to get even more out of the platform. I like your idea of it filling in as an awning while charging the batteries! And a third layer. Now if we could come up with an idea to draw moisture from the air for water while boondocking (I can do it at home with my dehumidifier) without plugging into shore power! Talk about being off grid! Happy Trails!!

[@TorturedPeace]

That is a beautiful setup!

[@wrybread]

Awesome work. I hope something like this becomes a commercially available product.

[@Everlanders]

Pretty Unlikely.

[@wrybread]

@@Everlanders Why do you think? There's some pretty elaborate solar panel mounts in the non RV world. And it seems to me that if this enables solar air conditioning even on small RVs, people might be inclined to spend $10k on a solar system (including the $2k mount). Or maybe I'm underestimating other people's hatred of generators, ha. But I sure hate generators, and air conditioning is always the thing that keeps people relying on them in their RVs. But now that lithium iron phosphate batteries are getting better, cheaper, and simpler by the day, I'm hoping the time for other people to kill their gennies with fire has finally arrived. Or maybe I'm just an optimist.

[@rob8823]

I've seen electric linear actuators used in a similar manner in some harsh environments. I have no experience with the reliability of pneumatics but it sure sounds great.

[@Everlanders]

For the low price, ¾ inch diameter, reliability, speed, ease of transmitting massive power through a long 2mm air line, etc, etc, it was an easy choice for me...

[@colleenmendoza1344]

Hands down my favorite video on solar panels so much so I want to copy you. I can see you are very intelligent VERY, I will confess I am no match so this design and all your other designs like the control center where you have Raspberry PI set up which I also want to copy. Again would love to copy you which is compliment and I hope you take it as that. I see the thought you have put into each of these projects. I was wondering if there is breakdown of your designs? THANK YOU for sharing all of your creations and life.

[@Everlanders]

I can't break it down any further as every installation will need some level of adaptation. But several people have copied the concepts I've shown, and they've sent pictures to prove it...

[@MrJkenney485]

I'm surprised I haven't seen this on high end overlanding trailers yet!

[@thecritterandthebutterfly]

That's pretty slick. I was mulling over doing something similar on my trailer, but not automated. Very well done. I'd be surprised if you didn't get some inquiries. The next step, make it able to track the sun.

[@Everlanders]

No interest is tracking the sun... Added a bit more solar is far cheaper than tracking...

[@Nautihawg]

so you have had this for 3 years - how has the drawer slides work in the environment? - are they still sliding easy ? they are typically built for indoor use. great idea I want to copy it!

[@Everlanders]

These are not typical drawer slides... They are heavy stainless steel slides used the toolboxes of Tow Trucks, Service Bodies, and Ambulances. And as you can see in our more recent videos, We've driven this rig nearly 100,000Km through Canada, North to the Artic Ocean, South through the USA, Mexico and now heading for Guatemala. We've had no problems cycling them at least twice a day.

[@CrankyCoder]

I am a big fan of solar projects. This is awesome!!!!!!

[@Everlanders]

Cool, I'm glad you like... I could use a coder for some of the logic used to deploy the wings, etc. There is a lot of automation in this thing... Mostly Python. Are there times that you're not Cranky?

[@CrankyCoder]

The moniker came from some early years as a programmer. I am far less cranky these days :)

[@Everlanders]

And you have a sweet 3D Printer!! I've needed one several times on this project, The Screen housing/console for example, and I want to make housings for the 5 outside cameras. Maybe if I send you filament and a pittance, you can send me parts? Could do some collaboration stuff.

[@CrankyCoder]

I'd be down for that. What cameras do you have?

[@Everlanders]

I've got a few of these: goo.gl/XUho8G They are nice because they have a IR filter you can engage remotely. But just got in two of these ones, which I like the FOV better: goo.gl/GAMg5s

[@freqgirl]

I love your solar array. I plan on putting one like yours on my food truck. I don't want to have to use shore power if I don't have to.

[@Everlanders]

Great idea! I hadn't thought of that situation being a good application... I assume your main cooking is heat? The rest should be an easy conversation to Solar and Lithium.

[@joelfuller4677]

This is just badass, and exactly what I had been imagining on my (forthcoming) rig. We actually met at the Overland Expo West this year (2019), but I had not seen your channel so did not think to ask about all your great inventions! Possible to IM you when I get nearer to my build? Great work!

[@Everlanders]

Sure! Hit us up on Instagram.

[@gerardfenn3988]

The real genius is you promoting SIKA as often as you do. Give them a shout and some videos to get your piece of the pie. You swear by SIKA and just look at all the comments about your work. You are a Camping Advertisement for them. 50k to you to and have them wrap your Rig with the SIKA Logo.

[@brichusi]

I had 3000 watts on my ambulance RV build Good job on the build

[@pilchard2000]

A work of Art , fantastic work.

[@paulschimel3572]

Nice design!

[@ThreeFineWonders]

Great job. Innovative and nice execution.

[@jerryobrien]

Very good

[@rob8823]

I've been using a 1/4" wrench to turn screw heads forever.. and now I see they make a ratchet. Good to know!

[@andrewdavis6917]

Really nice, I don't use the word Heroic often, but... Impressive.. most impressive

[@DustyKorpse]

Excellent idea ☺

[@GotAerialllc]

1000 thumbs up from me... I appreciate genius! I needed to see this to understand the proper parts.. Ill be making something similar. THANK YOU

[@cocorocreator]

You are genius!!

[@Everlanders]

That's arguable...

[@jmuckable]

This is amazing, Great Job!!!

[@Davidstinton]

That is so cool..

[@OldExodus]

Great idea and implementation. Why did you go the pneumatic route versus a linear actuator?

[@jamesbailey9512]

Looking to do this on a 254year old Hymer StarLline 550. The fact that you are replying to folk positively, nearly 5 years later proves it is a sound design and not a gimmick. Could I ask what kind of maintenance you have needed to do over the years to keep it working?

[@Everlanders]

Nothing... clean the leaves out of the cracks...

[@zip7806]

You could harvest rain water with that trough.

[@Everlanders]

I harvest rainwater with the whole surface of our roof.

[@margaretbulsing2152]

my husband was talking about this the other day , then he saw this clip and he has watched it 5 times now poor pop top van mod coming

[@Everlanders]

It's probably too heavy for a pop top...

[@buggzo]

@@Everlanders is it too heavy for a fiberglass hightop?

[@daviddelgado5954]

soooooooooo awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MrButuz]

Wow that's ingenious!!!!

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

Thanks this seems doable for my skill level

[@douglashilton4048]

Full time Rv'r for almost 2 years now. About a year ago I installed 4,350 watts of solar panels on the roof, with a 6,000 watt inverter and 15,360 watts of 48 volt battery storage. I have travel over 5,000 miles and it works great. I did this because I don't trust the economy. I am never without full electricity, even while the road.

[@Everlanders]

Okay, but if you don't trust the economy, how are you going to buy fuel?

[@douglashilton4048]

@@Everlanders I can always get enough diesel to get back to home base, where I have long term storage of many items including food, if the economy ever gets that bad. RV'ing full time and rent buy the month, I usually am charged for electricity.. since I've done this, electrical rates have gone up more than 7 cents per KW, that adds up, My average electric bill when hooked up to the grid ( rainy days and such). has been under $30 per month, that includes running a/c and electric heat, Microwave, and laundry, and everything else.

[@HandyKindaGuyUK]

Absolutely incredible!

[@RealChoice1776]

Nice job and extremely well spoke and I understood everything - learned a lot of good info thank you very much

[@CITAP1]

I really like this setup. You have got to be a fan of Rube Goldberg. Still stuck in Mexico I presume.

[@Everlanders]

Yeah, Rube and I are like this 🤞! I'm still in Mexico, but Kara has flown back to Canada for now.

[@CITAP1]

@@Everlanders This stupid covid is really getting old fast now. I read there may be a vaccine around November 1st pending no social political BS from screwing with it. Hope you're passing time well down there. Best wishes to the both of you. Compliments on your new electrical control system. Really cleaned things up.

[@blueelectricfusion]

complex but a solid build eap for panels out of arms reach

[@Everlanders]

Drawer slides aren't that complex...

[@briandavis9975]

Brilliant idea Sir just brilliant. Has you considered building these for a living because I would like to own one for my coach thank you so much for sharing Your creative and skill set of knowledge with us all.

[@offgridlivingstlucia8865]

Nice solar mount awesome

[@schpoe123]

that is a awesome design. I have been trying to come up with a way to tilt the panels and maybe rotate

[@Everlanders]

The gains made by tilting will cost more than just getting one more panel. It's not worth it in my opinion.

[@wek3000]

beautiful done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jfktech7916]

Absolutely BRILLIANT! How did you route the panel wiring? Cabling is moving...

[@Everlanders]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zninp6hmdrqlndU

[@ThomasGreenJr]

What would you charge someone to build this for a rv?

[@gkeith4120]

Me TOO!

[@Everlanders]

10 bucks?

[@chaikhulet6265]

Genius diy idea 🍺😀👍

[@tropicaldaze23]

I wish we could just buy this. Or have it as an option on the new RV's.

[@Everlanders]

You can buy it... It's just 3 lengths of 4" aluminum L profile and some drawer slides...

[@JeremyWatsonOrion]

Well done!

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

And shade for the rig while parked in full sun! Awesome design. Would you be willing to post your SketchUp file(s)?

[@Everlanders]

Yes, the extra shade is better than expected! The design was only half done in CAD, the details worked out in the flesh.

[@Srjgal]

@@Everlanders would you consider selling a diagram, parts to order, so a real novice like me could build a roll out solar system like you created for your vehicle. I admire creative thinkers with talent.

[@David-rx2to]

How have the slides survived exposed to the elements? Has dust/dirt compromised the lubrication in the slides? Do they still operate as new?

[@Everlanders]

I soaked the slides in degreaser before assembly to prevent dust and dirt from collecting. 2 times a day, 3 years, 4 countries, nearly 100,000 km and they are still going strong...

[@bparkinson1234]

This is tooooo cool..... my next project... thanks

[@Everlanders]

Go for it!

[@bparkinson1234]

Everlanders thanks. Check out my channel. kzbin.info

[@moggy8187]

I'd love to see you on robot wars

[@Everlanders]

Me too!

[@logun24x7]

For those looking to do something like this and don't want to get into the air control system .... you may be able to take the guts from an adjustable height stand up desk and do the same thing for the deployment system

[@Everlanders]

Is that what you did?

[@logun24x7]

@@Everlanders BTW ... super ingenious set up on the panels ... but the air driven deployment system is totally over my head ... I just had a thought while watching your vid that possibly a simpler solution for me would be to hack the motors from my stand up desk .... they look like this ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6e9q4FqrryDhpY ... provided they could be properly protected from the weather ... but as of now its just an untested idea.

[@sjf67gto]

Awesome build man awesome build! Did you mention plans or a parts list in the comments I couldn't find any, you could post plans or parts list I'd be a very happy camper thanks

[@Everlanders]

Yes, it's all in the description...

[@kameljoe21]

Real nice build, I am working on a design in my head as well for a 4kw main panel and another 2 to 4kw for the slide out. The only thing I would change is that it should have a small pitch to shed water, snow and debris. Real nice design, I also did not think about using air, As my design calls for it to be about 1 foot off the roof to allow air flow and block direct heat on the roof. I am thinking more along the lines of a lever action run by a gear box with a manual override with hand crank...

[@Everlanders]

I designed ours to be as close to the roof as possible to keep our height down. Still, the top glass is 5 inches from the roof. Shedding water has never been a problem, and debris blows off when we drive...

[@eco2hk774]

Awesome! Keep it up

[@catwoman3436]

Holy crap, it has wings. Does it fly? Nice job!

[@xraykadiddlehopper8067]

Well done 👍 Did you make a follow up video showing it mounted and in use? !!! Found it ✌️👁👁