How 3M VHB TAPE Is Holding SOLAR PANELS To My RV ROOF After TWO YEARS! Long Term Update

We do a two year, 21,000 mile follow up long term review on the longevity and practicality of using 3M VHB tape to do a no drill, no holes install of rigid solar panels on the roof of your off grid RV, van, or camper. VHB TAPE: hobotech.tv/amazon/#Solar-Ins...
April 2017 Solar Install: • Solar Install Pt 1: No...
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[@rixanneh18]

I will always be indebted to you for your VHB solar installation. I followed your directions to the letter and did the same thing in November of 2018. Five months and 2000 miles later, sometimes on freeways with gusting winds, they are still awesomely stuck to my fiberglass roof. So thank you!

[@voluntaryismistheanswer]

Awesome! I think I've finally got a plan!

[@erict5048]

Hi Rixanne or Tom, can you send me this letter to follow to a T aswell? I've liked and saved this video to later reference.. but yah I've got a Fiberglass roof too that doesn't leak, and trying to keep it that way!!! Much appreciated, thank you!!!

[@Mth308]

I have used the same tape with 20,000 miles on my motorhome and 5 years. Not a single problem. No holes in my roof!

[@_DixonCider]

VHB is designed to attach giant glass panels to skyscrapers, it should last for many years in heat, cold, snow, rain, etc. I love that stuff.

[@KauaiMike1000]

Would never thought tape could be so tough and sure beats holes in the roof. Also, did not realize one dirty cell could affect the rest so significantly.

[@xraykadiddlehopper8067]

If you connect you panels in series this is true. Any shading will shut all panels down. A parallel connection on your panels you may lose some power but not affect the other panels.

[@RockofAgesTheBand]

I VHB'd 570 watts on the roof of my RV and 270 watts on top of my Van in 2012. I did have one corner of one panel fail after a year and a half (Probably user error - didn't clean the surface well enough) I replaced that one corner and All are still tight

[@ChristinaColoradoan]

Nice to know about the VHB and Eternabond tape, want to put solar on my Casita and don't want to screw mount for probably the same reasons. 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞

[@voluntaryismistheanswer]

My Tab lol

[@guzzialfa]

Thanks, Tom. Personally I appreciate the update and long term updates.

[@xlerate8488]

Thumbs up for the HOBO!

[@treysuniverserv1576]

Great Video Tom! I am sure it helped tons of people!

[@sourkraut5907]

I followed your advice when I installed 800 Watts on my class C. 10 Months and 8000 miles and still holding tight.

[@royrobbins2214]

Tom, I have the same ladder. I weigh 300# and have no problem with it. In fact, I bought my brother one for his motor home.

[@daveonan5796]

Thanks for that update on the VHB tape. That is what I am planning on using with mine in the next week. This gives me great confidence. Keep on truckin'

[@ivantotravel8665]

That two-pronged approach is a great idea, thanks for the tip Tom.

[@vanwagoner-vanlife863]

Great timing! I was literally going to email you this evening to see how the tape was holding up as I’m considering it as an option to mount my own solar panel. Thanks for all the info and sharing the journey with us!

[@jwmiller1995]

Always keep it clean and tight!

[@DeterminedDIYer]

Aww Odin is a poly dactyl! I love kitties with thumbs. :)

[@HOBOTECH]

He has a toe for each hour of the day.

[@sundaytaybron9243]

Thank you so much you have answered all my questions!

[@jazzman5598]

I’m camperizing my Gen 4 Four Runner now. Every vid you’ve (braaap) uh, scuse me, uh every vid has been a blessing Tom, Thanks, Michael

[@filmsandeverythingelse5235]

Thanks for the info dude

[@h20base]

Awesome..That is some good tape.Better than any I have used,,

[@EmilySuzanne]

That ladder is awesome!

[@MIdaffy502]

Mr. Hobotech, your first KZbinr (I've watched) that has actually explained what happen when you cover one solar cell. Good Job.

[@jzwolak]

Thanks HoboTech! You rock! I'm looking to add solar to my RV and I never thought to use VHB tape. I appreciate your tech tips and humor. :-)

[@thewanderingcanadians]

Thank for the info. We wouldn't have thought to use that on the exterior. Much appreciated.

[@fasteddieb4742]

Thank you for this video. Just went outside and cleaned my oh so dirty panels off.

[@mrogers8686]

Thanks for the great info....

[@pioneeranniefitz3986]

Glad your solar installation is so strong. I just received your handmade solar cable. Looks sturdy. Thanks!

[@HOBOTECH]

Thanks for the order. Let us know how it works out.

[@Sewspcl]

Another great video Tom! Anxious to see your panels connect to the ones outside with the ones to the ones on the roof. Debating on putting them on the roof since they work great on the ground and I can position them. I don't always like to camp in the Sun So having them free standing is probably best for my situation. Class C. Thx

[@baseballdipper111]

I installed my panels on my van 2.5 years ago the exact same way you did. They are still strong as can be

[@MsShep55]

you look so much healthier than 2 years ago !! van life obviously agrees with you...keep up the great work and thank you for all the great info

[@MayhemRv]

VHB tape is a wonderful thing as is eternabond!

[@MarkSpencerAZ]

The aviation industry users VHB to attached components such as Vortex Generators to outside surfaces of aircraft. It is a permanent mount. I just used it to mount my In Motion sat dish. Incredible product.

[@valentindiaz8555]

Thanks for the video thumbs up

[@ksearer2950]

HT, enjoy your tech and reminder videos. Keep it up ,looking forward to your solar vid. I have 200 on the roof ,glued flat and a Zamp external plug(wired parallel) to my batteries and 30 feet on wire to my Renogy Suitcase portable. Everything works great!

[@hectorcervantes5260]

what a useful videos thanks

[@waitaminute-vw9hf]

When I first subscribed to your channel I checked out your solar install videos first. I was wondering how the tape wound hold up. I'm glad to see that it's doing it's job. Great followup vid Hobo man!

[@ramblinroam]

Thanks for this!! I am putting 1 - 200w panel on my fiberglass high top and this is soooooooo much more cost effective then a rack system and didn’t want to drill screws bad enough I have to cut it for the fan install

[@robrob31295]

Hey just now got my sticker 👍😀 Thanks..hugs🤗💞

[@ldeshner]

I used my portable renolgy 250 taped only outside x2 hinge in the middle when I picked up my 1994 dodge 250 primetime only been 2 months holding up great from Yuma ,Yosemite clam beach back to Maupin ! #montananomad

[@fastheartmartvideos]

Great video! Thanks! Very helpful! I had never heard of using the Eternabond tape to keep the VHB tape from weathering. Great idea there :)

[@robrob31295]

👀 wow thats amazing 2 yrs!!! Hugs🤗💞

[@johnmills837]

I've had 2 150w panels mounted to Windy Nation tilt brackets for almost 4 years over 10,000 miles. 70 MPH driving bonded to a fiberglass Sonic 220VBH Roof

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

See the evidence of the tape, BUT with my manufacturing experience I could NOT drive down a road knowing that was ALL holding those panels on, BUT I'm a safety fanatic.

[@RVRebelGirl]

i just ordered the tape to put panels on my van/tow vehicle gonna look for your install video I met a couple who used thus method on their airstream and recommended it. thanks hope your well

[@manatee419]

Hi Tom I just found a good deal on a roadtrex 1988 with 57, thousand miles now time to put solar panels on it and other things. Thanks for your advice.

[@TheJerrytaylor]

Looks as good as the day you put them up there.

[@mfhairstream6812]

those cordless solar panels are incredible

[@timh2788]

Thanks for the tips I love your cat so cute and cuddly

[@countryboycharlie9793]

Pretty cool 😎

[@davidbrickey5925]

Look like the type is better than being given credit for. Enjoy your journey. Most of all be safe. ☕️🍩👍😎

[@mfhairstream6812]

the stuff is strong.

[@WanderingNature]

Wow awesome

[@unclejack41]

I'd like to test it myself, I Roofed for 28yrs & need to check these products out !!

[@drishy94303]

Killer ladder. Got the same one. So nice for RVs. Bought mine in Madras OR.

[@RogerSayers]

Wow... Sure do wish I had seen your video (s) before I drilled the holes in the roof of my enclosed car hauler. I have a 24-foot Interstate LoadRunner that I'm working on. I've added two Renogy 150D monocrystalline panels to the roof that gives me 300-watts of power. enough to power up my Dometic 65 quart cooler/freezer, LED lights and keep my phone, laptop, and Ipad charged up. for now, that works out well for me. It's a work in progress. Anyway, I'm now rethinking the way I have my panels mounted. Gonna pull em up, seal those holes in the roof then remount the panels. I'm in hopes of making it out for the next RTR. Thumbs up on your videos and you have a new subscriber to your channel. Take em easy, and safe travels always.

[@deuceaid6868]

Thanks, I have been wondering about the vibe I used on the roof rack

[@taytaywilliams99]

You just gave me a couple extra days of my life to spend better then repairing fiberglass holes and the leaks! Yeaaaahhhh

[@ifferl8781]

Thanks for the video. Genius to play Jurassic park music while the cow sang

[@patd4u2]

Yeah that VHB tape is a big improvement over the scotch tape I was using, and it took me two days to clean my van after being in Sedona, that red dust was everywhere, had to wash my cloths two times...

[@HOBOTECH]

I'm still digging it out of my butt crack!

[@ricks.1318]

LOL .... But isn't your van RED, Pat ... ??? Perhaps some of that red color is the paint oxidation ..... I had a GM car that color and the oxidation factor was unbelievable as it aged ...

[@patd4u2]

Possibly.. but it was on my RZR too. When I was washing my cloths the water was dark red.. had to wash them twice..

[@wishcloudstudios]

@@patd4u2 I forgot to check my clothes after washing them. The dryer set in the stains. 😣

[@georgemaze7926]

Thanks for making this video, when you have the time use (Rain X ) on your solar panels and clean up with micro fiber rag. Thanks

[@raymondjones7489]

Cool man

[@joniboulware1436]

Used VHB tape to mount 6 200W panels with tall brackets on RV roof. 10,000 miles, 2 years and an Alaska trip later they are holding strong. Did put in one screw per foot because I was too chicken to go with only the tape. Tape is thoroughly stuck down still.

[@thisspotrules3631]

Ha!...that was our first dance!

[@Riverrockphotos]

Mine have been held down for 3 years now and still solid as a rock. I didn't cover them with tape either.

[@SilverTurtle65]

I used the same tape on my Roadtrek 200 With the flat flexible light weight 100 watt panels and two years later no problems whatsoever.

[@rb3425]

Your experience with the VHB tape is impressive. I have had mixed results. That tape is used widely throughout the automotive industry and also the aftermarket, the industry's confidence in it is high. However, I have had it fail many times. Although I must admit that I never protected it with the other tape as you did, so that might be the key. Blocking out UV and other contaminants make sense.

[@HOBOTECH]

The #1 failure of VHB is due to improper surface prep. That's why it's vital to do it properly. While I'm sure the Eternabond will help in the long haul you have to remember semi trailer builders use this stuff instead of welding to hold the metal sides of trailers to the frame. It's very resilient stuff.

[@Set_your_handle77]

5:20 Ever used Rain-X or similar? Could make dirt stick a little less and rinse off easier with rain.

[@anthonymarino4260]

mine are still holding strong

[@allenr.schultz5339]

Good to watch your videos again. Do you still have your Guard Kitty on duty? How is your brother doing?I hope you find time to do more new videos. AL

[@Adirondacks4me]

Used vhb tape in the sign business for years...if you get the right kind stuff won't move..it's used to hold automotive trim on most vehicles...

[@MegavanMike]

Mine are also on with VHB tape and after 7 months they are holding strong. The roof would fail before the tape would. I did not put tape over the brackets yet.

[@u3962521]

You really should as sun will wreck the tape

[@RadRob000]

Brooo!!! Love the video! Imma do the same set up with the tape! Also sickkkkkk glasses! What model are those🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@rmcnasty7319]

Hello Tom Good Video, Thank You for that info. Try some wax, dirt & Leaves don't stick. I suggest McGuire's head light plastic wax. Sold everywhere. Wally World it's probably the cheapest. For Auto parts Advance Auto Parts On Line 25% off + Perks Have Fun Drive safe

[@nachthawknighthhawk6588]

Just had someone ask me how to mount without bolts last weekend.

[@bobcole3852]

Looks like a great alternative to drilling. Our trailer has a textured roof, so I have concerns about adhesion to it. Trailer is new, I don't want to drill unless I have to. Also concerned about sizing the system. Saw your video on BougeRV panels today, went to their site. Now they have a 180 watt panel too, and a nice 40amp mppt controller. Wondering how much I can do with that and 150 amp/hrs of battery

[@sundaytaybron9243]

Nice job!!! Can you replace the panels if you need to?

[@lashturner]

I was wondering if that tape would work on my RV. I haven't put panels on roof because I worry about leaks if I should drill into roof to install.

[@davidmurling4252]

The ladder can also be purchased at Wal-Mart

[@cathyhudkins9768]

Got one at a yard sale for 20 bucks 👍

[@HOBOTECH]

I've never seen one in store and I been to them all over the country. However, you can purchase them at walmart.com. But why not get it as cheap on Amazon instead and help support the channel for free?

[@ricks.1318]

@@HOBOTECH You TELL him , Tom !!!!!! :) :) Spread some love for the HOBOTECH Channel , man .....

[@markintx2628]

Hey Tom I don't know if you read comments now days. I had to go this far back for a non sponsard video. I miss your boondocking and how to tips. I saw you had another channel but i cant find the name again. No offense i just miss the old hobo. Safe travels. I know you have a home now.

[@toddjohnston4788]

Great job on you Solar was watching when you put panels on out in the street. Ever consider doing a install on the side?? Alot of shady character's out there doing the work

[@HOBOTECH]

I have seriously thought about it but I'd have to charge more than most are willing to pay due to logistics of ordering parts and travel expenses. I also hesitate to start tearing walls and stuff out of people's rigs to do proper wiring.

[@xraykadiddlehopper8067]

I'm following your tests and decided to use VHB to mount on my flat roofed cargo trailer conversion. I bought the 1" roll but it seems awful thin. Scares me. Maybe doubling up the tape might be better? I mounting three 100 watt Renogy mono panels together on an aluminum frame weighs about 60-65 lbs. I agree on your use of eternabond it's good stuff. May attach a safety tether to the frame for peace of mind.

[@HOBOTECH]

Do NOT double the tape! Use the recommended type of tape and it shouldn't be an issue. Surface prep is key. If you are mounting 3 panels on a frame be sure to use the tape on as much of the contact surface as possible.

[@MinimalistFitness]

The "hobotech" intro voice makes me laugh every time

[@MonchoDeLaMota]

Thx. How would you remove/ replace your panels if necessary?

[@brianbouman661]

"Pickle Dick" needs to be a featured character. He could do "Stupid Product Reviews."

[@HOBOTECH]

Pickle Rick is from the show Rick and Morty, but I have considered adding him as a side character. The stupid product reviews is a good idea.

[@thespacecowboy420]

So wind gusts, when you are already going 70, can add up to 120+ especially around mountains. The problem with tape is that it looks perfectly fine, until it isn't, and then it comes off all at once. I had a panel half the size of those mounted on the front section of my minivan with laminated wood rails (the kind which are used for beds)... the wind was enough to bust the wood completely. It's not really something to be done on the cheap... it requires 1/4 inch aluminum rails or 18 gauge minimum slotted steel rails or bolt through the roof or preferably to the frame.

[@HOBOTECH]

I've driven in all weather and been to both coasts over two years. So I feel pretty confident it will continue to hold. It certainly helps I mounted mine in the back behind the wind stream and did proper surface prep.

[@thespacecowboy420]

@@HOBOTECH Yours looked like it's not entirely true that it's ONLY tape, is the tape just covering the mounting bolts? I mean that's fine and a good use of the material... relying on tape against wind force is not a great idea.... again it will release all at once and if it's years old... All you need to do it right is a 1/4 titanium bit and a few long #8 bolts... you might even already have rails on there that just need the right all-thread to go in the frame mounts... I could show you 1/4 inch aluminum rails that over time have been bent permanently by the wind force of having the panels on top of my minivan. It's a TREMENDOUS amount of all-at-once force when a gust hits, 120 mph wind is enough to knock over Sir Gregor Clegane. You have a big advantage that your panels are closer to your roof than mine, but all it takes is that one wind sheer... I am not trying to tell you what to do, I'm just trying to impart that feel when you just lost a panel on a dark highway turn and have to go fetch it and the whole time are praying in thanks that it didn't kill someone.... coz I've been there. It should be WAY overbuilt - to the point that you feel comfortable jerking your entire weight onto just one part of a panel, and doing that repeatedly, like 50 times. This diatribe is less for you and more for everyone else - I don't want to get murdered by janky vehicle solar installations - i.e. I don't want anyone to believe for an instant that tape is enough BECAUSE IT ISN'T!!! TAPE IS NOT ENOUGH!!! I can't impart years of material science and handling and cutting and building into this one comment - but TAPE IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH! PERIOD! EVEN MAGICAL MIRACLE BALLS OUT TAPE! NO TAPE IS ENOUGH!!!

[@HOBOTECH]

I'm ONLY USING TAPE. Let me quote from AM Solar's website. They've been doing this a lot longer than I have. "Roof Attachment Fiberglass roofs - We have been using a type of 3M double-sided tape on our mounts since the mid 1990’s, and we have never lost a panel. As long as the tape is properly installed on a clean surface at the correct temperature, it will hold." VHB is also used to hold windows in skyscrapers with no bolts. It's used to build semi trailers with no welding. Yes, tape is good enough when applied PROPERLY.

[@JLCrusin]

Is there enough clearance to access the panel mounting bolts without removing the brackets from the roof?

[@VanInhalin]

You forgot to mention they survived three months of Rawlings winds.

[@bruceh3786]

Sure looks like it is doing the job. I suspect it would be more of an issue to get it off if a panel failed than having it come loose! My thought is it would not be a good idea to use the tape if mounting the panels on a trailer with a rubber membrane roof. It should stick to the rubber but the rubber may not stick to the underlying roof structure. I have seen the membranes bubbling on the roofs where it lost adhesion. Thanks for the follow up. It is great to see how the projects hold up. Cool ladder. I think I like that better than the folding model. It looks more compact.

[@HOBOTECH]

Someone else just asked this and here is my response "Am Solar, the most experienced installer that uses tape, says they use VHB on rubber roofs but also add 3/4" sheet metal screws then dicor over everything."

[@bruceh3786]

Interesting that they also use the tape when using the screws. The only downside I can think of is it will be harder to remove the brackets if ever necessary. I have a rubber layer over a wood roof and the brackets are just held in place with screws and sealed. No problems so far. Thanks for the additional info.

[@ricks.1318]

"Bruce H" .. has a valid concern !!! Ive also seen bubbled rubber membrane on tops of trailers/RVs ...

[@HOBOTECH]

Here is the blurb from their website: "Rubber Roofs - Along with the 3M double-sided tape, we also include stainless steel ¾” sheet metal screws in the Rocker Foot Mount Set. While the 3M tape will hold to your rubber roof, your rubber roof may not stay attached to the plywood it is bonded to. The sheet metal screws will penetrate through the rubber, into the plywood, to keep your rubber roof from separating while the wind force of highway speed driving pulls at your panels. Again, we bury the entire mounting feet with Dicor self-leveling sealant for weather resistance. Some customers use the screws for an added layer of protection on fiberglass roofs, but we haven’t found that to be necessary."

[@HOBOTECH]

So yeah long story short. My install is proper for a fiberglass roof but for rubber roofs it's probably best to add screws.

[@livie318]

What do you think about the 2019 Dodge Ram Big Horn?

[@rockysuperstar1]

HOBOTECH I like what you did on you mounting the solar panels . I will use this tape . Have you had any body use a piece of clear plexia glass to protect the solar panels ?

[@HOBOTECH]

Putting anything over solar panels would ruin efficiency.

[@valentindiaz8555]

I am interested in how much you are able to power up ?tv , microwave, refrigerator?

[@rvnaut]

Time for the three year update??? Will go look now.. ;)

[@HOBOTECH]

4 years. No, I'm not doing any more VHB updates. It's obviously working.

[@pleinairtraveler]

What about a rubber roof vs fiberglass? Will it hold?

[@MrCPPG]

Really good and useful. I am curious how you got the wiring into the van without a hole. Also did the brackets come with the panels?

[@HOBOTECH]

I ran it through the a/c vent. You can see this in my original install videos. I bought the brackets separate from Renogy. Those too are on my Amazon page.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

@@HOBOTECH My mind design is to build a thick gage aluminum rack that would attack to a hitch receiver that would extend to above the roof and hinge to tilt level with roof, thereby NOT attaching to the roof whatsoever except using brackets to stabilize the non hinged end connecting to the rain gutters on both sides of a van, your thoughts?

[@DIYTFY]

How about a normal metal roof? I’m trying this in a few days.

[@BEASTmodeontheRoad]

hows it still holding up? i am about to rehaul our system and stream line it better

[@VT-vy9jv]

I would die for Odin

[@chivosadventures8171]

Haha I didn't even think the Van could even hit 85 mph 😂

[@HOBOTECH]

I wouldn't recommend it. I did it once in Texas where the speed limit was 85. It was like when Kirk asked Scotty to take her to warp 9 and the ship nearly fell apart.

[@pungent007]

Why do you think Odin doesn't care about solar? Take a look at where cats choose to lay --- they are the ORIGINAL solar collectors! :-D

[@tedcfh3113]

Do you use rain x