SOLAR INSTALL for the Camper | TRC Van Conversion

A major milestone for our wonderful van! Quite a few stages to this part of the build so took a little while and head scratching! All products used below.
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL
Our Patreon Page - / restorationco. .
Buy a Restoration Couple Mug - www.restorationcouple.com/shop/
PRODUCTS USED
Van Conversion Electrics and Solar
200w Solar Panel - tinyurl.com/y9e32gq5
20 amp MPPT Charge Controller - amzn.to/2NSHkQI -
Corner Mounts - amzn.to/2LWFlsL -
Side Mounts - amzn.to/2Q2zoO6
Entry Point - amzn.to/2NQ6m2C -
Sikaflex 512 - amzn.to/2NLfl5m
12V Connectors - amzn.to/2Rwauca
Crimpers - amzn.to/2sEy8qp
Aten Lighting - bit.ly/2xXyrBw
Inline Fuse - amzn.to/2M3XhTk
Fuses - amzn.to/2sNPpMX
Sargent Unit - sargentltd.co.uk/shop/product...
Van Conversion Tools
Bosch 18v Circ Saw - amzn.to/2G6TyQS
Kreg K5 Pocket Hole Jig - amzn.to/2Ib4zq7
Bosch 18V Impact Driver - amzn.to/2IafH6w
Bosch Router - amzn.to/2y96ff5
Self Centre Drill Bits (loads of versions) - amzn.to/2rYAXBD
Stanley Knife - amzn.to/2pQoHSs
Hook Blades - amzn.to/2GmKYm8
Altro Wood Safety Flooring - Mountain Oak
Nibbler - amzn.to/2Gwzjg6
Van Conversion Fixtures and Appliances
Fiamma Turbo Vent - amzn.to/2sCYuJi
Dometic Fridge - amzn.to/2t3Od8n
Dometic Hob - bit.ly/2l78K8A
Thetford Duplex Oven - amzn.to/2t3jrfZ
Gas Locker - (Although Larger Size) - bit.ly/2HHYSLp
CTA Swivel Seat - amzn.to/2qqZ63y
www.outdoorbits.com/cta-seat-...
Adhesives, Sealants and Finishes
Dodo Dead Mat Hex Sound Deadening -amzn.to/2trJoUv
OSMO Wood Finish - amzn.to/2y9Grzz
Double Sided Flooring Tape - amzn.to/2GYmmgD
-- CLICK SHOW MORE FOR LINKS AND RESOURCES --
CONTACT US
[e-mail]
OUR SOCIAL NETWORKS
Facebook - / restorationcouple
KZbin - / therestorationcouple
Twitter - / restocouple
Instagram - / restorationcouple
OUR BLOG
www.restorationcouple.com/

[@d.mprojectsservices-birmin2205]

I've just finished watching all 35 of your conversion videos in the last few days, and I must sad I'm sad the series is over. Excellent, detailed set of videos. I'm a family of 3 and I love the bunk bed still hammocks that are easily removable, I'll definitely be introducing that into my design. Thanks so much for the effort you've put into this!

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Still a couple more videos to share as I have just made some upgrades so keep an eye out next week.

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

Probably an awesome feeling to be off-grid capable! Well done good sir. Well done.

[@francisboundy5170]

Very helpful - got 2 of the same panels to install in parallel next week so good to see all my assumptions confirmed!

[@in-the-vanpeter5157]

I was worried there for a moment saw the look on your face before it worked, well done working outside a comfort zone makes the end result just so much better. ☀️

[@Lukey_Games]

Installed mine pretty much exactly the same way (although i think i used sika 11fc). its been on for 1 year now and we've done almost 40,000kms around Australia with it on the caravan without issues - i do however regularly check/clean the panel and bonds.

[@chloemitchell6126]

9

[@j.adamsonoutdoorspaces3601]

Great just what I needed! Literally on the last leg of my van build looking to install solar, but it’s a mine field online with what’s best 😂👍

[@Tuber-no.1]

Love your vids. Keep up the good work, I’m hyped for the workshop build!

[@petermiller3882]

Excellent can't wait for more on the van 👍👍👍

[@stephenwillis9518]

Nice !! You have alot of faith in the adhesive. Happy van - ing !!

[@brendanrobinson2415]

Unfortunately this adhesive idea is recommended on most new panels, which is madness as is the same shit they recommended on roofs for houses that later leaked . So in about 5 years time we’ll see in the news “Solar panel crash crisis!” as solar panels fly off multiple campervans and smash through the windscreens of other motorists

[@paulprice5860]

Thanks for you videos Tim. I am doing my own van conversion at the moment and I’ve learned a lot from your videos. You might want to consider replacing those stainless steel screws on your solar panels. I almost did the same until my fixing supplier warned me about dissimilar metals and galvanic corrosion. In brief he told me never to use stainless fixings in aluminum especially if you go anywhere near the beach as the react with each other and cause corrosion of the aluminum. I googled this and he was definitely correct. I have now used zinc fixings rather than stainless to connect my panels to the mounts.

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Very valid point! I always have avoided it during the build for that exact reason and just didn't even think about it with the panel! Will swap them out and hope that the fixings themselves last as well as stainless would.

[@Gman4633]

I used the same company for my solar system in my van. Very helpful and great kit. Has made camping cheaper and easier. I used Tiger Seal to fix my flexible panel to the roof and it’s been spot on for two years now, no issues at all. Also impressed how much power you get on cloudy days. Keep up the great videos really enjoy them thank you.

[@corallaroc]

What wattage is your panel and what does it power?

[@dennissecor8092]

Thank you for sharing , I have a 2001 e press conversion van that I want to Install solar panels on and your video is very helpful, great job!

[@Stevienikon]

Awesome mate. Love the series

[@jameslee9017]

thanks for sharing your experience

[@Builditfixituseit]

Yep definitely worth being cautious.. I put a cut out on the solar and a big red emergency cut out on the batteries.... Just to be sure... Van is looking great 👌🤙

[@SpikeyOfficial]

I just did 6 bolts and glued it down. As long as you get the good stuff it wont go anywhere and shouldn't leak

[@timdale4047]

Very good. Will be doing the same thing on the same model van soon as.

[@garrystacey7018]

Great help looking to fit solar to my van

[@neilelliott6151]

Marvellous. I think I should fit one too.

[@jayjackson9112]

Just installed mine on my own too! What a pain, this video helped tho so thanks 😊

[@MonaichFother]

0:00 "I'm going outside now, I may be some time"

[@ivecamperbuild_thomas4084]

I put some silver Insulation tape over my cables as they bang like hell at 70mph on the motor way , the tape seems to of striped the cables banging on the roof so it was well worth doing . I have 4 Panals on my roof with 440 wats of power , I still need to fit my charge controller along with the rest of my wiring . The only way you can short a solar panel out is if the live connects to a bigger power sores

[@TheArcticNinjaa]

Brilliant thanks

[@EatSleepVan]

In a crash or accident, or even just damage to the solar panel you want to be able to disconnect it. So worth doing. Also handy for maintenance on your system or battery, disconnecting the battery isn't enough, you also have to disconnect the solar otherwise the system is live still. Try not to turn off the solar breaker when it is under load.

[@WoollyWanderers]

Agree with this, I installed one of those big red heavy duty switches (£5 eBay jobbie) on the live feed between the panels and controller. It allows me to isolate the panels from the controller in the event that I want to disconnect the batteries.

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Yeah, well worth doing to keep things future proof.

[@leepy120]

Great vid explained well, like the idea of just using sika to stick panel down, did you buy all as a kit or buy panel then the mppt? I only have one leisure bat in my van, my dometic fridge kills it, sick of running engine all time ( warm beer ain't good) . Would 150w be enough. Where did you buy yours from? 👍😆

[@dharampalpanwar6901]

Thank you do not create problem

[@unknownmeaning8506]

Hi could I ask did this stay solid now it's been a couple of years. My next job is adding solar to my van but I'm worried as I have no way to screw it down as the ceiling is up in my van and can't remove it now. So would be solely relying on how well it bonds to the roof.

[@TheStrongwomans]

Brilliant video with out bolting the solar panels i would be worried some one could nick it

[@louislumley140]

How did years u route the solar cables Dr m roof to wherever

[@JohnlynHD]

Enjoyed the series, I watched it over a couple of days. I liked the way you went into detail about your choices of products. Through watching your series I have decided to jump in. Can you tell me who insured the van for you before, during and after the conversion? Thanks again.

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Adrian Flux did during and just renewed with them now it’s converted. Brentacre were the other option and same price.

[@JohnlynHD]

@@TheRestorationCouple Thanks for that prompt reply. And the company names. I have also been watching your garden videos and they are excellent also.

[@thecatinthehat1863]

So have you put individual fuses in rather than using aa blade fuse board?

[@drumsnbass]

So four years later, how well are these adhering?

[@stefancartwright1781]

Just a quick ? If I may did the bolts for the feet some with the kit or did you buy them separately??

[@Conormokane]

does this charge your vehicle battery as well?

[@softdorothy]

Regarding whether the positive and negative should be attached to opposite battery "corners" .... these batteries are wired in parallel, correct? Then it doesn't matter (a NOP as we say in programming). Those copper wires that couple the batteries in parallel don't care wether you have a wire attached at one end of the wire versus the other.

[@saddle1940]

Afraid, I'd be bolting the panels down. Spoke to a couple of friends about gluing them on and they sent me links to videos showing them coming off while travelling. Very scary. Also, how did you rate the wires between the MMPT and the battery, they look a bit thin for the distance. What current did you work it out as and what gauge are they?

[@shanec3763]

What size fuse did you put in?

[@jamesboswell7920]

Well done for hooking all of that up. Minor note about the self tapping fixings - have you considered galvanic corrosion? Not sure what the anodic value of stainless steel against aluminium or whatever the frame of the solar panel is, but it might weaken the screws over time, especially in an outdoor environment. I might be talking out my arse.

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Yes you are correct. Someone else reminded me. I shall be looking into what are the most suitable metal screws, zinc perhaps.

[@briancollis9352]

Great video as usual, can we have a link for the solar panel please?

[@TheRestorationCouple]

The panel was only on the Photonic Universe website, it is the 200w panel which looks almost square.

[@mike24mb]

Hi Tim Please could you tell me because I am also converting a citroen relay van I have removed double front seat so I have to get another single seat So question is will another drivers seat fit apart from armrest being on wrong side Thanks for all your vids Mike

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Yes the seats are the same, although you will need to move seat belt. Not done it before but lots of info on Boxer/Relay FB group.

[@JJason406]

Do you even need the gland? Drill holes put rubber grommet in hole then wires through then just use the Sikaflex around the wire?

[@mmanut]

One panel isn’t enough, minimum of two. Vinny 🇺🇸

[@INTELIBUILD]

Does the panel create a lot of drag and noise when you are driving? Have you thought about installing a faring or nosing along the leading edge?

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Not that we have noticed. You can get spoilers however after leaving some dry leaves under the front of panelas a test, they remained there after several miles so the front of teh van may well deflect quite alot of the air itself.

[@HeartPumper]

Besides, you want to have constant/some flow of air in between. Cooling purposes..

[@skiddy1984]

Could you use a 3mm tile spacer for the bed of adhesive?

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Yes, that is actually recommended on some of the Sika products I think. Much easier to judge on a flat roof!

[@eastcoastboatfishinguk5987]

The sikerflex will be good we glue panels on in our insurance bodyshop

[@Eksands]

I'm looking to get into a super low budget van build and I am currently in the Netherlands. Would you recommend I go to somewhere in the UK to acquire my van? They seem to be so much incredibly cheaper (based on facebook marketplace browsing) and I bet I could get a much better deal out there. I have never driven right hand tho.

[@matthewjenkins1161]

Don't think any minor saving would be worth the hassle of the wheel being on the wrong side, unless of course you plan on a tour of the UK. If you don't mind travelling to save a few Euros, I'd think Southern Europe would be the place to go. You'll find rust free vans with the wheel on the correct side and the poor economic situation may produce real bargains.

[@ivecodavey]

does anyone know the reason for not earthing the charge controller I've got mine earthed at the mo & it's working fine

[@simon.annies]

i mean the battery terminal should be earthed, so i really dont see the difference

[@Swordie100]

I would've used some rust protective paint on the drilled holes for the solar panel cables, just to prevent any oxidation.

[@subspaceanomaly]

these van bodies are galvanised

[@Swordie100]

@@subspaceanomaly My Mk3 Golf also has some galvanized body panels, that doesn't mean they don't rust. Especially if you just drilled through the metal.

[@cmeproone]

What will happen if you start the car? Will you be charging batteries from the car and the panel at the same time?

[@chrisb4009]

I can’t think of a reason why it would matter. I’d be careful what cable size/fuses is used to connect between the vans alternator and the leisure battery as it is possibly if the van battery was flat you could end up trying to start with the leisure battery.

[@TheRestorationCouple]

We use the Sargent system so yes I believe there would be some charge from vehicle like usual at the same time however it is not like a full on split charge steup so minimal anyway.

[@hannahbizoumis]

So we bought a 3yr old van and notice there is a leak in the roof - i think it is the seal and i wondered if you came across this? If it is normal for there to be seal all along the edge of the roof and through the middle and then what to do about it. i am wondering if we need to take it back to the garage as we paid for a warranty or just fix it ourselves. any tips greatly appreciated

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Lots of panel seals on large vans. I would probably locate the leak and sort yourself as you may take more care and do a better job than a garage anyway but perhaps worth doing if only 3 years old.

[@sexysean2444]

Always connect battery first then solar.. Regulator needs to see what battery it is.. Then power..

[@Beverretriver]

Hi there. 3 years on in wondering how the adhesive held up on the panel feet?

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Just cleaned the roof this week and there is no chance I could pull one of those off. That said a mechanical fixing in addition would not hurt and perhaps be a good backup.

[@adamhutchison7500]

Why did you use sikaflex 221 for the skylight and 512 for the solar panel? I couldn’t figure out the difference?

[@TheRestorationCouple]

No idea, had forgotten that it was different for the skylights.

[@adamhutchison7500]

The Restoration Couple thanks for the reply. I probably just overthink things... expect they do near enough the same job

[@jstrickjr76]

Tour soon pls

[@davidtoastivine707]

Hi I'm about to fit solar panels to our van and was wondering are yours still secure using your method ?😷

[@TheRestorationCouple]

It certainly is however I will likely run a few tek screws through just for peace of mind. But if done right then adhesives are certainly strong enough, it’s just down to the paint quality, number of brackets and prep.

[@davidtoastivine707]

The Restoration Couple hi thanks I'm hopping to fit them in the next few weeks ready for summer 😷

[@stotas2]

kWh will only show if you have connected your load to it I believe.

[@TheRestorationCouple]

It has gone up so think it is cummulative as on 3kwh now.

[@corneliushfc4370]

The solar will most likely fail on the bond with the bracket, may people have had this happen. Need to be done differently for a long lasting bond.

[@netposerx]

Anyone know to purchase Sikaflex 512 in the United States?

[@peterandrews4172]

get 5200 marine sealant at any marine supply

[@Ray-cw8ms]

Hi, nice job but tbh ct1 is better for jobs like that because it adheres to the plastic much better.

[@johnsallotment993]

Hi there! What self tappers did you use to attach the solar panels to the plastic feet? Thanks!

[@Marcelinid]

…wondering the same, I guess self drilling ones?….

[@louislumley140]

What should your batteries cost me

[@chris4631]

Is this the last video,I thought you said there was more to come

[@TheRestorationCouple]

There will be, just busy with other projects. Still lots to do.

[@OzMacro]

Interesting that you didn’t appear to file and prime the bare metal of the holes through the roof for the solar panel cables.

[@TheAffrojutty]

He used rubber grommets in the holes which are then under a completely sealed entry gland. Can’t see there being any real issues.

[@guyjones4713]

@@TheAffrojutty should still always treat the bare metal to reduce any risk of rusting.

[@robertfryer4957]

)

[@jonesynet]

Is this a clue to the big plans for the house? #OffGrid

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Maybe a future house but not this one bearing in mind its on a main road with all services.

[@ronmiller7916]

You've got a flat forward edge, this has to create drag and one wicked whistling noise on the highway

[@MoonshineBlack.]

0:01 is that a fake EPever charge controller? I think it is. Dodge.

[@JK-kk6fc]

Is there a small dent in the roof?

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Many! :-)

[@JK-kk6fc]

The Restoration Couple still looks great tho

[@TankToChest]

DO NOT GLUE YOUR PANNELS ON!!!! This is literally back to back 2 channels now. There have been instances of these comeing off. I can’t believe you done it too! THIS IS DEADLY AND ALSO ILLEGAL IN SOME PLACES!!!!

[@Liam....]

Your brave just relying on sikaflex to hold it down I know its good stuff but Id be worried when you get a 70mph wind under it. Maybe not straight away but a few months down line when its weathered the adhesive abit.

[@TheRestorationCouple]

I though the same however after much research and some testing I am pretty confident. If it went in first I may have bolted through. I will do a follow up with the adhesive tests in a couple of weeks.

[@TheRestorationCouple]

There are some spoilers on the market however being so close to the front of the van it appears that helps. I put a handful of dry leaves under the front edge and after several mile round trip 50mph plus they hadn't budged. Not the most scientific test I will agree! :-)

[@Liam....]

@@TheRestorationCouple put a few self tappers in and seal over top, just to be on the safe side

[@stephenmorgan5100]

I have attended a number of accidents with vehicles that have panels fitted which have only been bonded on, in everyone the panels went flying, they are literally life threatening. I strongly advise to mechanically secure as well as they can cause carnage in an RTA.