Installing Solar Panels on my Aliner Classic - Part 1

I had a strange idea of how I could install a solar panel so it would be most efficient. Here is part one, putting the 100 watt Renogy solar panel on the roof. More Details and files on my webpage: www.GoingNoWher...
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[@deepriver6155]

T nuts bud normally used on wood

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

I know that, that's why you have to bend over the little spikes, or grind them off. But they work great for this kind of job too.

[@ParkRoadGuy]

In 2021, there are simply better ways. Using t-tracks mounted with VHB tape and flexible panels makes this both easier and safer. Also, it's half the weight.

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

Problem with flexible panels is they degrade very fast if not ventilated underneath. They need to stay cool and in the full sun south, they get up around 200 deg in the mid day sun. But I agree there are better ways. Video on my updated panel is coming !

[@ParkRoadGuy]

@@GoingNoWhereFast Mine are well ventilated with Sunlite polycarbonate clear roof panels underneath. They are channeled and heat drafts up and out.

[@ParkRoadGuy]

The main issue for me was the liability of driving 65 mph with 20 lbs of solar panel that could fly off and really hurt someone. Flexible panels were the only safe option for me.

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

Aw. that just makes a good lesson for tailgators. (Cousins of Alligators!)

[@ParkRoadGuy]

@@GoingNoWhereFast Dead serious. www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/driver-escapes-injury-after-two-solar-panels-hurtle-down-major-motorway-and-hit-vehicle/news-story/550fed92a0c3d55e93f812581a90cd1e

[@svenjohnson2389]

I always find it quite satisfying to see people do things for themselves. The effort always helps us build our experience and leads to a higher rate of success. Good job on the panel, like your security latch combo, two birds with one stone!

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

It was an interesting idea, the truth is I only every "unlatched it" twice. I eventually changed it to "L" brackets to move it up off the roof and stop it from scraping the edge. Thanks for the comment !

[@softin5199]

2 milimeters ! Wow, I am empressed for a American to use metric, good. Thanks for all your videos , just bought ourselves a used Aliner, and using your videos has inspiration.

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

Thanks. Watch all you want. I'll make sure you get the friends and family discount !! Thanks for the comment

[@cigarmann]

L9ve the idea, i might have used barrel screws though

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

Ya, essentially that's what I turned them into. But barrel screws tend to be bigger and longer and those were just barely as thick as the aluminum ! So these were the closest I could find.

[@rdennisburr8072]

Having used this for some time now I am wondering if you are happy with your installation and if not what you would do differently

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

R Dennis Burr My design and install allows the panel to be removed or tilted up easily by unlocking the hasps and opening them up. So far I haven't seen any big need to do that and so I am thinking it wasn't really worth all the trouble to get it installed and lined up. A simple set of "L" brackets to attach it probably would have been fine. But for keeping me powered up and operational. I could not be happier !! But I am so far a very light user of electricity. I will be doing a new video in October once "Heating " season starts. My Biggest energy draws to date are the Frig and the Fantastic fan. My frig cooling Fans, (I just installed 2), apparently don't use any electricity. I ran them for 3 days without solar hooked up and there was no drop in the battery voltage. :-) More to come.

[@rdennisburr8072]

Going NoWhereFast My solar panel is a Sunwize 40 watt rated at 2.4 A. My power usage would be what I would consider light... all Led lighting, fantastic fan, and fridge...occasional laptop. I am wondering if my panel would be sufficient. I would like to be able to run the fridge and charge the battery while travelling.....would really like to get rid of all propane (hot water, furnace and stove) and run entirely on electricity. I have a 2 KW honda generator so can cook with my induction stove and microwave with that power source. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

@100413208786653358487 Running your frig on electrical will take roughly 5 amps, In 12 hrs you'll loose 60 amps, If your in Arizona, you'd need 200 watts of solar panels to recover each day, and good weather with a 120amp/hour battery. I'd advice against it. Whats wrong with propane. My frig will run for over a month on 15 pounds of propane, and its great to cook with. You 2KW generator is marginal to run you microwave. and I don't think it would run your A/C unless you have a very eff. A/C. BUT.. I'm really no expert, I just know the math.

[@rdennisburr8072]

Going NoWhereFast Many thanks for your thoughts...I may have to re-think my plans. As for propane, I do not use the hot water tank or the furnace and so thought I could use the extra space and the weight of 2 tank on the tongue could be reduced. Also I am a little worried about the fire risk and gas leaks. My generator is the Honda EU2000i. I have used it to power both my microwave and my induction burner although possibly not at the same time. I don't have an A/C.

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

+R Dennis Burr Your propane system is much safer than your gasoline generator. If you haven't modified or damaged your system it it safer than your car. The risk with propane is that it's invisible and heavier than air. But it dissipates quite quickly and all the systems are designed to account for these risks. On the other hand. If your gas tank leaks, or gets over filled and spilled. It's just as dangerous and far less protected. I'll bet you have seen 10-20 times as many car fires as you have propane trailer fires. If you have ever seen a trailer fire. So don't over worry about propane . It's much safer than most people realize. Just keep your equip. In good condition ! Same as anything else.

[@chenwu9788]

When you load everything you need, what will be the total weight of your Aliner?

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

The last two times I had mine weighed, ready to camp, full water and frig, all my clothes and equipment, the first time is was exactly 2000lbs, the next time it was 1997..... Mine is tagged at 1600 lbs, but I don't believe it is that light when empty, because I doubt I load it that much. Older models are typically much heavier than their tags indicate. Newer models are accurate to what they weigh empty, fully built. I think the old models were given a weight without the appliances installed. Could be anyway.

[@deepriver6155]

Well you call them receptacles

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

🤓🙄😳

[@CriticalRoleHighlights]

Adding another battery and putting them inside the trailer would be a good idea. They'll last longer and there's no risk of the box shaking loose on rough roads.

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

I've thought of that, but my current battery has plenty of power for my needs at the moment. And it is 4 years old. I have a box and set up to put 2 Golf Cart batteries on the tongue, but until I plan on doing a week or more of boondocking, I don't see the need. I currently have never run below 12 .2 volts.

[@NissanPRO4X]

Well thought out layout and mechanic attachment. Engineering mindset!

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

Thanks, if you look at the newer video, I changed it after deciding that the hinged attachment wasn't worth the trouble. But it was an interesting concept if I was more dependent on the solar !! Thanks for your comment. !

[@williamnichols792]

Thank you I will be putting up 3 solar panels on my 1980 conman popup this way I can put up one side to the sun

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

Just my experience... Tilting really makes about 3-4% improvement. If your cutting it that close, your very under capacity. You don't ever see the BIG solar projects have tilt or rotate. Usually when they install permanent solar panel the tilt is more for Debris and snow shedding. It could save you a lot of trouble.

[@rogerpark6312]

Thanks for the videos. I am following in your footsteps and adding solar to my Aliner Classic. I was wondering if you have had any issue with mixing different metals in hardware used to attach the panel? Aluminum, steel, brass.

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

No, only copper - Aluminum causes a real problem. And even that these days has some trace metals that help eliminate that problem in electrical components. Good luck, its a great addition. I'm doing a video on it today, but probably won't get it out until May 10th.

[@RickMartinYouTube]

love how your German Shepard is so attentive

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

That's part of the breed. They are always aware of whats going on. Very hard to sneak up on one.. LOL Thanks for the comment !

[@jackturtle131]

thats a bloody good fridge what is using so little

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

Well, its actually running on propane, so the electrical usage is just for the indicator lights, ignitor, and sensors. I love the efficiency of gas refrigerators !

[@jackturtle131]

that is a big change than the 90 liter fridge in my caravan runs for 18 days on a 9kg bottle of gas here in Australia cannot even try to run thaqt one on 12 volt maybe 3hrs and a 100 amp battery is empty

[@vernontrickey4115]

my fridge would flatten that battery in an hour mate !

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

Ya, a frig uses a lot of power. One of the biggest power users in any house !!

[@mountainconstructions]

Are you sure a 3-Way Fridge draws 0.5Amp an Hour on 12volts?? That is even less than a 12v compressor fridge!

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

Thats the frig running on gas. Its just the electrical power to run the electronics and pilot lighter

[@mountainconstructions]

Might have been good to clarify that point ;) Even so, that is a HUGE current draw for LPG useage

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

It is much more than I would have expected, but it is pretty old technology, not the latest high tech stuff we are getting used to. Not even EPA "Energy -STAR" rated. These are the same since the 1980's.

[@mountainconstructions]

Strange, i have an Avan Aliner with a 3-way fridge, I'll have to keep an eye on this. My other old 3-way fridge runs on LPG with no power connected at all So i am still interested to know why the Avan 3-way fridges would draw this amount on LPG?

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

I don't know.. I did my measurement by letting just the frig run for 3 days and seeing what the total amperage use was. Nothing else was using the battery power, so I assign the usage to the frig. Now its possible its standby losses of the wiring or something else, but when I plan for those amounts of current usage, the total for all my uses (lights,frig, Waterpump, etc) comes out pretty close over a 3 -5 day period. So it just works for me !! :-) .. Check out the "Prove out" videos.