Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Avion truck campers

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Topic: Avion truck campers - Hundreds of photos

Posted By: 67avion on 06/12/14 12:00pm

Depends how old you think you are ;-)

Posted By: Michael 111 on 06/12/14 04:30pm

How did you mount your solar panels to the top of the Avion , assuming that a few you have successfully tackled this subject.
I am looking at probably 3-4 panels and not eager to drill a bunch of holes into the roof.

I am thinking on building a rack system or even better finding something that is already out there

any ideas?

Michael

Posted By: 67avion on 06/13/14 06:35am

I may have posted the install on this list, but it was fairly straightforward: spacers were screwed into the ribs and two bars were fixed across. The 200 watt panel was fastened into the bars. The electrical lines went into the old fridge vent and to the controller that is located in the top cabinet. It then feeds to 3 group 31 AGM batteries. We no longer have any issues with keeping the batteries topped up, though I might have been OK with just 2 batteries. I'll post a picture later.

One issue I confronted was the placement of the panel. I had removed the AC from the roof and installed a vent. I also installed Fantastik fans at the front and rear. I had to cover a vent, so I decided to cover the old AC vent. It turns out that the vent can still be opened a smidgen, regardless of rain or weather. It's especially useful when running the catalytic heater.

On edit: Here are two photos of the installation. First a picture showing the top of the Avion: You'll see the vent on the left with the lines running into it. I've also fitted my cell phone booster antenna and wifi antenna into the vent.

And another photo showing how it fits into the silhouette of the coach.

* This post was edited 06/13/14 07:28am by 67avion *

Posted By: Michael 111 on 06/13/14 09:17am

Thanks
my roof is not that pretty yet......
I am also looking into some mobile solutions.
No holes at all
http://www.solarstik.com/products-solutions/power-generation/solar-stik-200
something along this line

Posted By: cajunavion on 06/13/14 07:05pm

Howdy!
Heres a pic of the gray water plumbing from the
back.

Posted By: cajunavion on 06/13/14 07:07pm

This is the gray water from the frount, no tank
as of yet.

Posted By: cajunavion on 06/13/14 07:10pm

This is the black water plumbing, still in progress.
The macerator is to the frount, the emergency, classic
dump valve, is below, coming out of the pic.

Posted By: D1trout on 06/13/14 10:29pm

67, your pictures raise a couple of questions. You have retained the refrigerator vent even tho it sounds like you don't need it with your current fridge. I'm in the same situation and am thinking to patch over the vent on the theory that less holes in the roof is better. What's your thinking?

Your center vent, now covered over with the solar panel - is it a fantastic vent as well? Again, I'm headed in the same direction and have been thinking I might use a marine-type opening hatch with a clear or slightly tinted lexan panel, for light, air and the opportunity to get out in an emergency...

Your post suggested you might have been able to use two batteries rather than three. Do you find that you need the 200 watt panel? I'm thinking two smaller panels might fit between the center hatch and each of the two end hatches. It's a matter of sizing the system, of course.

And finally, what sort of success have you achieved with the cell phone and wireless boosters? Worthwhile investments? Brand names and models?

Thanks.

Dick

Posted By: 67avion on 06/14/14 11:57am

Dick, I'll try to reply below hoping that the formatting works:

67, your pictures raise a couple of questions. You have retained the refrigerator vent even tho it sounds like you don't need it with your current fridge. I'm in the same situation and am thinking to patch over the vent on the theory that less holes in the roof is better. What's your thinking?

I think that the roof vent is a very handy place to run lines and attach antenna. I don't think that it would make the roof any more impervious to water if it were removed or patched as if I understand you correctly.

Your center vent, now covered over with the solar panel - is it a fantastic vent as well? Again, I'm headed in the same direction and have been thinking I might use a marine-type opening hatch with a clear or slightly tinted lexan panel, for light, air and the opportunity to get out in an emergency...

No, its merely a vent without a fan. I find it to be useful with allowing just a little air to circulate or escape. I can leave it open when we are underway as well as when it rains since its covered by the solar panel.

Your post suggested you might have been able to use two batteries rather than three. Do you find that you need the 200 watt panel? I'm thinking two smaller panels might fit between the center hatch and each of the two end hatches. It's a matter of sizing the system, of course.

I considered that route but multiple panels include multiple intrusions into the roof and multiple power lines. If you get the latest and most efficient solar array you can get more power with less real estate. It may be that our style of camping, on the road every other day for instance, may recharge the batteries more than I expected from the alternator. Or it could be that we have not actually had a test until we install the compressor fridge. Whatever the case, power is not an issue as far as I can tell.

And finally, what sort of success have you achieved with the cell phone and wireless boosters? Worthwhile investments? Brand names and models?

We placed the wifi, radio and cell phone booster into the coach some time ago...using the fridge vent for the lines and antenna as I have mentioned. I don't recall the wifi system, but I'll try to remember to check it out. My experience with that is mixed since ambient wifi like at McDonalds or Starbucks is accessible in the parking lot ...but seldom anywhere in the boonies no matter the level of boost. As to the cell phone, I put in a simple Wilson cradle. The iPhone is placed in the cradle and used as a wifi hotspot. We can run our other devices from that. It appears to work quite well. In fact I think we did OK at Muley Point. Though I was so mesmerized by the view I don't recall. heh.

* This post was edited 06/14/14 12:29pm by 67avion *

Posted By: Michael 111 on 06/15/14 03:29pm

First test assembly for the upstairs cupboard
The wilting will change to a grey or black, once i have it, i can fine-tune the lines and rivet it all together, hoping for near perfect lines.

it opens towards the bed, so the cut out is a bit taller than the mattress and the void will be filled with the base for the shelves\
all the fine-tuning can only be done once the skin is in

Aaaaand tomorrow the driver side [emoticon]

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