Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Avion truck campers

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Topic: Avion truck campers - Hundreds of photos

Posted By: rfuerst911sc on 10/06/13 03:18pm

I may have to revisit mounting solar panels above the roof vents. The more I think about it the more it makes sense. I'm thinking the panels only have to be maybe 2 " above the roof vent at it's highest operating height. And the panels would shield the roof vents from rain when stationary. Plus I like the idea of a panel mounted over the front windows like an awning.

Posted By: sabconsulting on 10/07/13 12:16am

69 Avion wrote:

I would want a much larger air gap above an aluminum camper. That is what makes the placement of them above the vents a good idea. That aluminum gets really hot and conducts heat very well.

I hadn't thought about that. I was just thinking about the heat accumulated by the black solar panels then being sunk into the aluminum, but you are saying the aluminum itself gets really hot in the sun - that is a good point, in which case you would definitely want a decent gap to let air flow between the solar panels and the bodywork. The panels would also have the benefit of shading the bodywork, working like the safari roof that used to be fitted to Land Rovers in Africa (2nd skin with an air gap underneath).

Steve.

'07 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab diesel + '91 Shadow Cruiser - Sky Cruiser 1
'98 Jeep TJ 4.0
'15 Ford Fiesta ST
'09 Fiat Panda 1.2

Posted By: 67avion on 10/07/13 10:43am

rfuerst911sc wrote:

This is very interesting. you are doing some original thinking about an issue we all are facing - how to put the most efficient solar collectors on the curved Avion. I'll definitely follow this with a great deal of care.

Thanks!

Posted By: garryk6 on 10/07/13 10:57am

I'll be following this too, since I already have the Engel Fridge, and going with LED's etc. Keep us posted!!
Garry

Garry K
Wife + 4 kids
Retired Military Family.... Alway's on the move....
2002 F350 CCSB 5.4 6spd 4x4 in AK
1966 Avion C-10 Truck Camper

Posted By: My Blue Heaven on 10/07/13 11:52am

rfuerst911sc wrote:

Plus I like the idea of a panel mounted over the front windows like an awning.

The problem I see with that is that those "awnings" over the front glass are referred to as "rock shields" for a reason. I think that would preclude installing a solar panel there.

2001 F350 Lariat CC 4WD 7.3 PSD dually, chipped, 4" SS exhaust, 350 hp, Rancho 9000's, front receiver, front & rear Roadmasters
2009 Arctic Fox 990S, storm windows, Cummins/Onan, FastGuns, Torklifts

Posted By: rfuerst911sc on 10/07/13 05:18pm

My Blue Heaven wrote:

rfuerst911sc wrote:

Plus I like the idea of a panel mounted over the front windows like an awning.

The problem I see with that is that those "awnings" over the front glass are referred to as "rock shields" for a reason. I think that would preclude installing a solar panel there.

I have considered that point but a few things to ponder. One is how many truck campers complain about rocks smashing their front windows ? I'm sure it may happen but not that often. Another point is solar panels are designed to live in stormy weather including hail storms. And third if I thought it was a problem ( and it may be ) I could always come up with a cover or bra to protect the panel. But I do appreciate your comments.

Posted By: rfuerst911sc on 10/07/13 05:27pm

I need to get back on the roof and start taking some measurements but I think it's possible to get three 140 watt panels installed on the camper. Two would be on the roof over the vents and one on the front of the cab covering the front windows. The front would be hinged so it can go up or down. It would be somewhat adjustable for angle with two lift stay arms with wing nuts for tightening in position. If I'm correct that would be 420 watts total which should be sufficient to charge two 6 volt golf cart batteries which is what I plan on going with. Even if I don't go with one on the front that's still 280 watts. I'm not rushing into this I have much more research to do before I pull the trigger. Plus I have that whole camper restoration to complete. [emoticon]

Posted By: cajunavion on 10/07/13 06:45pm

Howdy!
Refuerst, I think the flexible solar panals would be the way to go
and then you could also use them and their backing for waterproofing
the roof like a EPDM roof. The flexible panals are not nearly
as fragile, and are reasonably efficient. Use every available inch if you have the funds.
Overheating of solar panals could be creatively managed by installing
a solar water heater mat underneath the panals( better in the case of ridgid panals).
Cool the panals and preheat your water.
The prob with solar is its basically trickle charging your batteries
and you?ll need some serious power if you want
to run the micro and ac(like generator, shore, or your truck?s alternator)
I setup dual alternators in my truck to keep the batteries
supplied.
I?d love to see you solar roof plans.

* This post was edited 10/07/13 06:53pm by cajunavion *

Posted By: 69 Avion on 10/07/13 07:28pm

I checked out my Avion and I could easily fit a couple large solar panels (39 x 65) up there on the roof. I also don't have an AC up there either, but that is leaving room for the AC. I don't know how they would look being up off of the roof and over the vents, but it sure looks like they would fit sideways. You would definitely see them from the sides and they would take an aluminum bracket to make the work.
I really think that the heat coming off of the aluminum wouldn't be good for the solar panels.

Ford F-350 4x4 Diesel
1988 Avion Triple Axle Trailer
1969 Avion C-11 Camper

Posted By: rfuerst911sc on 10/11/13 05:49am

Found a few solar panels for sale locally on CL that I'm going to check out. I like the idea of seeing/touching the solar panel to make sure glass is good. Prices seem to be fair. Some of you have brought up the air gap between a solar panel and the aluminum skin. Do you guys think the aluminum skin gives off more heat than a black or dark brown shingle roof on a house ? It seems to me looking at solar installations on homes the panels are not that far off the shingle surface. I am still contemplating all mounting options and have not given up the thought of installing them length wise next to the roof vents/AC in the transition area of the roof from horizontal to vertical transition. Also considering installing them " wing " style over the side windows and have them adjustable to open like awnings over the windows. The only downside I see in that location is if I want to use awnings on both sides of the camper. The solar panels would be under the awnings which obviously would not work well. My camper has awning rails on both sides and I like the idea of an awning on both sides for shade/rain protection. Next weekend is a big RV show at Atlanta Motor Speedway that I'm going to attend. Looking to purchase a 12 volt compressor fridge, a new roof AC and look at what is new in RV solar.

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