Adding Big Solar to a Little Camper!

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As an off-the grid camping enthusiast, adding a big solar panel on my eggshell fiberglass trailer was essential for me. This video shows how I did it and the impressive first results.
This solar install is a work in progress. It is not complete, and several other phases of the build are planned based on preliminary test results. I do not recommend anyone follow this design until I have made final conclusions later in the year. Thanks! SP
Materials used in this build:
- two 8' lengths of 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 3/16" thick aluminum L-channel extrusion (rails and brackets)
- ten 1/4" x 1" long stainless steel bolts with vinyl lock-nuts
- twelve 5/16" x 1 1/4" stainless steel bolts with vinyl lock-nuts
- four fender washers
- 10 gauge wire, length to suit
- 270W poly-crystalline solar panel (link below)
- 40A MPPT Solar controller with remote meter (link below)
- 12V AGM Battery ( also Deep Cycle or Lithium if preferred)
- Non-sag RV Roofing Sealant (link below)
- Miscellaneous mounting hardware
For a list of all my videos, please use this link: / @slimpotatohead
Website: www.slimpotatohead.com
List of products mentioned in this video (Amazon Affiliate Links*):
270W Solar Panel: amzn.to/3aKaiwH
Epever 40A MPPT Solar Controller: amzn.to/2Yd3SDA
Dicor RV Roofing Sealant: amzn.to/3eQVG1P
Note: The G.Solar 130Ah battery is no longer available. A similar battery is made by Renogy and is shown here: amzn.to/2W3FIbZ
My Equipment (Amazon Affiliate Links*):
Osmo Action Camera: amzn.to/2QCSUlh
Action Camera stabilizer: amzn.to/35nRXD2My Equipment
Main Camera: Sony A7Sii: amzn.to/2J9voXk
Camcorder: Sony FRD-AX33: amzn.to/2khCRMT
4K Sports Camera: amzn.to/2Dtsygn
Zoom Field Recorder: amzn.to/2WrLZQU
Shotgun Mic: amzn.to/2kOJqqY
Merlin 2 Steadicam: amzn.to/2X67unS
Tripod: amzn.to/2Xb3EKg
Editing: Powerdirector 17: amzn.to/2KqY8gC
Sports Chair: amzn.to/2OkN7PL
How I get around:
Trailer: 2008 Outback by Trillium
Tow Vehicle: 2010 Jeep Liberty, 6 cyl 3.7L gas engine, 4WD, over 160,000 km
* Amazon Affiliate Links provide me with a very small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to the buyer. Please support Slim Potatohead by using my links for any Amazon purchase. Thanks!

Опубликовано:

27 апр 2020

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Комментарии : 854

@tornadokat 4 года назад

I'm glad you mentioned airspace under the panel. For people not familiar with this, some good long term testing has shown a panel with no airflow underneath runs hotter which results in less output and a shorter lifespan.

@donaldnoonan 3 года назад

I like the fact that you’re not an expert but you’re willing to learn from your mistakes and move forward without abandoning a project. Best wishes from Texas

@C-TOS 4 года назад

Paraphrasing "Nothing is permanent", there never have been more true and relevant words said, especially in these times.

@peacefulwife5199 4 года назад

👍

@williamguildner7988 4 года назад

200 hundred videos of Slim enjoying nature in the wild. 2 seconds of one bird in the city,singing; “where is that %#}{ bird? 🤣🤣. You have been cooped up to long. Iam glad you mentioned the haircut thing. We are all getting shaggy! I hope no plans for wind turbine.

@cs-mh2dh 4 года назад

You are absolutely smart to use rails and not make your panels permanent. Your reasoning was smart thinking.

@TimLeeLetsGo 4 года назад

LoL love the ending ..talk about "flipping the bird" 😆

@3DPDK 4 года назад

30 volts at 6 amps raw from the panel - wow. You could charge two 8D deep cycle batteries in about eight hours with that amount of current. Nice install. As a retired boat builder I totally agree with your through bolt mounts and the care you took to seal them. Short-cut building methods usually turn into long term headaches - been there, done that.

@flyingirish66 4 года назад

First of all, loved the bird. Secondly, I rarely comment on ANY videos, but I wanted to compliment you. I liked the mix of providing examples of details, and referring viewers to professionals. Good job. Keep them coming.

@SlimPotatohead 4 года назад

Wow, thank you!

@kateackerly6559 4 года назад

😂 Slim gave us the bird! Had TC sitting in my lap. Now, normally she makes a point of ignoring my cellphone or tablet. That bird, however, had her attention. So... That conformed, to me, that she was deliberately ignoring the cellphone when friends try to talk to her. (Feral cat that survived 8 years before deciding to retire and move in to house cat duties. Best mouser I ever had. No dummy.)

@pansnemesis 11 месяцев назад

I have to thank you sir... after about 3 years of saving and thought I've decided to buy a small camper... idk anything about these so I've been on a research binge for the last couple months and your videos have helped me greatly... truly appreciated, God speed sir.

@alanjackson4646 4 года назад

I am a nut and bolt man, can’t seem to trust just gluing something of that weight to a vehicle that travels through the air at 60 mph + . Great vlog, many thanks AJ

@raychambers3646 4 года назад

I'm with you on the nut and bolt .I've seen a 1/4 inch bolt hold something rather heavy up.

@davidwellen830 4 года назад

I agree.

@2019freddie 4 года назад

Alan Jackson; with the correct adhesive used you wouldn't have to worry about panels coming off. Plus any bolts through a roof is an extra chance of water ingress.

@PeaceChanel 3 года назад

Peace… Shalom… Salam... Namaste and Thank You so much for All that you are doing for our Mother Earth 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ 🌷 ❤

@EKEACRES 4 года назад

Just a thought. Make sure from time to time to clean/wipe off your roof fan blades, so the accumulated dirt doesn't burn out the motor prematurely. Great install Slim.

@SlimPotatohead 4 года назад

Yes! I didn't even know they were that dirty till I was up there filming. They are clean now! SP

@SlimPotatohead 4 года назад

NOTE FROM SLIM: I greatly appreciate all constructive feedback from my viewers. A little clarification may however be beneficial. This solar install is a work in progress. It is not complete, and several other phases of the build are planned based on preliminary test results. I do not recommend anyone follow this design until I have made final conclusions later in the year. Thanks! SP

@TallmanProductionsBakersfield 4 года назад

Hey slim. Great video as always. Lots of people out on BLM land in AZ. Don’t know where you are but I drive a lot and see people doing some great social distancing out there.

@phillipjeffries7645 4 года назад

You are a responsible (and modest) fellow Slim. From an engineer that has been using solar for years, your installs are well thought out and your engineering is solid. My next planned upgrade is LiFePO4 batteries, just waiting for the prices to come down.

@P_RO_ 4 года назад

MUCH respect for your approach to showing your solar system. You either need to understand what you're doing deeply and well, or leave everything about the wiring to a Pro solar installer, not just an electrician or car audio expert. There's a whole lot of power involved and many details which require careful attention, and doing it wrong can mean watching your trailer turn into ashes or worse. Just catching back up with you- I never imagined you without the A-liner but I think this is a better choice. Happy Travels!

@TheLeep1 4 года назад

Slim...I have been watching many of your videos and have a question that I believe you can fix for me rather quickly..I have the Renogy suitcase solar panel kit..But it only has a 10 foot cord..One side has the clamps that go on your battery's.The hookups are the same, red to red and black to black push together wires/connectors..I want to extend them by another ten feet, but no one at either rv places here in Butte have any idea how to extend them..There must be an extension you can plugin but I researched them on Renogy and can't find one..They are standard push in plugs..Do you happen to know a place where I can buy the ten foot extension where I can simply plug them all together.Thank you for your time sir and I hope you know where I can find one,..Norm Leeper

@kirkchestnut5045 4 года назад

The minute the quarantine is lifted, it’s going to look like an Oklahoma Land Rush!

@deberryfh 4 года назад

Ha Ha, some people have a way of explaining things best. You said it perfect.

@mikeorjimmy2885 4 года назад

Being from Oklahoma I resemble that remark.

@ChristinaColoradoan 4 года назад

I'll be a part of that! 👍🏻🌞

@paulsccna2964 4 года назад

And the weather could just right for camping too.

@timothyhays1817 4 года назад

That can't happen SOON enough.

@billyk... 4 года назад

Slim can't be just your average RV'r. His work is too good to be your average Joe's. This man knows what he is doing and is very good at it.

@MinorCirrus 4 года назад

You should design trailers for a manufacturer, Slim. All of the modifications you do are so much more functional and optimized, it's crazy.

@Tuckerclan 4 года назад

Hi again, Slim. Just a thought .... When I build things like this through fiberglass or any roof system, I like to use a longer bolt and a double nut. The reason being I can drill the hole, use rubber inside and out, 2 washers and actually check then for any leaks. Then adding the rail followed by a second nut. This allows you to make the hole you drill and bolts more permanent. If you have to change out your panel or decide to go with something different you undo the top nuts, but the lower nut and bolt stay solidly in place. Never a leak. Also allows for any modifications you want to make in the future. Just a thought. Love the vids. Stay safe and keep 'em coming.

@CriticalRoleHighlights 4 года назад

One would think that the ultimate social distancing would be spending time alone in the woods in an off-grid trailer.

@ScubaSteveCanada 4 года назад

Yes, but there is a potential that the local health system (or lack of) could be overwhelmed quickly due to additional people staying in the area. This virus can be spread 3 days prior to someone showing symptoms. It can also be spread by someone without symptoms (but still has it). This is why so many places started closing the parks. Of course, the flip side of that argument is, as long as physical distancing is done properly, the odds of the virus spreading are reduced.

@thenickfoxx 4 года назад

@@ScubaSteveCanada A valid argument i heard against this way of thinking was all about circumstances. For example - anyone doing things like hiking and camping in the woods in New York state would be heavily advised against. On the other hand, i live in Alberta and our local hospitals are at normal capacity and are not even close to being over loaded. So in certain parts of the region you wouldn't be classified as irresponsible because there is no over flowing healthcare system. I've actually going hiking up in the bow valley mountains with no backlash. That's only because of my local healthcare's circumstances. All circumstances.

@ScubaSteveCanada 4 года назад

@@thenickfoxx Correct, my region, in Ontario, just re-opened the trails this past Saturday b/c not only have we flattened the curve, it went almost back to 0. No new cases now for 1 week. But our Provincial Parks remain closed up to May 31 and also applies to Crown Land here too ... so I can't go to my favourite boondocking spot. Yet! Since the temps have been below normal and rainy the past few weeks I wouldn't be out there for an extended stay anyways ... but a day hike would be nice.

@jayh40515 4 года назад

@@ScubaSteveCanada So what happens if/when 1 or 2 new cases pop up? Is everything going to shut down again?

@ronclark9724 4 года назад

@@jayh40515 Nothing. Flattening the curve is not wait until there is a cure... Or the virus disappears, not very likely anytime soon... Are you going to wait to get your hair cut at a barber shop two or more years? Will your barber still be a barber if he is closed for two or more years?

@collinmcginnis5014 4 года назад

Hey Slim - for future reference - you can also use a radial arm saw to cut aluminum like that. You just have to use a carbide tipped blade, and be slow and deliberate with your cut. It leaves a very clean edge.

@karolmolitor4675 4 года назад

The ending with the bird was hilarious!

@loubonanni7265 4 года назад

Always good to see you updating and improving your trailer. My coffee was extra good this morning!

@wyattfamily8997 4 года назад

11.30 p.m. in Queensland Australia.

@ladeene06 4 года назад

My coffee as well.

@flatbedtruckingsamrides.9355 4 года назад

Noticed the roof is pretty pliable. Maybe a fairing at the front edge and blank off the sides to keep highway wind loads pulling up on the panel to help out the underside washers? Really look forward to your video's. Flagstaff, AZ was great this week!

@thecritterandthebutterfly 4 года назад

Nice start on the solar install. It's like I say, There's more than one way to strip a wire. If you are comfortable with your install, and it's safe, go with it. We're doing a solar upgrade on our Trailmanor during this downtime along with a few other mods. Being a folding trailer installs require some creativity. The delayed shipping we've been experiencing has made the process run a bit longer than usual. Most of the loud birds we get around here have the markings of the U.S. Marines, Navy, or Air Force on them. I don't mind recording with the feathered ones around at all. Camping time will come soon. We can't wait to get out there either. Stay safe.

@nigelbush7255 4 года назад

Looking good slim putting up that solar panel is something I would leave to the professionals which just goes to show how clever & resourceful you are ,well done

@robertfulton1991 4 года назад

I think your way of putting the panel up on the roof looked just fine.

@WildWestGal 4 года назад

Slim, you're new little eggshell is looking fantastic, very cozy and bright! And, as usual, your precise work and reasoning for the way you go about it are excellent. I, too, would want the panel bolted down. We've all heard the stories of "flying solar panels". And I loved the video's ending, lol!

@davidwellen830 4 года назад

I have watched all of your videos about re-doing your new trailer and I wanted to tell you that I think you have done a really great job of modifying your trailer. I like what you have done, the way you accomplished each job and the so far finished product. Some may criticize but you can count me as one who thinks you have done a very good job on each task so far.

@SlimPotatohead 4 года назад

Wow, thank you! SP

@Phantasmos 4 года назад

Hhmmmm... a tad Late. However, for future reference. When replacing, Use Extrusion Aluminum 80/20 T Slot rails and Accessories. They are adjustable and reusable w/o all the mayhem of drilling. I posted Right before you got to Drilling! I almost cried! Caulking... lord almighty... Next time use Windshield Adhesive. It comes in rolls & tubes. It is all season pliable. Once secured, it keeps & stays. It is Water Tight. Then you Torque those nuts & bolts. Nuts & Bolts had better be Grade 8 automotive. The elements & road grime will Test them for you... free of charge... Nice Job, by the Way... Best of Luck & Happy Motoring!

@allenheaps2084 4 года назад

Slim, your ingenuity never ceases to amaze me! Can't wait till you can get out camping and see how nice the solar panel works.

@ScubaSteveCanada 4 года назад

Hi Slim, I ran wiring direct from my batteries in a manner that I can use alligator clips to easily attach/detach portable solar panels. Those flexible panels can be re-used as portable ones ... just wire them directly to the MPPT controller to take full advantage of how MPPT works! Cheers, Steve

@leslieboles6439 4 года назад

It's nice to see tricks to doing these things by yourself. I was just telling my son how I don't know how guys do these things by themselves. It seems to be that when I try do do projects by myself I always wish that I had another person there.

@born2bwildne744 4 года назад

Closing in on that initial RU-vid plaque !!!!! 100k subscribers, here you come !!!! Great channel !!!

@pagewhite8177 3 года назад

The new little trailer is taking shape! Thanks Slim.

@Simplelittlelife 4 года назад

I have a field of native prairie pasture 20 minutes from you that you are welcome to plunk your new setup in and test it out in pure “social isolation”. 👍

@SlimPotatohead 4 года назад

Hmmm...am I being put out to pasture?!? Thanks for the invite Simple Little Life. The bitter irony is how much I dislike crowds. Seems I got that at least!!! SP

@91CavGT5 4 года назад

I have used the EPever Tracer charge controllers for a few years now and love them. I’ve never had a problem out of them and they have always performed superbly. Good choice!!

@sugarsnap1578 4 года назад

Slim you are so knowledgable with everything installing that panel was easy ,I love that trailer

@joelrdizon 4 года назад

We're all in the same lockdown boat all around the world, brother. I'm here in the Philippines hunkered with my wife playing scrabble again after all those decades. SCRABBLE!!! I just realized I barely even know how to use the dictionary anymore, you can tell cause I'm not even challenging "bligst"---if that's even a word. At least you are spending better quality time with your working hands than I am with my lethargic brain. In fact with this much time in your hands I wouldn't be surprised if that bloody trailer be nuclear-powered by the time you go back camping.

@michaelrees5563 4 года назад

The old guy here Slam. I heve 3 hundred soler on my van and too batters. So I wanted more soler then then I was getting so upgraded to a solar boost blue sky controller. Oh and upgraded the wireing as will. Happy travel my friend

@stilltlrforlife 4 года назад

This quarantine is a perfect opportunity to do all the upgrades and repairs neccesary to make your adventures go that much smoother, same thing I'm doing with my camping setup. Although I am not a trailer camper for the simple fact I cannot afford it at the moment, so I tent it but it is as close to having a trailer as possible. Like you I'll be heading out as soon as we get the word we can go, outdoors in the wilderness is where I need to be

@5argetech56 4 года назад

Smart idea Slim. I wouldn't even trust that Flex Seal tape that you see on TV. What you don't need to happen is for that tape to give out, and your panel comes flying off the roof, crashing into someone's windshield. They crash, they get killed, you're liable. Having the panel bolted to the roof, means it ain't going nowhere.

@ScubaSteveCanada 4 года назад

Wonder how many attempts Flex Seal actually did before being able to shoot the commercial??

@barbveenstra8625 4 года назад

Love the new rig!

@pattiwhite9575 4 года назад

The bird was cheering you on. He is excited about the weather too. He may get a jump on traveling before you.

@azclaimjumper 4 года назад

Good One!

@murdiesel 4 года назад

Awesome as always! Great setup!

@philburnett50 4 года назад

Great video Slim!You keep this up you will be hanging that RU-vid 100k subs plaque in the trailer soon!👍

@adrianvanveen9912 4 года назад

The neighbour, Northern Flicker (bird) loves your videos, and so do I.

@hillcountryhick4639 4 года назад

Thank you for the bird info!

@WhenTheManComesAround 4 года назад

Excellent video as always my friend 👍👍

@HoneyandMe 4 года назад

I want a friend like yours...the kind who gifts you massive solar panels!! We also used screws to install the panels on Honey. Tape is great, but I trust screws. Can't wait til we can get back out there too! Take care and stay safe!-Sue

@rosiebateson4498 4 года назад

That was absolutely fascinating I really enjoyed it 👍

@shoga7229 4 года назад

After a lousy day, a Slim Potatohead video is great to watch.

@danmanx2 4 года назад

Great video slim. I love your solar videos! Enjoy!

@jan6293 4 года назад

Nice work Slim !👍

@johnaverick7468 4 года назад

I like the way you make things that you can " Undo " if ever needed . Very smart to make things were cercumstances may change.

@jameschristie4596 4 года назад

Great to see you using Dicor. I was tence when you used the word "caulking" before showing the brand. My very costly Keystone Cougar 31sqb trailer...the factory, they used the cheapest caulking possible and it has been a time consuming nightmare to remove the garbage and replace it with Dicor. Always great to watch RU-vidrs teaching others to do it right.

@rommelmangilit2744 4 года назад

Nice one Slim, you did it again!

@skirrsq 4 года назад

Great work

@micheldube5542 4 года назад

Nice work , good idea the rails !

@lightning4871 4 года назад

Good job!

@loganx1067 4 года назад

Thanks for another great video Slim!

@jamesbarker213 4 года назад

Nice install

@SuperLaplander 4 года назад

Good one. Thanks for sharing!

@Starrmiller 4 года назад

Your amazing slim!!! I enjoy your vid's so much! Thank you!

@tedf1471 4 года назад

Love that Flicker at the end!

@gordonmaxey3006 4 года назад

Look forward to you to be soon camping by the pines and hearing the birds singing, nice job my friend.

@mikedillon7268 4 года назад

Great job!!

@phillip0011 4 года назад

Another great one, Slim! Fascinating as always!

@missyc9038 4 года назад

Thank you for staying so positive!

@volvo09 4 года назад

Great work!

@ladeene06 4 года назад

That's a very nice gift!

@pilotdiana 4 года назад

Great job!

@davidcolinstillman5585 4 года назад

ENJOYED ! BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU ON YOUR JOURNEYS ! THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME TAG ALONG WITH YOU ON YOUR JOURNEYS !

@rrr_rozell7992 4 года назад

Love your new camper! Excited to see future adventures

@eutimiochavez415 4 года назад

Great job

@robertomstead8984 4 года назад

Great Job

@mortenthenorwegian2875 4 года назад

Good job as always and the last wise words is very well said ! Stay safe !

@bakupcpu 4 года назад

Nive add-on! Ready to go off grid! Thanks for sharing.

@carolyntanner6517 3 года назад

Wow! Fantastic ideas.

@snakeyes2126 4 года назад

Good Job !

@christopherramos5690 4 года назад

Thank you! For this entertaining videos! I enjoy every single one.

@phillipjeffries7645 4 года назад

Clean install! And all those amps, yowza.

@vanlifethetravelinfranksho5611 4 года назад

Nice setup!

@selous69 4 года назад

Great video

@axilkanful 4 года назад

Your patience is admirable, not my cup of tea. Cheers and nice job.

@happytoo10 4 года назад

Thank you for another inspiring video,appreciated 🙂👍

@1robertmkelly 4 года назад

As always, you did a great job on the upgrade

@albarrowman3739 4 года назад

Loved the show

@larrywiddis470 3 года назад

Excellent video.

@carlospayaojr1661 3 года назад

Nice video. Loved it. 👍

@patobrien1460 4 года назад

Well done! And, as usual, thanks for providing a list of all the components.

@ChristinaColoradoan 4 года назад

Your Outback is shaping up beautifully 👍🏻🌞🌞🌞🌞

@srip63 4 года назад

Nice job

@robertgwinn8406 3 года назад

Pretty cool ty for sharing your ideas 💡

@chadsexinton 4 года назад

So happy to see get solar. Cant wait to see get out there .

@bobspamail 4 года назад

Nice setup! Love the critic at the end!

@scottsladeadventures1102 4 года назад

Well done...

@conservativegirl7823 4 года назад

You set up is looking really good and functional. 👏

@chaborrogp 4 года назад

always interesting...thumbs up!!!

@louismassa5958 3 года назад

Really enjoy your videos

@wkndwarrior8935 4 года назад

Slim you are a professional/happy trails

@kenhawkins5469 4 года назад

Well done 👏