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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Solar Panel Mounts

I'd double check with the manufacturer (Arctic Fox) about the actual construction of the roof. Adventurer has their 'TCC' i.e. 'true composite core/construction' equivalent, but even that has aluminum frame members, and weirdly enough, three additional random wood cross members. That's in addition to the cheap/light white pine stuff they put around the roof openings for screw holding. I'd be shocked if AF doesn't have *some* kind of structural cross members in the roof.
I watched a factory tour done in 2019 by Taylor Dazeman. They show the roof is 100% structual foam with luan laminated on the surfaces. I have replaced two fans and pulled the antenna. Those area are just 4-6" of foam sandwiched with luan.
I might still send them an email as I plan to mount several more solar panels after my next trip.
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SoonDockin
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04/12/22 03:00pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Solar Panel Mounts

With the thin luan on the top of my RV it seems picking the best screw can be challenging. Self tapping screws seem bad as they remove material that can be compressed to hold the threads a bit more. I have considered using epoxy in the screw hole after removing to strengthen the fibers. Might be overthinking things but..... The antenna had 4 screws holding it along with dicor. It was solid and I know a few limbs hit it over time.
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SoonDockin
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04/12/22 11:10am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Solar Panel Mounts

The Arctic Fox has a membrane roof. Tape alone is not enough in my opinion. I also don't believe there are any structural members in the roof. I believe its just a big sip (foam bonded to plywood on each side) panel. So based on the size of screws they use to hold everything down, I feel the 8mm should hold. Time will tell.
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SoonDockin
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04/12/22 06:59am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Solar Panel Mounts

I think the top plywood on the Arctic Fox is around 1/4". I doubt I could trust just VHB tape but can see it and a couple of screws keeping it attached fairly well. I have given up on the extruded rails and am using L brackets screwed into the sides and roof. Less points of failure.
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SoonDockin
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04/10/22 05:37pm |
Truck Campers
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Solar Panel Mounts

I have an Arctic Fox 1140 with the round roof. I have some 200w panels that are 5ft by 26". I can use the simple z mounts and have the same issue if I ever want to remove them. So I have been considering using 2 4040 aluminum extruded rails mounted with L brackets so its somewhat level. I end up with only 8 8mm screws holding the entire assembly down. Will this be enough?
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SoonDockin
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04/09/22 12:30pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Door Lock Screws

I got lucky and found that 8/32 is the correct thread pitch. Looks like 3/8 depth and flat head bolt. So I think I am good! Thanks for the reply.
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SoonDockin
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03/20/22 01:28pm |
Tech Issues
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Door Lock Screws

I found the plate that surrounds the deadbolt and door latch. It was laying between the door and screen. Both screws that hold it on were missing. I noticed the other 4 holding the bulk of the lock were also somewhat loose.
So I failed to do proper maintenance and now am on the hunt for the proper screws. They appear to go into machined threads so my stash of homeowner door screws won't help.
Can anyone tell me where I can get just the replacement screws?
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SoonDockin
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03/20/22 11:45am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Renting My Truck Camper

If its on the ground and well supported, then that's probably good. Personally I would not rent mine, but I understand why it might be ok for others. If the camper was on a vehicle, any number of things can go wrong, low limbs, giant potholes or humped railroad tracks taken at speed.
Good luck with whatever decision you make.
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SoonDockin
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11/24/21 07:57pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Truck tech

I got a Rostra 250-8660 camera to plug in when my tailgate is off. I have it mounted to the underside of my Arctic Fox Fox Landing. I still get a pretty complete 360 view, and best of all, still have a backup camera right over my extended hitch.
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SoonDockin
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10/29/21 04:43pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Truck tech

I still find my adaptive cruise, cooled and heated seats, heated steering wheel and dual climate control quite useful. Also the 360 camera is very handy. Not a premium option but I do find the tight turning radius of my F450 a big plus. Will all those features last, I don't know. Its not something I worry about. I just enjoy a comfortable quiet cab on the slightly more premium trim.
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SoonDockin
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10/29/21 09:37am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Time to swap the Refrigerator?

I hope you go that route and please report back your experience. I think you’ll be getting a quality product installed by the folks who make it.
I just made the trip to Shipshewana to get our fridge updated. JC Refrigeration is a great place to have it done. Took just under 1.5 hrs for the install. Cost is VERY reasonable and I am very happy with the outcome. They did it on the floor of my camper and afterward there was no sign they had been in my rig. The fridge is not silent any more but gets cool way faster from a cold start. Draws 7-8 amps straight from my batteries. Yes the freezer stays at around 10 deg but for us that is just fine.
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SoonDockin
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10/26/21 12:58pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Long Bed vs Bigger Overhang - off - roading

While your thinking long bed, consider dual rear wheels. Ups your payload quite a bit and adds some extra stabilization with the wider track.
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SoonDockin
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10/25/21 04:44pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Quality of new Arctic Fox TC

I guess we got our AF just in time. It was discounted pretty good in early 2019. I started to put a superhitch on my F450 but the Torklift Cannons hit the market and it works fine in my 3" stock hitch.
I have had no issues with my 2018/19 circa AF1140. Its well built and as I have been switching over to a big inverter and lithium batteries, I got to look over the wiring. Wires are well secured and bundled where in some I have seen spaghetti. Put about 20k miles on it so far. Not coming apart anywhere I can see. We do store it in out of the weather.
Good luck on your search.
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SoonDockin
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09/12/21 08:03pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Load center wiring

I have been going through my Arctic Fox wiring. The only other source of power I was seeing was from my 20 watt solar panel on the roof. It still manages to supply 12v in the shade but not enough amps to power anything. I disconnected it while working on it.
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SoonDockin
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09/09/21 11:59am |
Truck Campers
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RE: New sink in 2016 AF811SB

Looks real similar to the one I put in our home a couple of years ago. We have a single bowl sink in our 1140 and don't see a need to change it. Yours looks great!
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SoonDockin
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08/20/21 05:57pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Arctic Fox Roof

Good to know. I will probably call them just to confirm when shopping for my solar panel mounts. Waiting on my batteries and inverter to show up so I can get the alternator charging working first.
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SoonDockin
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08/20/21 05:48pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Arctic Fox Roof

True, I don't think my OCD would allow me to put anything up there without screws.
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SoonDockin
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08/18/21 07:19am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Arctic Fox Roof

Well even more interesting ideas. I will call Northwood just to get their opinion. I have considered using 3M VHB tape with those plastic no drill mounts and eternabond on top of the edges to hold it down.
I like the idea of a elevated rack for a bunch of solar panels. I am focused on getting the rest of the system up and using my dual extra heavy duty alternators to start with. Solar will be the last thing I do.
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SoonDockin
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08/16/21 06:50pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Arctic Fox Roof

Good to hear you folks have had success. I was up on the roof the other day thinking I can get about 800 watts or possibly more up on that big roof.
Thanks!
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SoonDockin
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08/15/21 03:36pm |
Truck Campers
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Arctic Fox Roof

I plan to install solar panels soon. Its a solid roof. Is there any reason I cannot just anchor stuff wherever I need to? A couple of screws and lots of dicor?
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SoonDockin
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08/15/21 08:05am |
Truck Campers
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