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RV2019 · 02-12-2020, 01:19 PM

I wouldn't screw the panels into the roof. Make 4X6X1/4 aluminum plates predrilled and countersink 1/4-20 X 1 inch stainless bolts that match the footprint of the mounting adapters. Cover plate and bolt heads with 3M 5952 VHB tape (available on eBay in sheets). Mount to roof and then cover edges with Dicor or Silkaflex. I found a seller on eBay that had the plates for sale. You might not find the exact size but if you find something like 4X12 ask the seller if they will cut in half. I found a seller for another project that didn't charge extra to cut.

Cut a slot in the end of the bolts in case you need to keep them from turning when tightening the nuts. I put the tape on the bottom of the plates a couple days before I mounted to the roof and my bolts didn't turn. I'm not sure of the days sitting helped but it does take a few days for the tape to "cure".

EDIT: Be sure the mounting plate is EXACTLY where it needs to be before sticking to the roof. Once stuck, you will not get it off. Well you could get it off I think with some nylon fishing line sawed between the roof and aluminum plate but the tape would definitely not be reusable. It's amazing how well this tape sticks.

rmkrum · 02-12-2020, 01:27 PM

I must admit I have no problem mounting solar panel feet directly to the roof using VHB 3-M tape and caulking/sealing the tape from damage with Sikaflex or the like.

Because my panels have aluminum frames, and I also have ham radio transmitting antennas close by on the roof, I have found it necessary to drill holes and use Rivnuts or Olympic rivets to very tightly electrically bond the panels and feet to the roof structure for RF safety. Getting RF into the solar system is not a great idea. I dislike getting zapped as well.

In most normal cases using VHB tape and sealant is more than sufficient to keep the panels on the roof.

Kalashnikov · 02-12-2020, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV2019

I wouldn't screw the panels into the roof. Make 4X6X1/4 aluminum plates predrilled and countersink 1/4-20 X 1 inch stainless bolts that match the footprint of the mounting adapters. Cover plate and bolt heads with 3M 5952 VHB tape (available on eBay in sheets). Mount to roof and then cover edges with Dicor or Silkaflex. I found a seller on eBay that had the plates for sale. You might not find the exact size but if you find something like 4X12 ask the seller if they will cut in half. I found a seller for another project that didn't charge extra to cut.

Cut a slot in the end of the bolts in case you need to keep them from turning when tightening the nuts. I put the tape on the bottom of the plates a couple days before I mounted to the roof and my bolts didn't turn. I'm not sure of the days sitting helped but it does take a few days for the tape to "cure".

EDIT: Be sure the mounting plate is EXACTLY where it needs to be before sticking to the roof. Once stuck, you will not get it off. Well you could get it off I think with some nylon fishing line sawed between the roof and aluminum plate but the tape would definitely not be reusable. It's amazing how well this tape sticks.

I love it! I planned on doing something similar to compensate for the small footprint of the 'curved' Renogy mounts I purchased.

BF_Brewing · 11-01-2021, 01:11 PM

What’s the best way to find the pre wires on the roof? 2022 27 GT FBT. I have heard behind the rear fantastic fan.

skitger · 11-01-2021, 02:14 PM

It should be near the "rats nest", where all the rest of the power comes (by the power convertor usually. Not up in the ceiling. They are yellow and green wire with labels, loose, next to the rest of the wiring. Check the wiring diagram for your trailer, that should point you to the place in the trailer too. Good luck!

Last Mango · 11-01-2021, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV2019

I wouldn't screw the panels into the roof. Make 4X6X1/4 aluminum plates predrilled and countersink 1/4-20 X 1 inch stainless bolts that match the footprint of the mounting adapters. Cover plate and bolt heads with 3M 5952 VHB tape (available on eBay in sheets). Mount to roof and then cover edges with Dicor or Silkaflex. I found a seller on eBay that had the plates for sale. You might not find the exact size but if you find something like 4X12 ask the seller if they will cut in half. I found a seller for another project that didn't charge extra to cut.

Cut a slot in the end of the bolts in case you need to keep them from turning when tightening the nuts. I put the tape on the bottom of the plates a couple days before I mounted to the roof and my bolts didn't turn. I'm not sure of the days sitting helped but it does take a few days for the tape to "cure".

EDIT: Be sure the mounting plate is EXACTLY where it needs to be before sticking to the roof. Once stuck, you will not get it off. Well you could get it off I think with some nylon fishing line sawed between the roof and aluminum plate but the tape would definitely not be reusable. It's amazing how well this tape sticks.

This RV looks like the roof of a Leisure?

BF_Brewing · 11-02-2021, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skitger

It should be near the "rats nest", where all the rest of the power comes (by the power convertor usually. Not up in the ceiling. They are yellow and green wire with labels, loose, next to the rest of the wiring. Check the wiring diagram for your trailer, that should point you to the place in the trailer too. Good luck!

I found them in the rats nest. I’m trying to locate the other end on the roof. Any tips or tricks?

skitger · 11-03-2021, 10:08 AM

I had a 2018 and they put a Zamp box on the roof, so sorry, no good advice on the roof, I had also hear they were next to the fan. You may want to post a question on Solar Show and Tell thread and see if anyone has experience.

thewarden · 11-03-2021, 10:08 AM

On my 2016 27 FB, they are coiled up near the front fantastic fan.

gator.bigfoot · 11-03-2021, 10:53 AM

Can you see them behind the fridge running up the wall in the corner?

daleyocum · 11-06-2021, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BF_Brewing

What’s the best way to find the pre wires on the roof? 2022 27 GT FBT. I have heard behind the rear fantastic fan.

On newer large trailers like yours the solar pre wire goes from a gland on the roof to the rats nest of DC wires near the front passenger side. That’s usually under a bed or under a seat.