Oh, I also added a Viair OBA (on board air) setup. I put a coupler in the front grill and one on the side of the rear receiver and built a rack for it between the underfloor storage box and the rear axle. I have no pics of it so I guess Marc can post some if he feels like it, but it's not really much to see.
I strongly recommend this kit. It comes with everything you need.
Not that I know of but these aren't sitting flat on the roof. There's a little room under there, 1/2 to 3/4" I'd say. If that is a consideration I'd like to know!
First off, amazing re-do. That replacement canvas looks amazing!!
But yeah, solar panels lose about 4% voltage (basic efficiency) per every 10 degrees they heat up over 25C. I would think the bigger the air gap behind the panel the better off you are. Would venture a guess that these things can heat up into the 60-80C range pretty easily.
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Larrie
Read detailed trip reports, see photos and videos on my travel blog, luinil.com.
Current van: 2002 Ford E350 extended body camper with Colorado Camper Van pop top and Agile Offroad 4WD conversion.
So I have started 3 different comments, and cancelled each of them. Just no words. I'll try again later
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'95 SMB E350 Quigley 7.3 https://www.taylorarts.com
... If you have to ask, you'll never understand...
"... torpedo'd, because we don't generally cotton to bullshit around here." -jage
"... do they ooch apart in the night?" -Dia
Did you test if there were any impacts to the solar output with the crossbars so close? Based on Jage's solar shading video, I would be concerned that the power output might be a lot less than ideal conditions.
Herb
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SMB-less as of 02/04/2012. Our savings account is richer, but our adventures are poorer.
Marc's last panel (60 watt) was flat mounted to the roof with a bar right over the center of it and charging his batteries pretty well. He wanted the new panels under the bars to accommodate a boat he carries on occasion. At some angles these will have a shadow on them but from most angles they're wide open. They were putting out plenty of juice in my shaded yard when he left, even grabbing some power in my shop through the skylights.
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