I have four panels and am debating either directly mounting them with the method below or using some type of custom rails. My current preference is directly mounting.
Before I commit, any feedback by those of you that have used this method would be greatly appreciated! If you have done this, have they stayed secure? Did you find that the roof metal is strong enough? My van is a Ford E350.
How I would do it:
The panels would placed directly on roof with Renogy Z brackets using an eight inch thickness of rubber cut the size of the Z bracket between it and the the roof. The self taping bolts that come with the Z brackets would be sunk into rubber/brass compression nuts ensuring a secure attachment. I would use putty tape and lap sealant covering the brackets up top for a good seal.
Compression nuts: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015EW0314/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The attached picture shows a trial fit. They line up well to the ribs in the roof and also miss the cross members.
Before I commit, any feedback by those of you that have used this method would be greatly appreciated! If you have done this, have they stayed secure? Did you find that the roof metal is strong enough? My van is a Ford E350.
How I would do it:
The panels would placed directly on roof with Renogy Z brackets using an eight inch thickness of rubber cut the size of the Z bracket between it and the the roof. The self taping bolts that come with the Z brackets would be sunk into rubber/brass compression nuts ensuring a secure attachment. I would use putty tape and lap sealant covering the brackets up top for a good seal.
Compression nuts: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015EW0314/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The attached picture shows a trial fit. They line up well to the ribs in the roof and also miss the cross members.