EMD360
Arvada, CO
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Joined: 01/18/2010
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My new solar panels came today! I waited until they arrived to determine how to mount them. I have been considering a rack from side to side of our class c Winnie 25b.
The panels are 59 x 26 and I thought I’d bolt them to an aluminum rack screwed to the edges of the roof.
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/D93WfMtl.jpg)
I’m thinking of using aluminum angle and brackets.
I am trying to avoid screw holes in the roof.
The panels bolt from the bottom. Cannot drill more holes or the warranty is voided.
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/NiFul2yl.jpg)
I have plenty of room near the refrigerator vent where I intend to run the wires.
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/f2gDXqal.jpg)
I’m thinking one panel support between the air conditioner and the refrigerator vent and one shared in the middle or two sets of two. I also considered aluminum extrusion.
Any advice?
2018 Minnie Winnie 25b New to us 3/2021
Former Rental Owners Club #137
2003 Itasca Spirit 22e 2009-2021
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jdc1
Rescue, Ca
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Joined: 05/30/2011
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Just use 1-2" wide aluminum L brackets, long enough to keep the panels off the roof to vent. Keep it simple. You only need 4 per panel.
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Lwiddis
Near Bishop, California
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Joined: 08/12/2016
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A warranty on the roof of a 2018 Winnie? Interesting.
Yes, skip the rack. I've had my panels screwed to the roof for three plus years now...no leaks. I use Heng's annually over the Dicor I used when installing the panels.
Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, WindyNation 300 watt solar-Lossigy 200 AMP Lithium battery. Prefer boondocking, USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state camps. Bicyclist. 14 yr. Army -11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad
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RickLight
Washington
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Joined: 01/22/2017
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I saw a video using Unistrut as a base frame. Standard 1 5/8" or the shallow stuff would be my choice.
www.unistrut.us
Rick,
2019 Grand Design Reflection 150 273MK
2015 Ford F350 CC SB Lariat Powerstroke
PullRite Superglide
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Vintage465
Prunedale CA.
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Joined: 05/02/2015
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I think the regular brackets that come with the panels are sufficient. If you wanted to go the extra mile you can make sure you get at least one hold down screw into a rafter/trust or some substantial wood. Or you can also use "well nuts" that actually work like a rivet in the plywood when the hold down bolt is cinched up. Putty tape or non leveling goo under the bracket and self leveling sealant over the top. Don't think you'll have any problems of any kind.
V-465
2013 GMC 2500HD Duramax Denali. 2015 CreekSide 20fq w/450 watts solar and 465 amp/hour of batteries. Retired and living the dream!
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