Hola! My official introduction - 2002 White SMB EB50 7.3 4x4

[daveb]

WTF I don't know why they did that! But now that I'm thinking about it I did have them use a smaller tube diameter on mine to save weight... maybe that has something to do with it but I doubt it. SMB and several members here have the same rack (with standard tubing) using the same panels. Is it possible Kyocera is producing a different size panel? I mean it dosen't look bad but I still don't know why they did it. Because my rack was custom, when I speced out my rack I had all the drawings how I wanted it, all the way down to how wide the flat bars were spaced.

Is your top different than mine?

Dave

[Ocsmb]

Originally Posted by daveb

WTF I don't know why they did that! But now that I'm thinking about it I did have them use a smaller tube diameter on mine to save weight... maybe that has something to do with it but I doubt it. SMB and several members here have the same rack (with standard tubing) using the same panels. Is it possible Kyocera is producing a different size panel? I mean it dosen't look bad but I still don't know why they did it. Because my rack was custom, when I speced out my rack I had all the drawings how I wanted it, all the way down to how wide the flat bars were spaced.

Is your top different than mine?

Dave

Not sure if we have the same roof or not.

The Kyocera kd135 is a pretty standard dimension. Even the new kd140 is the same. I think the fact that you have smaller diameter tubes is why your rack didn't need to bow out.

I emailed Kenny letting him know my dissatisfaction. Lets see what happens.

[daveb]

You might call Peter Deltoro and ask about all the racks they have ordered and installed at SMBW. They're the ones who mount the panels. Like I said, I've never seen that before but then I really haven't looked that close.

[daveb]

Jacko, I looked at my rack today. It is the same as yours! The angle is subtle but is there. That brought back some memories when I had mine done. I was warned about that because they said (if I recall correctly) the tops angle is “more narrow" at the back. Funny how I never noticed it. So the tube diameter may indeed have something to do with it being so noticeable. Sorry I didn't remember what Aluminuss had told me. Of course it means the angle will determine where (how many) panels can be put on the rack. I planned for and installed 2 panels. Hopefully Aluminuss built your rack for future add on but maybe you don’t want that.

Dave

[Ocsmb]

Dave - thx for checking. I told them I wanted a rack like yours. Mounts fir 2 panels installed sideways. In the bear future ill add a 2nd panel.

Didn't realize I could get smaller diameter tubes. Makes sense for weight reduction which I realize is so important now especially since I'm at the tipping point of too much weight that causes the top to be difficult to lift.

Btw - is it better to install the panels in parallel or in series?

[buckkiller]

Ocsmb,

love your rig bro,hope to have my build out done asap.

Buck

[daveb]

Originally Posted by Ocsmb

Dave - thx for checking. I told them I wanted a rack like yours. Mounts fir 2 panels installed sideways. In the bear future ill add a 2nd panel.

Didn't realize I could get smaller diameter tubes. Makes sense for weight reduction which I realize is so important now especially since I'm at the tipping point of too much weight that causes the top to be difficult to lift.

Btw - is it better to install the panels in parallel or in series?

Mine are 17v panels wired in parallel.

[Ocsmb]

Originally Posted by buckkiller

Ocsmb,

love your rig bro,hope to have my build out done asap.

Buck

Thx dude!

[Tapatio]

Originally Posted by daveb

Mine are 17v panels wired in parallel.

If you wire in series you'll double the voltage (17v to 34v) and burn out your solar controller (max 30v). Wiring in parallel will double the amperage (8a to 16a) but that's ok since the controller can handle up to 25amps.

Positive to positive, negative to negative.

[Ocsmb]

Thx to Tapatio my pop top is good to go. 2 links and pushing the top is almost like I have no rack and panel.

Also added a little bit of wood to the rear of the helper springs.