RV Solar system install

[@Don-ov1hf]

Xplorer Steve, I believe your channel is the best one on RV's and travel. You have sound advice about travel and no one comes close to the quality work you do on your RV. I wanted to buy an Xplorer but could not find one. I settled on a 2002 Chinook Destiny which needs a little work, nothing major. Thanks and keep putting out the videos.

[@WannaBFree]

Very clean and nice job. You are spot on with the PWM charger. I agree and believe that an MPPT charger on a small system like ours is unnecessary and impractical.

[@TOTALLYRELAXED]

I really like how you take your time, and, thoroughly explain and show your techniques on everything you do on your videos! Kutos! JIM from Houston, Tx! (aka, TXRODEHOG)

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

+JIM BRIDGES Thanks Jim.

[@mojim1848]

Thank you Steve...as you know I've been waiting for this video even tho it maybe sometime before I make my solar install. I like seeing how you routed the wires and the use of the 3M tape ...great job!!!

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

mojim Thanks. VHB is the way to go. Can't believe how solid they feel up there. I will prob take the advice of some viewers and seal around the edges of the mounts with Dicor just to keep the elements off the tape.

[@vincentrvlife2393]

Excellent video on solar!! We have been looking for an option that would allow us not to have to drill mounting holes into our fiberglass roof.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

+VanGo Adventures Check out AM solar's web site. Lot of good to say about 3M VHB

[@manchine4313]

3M VHB is the best way to go, especially on fiberglass. Looks cleaner too. Used it for many marine applications, never failed me.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

***** I hear nothing but good about it and the less holes drilled in the top the better.

[@trufantom21]

Xplorer Steve I really enjoy your videos.Keep them coming mate.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

TruFantom21 Will do.

[@trufantom21]

Xplorer Steve Pinky promise?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

New one up right now.

[@trufantom21]

Xplorer Steve Cool....I will check it out.

[@werefixintocamp8034]

Nice clean install for a Class B setup. You'll probably not see the full 8 amp output. That would require angling the panel. Mounting on hinges v flat is always the trade-off when installing on a vehicle with flat usually winning for safety and ease of installation reasons.

[@bikingmnviking3801]

+We're Fixin' to Camp Being in CA (they used to have a hole in the ozone over part of it) I will bet he does or comes very very close. I wonder if any one has ever done the math. Plus it'd need to be able to tilt in two directions for maximum and its likely any gains there would add too much MPG to the RV. I've known people who have watched their MPG religiously and even the installation of a Bug Shield (the old flat kind) took another 3 mpg.

[@Lurker1979]

Amazing how strong modern adhesive is.

[@ScorpionRegent]

Good build, love your meticulous attention to detail. How did you secure the cables on the roof and seal the through hole? Thanks for the tip on the VHB tape. There's nothing like permanent sticky.

[@RollingEarthShip]

Looks good Steve! Wish mine was as easy. 😄👍🏻

[@bikingmnviking3801]

These days I like very few videos because they often up being rerepeated later when the computer is idle on youtube and there are very few things I like hearing twice -- This vid I gave a thumbs up. VHB and Dicore. Two things I must remember. Nobody could tell the difference between a professional installation and yours. In fact yours is probably better because you can tell this Van is _your baby_. Did you name her yet? (3M that makes that tape, along with a bunch of important medical and materials sciences kinds of things is in my state -- excellent company. Even their stock continues going up with the mkt is hit because they are so well run(despite our high tax rate state!) and much of what they make is so crucial to people staying alive.) They'd make an excellent choice for an IRA. I've got my 45 Watt Solar starter setup coming in the mail from HF but if I knew now what I know I might have gone with a 100W Renogy Panel and something else. Any of these PWM boxes have bluetooth to one's phone yet? Still need to find me an RV to put it on but I have a great bike project I might use it on my wide grocery getter plus I have a trike frame I'm hoping to make electric/solar powered eventually. ( I'd like to set one up on my roof to power something remotely and not have to climb a ladder to see how it's operating. ) There's really nothing to worry about once one of these solar systems is set up is there? (besides no sun and the rare unlikelihood of a power unit going out) What is the typical battery life before you need to replace them? (and which brand did you go with?)

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

+BikingMNViking I haven't named it. I just call it the "X".

[@bikingmnviking3801]

I just cut open my HF Solar Kit! The only disappoint is NO AC inverter anymore, which I suppose I should have noticed and read between the lines (but the damn pics are so small) and the battery charger box has one stripped phillips screw head -- good thing I bought a "Stuck Out" kit last week. The lights are 5 watt CFL are a joke but I've got two strips of nice warm 2700K 3528 LED lighting already running nonstop (bad ones will usually blow in the first 100 hrs or not for a LONG time -- take it from an ex-electronics tech. ) Now I'd like to find a quality 12 dimmer, even better would be one with a cadmium sulfide cell to dim itself as the light rises. I found a 1.99 PIR unit at miniinthebox that would be handy for an outside security light system. What's your opinion on something like that? Might be handy in the forest if you're scared of racoons (couldn't stand hearing loloho's "a Mouse in the house" RV story -- get a life, you're in NATURE!) or maybe for scaring off the occasional meth head that might drift by (and too close)... otherwise might be nice just to have an LED inside light up just to know some one is close. For a buck more you get pyroelectric which I think is harder to accidentally false-trigger. I'm still looking across all my options, you know.

[@JohnCRV]

One of my biggest worries about putting solar panels on my roof was drilling holes. I'm very I treated by the 3m brackets. Any prep work to be done before sticking it on? Great job on the install and good instructions on the wiring. Thanks

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

John C Prep work. 50/50 alcohol/water to clean the area.

[@rvertv]

good info and clean install

[@Torin_by_the_Ocean]

Great video as usual. Thanks for posting. I just ordered a 100w Renogy flexible solar panel. I also do not want to drill holes in the van roof (regular metal, not fibreglass) because it rains ALOT where I live. The less holes the better. However, I am not sure I trust the tape method either. When driving down the highway at high speed there will be alot of force pushing upwards on that panel. Also, I read that the VHB tape can get gooey under really hot temps. It may work out well for now, but I guess the question is how will it be doing years from now? As I mentioned I am trying to figure out the best way to mount my flexible solar panel without drilling holes. Just a bit unneasy about the tape method. Take care and thanks again for the great videos. :)

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

One Awesome Inch Thanks for the feedback.

[@Torin_by_the_Ocean]

Sorry it was a bit wordy. :)

[@vangazmicvoyage5077]

Well I had to do some searching but I finally found a video that shows how to mount solar panels to a fiberglass top without screws. Now if that were one of the flexible panels, those pads of tape would lift the panel up off the surface which would probably be a good thing. That would allow air to pass under when driving. What you didn't show is how you waterproofed the hole you drilled into the roof for the cables. Did you just slather silicone or some sealant all over it? I'm wondering if using two holes, one for each cable, would be better if you could find rubber or silicone grommets for the holes? I have a high top van and I want to install solar in the near future. Thanks for sharing your experience, I think the vhb tape is the best solution.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

I used Dicor. If I did it again I would use 3M marine silicone adhesive. Dirt doesn't stick to it.

[@sok8888]

The cable going through the roof should be protected from the sharp metal hole. You can get proper protector from solar panel supplier but if cost is a consideration, you can get hard plastic cable protector from electronic hobby shops or salvage one from discarded computer power casing.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

sok8888 Okay.

[@macjohnson8992]

Thanks for the video Steve. How many batteries are you charging with your solar panel? What can you run from the batteries and how long? I was interested in this kit to run a small tv, laptop and a Satellite receiver. Was wondering if a 2k watt inverter will handle that load and for how long.

[@soupfish]

Hey steve great video! could you not use the wiring from the original 5w panel? were they not rated for the power of the new system? About to do the same install on a 99 xplorer with the same floor plan as yours. Would love to pick your brain

[@johnhatcher5099]

Thanks for the video. The diagram you displayed listed a 30 amp in-line mini fuse between the charge controller and the battery. Did you install the in-line fuse? If yes, which brand did you install?

[@bacchus1707]

Nice video on the solar, Steve. When will you be taking that rig on a trip?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Bacchus Within the next week. Don't know about my future plans on putting it on KZbin. I think I will ask viewers on my next video if they really want to see what XS does on his summer vacation. Haha.

[@Alan62651]

Now all you need is a UJoint Offroad 4x4 lift upgrade, and you can go ANYWHERE.

[@fatdog6]

nice job great videos, how did you seal the hole for the wires through the fiberglass on the roof?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Steve Lin Dicor self leveling.

[@extrastops]

Not sure I would trust that 3m tape alone. Maybe add some caulking or some industrial goop to hold the panel feet in place. Just in case the tape fails. Thanks for the video.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

BrokeBuddha.com Naw. You have to experience it to believe it. It won't budge. It's been tested extensively. 3M for anything sticky, I say. You can't go wrong. I may take some advice and seal around the mounts to keep the elements off the tape. Thanks for the comments.

[@shadow-oq8no]

Steve, why were you not able to use the original solar panel wiring hole through the roof, for the new solar panel wires ?. Great video as always.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

The wires were of light gage and so needed to be replaced with thicker wire for a much larger panel. The original hole was not used because the roof has a solid foam core for insulation.

[@shadow-oq8no]

+Xplorer Steve I can understand the wires being to light for the new larger solar panel, how did you plug the wire hole from the smaller panel ?.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

+shadow man Because the space between the inner and outer shell was filled with an expanding type foam insulation, the wire could not be snaked through. I patched the very small hole (1/4") with West's expoxy and topped it with some gel coat before sanding smooth.

[@inmyshoes248]

Steve, I've been enjoying your vids for a couple of years. I bought a '98 Xplorer XLW last year. I decided to retire, sold the house and as of last June 28, 2019 I've lived in it. I'm finally attempting to install solar. Problem: I'm trying to run cables through the roof into the cabinet above the pantry. I keep hitting metal! Hard to believe they would leave the metal roof on and put insulation and then the fiberglass over it. (I thought they cut the roof off the entire length) What do you know about the roof's construction? And--- Thanks for the videos. They're one of the main reasons I bought this. By the way I'm planning on going to the RTR this Jan. Hope to run into you there. Kevin (Xplorer Kevin?) LOL

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

IF your van is like mine, the top is comprised of two shells filled with a foam insulation. Other than that I don't know. I was lucky as my install seemed to go pretty easy, just sake the line into the tv cabinet and there is a channel that runs to the controller up front. Just remove the vinyl panels and use fish tape to pull it from the side doors. There is a panel above that can be removed there as well. . Safe travels sir.

[@jamesshaw89]

Great install video!

[@parksguy3018]

Hi Steve, I really like your videos on your projects. I am new to this and have a van with a fiberglass roof like yours. I was wondering what kind of sealant you used to water seal the hole you drilled in your roof? Cheers Ken

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Dicor RV sealant is the stuff.

[@1MasterLi]

Pretty nice rig...ENJOY

[@mrmagoo9901]

I'm curious as to how that tape is holding up so far...kinda scary to think that the only thing holding that solar panel to the roof is two sided tape...thanks for sharing... peace...

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

mr magoo Holding up great.

[@WizzRacing]

+mr magoo That two sided tape is super ass strong. They use it on items on display in electronic stores. You need a special tool to get that stuff off as well. I seen a salesman use it and he had to twist, pry and pull to get the Item off it. So I was sold on the stuff after seeing that.

[@bcp583]

Great videos. Fun to watch and I'm learning quite a bit. How are the mounts for the solar panels holding up? Have a fiberglass top conversion van and thinking about mounting them the same way. Thank you.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

The mounts are solid. AM solar says they use this on their glass top installs and have never had a failure. They only do RV solar so that is saying something. They stress that your fiberglass or paint should be in good condition however.

[@bcp583]

Great!! Thank you!!

[@nme700]

The 3M VHB is very good stuff! It is comparable to industrial adhesives used in the automotive, marine and other industries. Want to prevent galvanic corrosion between two dissimilar metals such as aluminum and steel? Use VHB. When bonding to a composite panel such as fiberglass, the failure point is not the tape, but the substrate. Either the gelcoat's bond to the resin or the resin itself will fail first.

[@michaelwhelan4022]

WOW great job well done

[@JOHNNYEXPLORES718]

great video stay safe out there :)

[@RustyNail5856]

good info and clean install.

[@skpjoecoursegold366]

nice job, thanks for sharing.

[@ReTreadProducts]

Does the power from the panels go directly to the controller & then go directly to the battery bank ?

[@Colorado4x4Van]

Can't wait to hear how it works out on a test run compared to my 130 watt system. What type of batteries are you using?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Colorado4x4Van Plain 12v deep cycle.

[@ronaldpayne896]

Hey Steve,video was tremend,Q,got me thinking for us folks in homes,would solar on our roof at home work?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

+Ronald Payne It does here in Vegas, but we get 350 days of sunshine a year.....you?

[@ronaldpayne896]

Well Steve,the short answer no.I live a little north of you,and well east,like way north in Canada,In our nations capital Ottawa,have noticed you follow J.Credible who is on our west coast,Takes me about a 2hr drive to be in New York State,however people do use solar on home roofs and I think you would see a nice solar benefit on your home,at the risk of over writing it would be a good experience for you to visit Canada,with the U.S dollar you would do very well.

[@phoztech]

looking good sir.

[@thepdc6220]

Hey Steve, I did the progressive dynamics upgrade you did and I’m installing a solar system right now. Any issues with being plugged in with the solar charging?

[@MikeConnerPhoto]

How did u seal the hole where the wires go in the roof? Regular silicon caulk or something special? And did u do anything to keep the wires secure on top?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

MikeConnerPhoto I have a clam shell and Dicor for that. I may do an addendum in the next video to answer that and a couple of other questions.

[@MikeConnerPhoto]

Xplorer Steve Thanks. Looks like a great setup.

[@vaporCruz1]

Hi Xplorer Steve, Maybe I missed it but I was wondering where you got the solar panel with the 3M VHB mounting brackets? Did you get them separately from the solar panel? Thanks for doing such informative videos !

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Vapor Cruz You missed it. AM solar.

[@vaporCruz1]

Thanks. I'm gonna check AM out.

[@jackmason7518]

Is the solar panel still holding on. Jack

[@sixsixteensevens297]

If you had mounted the solar panel sideways you could add another later on.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

It's been all I need so fare. I can still add more up front if need be.

[@ravenfan518]

I've been looking at the Zamp Solar kit for my travel trailer. Do you have any knowledge of those units good or bad.. Plan to do some boondocking next summer and without recharging , my batteries only last a day or two..

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

+Mark C Solar is great. I have no experience with Zamp. I got mine from AMsolar.com. They ask a series of questions regarding your power consumption and RV features and customize a kit suited to your needs. Very good company. Mine is working out great.

[@stacieodstacieod9555]

Xplorer Steve have used plastic razor scraper blades in your videos. where can I can fine information about plastic razor scraper?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Stacie James O'Dwod Just order them off of eBay.

[@stacieodstacieod9555]

Xplorer Steve I just received my Plastic razor blades from Amazon. However I have not been able to find any information how to use them online. What is the best ways you have found to use Plastic razor blades as you work on your van? Thank for the help.

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Stacie James O'Dwod As a scraper for adhesives, stickers. etc.

[@iloveyouamberappel]

I'm curious. Is there a reason you didn't get an inverter and run your power off of separate batteries?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

iloveyouamberappel I have a little inverter for charging my devices. I have a generator on board for other stuff.

[@wincrasher2007]

Well done!

[@thecarpentershow8507]

Which 3M double sided adhesive tape did you use for the solar?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

VHB=very high bond.

[@cyberi4a]

So it's been awhile since this was posted, did the panel stay up and secure with that double sided tape?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

+cyberi4a It is still up and let me tell you. It's on there.

[@cyberi4a]

great, good to know. thanks

[@ColinTonkasdad]

nice one ....i like the flag ....in the uk we are not allowed to fly a flag (english st george) because it is deemed racist... so nice to see your van coming together ..cheers from uk

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Colin Tonkasdad I know what you mean about the flag. It's getting weird out here in the US also. Patriotism and religion (except Islam) is getting a bad rap. When did all this political correctness happen? Sheeeez. Thanks for the comments.

[@TrackMyGps]

How did u seal the hole on the roof that u ran the solar wires thru?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

+TrackMyGps Dicore.

[@NOMADNEWSTV]

Hey Steve how do you like this system so far, and where exactly did you get it? Hows the 3m tape holding up?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

+VagabonDaze Yes. I like it. Got it at amsolar.com. They specialize in solar for RV's. They also recommended the tape. It is all good. Just use some Dicor over it.

[@NOMADNEWSTV]

That's awesome, Steve, also love that the panel is 160watt instead of just 100 like most. Really gonna look at getting possibly 2 panels!

[@bikingmnviking3801]

+VagabonDaze Looks very well built, too. Watt per watt they are even cheaper than HF's specials. Which in and of itself says a lot (also about consumer demand!)

[@MrkStphn91]

living in vegas (lucky git lol) must/has to be a MASSIVE bonus because you're basically living in the desert

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

MrkStphn91 The solar kicks it out here in the desert.

[@markdeedler5386]

Hi Steve..i plan on doing the same..i have two questions for you...why didn't you use the existing wire that went to the old solar meter? And why not use the existing solar meter wire? We're you worried about the wire guage thickness? Opps .3 questions Thanks Mark

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Old panel was a 12”x12” the wire and charger were too small and so I followed the specs from the company. I bought the solar panel from back then. You should definitely match your wire and your charger to the wattage of your solar panels to get the most out of them.

[@markdeedler5386]

@XplorerSteveDIY I thought so to..did you just cap off the wires that came off the old solar volt meter.?one which is the power to fuse box. Thanks again

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

I probably disconnected the wire at both ends and let it live in the walls as is. I just rerouted the new wire from the panel and under the over-door trim and behind the cabinetry using a fiberglass wire fisch from Harbor Freight and then, up through the roof. The panel i installed was a 165w from grape solar. I may redo it and put as much solar up there as the real estate allows. Solar was new back then and now there is so much more good stuff for way less $. Take care. @@markdeedler5386

[@sydbette]

at some point could you show the install the fuse or fuses

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Syd G You know. You're right, there is a fuse. I may do an addendum in the next video to answer that and a couple of other questions. Thanks for the comments.

[@gregorygilmont304]

is there a wind buffeting the connections to solar on roof an issue ?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

+Gregory Gilmont No. They're tethered down.

[@ocho441]

How much did this solar set up cost you?

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

Mike m About $600 complete.

[@mrdaihatsu]

WindyNation has 12 volt, 100 watt panels for $119 w/free shipping. I just installed a 200 watt system for under 300 bucks. The $49 controller has a 3rd pair of connections for "load", just disregard them and only connect the "battery" and "solar panel" wires and works fine.

[@berandle1]

Where did you get your solar panel and how much

[@XplorerSteveDIY]

+Randle Bremmer amsolar.com. Check their website for current prices. They are very helpful and will recommend a entire system based on your individual needs. Good luck.

[@shantellamend8986]

just use Avasva Solutions :)))