Greetings from Upstate SC!

[BlackSheep-SMB]

Greetings,
I don't actually have a Sportsmobile but a number of online searches have resulted in viewing threads on the forum. I do have a Quigley converted 4x4 2004 E-350 with a DIY camper conversion. I bought the rig June 2023 and spent the month of August 2023 building / re-building the interior to suit my needs. I'm back at it again after spending Sept 2023 in Utah testing the rig.



I've gutted the van and will re-do some and add some functionality. Among other things I'm adding solar on the roof and an Espar heater. It is adding the Espar which has pointed me to the forum with several searches.


I also own a 2019 Quigley Transit. It's not a Sportsmobile either but y'all seem to be a friendly bunch and I'm sure I can learn something from the forum.

 

[sn0mad]

Welcome! :h7: Yes, it is a big tent of van enthusiasts.

 

[Twoxentrix]

Always room for another! Lot of good info to be found here...before you add your solar, I'd do a search on this Forum for 'suitcase solar"...some great threads which may prove beneficial. Here are just a couple examples:
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f20/portable-solar-panels-26429.html

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f20/auxiliary-portable-folding-solar-panels-23929.html

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f20/portable-solar-panel-advise-28189.html

 

[BlackSheep-SMB]

Thanks Twoxentrix. I will install two Renogy flexible panels (100W each) to the roof and I also have purchased a Renogy 120W portable panel. I looked through some of those threads and the one thing I'm not crazy about this portable panel is the size. It basically folds in half. I will have space to store it but a smaller package may be necessary to best optimize my space utilization.

 

[doublevan2]

Welcome BlackSheep -- I have 200 watts on my roof - but its on top of my Yakima rack. Trying to come up with a "slider" system mounted under my Yakima that can be pulled out when needed - freeing up my Yakima for other stuff. I did take Twoxentrix's advice and bought a 120 watt suitcase panel - which is stored behind my couch against driver side wall. It's tight but doable. Be careful about gluing flex panels on the roof - search for the "best" glue on that install !

 

[BlackSheep-SMB]

Welcome BlackSheep -- I have 200 watts on my roof - but its on top of my Yakima rack. Trying to come up with a "slider" system mounted under my Yakima that can be pulled out when needed - freeing up my Yakima for other stuff. I did take Twoxentrix's advice and bought a 120 watt suitcase panel - which is stored behind my couch against driver side wall. It's tight but doable. Be careful about gluing flex panels on the roof - search for the "best" glue on that install !

Thanks for the tips! I do have the 3M VHB tape - 2" wide. after your suggestion I have on my shopping list some of the coroplast. I like the one video I found posted by Maxx (https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/f...-flex-panels-controller-25863.html#post270252) and the way the guy in the video mounted his panels. I am always interested in making things easy to modify. My original plan was to mount direct to my roof with the 3M VHB but the method in the video allows for future modifications or replacement much easier than direct mount.