Slide Out Solar Panels on Roof - Project ?

[doublevan2]

Ok - Ok - I know - what am I thinking ?? My spare tire was originally mounted on my Yakima roof rack - on the roof of course. But I'm no "Lou Ferrigno" and I'm not interested in moving/heaving an 85 pound tire off the roof onto the ground - 'cause I know I'd never catch it as it bounded down the road !

So I had a local welder do a tire mount rack onto my driver side swing out - and moved my Aluminess large storage box to the garage. BUT - I've been thinking "maybe" I could come up with a slide out solar panel rack mounted UNDER my Yakima rack - sliding out to the rear over cargo doors - and re-mount my tire to the roof and my Alum box back to my driver side swing out.
That way I could store crap from the inside of the van back into the Alum box and have more tools, camp fuel, etc., water, etc., to travel with.

I know - I know -- why not use suit case solar panels ? Well - those panels would still need a place to be stored when not in use. So -- been thinking some 2020 aluminum rail stock might work - or some long drawer rails - like for outdoor kitchen/slide outs - and support the solar panel hanging over cargo doors, etc. Something like that !?

Anybody out there with experience in this type of set up that can point me in a good direction on this idea ? I'm waiting !! lol - ha ha ?

[SteelheadJones]

I’m thinking along your lines too. The drawer slides idea seems pretty slick.

[larrie]

Front Runner has a solution for mounting a table under their roof rack, https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.co...t-tbra051.html. Something similar could be used for a solar panel if there is enough clearance.

Using a locking slide rails should work. These, https://www.amazon.com/AOLISHENG-Dra...1zcF9hdGY&th=1, come in lengths up to 60”

[ScrapIron]

This member did it on his rig...
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ver-18662.html

[Twoxentrix]

This is impressive - He built motorized slides for his RV roof (Video should start just when he begins his trial run on deploying them):
https://youtu.be/u4GZpe0WVYs?t=633

[Scalf77]

While this is on a Transit, the concept is the same

https://youtu.be/ZPGZfgfPQ0k

[BCam]

How's this for a mega-install? I know this is a bus but the poster is a meticulous craftsman and there may be something of value in how he did it.

https://youtu.be/wQRnECDIQ8E

The link starts at 14:17 so you can see it operate.

[motovan_mn]

https://www.instagram.com/fleet1_build/

Also a Transit, but this person implemented a pretty huge sliding solar setup


This post in particular:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CvBWDzrN...RlODBiNWFlZA==

[Sporkchop]

https://trailerpartsdirect.com.au/sh...t-solar-panel/
Australian company, but have a video showing all parts necessary for build

[Vanimal]

I too have had this thought for some time but in several ways such as two on the roof rack and two the same size that slide out from under. Either 100 or 200 watt doubling the power when camped. This could allow trickle or low charging when van is not used.
Another was on the rear bumper. Two panels stowed back to back between box and spare that slide out and open like a book laid flat. Like a airplane seat has the arm pad pocket table top. Doing both can give you on a good day, from 600 to 1200 watts of charging allowing you to run a/c and any thing else.