HOW DO I FIT SOLAR PANELS TO A CAMPER VAN ROOF Simple and Safe Using Unistrut

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HOW DO I FIT SOLAR PANELS TO A CAMPER VAN ROOF Simple and Safe Using Unistrut
a simple DIY way to install solar panels to the roof of your camper van
My aim is to give you campervan conversion ideas on how to convert a van into a camper and to help inspire you to build your own tiny home on wheels
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#melsvanlife #vanlife #vanlifebuild

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Опубликовано:

1 апр 2021

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Комментарии : 163

@penguinpeter6912 3 года назад

Hey Mel, thanks for the tip mate on drilling the solar panal, just swapped mine and relocated it on old roof fitting and was going to just put the fixing bolts straight into the panal. Thanks. Thought your opening was nc500 not Malvern ha ha ❤️❤️👍👍👍🐧🐧

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you for taking the time to comment and keeping it positive really appreciated NC 500 will be like the M25 this summer lol 😂

@olivetrees342 3 года назад

Your videos are just such a pleasure to watch Mel. I am learning so much and I am grateful for all your efforts putting these videos together. Also, thank you for doing your part to keep yourself and the community safe by getting the jab. I hope soon, you and Rebecca (who seems just as lovely as you) enjoy some van adventures over the warmer months, restrictions permitting.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you that’s really kind of you stay safe and good luck with your build 👍😊👍

@minisurfboardscouk 3 года назад

Great job well done Mel I’ve just updated my NDS Solar set up

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you 😊

@maartenschot 3 года назад

Just found me a way to mount my panels! Thanks mel keep it up, cheers

@RustyRoseAdventures 3 года назад

Congrats on 20k Mel

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you 👍😊👍

@billmccaslin4198 3 года назад

Glad to see you're taken care of yourself my friend love the video

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy

@katcankan7129 3 года назад

Another well done Job Mel 😊. Have a nice weekend.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you and you 😊👍

@skookumjack 3 года назад

Wow that one honking big panel Mel! Rebecca as a mobile power station to drive about in ! Nice job.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy that’s really funny 😆

@richardholborn Год назад

Really Helpful mate thanks!

@BigVanSmallWorld Год назад

Glad it helped!

@kennorth6958 3 года назад

A Chuckle Brothers double act mounting the panel ,,, " Me to you - You to me" ,,, 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Haha 😂

@lynnecoombes8925 3 года назад

Thank you for the great tips and clear instruction , you both are a lovely pair , I have enjoyed the entertainment ,

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Hi Lynne that’s really kind of you thank you 👍😊👍

@philwilliams23 3 года назад

Another great example of unistrut, nice one Mel. Have a good Easter pal 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy and you 👍

@warty5007 3 года назад

Another great job Mel ( I need one fitted to my T5 high top )

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you and good luck with your installation 👍

@AshleyJonesFR 3 года назад

Great idea on where to run the cables but the glands are facing forwards so when driving, water could be forced between the cable and the seal causing a leak.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

I did them up tight 👍

@billmccaslin4198 3 года назад

Everyone don't forget to like subscribe and share check out Mel's Instagram and Amazon storefront links in the description

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you 👍😊👍

@MG-cp8xk 3 года назад

Neat job

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you 👍😊👍

@davetinnion 3 года назад

Another good video 👍🏻 I had zero side effects from my covid jab after the dead arm, hopefully its the same for you.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy 👍

@garethsmith5726 3 года назад

Bob the builder has nowt on you Mel, great vid.👍

@robertkirk4985 3 года назад

love the t-shirt

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you 😊

@mikehurley5052 3 года назад

It amazes me how people build a van and as an afterthought decide solar would be good, that would be first job for me. You can check for leaks before fitting the ceiling.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

That’s a fair point 👍

@andrewbennett9537 3 года назад

Hi Mel has your van passed DVLA changes yet having trouble with mine hope you could help please thanks Andy.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

No mate mine is still a van with windows and to be honest with you I’m not worried in fact it could work in ones favour especially if you come across a no camper van sign my vans a van with windows not a camper 👍😅👍

@Leatherkid01 3 года назад

Nice job as always Mel...hope youre still ok from the vaccine👍🏻

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy and yes I’m absolutely fine 👍😊👍

@douglashellierlaing4332 3 года назад

Mel , in your comparison between the Jackery and the Poweroak you questioned why your coffee maker wouldn't work with the Poweroak. The answer may be on page EN-09 of the instruction book, 'instantaneous high current may trigger over-current protection'.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you

@helenamandleberg9841 3 года назад

This is so useful! I also have a big solar panel (approx. 106cm by 180cm) and think I might use Unistrut to fix to the van. What exactly would I need to buy? I'm a bit bamboozled when I look at their website. Thanks in advance and keep 'em coming!

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you for the positive message if you look in my Amazon store everything is there

@iritantNL 3 года назад

Im realy sorry for your loss..

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you that’s really kind of you

@sparkyjackson8479 3 года назад

My Ralph is an LDV so i can use the factory standard rust holes to feed the wires through

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Aw that’s really to bad bless Ralph lol 😂

@ryancorbett 3 года назад

I live in a village outside of Evesham. I am 3/4 through my build and would love your advice for the day.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Become a member of my channel and I’ll give you all the advice you need 👍

@simonmiddleton4977 3 года назад

You may want to think about supporting the solar panel at the middle either side as large panels can flex with the air traveling underneath them at speed. This flexing can damage the panel.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you 😊

@Mulekev 3 года назад

Hi Mel Do you know if the ring battery to battery will charge my Van battery through solar it’s always going flat cheers keep up the good work 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Yes it would but if it’s going flat all the time you may have a problem good luck

@neilt 3 года назад

I'm sure those cable entry covers should be mounted with the sloping face forward to reduce windage. And as mentioned elsewhere, the glands would then be to the rear and less susceptible to leaks. I hope it works, but I fear it will leak.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

It will be fine the solar panels sit higher than the gland 👍

@feckneddy 3 года назад

Where do you get those walls from, they are just the perfect height .....can you link to them on Amazon ? ;)

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Haha if only 👍

@matthewbrain7885 3 года назад

Hi Mel, great vid again, im at malvern a lot, just wondering what size panel it was?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Hi ya it’s a 305 watts panel 👍

@davidmeadowcroft7626 3 года назад

Really good video Mel. Do you have a support on the top of your ladder to stop marking or was it a home made jobby ?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you it’s just an old bath towel rapped round and held with zip ties 👍

@andrewpease3688 3 года назад

Yes, that's how it starts, achey arm and a little bit wobbly. Don't organise anything for tomorrow!

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy 👍

@briancollis9352 3 года назад

Another great install. What size (watts) was the panel?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you 305 watts

@chrisb5839 2 года назад

Are you not worried about the security of the solar panel only needing four bolts to be unscrewed for it to be stolen? Are there any ways to make it more tamper-proof?

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 года назад

I’m not worried at all

@chrisb5839 2 года назад

@@BigVanSmallWorld what about Becky? 😂

@royabayliss3277 9 месяцев назад

Hi Mel.. thanks so much for these videos / really helpful.. I went to your link and ordered the nuts and bolts from that.. but they don’t look like the same Unistrut nuts you’ve got in this video? So not sure what’s happened there… could you possibly send a link as to where you sourced your Unistrut nuts from.. much appreciated.. I’m about to do my solar panels in same way! 😬

@BigVanSmallWorld 8 месяцев назад

Let me check

@ashleyhowell1436 Год назад

Neat and tidy job, where did you get those L brackets from ? Cheers

@CarpyChris1964 3 года назад

I was ruff for 24hrs then fine after that ''great video mel 👍👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you

@crazycrab8578 11 месяцев назад

got me hands on a free 170w, 36v solar house roof panel , what controller do I need, it has to be cheap as possible, cannot find any info on them, its all 12/24v

@BigVanSmallWorld 11 месяцев назад

EBay

@whippetsadventuresandoneman 3 года назад

Think that’s the same size to my solar pannel it’s huge I struggled on my own to lift it on to the van. I followed how you install yours on your van when I did mine. I fitted the brackets on to the solar on the work table and then I cheated in the end and used the works forklift to lift it along the top side of my van and slid it on to the unistrut 😜😜😜😜 Rebecca going to have a lovely solar on the top :) Great video buddy. Oh and I would of beeped my horn to see if they came out 😜 I do have a question tho I put my huge solar pannel to one side, was that wrong? Should I have put it in more center like you did Rebecca bud? Hope your feeling ok and well rested Big 🤗 😊

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Cheers mate I’m feeling fine I don’t think it matters about panel they are not that heavy 👍

@whippetsadventuresandoneman 3 года назад

@@BigVanSmallWorld ok bud just when I saw you put Rebecca’s one to the middle I thought I might have too. Glad your ok 💪🤗😊

@michealgillman7418 3 года назад

Any ideas on making a tiltable version?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

I’m sure there’s a way to do it but I’m not really worried I get plenty from my 360 watts to keep me going 👍

@MrDodgeeames 3 года назад

Do you wire the negative solar cable to the ctek charger or to the negative terminal on the battery?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

To the charger

@MrDodgeeames 3 года назад

@@BigVanSmallWorld great, thanks for that I’m installing my solar using the ctek soon. Great content, keep up the good work 👍🏼

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

@@MrDodgeeames just one other thing sorry I forgot to say make sure you connect the negative last and that the solar panel isn’t over 23v good luck with your build 👍😊👍

@PumpTheRod 3 года назад

Why has a lot of the comments concerning Covid been removed?????????

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

🤷‍♂️

@nealeburgess6756 3 года назад

Well Mel, who would have thought that your van-life video would kickstart such a vitreolic debate?? As usual, just keep smiling through. Here in Spain the vaccine rollout seems to be happening very slowly.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you I know it’s odd and I wasn’t even going to include that clip glad I did now lol good luck hope you get it soon stay safe 👍

@ryancorbett 3 года назад

We live close!

@whitevanman9500 3 года назад

Great way to fix the Solar Mel.... You didn't show how much Power you got... another Vid Then..👌😊

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you 😊

@theshedmonster 3 года назад

what size how much and where from Mel?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Becky has a 305 watt solar panel i have 2 160 watts panels my seat up is much better and cheaper amzn.to/31Km204

@rustleinthebushes6065 3 года назад

Mel where are you from as you passed my house

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

I’m from Kent 👍

@HonkyHorton 3 года назад

Was this video sponsored by unistrut nut? 😆😆. Nice one Mel

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Haha no it was sponsored by you the viewer 👍😊👍

@millinutz 3 года назад

So, according to Mels shirt, he is a Dad..., did we already know this or is it 1st April?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

I’m a proud father of 3 I don’t talk about my private life it has no bearing on my channel content 👍😊👍

@millinutz 3 года назад

@@BigVanSmallWorld very true, it has no bearing, and I respect that... but you did provoke a comment by wearing that Tee. Happy Easter and greets from sunny 🇨🇭, Steve

@RickandHeather 3 года назад

Hope the jab didn’t affect you too much Mel I felt ok until the next day then it proper knocked me about, how many watt was the panel? Thought we might see it kick in and produce some amps..... take care.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy and you

@linz_in_NZ 3 года назад

Oh Mel, What not to do after having your Covid Vaccine!!

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Haha it’s ok 👍

@linz_in_NZ 3 года назад

@@BigVanSmallWorld My brother had his through his work and they told them they should not drive or operate machinery after, and had to have it at the end of a shift or on a day off etc

@darren6531 3 года назад

Another great vid. How did you feel after having the vaccine. I felt rough for 24 hours after. But all worth it in the end

@iLouieTube 3 года назад

Worth it for what?, protect you against the Flu?, i suppose if your massively overweight, have breathing problems, aged above 70 or many other underlying health conditions that will hinder your recovery from the Flu or possible Pneumonia then yeah 100% get the vaccine. Never forget #thalidomide (Morning sickness wonder drug) 1958-1962 = 20,000 babies maimed, 80,000 babies killed UK government took years to withdraw the miracle drug :(

@iLouieTube 3 года назад

@@rogerstarkey5390 okay Roger that 👍🏻 take care

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Well I fitted a solar panel rite after and then spent the rest of the day in bed 😊👍

@adamparker6541 3 года назад

@@iLouieTube Thalidomide wasn't a vaccine.

@iLouieTube 3 года назад

@@adamparker6541 i never said it was, my point is don't ever trust the government or the super duper scientists appointed by the government

@sparkyjackson8479 3 года назад

Why "doesnt end well" ?

@buddha1736 3 года назад

I had the COVID Jab Mel, I was on my Arse for 2 days lol 😂 still fill fatigue after about 1 week. 👍🏻

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Oh crap I’m sorry buddy

@tonyblake642 3 года назад

Had my vaccine on Friday 2/4/21. Felt rough within four hours and now 48 hours later feeling fine.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you and well done 👍

@chrislant4829 3 года назад

Think you make a lovely couple ?

@Comanche2024 3 года назад

Hi Mel, just to let you know we have messaged you on your Yahoo email about a problem we would like a solution too with your help of course. Please check your email please. Thanks Mark & Denise .

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you I’ll have to have a look see if I can find it I get 100s of emails

@Comanche2024 3 года назад

Found the email yet Mel??

@michealgillman7418 3 года назад

What a hero Mel....I found Jack Daniels took away any vaccine issues...crack on mate!!

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you buddy 👍

@ianworthy9598 3 года назад

Did you get your free donut

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Unfortunately not lol 😂

@SJHughes 3 года назад

Some people get side effects like they imagine they are living in a camper and every time they look in the mirror they are wearing a wooly hat also there passing wind sounds like a clarinet 😊 Had AZ 8th march still get weird sneezing and feeling spaced out and tired not all the time though comes and goes.It effects all people differently . In the 90s i used to deliver to ledbury from worcester every day always enjoyed it but malvern gone a bit down hill over the years.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Thank you for the positive message 👍

@ukbeeps 3 года назад

Trypanophobia's beware!! this content you may find terrifying 😅

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Haha 😂

@Mantis858585 Год назад

Hope this guy is still with us. 💉

@hikingbikingscotland1267 3 года назад

Got my Astra Zeneca a week past Sunday. Had a sore arm that night but on the Tuesday and Wednesday I was so fatigued and had zero energy. It passes by day 4.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

That’s interesting I had no side affects at all hope you’re feeling better now thank you for taking the time to comment really appreciated 👍

@Comanche2024 3 года назад

Hi Mel can you check your email to see if you have received an email from us on your Yahoo.com email address please. ? Thanks. We are Mark and Denise. We need your advice.....

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Rite oh I’ll have a look in my spam folder

@Comanche2024 3 года назад

Have you found our email Mel? Do I need to send it again? It's very important to us .

@petemoring67 3 года назад

AAHHH!! The old AstraZeneca EH?? .... Had mine 3/2/21 .... My back gave in and dropped me to the floor after a few hours - lasted 4 or 5 days - Otherwise OK, but still a lot of brain-fog and diziness :-( ................... My daughter had one a week ago, STILL feeling really Fluey, had to take time off work, and being Self-Employed, that's an expensive game .... AARRGGHH!!!!! ........ Hope you're still all good though Mel, I know most people are OK with it :-) ......... If Bill Gates gets his way and Shades-Out the Sun in June, all your hard work will be for NOTHING!! .... OOPS!! :-( .............

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

I’m not sure about anything anymore I’m so confused 🤷‍♂️ 😂🤣😅👍

@munkehpower 3 года назад

you had a hair transplant?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

No I just haven’t had haircut for 6 months videos coming soon it will all Make sense 😂👍

@munkehpower 3 года назад

@@BigVanSmallWorld I'm sure becky must shave her dog....let her loose

@stina6762 3 года назад

Welcome to the shits and shivers later ! 😂👍

@897aa33 3 года назад

God have tried to say you something by sending cows against your way.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

Lol 😂

@Dragon_Sam 3 года назад

So you have the jab but still have to wear the mask and keep a social distance, it doesn't stop you getting it and doesn't stop you spreading it the mind boggles 🤣🤣🤣

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

I know sucks rite

@van-gabondramblinrose6398 3 года назад

Disappointed to see you promoting this jab for something which is 99.7% not needed. Does it not make you angry that you're being coerced into requiring these measures simply to live a normal life? It's your channel of course and you can post what you like. I'm merely making an observation that by doing so you may be unduly influencing people and pushing something which, although described by Johnathan Van Tam as being "no worse than taking a Paracetamol," actually has some 64 pages of reported side effects on the MHRA website, some of which have resulted in hundreds of deaths and other serious health outcomes.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 года назад

I’m not promoting anything I’m just making videos about my day