Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 03-05-2019, 07:17 PM   #21
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Riverside Ca.
Posts: 736
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nrobert10 View Post
Vanimal

18” top isn’t tall enough. A 24” is really what I need since I’m 6’1.

Rob
No worries, I am 6'2". Looks like you better stay with a pop top because if you raise your rig for anything over 33"s the full 24" might be scary on any angled trail! I am not a fan of the big snow caps, when they are stock height they look goofy disproportional and raised they look ok but unbalanced, any way that's my opinion and you know what they say about opinions. Ha!

Vanimal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-05-2019, 09:36 PM   #22
Senior Member
 
shadetreevanman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Riverside, CA
Posts: 385
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vanimal View Post
...Correct me if I am wrong but he already has a hole in his roof!

... If he leaves the flange and wraps it in upholstery or a finish product it will not be any different then when the top was on, therefore making no significant difference than with a raised top!
You are not wrong. A hightop glued and/or screwed will inherently be stronger than a poptop with a few hold downs front and rear, especially if the hole in the roof is the same on both applications. My high top installation, and both of my buddies, all are cut less drastically than a Sportsmobile poptop. In my case the back 30" of roof is intact, plus the area over the front seats.

You can't tell me a hightop permanently fixed to the van would need a roll cage when a poptop doesn't need one. Much ado about nothing...
__________________
Tim Potts

2012 Chevrolet Express 3500 6.0
shadetreevanman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-05-2019, 09:50 PM   #23
Senior Member
 
shadetreevanman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Riverside, CA
Posts: 385
Quote:
Originally Posted by ConnieKat View Post
Shadetreevanman,
...
It’s all aerodynamically shaped ( and a pain in the rear). No way to attach any of my self stick solar panels!

...would it make more sense to get a new top, or go with a rack or something to support my panels?

...Other than applying them along the side, I think a rack or new roof are my only choices. Any thoughts?
Thank You,
ConnieKat
I had problems with my fixed panels and the shape of my roof. I thought about building a rack for the roof and mounting the panels to it. Ultimately I fiberglassed in some aluminum angle and mounted the panels that way. The 2 panels are angled to keep the sides from being so tall in profile.
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_4630.jpg
Views:	9
Size:	88.1 KB
ID:	26091
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_4645.jpg
Views:	10
Size:	102.0 KB
ID:	26092

My buddy had it much easier with his 2 flexible panels on his aerodynamic roof.
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_4729.jpg
Views:	14
Size:	104.3 KB
ID:	26093
__________________
Tim Potts

2012 Chevrolet Express 3500 6.0
shadetreevanman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2019, 03:07 PM   #24
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Riverside Ca.
Posts: 736
Vanimal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2019, 09:44 PM   #25
Senior Member
 
86Scotty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: TN
Posts: 10,222
Quote:
Originally Posted by shadetreevanman View Post
I had problems with my fixed panels and the shape of my roof. I thought about building a rack for the roof and mounting the panels to it. Ultimately I fiberglassed in some aluminum angle and mounted the panels that way. The 2 panels are angled to keep the sides from being so tall in profile.
I did this same thing on my motorhome. Though it first appeared flat I realized it was not at all flat when it came to mounting solar. I carefully bent some aluminum angle and fanned 3 panels out across it.

As for an E-series, NOTHING is flat and nothing is square, and that is only accentuated with a fiberglass high top.

That's a good looking install on your solar.

86Scotty is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2019, 10:23 PM   #26
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Western Colorado
Posts: 1,228
The fixed top is arguably lighter than a pop top. Fiberine indicated that the their top is only about 50 lbs heavier than the factory metal that they cut out to install the top.
__________________
Desert Solitaire
2003 7.3L EB 4x4
Timberline 4x4 conversion
saline is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-09-2019, 11:55 AM   #27
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Riverside Ca.
Posts: 736
Quote:
Originally Posted by saline View Post
The fixed top is arguably lighter than a pop top. Fiberine indicated that the their top is only about 50 lbs heavier than the factory metal that they cut out to install the top.
If you're looking for a FIBERINE I have 3 tops brand new. 2-RB's and 1 EB.
Vanimal is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sportsmobile SIP or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:22 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.