UGGGh! Electricity, solar and batteries

[SternWake]

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=cord+grip

I've got 4 or 5 of these under my framed panel through my fiberglass roof passing solar wiring, RG-6 co axial cable and Wifi cable too.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Oh yeah...wanted to see what you thought about those skimpy bolts on the gutter clamps ??
Ima thinka drill thru the clamp and main plate and nut/bolt the Dern thing snug together. There's a whole lota shakin' on some of the tracks we take. 
How's yours grabbing the gutter?

 

[PeacefulSoul]

Oh yeah...wanted to see what you thought about those skimpy bolts on the gutter clamps ??
Ima thinka drill thru the clamp and main plate and nut/bolt the Dern thing snug together. There's a whole lota shakin' on some of the tracks we take. 
How's yours grabbing the gutter?

Well, its pretty tight and when you grab and shake it, it moves the whole van. I do not like that there really isnt much depth to the gutter.    Guess I'll keep the wrench handy for awhile. Also, can you believe I could not find a bed frame to use? It seems like you trip over them when you do not need them! I ended up using L shaped aluminum.....

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I'm not worried about the gutter depth...its deep enough to hold. Mainly, its the clamp bolts that I think could be a bit more beefy. Maybe I'm fretting about a non issue.
The aluminum angle sounds good and Dern sure easier to work with.

Looks like (from pic) you're "on top of the situation"

 

[akrvbob]

I have that same rack on my van, and have installed 5 of them on other peoples vans because they are so cheap.

For $80 it is an astoundingly good rack. I tried to mount one on a friends Dodge and it simply would not grip onto her gutter, so I ended up doing what you suggested, I drilled a hole right through and used a grade 8 bolt to hold the two parts together. That worked well.

Jay, I've always thought the same thing, that single bolt looks inadequate and I've been meaning to put a bolt through it as well--for the last 3 years. One of these days I'll get around to it. It is very hard metal and ate my cheap bits. I bought some quality ones for the job, but haven't gotten it done. Soon!!

Here is the ladder rack on Amazon. You can't buy anything better for the money:
http://amzn.to/1YdyBZw

Bob

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I really like the rack overall. Don't think you can do better for the money on a new one. 

I just bought a set of good bits and extras of a few common ones I often use.
Maybe I'll do the mod sometime in the next 3 years

 

[akrvbob]

I really like the rack overall. Don't think you can do better for the money on a new one. 

I just bought a set of good bits and extras of a few common ones I often use.
Maybe I'll do the mod sometime in the next 3 years

Yeah, let's get together and work on it together! It'll get done for sure!

I do keep a pretty close on it for any sign of loosening bolts or stress and it just keeps working great.
Bob

 

[PeacefulSoul]

Update: My solar is installed! Woo hoo and thank you all for your help and kindness. I feel much more confident now and cant wait to go to the desert!

 

[highdesertranger]

congrats. let the fun begin. highdesertranger

 

[MikeRuth]

I second this whole hardily. I have one and it's solid on a ford E-150

Here is the ladder rack on Amazon. You can't buy anything better for the money:
http://www.amazon.com/Pro--HTVANRK-...ng-20&linkId=7ed7363d441fa4484319d97a2e3c8c5c

 

[Hupomone]

I have been following this forum for about three years.  In that time I have had three different vehicles that I have lived in.  All of my situations have allowed me to simply use a 30 amp pole with a cord or simply an extension cord.  Now life is changing and I will be venturing out to do more boon docking.  I need to get power for simple things like charging a laptop and cell and probably a fan here and there.  Here's the problem.....anytime I read about electricity or batteries or solar, my mind completely shuts down and its like reading Russian for me.  I have a huge block about all of this.  I can read the basics and think I understand what needs to happen then in about 5 minutes all that information just disappears and I am left ignorant again.  I can not seem to get around this! I have stood at Walmart ready to buy a battery and put it back cause once i have it I have no idea what I will do with it! ...BAH!  I think I'm going crazy.  Watts, amps, volts, hours, wire gauge, fuses,  I think I'm gonna vomit! Anyone else having this problem?

 

[MikeRuth]

Just maybe someone is in your area that can help.

I know for anyone in the Los Angeles area of the San Fernando valley I would be glad to help. 

Notwithstanding anyone around to help you, start by listing what you need to accomplish. This thread has gotten a bit large and maybe a new one just for you would also help. 

Everyone one here on this site will be glad to help you choose, acquire and install what you need. 

Mike

 

[PeacefulSoul]

Just maybe someone is in your area that can help.

I know for anyone in the Los Angeles area of the San Fernando valley I would be glad to help. 

Notwithstanding anyone around to help you, start by listing what you need to accomplish. This thread has gotten a bit large and maybe a new one just for you would also help. 

Everyone one here on this site will be glad to help you choose, acquire and install what you need. 

Mike

Mike - I met a couple of very nice and helpful gentlemen at the Beet Harvest in North Dakota, one man helped me install my system and explained everything to me...it all makes sense now!  I am loving having the solar set up and now on to trying to figure out how much I can use on any given day.  Thank you for your response.

 

[Canine]

Jodie,Hope you and the girls can make it down to Ar. for a visit sometime.We'll catch some fish,I promise.