My new tt will not have a solar panel fitted as standard to keep the leisure battery topped up when off grid.
I had a 150 watt fitted to my old van, which considering, was a bit excessive for what we needed.
Thing is, I've just waved goodbye to that solar set up, cos it can't be removed from the van.
So, question is chaps, do I have another one fitted to new van ? Or do I invest in a portable system?
Never had any dealings with the portable type, so any advice would be welcome

Why couldn't it be removed? Current: TDV8 (3.6) RRS HSE



Past: TDV8(4.4) Vogue
Discovery 3 Commercial
TDV8(3.6) Vogue
TD6 Vogue
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I'm guessing because of the hole that was drilled into the roof for the cable for the regulator
And I believe it's stuck down well.
If you tell me otherwise Stu, I'll be a happy bunny

Think I've got the answer to my own thread.
I was under the impression that the whole panel was bonded to the roof of the van by the feet at each corner. It would appear the panel is attached separately to the feet and can be removed
The bit where it goes into the van would also have to stay in situ, and be sealed.
It's a case of how much it would cost to remove and replace, with spares and labour, against the cost of a new panel, baring in mind the cost of solar panels has come down since I had mine fitted

I've never done a solar panel before, but I have fitted and removed a satellite system three times so same scenario really. These things are generally just stuck down. As you have established the feet could be left if need be and the panel removed.

There should be a plastic manifold where the cables go through the roof. Pull the cables through and seal the hole up, watertight for new owner.

As I said I have recently removed my satellite system for the second time and fitted it for the third time to our new van. Costs too much money to leave on! It has been fitted to two motorhomes and a caravan now, with no problems or leaks, quite an easy job, just takes a bit of courage to drill a hole through the roof of your new caravan/motorhome...  Current: TDV8 (3.6) RRS HSE



Past: TDV8(4.4) Vogue
Discovery 3 Commercial
TDV8(3.6) Vogue
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D2 V8 ES
D1 V8 ES
RR Vogue Classic

How would sticking it down work on a floating roof like Coachman fit? The outer skin of the roof is not glued to the wood underneath on mine.

As for solar panels, a foldable one is fine and it can be pointed towards the sun to get maximum output. I have an 80w unit and plug it into the socket in the battery box. Works like a champ/

I don't quite get the floating roof reference! Current: TDV8 (3.6) RRS HSE



Past: TDV8(4.4) Vogue
Discovery 3 Commercial
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D1 V8 ES
RR Vogue Classic

Stu
What should I use to plug the manifold up with?
Think I'm gonna give it a go myself, at least removing it
Get most of the essential bits off, then order feet etc.
Don't fancy drilling my new van roof, it's one of them bonded jobbies.
Could be warranty issues as well
Thanks for advice

stu wrote:

I don't quite get the floating roof reference!

Bond a plate over the holes with Sikkaflex, usually stuff is bonded to the van with either Sikkaflex or Caraseal IDL99. IDL99 is a non setting bedding mastic so more for sticking stuff which needs to be taken off, sikkaflex will stick it on and you can't get it off! There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
KIA E-Niro 4+
2021 Discovery 5 D300 MHEV commercial

I have a (claimed) 120 watt folding panel and it can just keep my second battery charged - and I suspect we have more sunlight than the UK

I'm only running a 29 litre Engel fridge. However, when camping, the car is usually in the sun and, in summer, the in-car temp will usually be over 40 deg C so the fridge is working hard. Ron B. VK2OTC
2003 L322 V8 Auto
2007 Yamaha XJR1300
Previous: 1983, 1986 RRC; 1995, 1996 P38A; 1995 Disco1; 1984 V8 County 110; Series IIA

It depends on the technology and quality of the panel. The cheap EBAY jobbies are not very good at all. I paid nearly 200 quid for my 80w panel with a charge controller but in good sunlight it does deliver a solid 6 amps.

Compare that with the cheapo EBAY one I have for when the van is in storage, rated at 20w and placed inside the rooflight it doesn't even manage to put out 1 amp on a bright sunny day. In theory it should deliver about twice what it does although it is fine as a trickle charger to keep the battery from dying when I'm not using the van.

In good sunlight I get 7 amps out of mine, a bit less in winter. Ron B. VK2OTC
2003 L322 V8 Auto
2007 Yamaha XJR1300
Previous: 1983, 1986 RRC; 1995, 1996 P38A; 1995 Disco1; 1984 V8 County 110; Series IIA

@wogger, sorry for not getting back to you! Was busy!

For sealing the manifold up Just fill the hole in the screw on nut with sealant.

I have found over the years my preferred product is "Dekalin MS5" this is a high grab bonding/sealing product. It is specific to purpose and is 100% waterproof? I have been in some hideous weather and not a drop where this is used.

This is what I use to stick my satellite system on with. No screws required! But where I drilled through the roof of my motorhome and the new Buccaneer, this is what I stuck the manifold down with too.

If you go to the roadpro website you will get the sealant and a manifold if required. This site is selling it for half the price of eBay also. I usually carry a tube in the van for emergencies too, you never know when accidents will happen.

https://www.roadpro.co.uk/catalogue/06e01-bonding-sealing Current: TDV8 (3.6) RRS HSE



Past: TDV8(4.4) Vogue
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TD6 Vogue
D2 V8 ES
D1 V8 ES
RR Vogue Classic

Cheers Stu
Gonna have a go at it as soon as the weather clears up, it's been raining here for best part of 36 hours