Great share, it is really helpful to see another guy's approach. Around 6:00 you named the situation I and anyone else runs into with the Runaways - you have to make a big decision which aesthetics you are going to compromise to run wires, interior vs exterior. My used Runaway came with some pine interior surfacing the previous owner put in. It would be possible for me to disassemble that interior wall siding but it becomes a much bigger project than I want, just to run wires. In my case, I need to use the roof rack to carry my Sunfish and Laser (one at a time!) so I didn't want to permanently mount the solar panel. It means I have to carry the solar panel inside the camper while traveling, pulling it out when I get somewhere, and just propping the panel up on the ground, facing the sun. I figure I will get more solar input that way. At the time the boat comes off the rack, I can prop the panel up on the roof of the Runaway. Since the PVC pipe you used is really for aesthetics, you could, over time, 3D print a more styled cable cover. But then, you should be out on the road/in the forests rather than spending all your time WORKING on the camper 😁...
Just a FYI for the future only thing I would recommend is that when using stainless steel screws in aluminum you'll want to put a rubber washer between the fastener and the aluminum for long term longevity otherwise you'll start experiencing dissimilar metal corrosion on the aluminum and being exposed it doesn't take long to form. Otherwise love the Runaway trailer upgrades - getting ready to get a Cool Camp for my trike (also have the advantage of living about 3 miles from them.
This actually happened to the drum inside my washing machine. The drum was stainless steel and the rear belt bracket attached to the drum was aluminum. The aluminum attachment legs corroded over time and the drum collapsed inside the washer!
I too put a 100 Watt solar panel on my Runaway Navigator. In the same place you did. I have three sealed lead acid batteries on the front. I am very pleased with my system since installing last year. I started out with two 55ah batteries but realized that I needed a third one. Also, because of the weight of the batteries and other things on the front, I added some steel underneath and on the front to accommodate them. No problems. Thanks again.
Kevin McGiver!! Boy, you are one of those indispensable practical guys the world needs more of!! My spouse is a techie nerd and we have lots of other nerd friends. Some are practical--my Sweetie is and I've heartily rec'ed your vids-- but I miss being around people who are so capable and sensible with the nuts and bolts of life. You are a treasure to the Rinaway and Tiny Trailer family : ) Thanks you so much; my head is swimming with ideas!
BRAVO! You have raised considerably the $$$$$$ of the RUNAWAY and it's look with all the personal touches. It's a great accomplishment while teaching that at the core of these add-ons was PATIENCE!!!
I think you'll like that Renorgy Solar that's what I have in my house I really like it,,,, if you find later on you want a little more power down the road you could always add a panel or two to what you got you could leave them in the back of your truck or car whatever you tow with make a little homemade stand and prop them up outside somewhere along the camper somewhere that way you could have extra power without worrying about having to mount them,,,, I use 6 V golf cart batteries they work out pretty good,,, once again I just have to say you're doing a wonderful job on that camper very 😎 cool
great video. Thank you for sharing. Something to consider is rather then just drilling holes into your teardrop. Use "Wood Thread inserts". You drill a hole and insert these inserts and inside the insert is threaded for regular bolts. You can tighten the heck out of them and it wont strip out. I mounted a Yakima roof rack on the top of my DIY teardrop and was advised to use them. Never knew of such a thing. They work awesome. A little wood glue around the brass insert and sealer between it and the aluminum roofing and works like a champ. Hope you don't mind the suggestion
Good video! I'm doing the very same thing but a slightly different approach. My intent is to keep the solar panels (2) removable as I plan to park the Runaway in the shade and MOVE the panels to the sun location. As I get more complete I'll try and post a video as well. I've watched many of your Runaway vid's so please keep it up! All the best,..
Another great job Kevin you are making yourself a great camper, Just noticed your Vent Cover I think it should be turned around so the opening faces the rear, to stop rain and bugs being blown in while traveling?
I put the solar on the back of the camper the vent opening is facing the rear it looks like that because the box on the back of the camper thanks Peter.
Hi Kevin, love your video's I just order the cool camp for myself. I did have the TV coaxe installed and the cubby with air conditioner. I opted to have doors on both the right and left side. I also am having a door in the back.(I'm building my own kitchen galley) I bought foam to make my mattress and just ordered a memory foam for the top. I'll glue all the foam together and make a cover for the whole thing. I'm not sure but I think I missed the name of the solar panel system you installed. I'd like to do the same thing. Thanks for all your advise and suggestions. Keep the video's coming. Enjoy!!
I used 3M VHB Tape to mount to the top of camper. I have used it plus cover the brackets with EternaBond RoofSeal Sealant Tape also. Have never had a problem with any of the items I have mounted to our RV coming loose at all. Silicone shrinks and will leak over time. You should use a self leveling sealant like SIKA 91065 Self Lev Sealant, it's a better product than Dicor also.
I have been thinking about upgrading my solar on my Runaway, right now I'm only running an 18 watt panel. I hope it is okay if I copy your design. Great job!! Thanks for sharing Kevin.
Hi Kevin, I like the solar install. My question is what if you want to park it in the shade after all it is a small trailer why don't you get a suitcase solar panel from Harbor Freight and you can put it out in the sun while your trailers in the shade.
Hei, great video. Love the way you describe what you are doing. notice you have changed the fan on the roof. What happened to the first one you installed? keep the videos going. 😀
Looks good bud. Getting quite the control panel up there. Was wondering if they'll generate much heat when they're all running. If so, maybe a little computer fan to keep them all cool?
Awesome video! I know it's only been a few weeks since you posted this but are you planning on doing an update on how the solar is working for you? I'm curious to see how long the battery actually takes to charge and how long it lasts on a charge.
String the wire through all the pieces BEFORE putting together and mounting makes it a lot easier to fit big or more wires. OR, do the same thing with a string to pull wires through later.
Heather M, A very good warning indeed, but pretty easy to not have an issue if aware. At the very least, pre feed a feed rope to pull wires through before gluing together corners and pieces. Feeding wires in house remodels and cars has made me like pulling wires rather than pushing them especially if there are corners. To each there own. Whatever someone is comfortable with.
Thanks for posting this. I am thinking of doing the same for my teardrop. Do you have to turn off the solar charger when you are plugged in? (Does it hurt to have solar and regular on-grid chargers both on?)
Are the screws holding the panel down secure to the top? Seems like the roof OSB is very thin so I wondered if it provided enough "bite" for the screws. Thanks
How is the performance of the panel when in the shade? I want to add a panel to my trailer also, but I worry the panel will really underperform if it’s not in the sun and tilted. Thanks!
Kevin, just some advice. Don't go with golf cart batteries. Pay the extra money and get a set of Interstate 27 or 29 series deep cycle batteries. That's what I use to run my living room. I've got a RU-vid video on it on my account. Check it out.
