67avion wrote:
Muley Point or Bust!
I placed my solar panels on the roof and that has worked well for me, except for my mishap last year that tore them off. All's well that ends well - they're pumping electricity to my NovaKool Fridge as I write.
Cajun, did you need the wiring diagram? I have it if you need it.
Muley Point or Bust!
I placed my solar panels on the roof and that has worked well for me, except for my mishap last year that tore them off. All's well that ends well - they're pumping electricity to my NovaKool Fridge as I write.
Cajun, did you need the wiring diagram? I have it if you need it.
67..I plan on looking back to see how you mounted them. However last year September when we where camping near Flagstaff in the Coconino forest with our other TC, with our solar panels 'portable' we really enjoyed being in the shade and were able to place the panels (3 x 100 watt) in the sun. We also used the panels in Terlingua in April (without the TC).Plus a permanent mount would require purchasing new panels.
I am also considering mount a rack beneath the wings to transport the panels. Decisions decisions, I will have to squeeze the trigger soon.
If you want to take them off, then you're right. Have to find a place to tuck them for transport.
I bought KoolSeal silver at the local walmart, maybe Walmart.com?
I said the same thing about the curtains in the Pompadour, not my department. Arrangements were made, colors discussed. Time passed and other aspects of the rebuild progressed. Still no curtains. I asked nicely but they never materialized. One day at a state park in Delaware, I found myself butchering an old bed sheet on a picnic table then sewing it with sail repair twine. Shameful.
May the Armadillo get the curtains it deserves.
As for solar, I am all for the modular setup you suggest. It is handy to move them as needed or detatch them entirely for use on other 'jobs' or servicing. My suggestion would be to construct a minimalist frame for each or both panel(s) from aluminium stock(angle, c channel or square/rect tubing). Welding thin aluminium is not worth the trouble but olympic and/or buck rivets would fasten this stock nicely. Then find a way to attach this assembly to the truck or camper. Do you have enough room for these panels + frames to go under the wings? This would be a much more sheltered location but would require two frames. Do the panels have any type frames already?
Definitely been out enjoying some weekends of TC living. So much for only using it to winter boondock in the desert. At 19.2mpg, why not?
Tip: I think the rough appearance of my truck keeps the gas station press conferences short and sweet.
1968 Avion C-11
1993 Dodge D250 LE Cummins
The 120 volt has a breaker panel in the back closet by the back door,
The photo shows double bus bars. positive on the left negative on the right. The main feed from the battery is fused, then there is a sub fuse panel that protects each circuit. basically all circuits are fused the larger amp circuits by maxi spade fuses, the others by mini spades.
Yes I already have the 4" aluminum C channels Just wide enough to hold both framed panels. I am thinking the ideal set up would be between the cab of the truck and the TC behind the back window,With the camper spaced back by a 4x4 from the front of the bed. I will have to raise the bottom of the TC. I am thinking 3 rows of 2x6's stacked 2 high for an additional 3" lift.
Still not sure how the rack will have to be constructed, The bottom Channel can be supported be the bed however the upper rail will need vertical supports. Not sure if these supports should be bolted to the frame for strength (does the bed flex separate from the frame?)or just attached lower down on the bed somewhere.
However under the wings is still an option, once I get over my hesitancy of drilling more holes into the TC. (I don't believe they would protrude any further than the jack brackets).
Any suggestions welcomed as usual.
How heavy are the panels?
Most truck beds are solid mount to the frame but will still have a degree of flex, especially on older/high mileage trucks. I would try to keep everything mounted to the same thing, be it frame or bed but not both.
The jack brackets might be used in lieu of drilling additional holes in the wings.
Maybe just a padded bag to slip between the bed front and camper on top of the 4x4. Any old windsurf board bags lying around?
In the meantime, our daughter Dawn is sitting on top of Muley Point. She's on her way to to Moab from Prescott. She says that its warm and breezy.
The climb up the Moki Dugway was spectacular.
![[image]](http://s739.photobucket.com/user/dgorton/media/IMAG8931_zpseptfhgti.jpg.html)
Her truck camping rig is the ultimate back country TACO and 4WheelCamper with a view of Monument Valley.
![[image]](http://s739.photobucket.com/user/dgorton/media/IMAG8937_zpsdziauqmk.jpg.html)
67....Florida meet Sounds good, don't forget about the Appleton Rum.
Your daughters rig is 'golden'....I just can not imagine it being big enough for two.
Pacific Rim wrote:
Guys go read the book the Martian about the Solar Panels, or the Clift notes version in the movie
Guys go read the book the Martian about the Solar Panels, or the Clift notes version in the movie
I'm not familiar with the Martian and the solar panels, nor the movie. Can you spell it out a bit more?
How are you doing in finding an Avion TC?
Our hosts are David (Rastaman) and Susan at their country place in north central Florida. We stayed with them last January and had a blast. Lake City is near the Okeefenokee Swamp and a good jumping off place for the beaches on either the East or West Coast of Florida.
David and Susan's place has limited space, so we have to know who's coming (please PM me). Its first and foremost for Avion owners, but we plan to have a few of our other TC friends.
I've never run across a property quite like they have created out of a modest farmhouse in North Florida. It has decks, fireplaces, kitchens, chairs and tables all outside, but protected from a downpour. All built by hand by David. It also has an enormous firepit and shops where he works on motorcycles and other machines.
We'll probably cook Jamaican Jerk, seafood and other delicacies from the Island... Red Stripe beer and Appleton Rum. Music by the Wailers as well as country western. David says there is a roadhouse just up the highway that will surely be open on Halloween night. You have to dress up like an Avionista.
Here are David and Susan on the deck. Jane and I are guest hosts.
![[image]](http://s739.photobucket.com/user/dgorton/media/rastaman_zpsudltgvj9.jpg.html)