Van Roof Rack for Solar

[WheelEstate USA]

www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-UGGGh-Electricity-solar-and-batteries?page=2

Post #17 has pics and description of the rack we're using.
Hope this will be useful

 

[LFM]

Maybe this is a good place to show my solar panel installation. This is on a E350 extended van. I bought a used ladder rack from Craig's List. Used three, 10 ft sticks of galvanised unistrut.  The unistrut was mounted under the ladder rack. I mounted the solar panesl on top of the unistrut using z brackets with security bolts. The rack is still usable as the finished height of the panels are below the cross rails.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Sure, why not show racks here...The more ideas the better.

Good idea there LFM

I used to think I wanted to be able to tilt panels but several have said they didn't find it worthwhile, as there wasn't enough of a difference for their system to even climbing up to do the do.
How about some of the tilters weighing in ?

 

[66788]

Sure, why not show racks here...The more ideas the better.

Good idea there LFM

I used to think I wanted to be able to tilt panels but several have said they didn't find it worthwhile, as there wasn't enough of a difference for their system to even climbing up to do the do.
How about some of the tilters weighing in ?

I made the largest of my 2 panels tiltable to 55 degrees from horizontal.   My tests showed a 33% gain when the panel was tilted, as opposed to horizontal.   This was done in the winter sun.

My tiltable panel also locks to the vehicle with 2 small padlocks for anti theft protection.

 

[GypsyDogs]

Oh Yay!

www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-UGGGh-Electricity-solar-and-batteries?page=2

Post #17 has pics and description of the rack we're using.
Hope this will be useful

You just solved a logistic-assembly problem I have been having with my soon solar panel setup. And I think I figured out how to tilt it too, without too much fuss. Wooo!
I have a bare ladder rack- having risers welded on to make it clear my high top. Was trying to figure out how to comfortably attach 2 100w solar panels to this. OMG- Brilliant- Crossmembers. Make a box frame, then attach the panels to the frame. Then, I can also add something akin to a card table joint to make it tilt when I want. You guys are wonderful!

 

[wagoneer]

View attachment 4500This is a megawarrior with extension

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Tilt panels are not out of the question for our set up. Good part of this rack is that it is easily modified for about any configuration. Another bed frame cut apart and a few bolts, and it becomes a different style.
Your imagination and a few basic tools is all it takes.

How about some pics here folks

 

[ccbreder]

I remember bed frames as being some kind of hardened steel. Very difficult to cut, drill or weld. I do have access to a general surplus metal supply house.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Bed frames are what's called mild steel. No problem to cut or drill, easy to weld. A few drops of oil helps cool drill bits making them last longer. Cheapo bits won't last long.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Maybe I should amend that statement
Many of the newer frames are made from scrap. Those can be any degree of hardness.
Older ones seem to be common mild steel.

If you don't want to do a bunch of drilling use perforated angle like that used for industral shelves.

 

[highdesertranger]

interesting little side track about bed frames. I remember the old frames being so hard they would smoke drill bits. so I never used them for anything that needed to be drilled, I will have to rethink that and try with a newer one. lately I just scrap them. highdesertranger

 

[GotSmart]

I went the expensive route.  I bought aluminum 1 1/2 L angle.  $15 each.  

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Renogy-rooftop-installation-using-racks

 

[GrantRobertson]

I remember the old [bed] frames being so hard they would smoke drill bits.

Agreed. Even in these days of rapidly declining quality, every bed frame I have seen is incredibly hard steel. The have to be so they won't bend under the increasing weights being put on them. However, if you are willing to go to the extra trouble necessary to work with that extra hard steel, you will end up with a super-stiff rack. Probably more stiff than anyone would really need.

 

[Satellite5812]

I wish to thank everyone involved in this thread- I'm just starting on my van conversion, and planning to install solar. There are some great ideas to work with here!