Solar panel mounting issues.

[vision-quest]

I have a 2008 Urban Runner and I'm getting ready to purchase a portable battery solution + solar panel. The issue is, I currently have a CVT Mt Shasta RTT on top of my vehicle, so I can't just mount the sunroof there. I could potentially move the RTT right to the back of the vehicle to make some room, but the height of it would block the sun from hitting the solar panel at a few directions before the sun gets high in the sky.

I thought about potentially finding a way to mount the solar panels on the cover of the RTT, but I think that would be too easy to steal if I went out hiking for a few days.

Any ideas? Has anyone else done something similar?

 

[vision-quest]

Anyone? :wave:

 

[Theo85]

Interesting thread! Maybe a front hood mount?

 

[having fun]

So are you trying to make it a permanent mount up top, be able to use (charge) at all times or when the tent is up and using?

 

[IRONLUNG]

Have you considered the powerfilm foldables?

 

[vision-quest]

So are you trying to make it a permanent mount up top, be able to use (charge) at all times or when the tent is up and using?

It needs to be able to be mounted in such a way that when I go out hiking for a few days, I can leave it on the vehicle and it's not going to be stolen easily. Essentially I need to be able to leave it on the car when I'm not around to supervise. It have no issues if I could just bolt it on the racks up top but with the RTT there it produces some issues.

 

[vision-quest]

Have you considered the powerfilm foldables?

I have definitely considered foldables. The 100W Goal Zero one too (I have a 40% off token to use). That still doesn't solve the issue of being able to find a secure way to fasten it to my vehicle when I'm away from it and not able to supervise though.

 

[LOSTR4]

The only, and best method to ensuring the panel and gear are there when you return is to make it not seen. Out of sight, out of mind...can you tilt the panels off your dash from the inside and duel use it as a sunscreen? or something similar for a sunroof? That's the only way you're truly going to keep it the most safe...

 

[vision-quest]

The only, and best method to ensuring the panel and gear are there when you return is to make it not seen. Out of sight, out of mind...can you tilt the panels off your dash from the inside and duel use it as a sunscreen? or something similar for a sunroof? That's the only way you're truly going to keep it the most safe...

I guess there's potential room for 2x60W foldable panels instead of one big 100W and using them inside the vehicle instead. That's a possibility. If I have one up the front in the windshield and one in the back window, maybe I would get enough juice overall paired with my battery pack to ensure the items in my fridge don't die while I'm gone. Then I could just throw them on top of the RTT when I'm back again.

 

[Inv4drZm]

Somehow mount it to a frame that hinges on the edge of the roof rack so you unfold it and two soft-footed legs rest down against the side of the vehicle?

 

[duffdog]

You could always get a flexible solar panel that conforms to the roof curve and bolt/epoxy it down through the roof. Not going anywhere then.

 

[Taco04]

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/385128205614755046/

You could also use two smaller rectangular panels connected together to act as an air dam in front of the RTT. This will help your gas mileage as well as charge your truck..

 

[vision-quest]

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/385128205614755046/

You could also use two smaller rectangular panels connected together to act as an air dam in front of the RTT. This will help your gas mileage as well as charge your truck..

This is great. Appreciate it :cheers:

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I'm confused... Are you trying to permanently mount a solar panel or just have one set-up for when you're camping. If it's the latter, why not a collapsible frame for the panels when you set-up camp?

 

[chasingmagiclight]

I have my solar panel mounted in front of my RTT and it is generally pretty good if I consider sun direction when parking. Couple improvements I'm looking at is to add a tilt mechanism so I can tilt the panel forward, then park facing south. I also saw someone who put the panels on a drawer slideout under the roof rack, when they stop they slide the panel forward so it is above the windshield and away from the RTT shadow.

 

[vision-quest]

I'm confused... Are you trying to permanently mount a solar panel or just have one set-up for when you're camping. If it's the latter, why not a collapsible frame for the panels when you set-up camp?

When I'm around camp, it doesn't matter, I can just throw them on top of the rooftop tent. What I'm trying to find is a solution to having solar panels out when I'm hiking for a few days and need to leave my car unattended at the trailhead without my fridge dying.

 

[vision-quest]

I have my solar panel mounted in front of my RTT and it is generally pretty good if I consider sun direction when parking. Couple improvements I'm looking at is to add a tilt mechanism so I can tilt the panel forward, then park facing south. I also saw someone who put the panels on a drawer slideout under the roof rack, when they stop they slide the panel forward so it is above the windshield and away from the RTT shadow.

Yeah someone else posted something similar to that roll out method. I'd love that, especially if like you said, I could figure out a way to make it tilt up once it's out and just face south.