Vanagon 100 watt Solar Panel install

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Update: After I filmed this video, I decided to put a very soft piece of foam A/C pipe insulation over the wires and under the aluminum rail that secures the pop top to the roof to be as sealed as it was before.
This is a game changer for longer road trips. Having enough power to run all my electronics has been a worry for a while, now I know power won’t be an issue.
Huge thank you to Gio for the idea!!!
Follow him on Instagram: / legend_of_dirtfoot
Stuff:
Panel: www.renogy.com/renogy-eclipse...
Charge controller: www.renogy.com/renogy-adventu...
Panel to controller wires: www.renogy.com/solar-panel-to...
Controller to battery wires: www.renogy.com/battery-to-cha...
Bluetooth module: www.renogy.com/renogy-bt-1-bl...
Quick release hinges: www.amazon.com/Sugatsune-HG-O...
Disclaimer:
This video is intended for entertainment purposes only. “GOTTA SPLIT” assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not “GOTTA SPLIT”.

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1 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 114

@scoutxxor 3 года назад

dude you are a living legend for making this video thank you so much. outlining the parts? ..... wow

@gregalexander7320 4 года назад

Brilliant! That is what I planned on doing, but I didn't know about the quick release hinges. I was stumped until I saw your video! Thanks!

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

Greg Alexander Glad the video helped! When I saw them on my friends van, I had to get the hinges as well! So convenient, and let’s me keep the storage under the panel.

@brucesantos9622 4 года назад

Great Video, I'm doing the same solar to my Westy now. You've taken the guess work out and made it simple. You've been a big help, I love your videos, I appreciate it. thanks for sharing.

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

Thanks for watching! Glad the videos help out!

@VWLifeVW 5 лет назад

having solar is a game changer for camping, great video!

@gottasplit5707 5 лет назад

Thanks!!! I've only had it on the van for a few days now, and its already been a huge help.

@adamcox6291 4 года назад

Thank you for this. I have this set-up to and was looking on how to get it installed. Love the way you run the wires out of the luggage rack and under the canvas area and along the inside. That is very clean! No real holes in the Bus!

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

Glad the video helped you out! Yup, wanted to avoid drilling holes in the cabin area. I already have enough water leaks to worry about haha.

@airship9637 3 года назад

Gotta love your drive, ambition, and skill set! My 87 Westfalia needs you! Your solar installation video's great. Now I need to figure what engine replacement I can afford ...

@gottasplit5707 3 года назад

Thanks for watching!!! A lot of really good engine swaps out there. Good luck with it!

@brianhydesmith2662 3 года назад

I am in the process of installing a Renogy 100 watt solar panel that fits really nicely. It measures

@SparkleBearMusic 3 года назад

Great video man! I am gonna do this verbatim, ASAP! ;)

@gottasplit5707 3 года назад

Thanks for watching! Good luck with it!

@NgagpaChoekyiWangp 4 года назад

I like all your videos

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

Thank You!!!

@saltpepper1894 3 года назад

think i would have used some SUGRU (total UV protection easy to use silicone putty) between bracket & luggage rack. It will help with vibration & will help hold bracket IN ADDITION to those lil screws. pro tip: any time your using any kind of adhesive use rubbing alcohol on the surfaces your using adhesive on for best hold

@mwesb1994 3 года назад

Thanks for documenting your process. I am about to do a similar installation and I was wondering if you have had any complications with routing the wires under the pop top's aluminum rail? It seems like the most noninvasive method but it does produce a bit of a gap.

@gottasplit5707 3 года назад

It does make a little gap under the aluminum rail, but after I filmed this video I added a bit of AC line insulation (the really squishy foam kind) under the rail, and that's been fine. It's probably not as water resistant as it was before, but I usually don't leave my top popped in the rain.

@Time.Space.Heal. Месяц назад

This is on my radar…

@gottasplit5707 Месяц назад

It's a game changer!

@aaronfry9019 3 года назад

I love this setup, super simple and cost effective. My question is if I were to swap the old westfalia fridge for a tf-49 that has a pull of 2a/h (I believe 240 watts) and have other accessories on as well, is this set up strong enough? I’m sure I could get a stronger solar panel (175w) and also use a cigarette lighter inverter to charge the battery. Would I also need a bigger battery and charge controller, or is this one still plenty powerful (since the 30a is 600w). I’m trying to understand all of this lol.

@gottasplit5707 3 года назад

So far I haven't had a problem running the fridge and everything else, but I would like to upgrade the battery eventually. I only have a 79ah marine battery. I'd like to put in a lithium 100ah. Right now I can easily run the truck fridge all night without a problem. I do feel like I conserve power as much as possible though. I'm sure with a larger setup you wouldn't have to think about saving power as much. If you're really planning on not running the engine for long periods of time, and charging laptops fridge and other stuff all the time, I'd say you might need a larger setup. Or at least a larger battery to store power at night or for rainy days. I am definitely not an expert on any of this stuff though. I basically just copied my buddies setup since I liked the way his worked and looked. Might also be a good idea to contact Renogy tell them what your needs are and ask for their advice.

@ryanbelsham5702 5 лет назад

Cool setup. Just wondering if you've had any issues with rain or water coming in under the aluminum rail where the wires were run into the van? I really like having the panel on the luggage rack and being able to tilt it.

@gottasplit5707 5 лет назад

Ryan Belsham haven’t had any issues. I didn’t show it in the video, but I did use some foam around the wire to seal it up. I don’t leave my pop top up in the rain anyway though. Agreed, the ability to tilt it, take it off, and use the storage under it is fantastic.

@cdussault 4 года назад

Nicely done - was wondering of that panel size. Appears as though it is installed somewhat above top of luggage rack - was wondering if it could have been mounted flush or even "inside" rack a bit and still fit. Essentially mounting lower on hinges... Thanks and great vid!

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

Thanks!!! Dimensions: 40.9 x 21.0 x 1.4 inches It does stick out of the luggage rack a little bit. I don’t really think it would be able to mount any lower in the rack. The rack is a bit rounded in the front, so the corners of the panel would hit. This also allows you to use the space under the panel as storage and the panel actually acts as a lid to the rack.

@cdussault 4 года назад

@@gottasplit5707 yup makes sense - could see the tolerence in the front mount being tight. And good point about retaining some usable space under. Cheers...

@ericwhite5165 5 лет назад

Hey! Just wondering if you also set up you battery to be charged by the alternator! Also are you using the stock dometic fridge? Great video, thanks!

@gottasplit5707 5 лет назад

Thanks!!! Yes, my battery is also charged by the alternator. I have the GoWesty second battery kit installed under my drivers seat. I definitely recommend having a way of charging your battery with something other than just the solar panel if you plan on running a fridge full time on it. I was testing the setup I’ve got out on the road for about a week, and had two consecutive rainy days (in Florida, who would have guessed). The panel definitely wouldn’t have been able to keep up with power needs with only a tiny bit of sunlight. The fridge I have is the Truckfridge from Van Café. It works very well, and was even able to run it full time with only my small 79 amp hour battery.

@npach55 3 года назад

Thanks for the video very helpful. Question Battery connection did you use a Battery isolator solenoid to charge both batteries?

@gottasplit5707 3 года назад

Thanks for watching! Yes, I used the second battery kit from GoWesty on mine. It's basically just a solenoid like you said.

@jimigoodmojo 5 лет назад

Great video... How long were the panel to controller wires and controller to battery wires?

@gottasplit5707 5 лет назад

jimigoodmojo I believe they were both 16 feet, but I’m looking at it online now, and it doesn’t seem like they offer the panel to controller wires in 16 ft anymore. I’d like to say the 10 ft ones might work, but measure to be 100% sure. Both were also 10 AWG wires.

@mozaic_channel 5 лет назад

Cool channel. I’m in Orlando, 1990 VW Vanagon. What tires did you install on your 14 inch rims? Wondering if it’s the Grabber ATX.

@gottasplit5707 5 лет назад

Roland Rosso Thanks!!! The tires are General Grabber AT2. Been fantastic so far. Not too much extra noise, and did very well on muddy dirt roads.

@jamieauch 4 года назад

Where did you get the hinges and what are they called? What a great idea!

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

Link to the hinges is in the video description. Got them on Amazon. So glad my friend told me to get them. It's a really nice feature to have.

@delilah6292 2 года назад

Hi! i’ve already mounted this panel in my luggage rack, and have a couple questions. 1. Do you still like where you put your battery (under sink?), 2.where do you keep cookware? 3. any regrets placing solar wires under pop up frame?

@gottasplit5707 2 года назад

Hi, yes, I'm pretty happy with the battery placement, but maybe if I had to do it again I would put it under the rear seat. I usually store my cookware in the cabinet to the left of the fridge. I haven't really been on the road for more than a week at a time, so at the moment its adequate space for everything I need. I haven't had any problems with water or anything getting under the pop top frame. I also don't keep my pop top open in the rain because it takes too long to dry where I live, and gets moldy. After the video I did put some soft foam over the wires so it would seal better, just incase.

@kimerickson3362 4 года назад

Nice. Where did you mount the charge controller and put the battery?

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

Kim Erickson Kim Erickson thanks!!! The charge controller is mounted on the dresser on the side and over the dresser door. 6:43 The battery is mounted under the sink

@harakrubio 4 года назад

thanks so much for all this!! Question: how many batteries do you have then? Where do you store them? Do we need 3 batteries?

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

Thanks for watching! I have one 89ah AGM battery that I installed inside the cabinet under the sink.

@harakrubio 4 года назад

@@gottasplit5707 so you just have two batteries one under the driver sit and other one under the sink? No battery under the passenger sit?

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

@@harakrubio only one house battery under the sink. The one under the passenger seat is only for starting the van though. I have a solenoid switch from GoWesty to disconnect the house battery from the starting battery when the car is not on. The panel only charges the house battery under the sink.

@harakrubio 4 года назад

@@gottasplit5707 Thanks!!! And thanks for all your videos they are super helpful!!! Cheers!!

@kimhorton6109 4 года назад

I saw something in one of your earlier vids about replacing your fridge in the vanagon. Is there a real replacement for the original cooler? I don’t want to carry a seperate fridge.

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

Kim Horton VanCafe makes the kit I got. It’s been amazing! It’s not exactly like the original in that it works really really well and it doesn’t match very well with the rest of the cabinets . There’s even a freezer! I’ve also been able to run it all night with no problems on my little 80 amp hour battery. Runs off the solar and alternator when I’m in the sun or driving. It’s from Truck Fridge. Definitely get the kit to install from Van Cafe though. I’d also suggest getting the one that switches to 120v from 12v automatically. It’s a little extra, but when you get to somewhere with a power source you won’t drain your batteries.

@erickloudiazalbelo 3 года назад

Can you make a video of the components installed along with the solar panel? I’m not sure what to buy and where to install. Thanks

@gottasplit5707 3 года назад

The other components are listed in the videos description.

@lukemorra9830 3 года назад

Have you any leaks since installing the hot and cold from the panel underneath thru the canvas frame?

@gottasplit5707 3 года назад

Luke Morra Nope, but I rarely put the top up if there’s a chance of rain. It takes too long to dry after, so other than very light / short rain showers I haven’t tested it. I did also add some AC pipe foam to the underside of the aluminum rail after this video was uploaded.

@ryanbelsham5702 5 лет назад

Do you remember the specifics on the wires you bought? Length and cable size? 4, 8, 10, or 12 AWG

@gottasplit5707 5 лет назад

Ryan Belsham I don’t remember exactly the specific wires I bought. I think it was around 16 feet of 10 awg. I remember that it was the same size that came in the kit that they sell with the same panel. I just didn’t need the rest of the kit.

@santiagojavier9742 4 года назад

does water go under the aluminum rail of the canvas??? its a nice setup but I'm concern about the water going inside the van. Thanks

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

I did notice the space under the canvas where I ran the wires. I’ve been pretty lucky to not have had any water go through that area, but I can see how that would happen. I ended up using a bit of air conditioner line foam insulation, the soft fluffy rubber looking kind, and cutting it to fit over the wires and under the aluminum trim piece. That sealed it up and I can’t see any light through that area anymore, though I’m sure it would still leak if it was sprayed with a hose or something. I usually don’t pop the top if its going to rain though. There’s never enough time to let it dry the next day and I end up with mold. I have heard from other people that they have had problems with leaking. I just don’t see any other way of running the wires without permanently damaging the van by making holes in the roof.

@juliantaylor9585 4 года назад

Hey guys don’t you find that a 100w solar panel is way to small. I go camping for a week at a time. I have had a 150 watt portable solar panel that I place on the ground and manually track the sun. The panel is attached to the van via an Anderson plug on the L rear guard. This charges a 100 agm battery in the engine bay. I use the power to run a small compressor fridge, lighting, charging phones and an iPad. I’m constantly moving the panel to chase the sun to maintain optimal charging. By the end of my week the battery voltage is getting close to 12 volts and 50% capacity. I have upgraded to a 300watt panel and when I get to go camping again after covid I hope I’ll keep my battery fully charged by the end of each day.

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

It definitely would help to have a larger panel. I've only got an 85 ah agm battery, so the 100 watt panel charges it pretty quickly at mid day. I have noticed that by the second day, if the sun hasn't been perfect, the battery has been run down a little. I really only chose this panel because its the one that fits in the rack. One of these days I'd love to upgrade to a larger battery, and have a foldable panel to put out when I camp.

@juliantaylor9585 4 года назад

I understand space is at a premium 👍

@kevinfumerton2634 4 года назад

Hey! I had a similar setup on my van, and also put the wires in under he canvas. I noticed however that a significant amount of water would come through when I had the top up and it was raining. Have you noticed a similar issue? I took the wires out and it seems to have stopped! Second question, have you noticed a difference in clearance with where you installed it? Or is it still safe to go around 2.00 meters?

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

At first, I did notice the space under the canvas where I ran the wires. I’ve been pretty lucky to not have had any water go through that area, but I can see how that would happen. I ended up using a bit of air conditioner line foam insulation, the soft fluffy rubber looking kind, and cutting it to fit over the wires and under the aluminum trim piece. That sealed it up and I can’t see any light through that area anymore, though I’m sure it would still leak if it was sprayed with a hose or something. I usually don’t pop the top if its going to rain though. There’s never enough time to let it dry the next day and I end up with mold. The clearance is about the same, since the top of the panel is pretty much the same height as the vent hatch on the top of the pop top. It does make it scarier to go through low places though. I always get out to take a look or have a passenger watch to see if I can clear things.

@brianhydesmith2662 3 года назад

@@gottasplit5707 If I get water sneaking through that little gap, I might just add a wee dab of silicone sealant. I'm guessing any trapped moisture will get wicked into the canvas soon enough.

@gottasplit5707 3 года назад

@@brianhydesmith2662 That would probably work well enough. Just be sure to get silicone that isn't too permanent just incase you ever have to change the canvas or wires.

@arnovanaalst3789 3 года назад

I noticed the panel is just sticking out above the rack, is there any wind noise

@gottasplit5707 3 года назад

None that I notice, but my van has a lot of wind noise to begin with, so it might make more of a difference on a really quiet van.

@adrianwapcaplet2773 4 года назад

When you tilt the panel forward, how does it remain upright? Do you have some sort of prop behind the panel? I'm sure a broom handle or a piece of random bamboo, or even a sawed-off hockey stick would work, but surely there's a more elegant solution.

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

Right now I have a little piece of wood that I prop the panel up with. I've tried thinking of several ways to get it to stay up, but haven't made anything permanent yet.

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

Not sure why RU-vid isn't showing me your other question about the solar panel model when I look for it, so I'll answer here. Its SKU: RNG-100MB and can be found here: www.renogy.com/eclipse-100-watt-12-volt-monocrystalline-solar-panel/

@adrianwapcaplet2773 4 года назад

@@gottasplit5707 It isn't showing up because I found the answer to my own question about 2 minutes after posting it, so hurriedly deleted it to avoid an unnecessary response. Then I also saw you had also included it in your links below the vid. Was I learned is that damn, you're quick...these get your attention fast! BTW: I have enough old hockey sticks that I sense that will be my solution to the propping conundrum.

@brianhydesmith2662 3 года назад

I plan to install two hinges fore, and one aft (replacing the centre footman's loop) because I use the rear side loops to tie down my canoe bow. I might use a fourth hinge to build an adjustable brace that clips into the centre aft hinge somehow. That being said, the 100watt potential is going to be more than double what I was using previously and so I may not need to even tilt it up very often.

@Gfunkbus76 3 года назад

How you enjoying the eclipse panel? Decent performance still? Cheers!

@gottasplit5707 3 года назад

Yup, still working well.

@gramoukdoom 3 года назад

Hi, nice setup. Where can I find the bolt with a key lock? Thanks

@gottasplit5707 3 года назад

Thanks! Not sure exactly what you are asking about. I haven't found a good way of locking down the panel yet, but will try to make something in the future to lock it to the rack. If you're talking about the hinges they can be found on Amazon with the link in the description of the video. Those are the only things securing the panel to the roof rack.

@gramoukdoom 3 года назад

@@gottasplit5707 Haha sorry wrong video. Check this one out ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xPW15ZPnhG4.html

@dylanknows6136 4 года назад

Couldn't rain water get through where you fed the wires under the aluminum rail that holds the canvas onto the roof?

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

I’m sure if it rained hard enough it probably would leak. I don’t open my pop top unless I know it’s not going to rain. It takes too long to dry, and isn’t really built to be getting wet anyway. After I filmed this video, I did decide to put very soft foam A/C pipe insulation over the wires, to be as sealed as it was before. I should actually update the description of this video to say that I did that.

@dylanknows6136 4 года назад

@@gottasplit5707 good to know! Thanks for the update

@vonwesty3544 4 года назад

Great setup video, and planning a similar setup with mine. Have you had any issues with the panel mounted in the luggage area like the panel rattling, or the hinges working loose?

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

Von Westy Thanks for watching! I haven’t had any problems with it at all. It’s still on there nice and tight.

@jimcl5432 3 года назад

where can I find the list of renorgy and other items on your list of products to purchase ?

@gottasplit5707 3 года назад

list is in the description of the video.

@ryang7720 4 года назад

Does the panel rattle at all while driving?

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

Nope, it stays pretty tight on there with the hinges. also, you can bend the hinges a tiny bit to make them tighter if it were to rattle.

@michaelmurtha6146 5 лет назад

How much did this set you back total?

@gottasplit5707 5 лет назад

Michael Murtha I think around $350-$400 ish but I’m not 100% sure.

@vandwellerfeller 4 года назад

What size holes and grommets did you use? I'm planning on doing the same to my westy.

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

I believe I used a 3/8” bit for the holes that the wires went through, but I honestly don’t remember. It all depends on the wires and the grommet size. For the grommets, I just bought a variety pack at Ace Hardware and found a size that fit well. Good luck with it!!!

@vandwellerfeller 4 года назад

@@gottasplit5707 I tried this setup this weekend and unfortunately this setup won't work on my luggage rack for some reason. I think my luggage rack is too small.

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

@@vandwellerfeller Oh man, that's the first I've heard of that issue. My panel doesn't sit all the way into the luggage rack, it does stick up a little bit. Does the panel sit in the rack at all, or is it really off?

@vandwellerfeller 4 года назад

@@gottasplit5707 Well it sits on top but the hinges come off the luggage rack. I'm gonna try to figure something out soon. It's gonna rain all week so I'll have time to brain storm. My panel is an older panel but the dimensions are the same as the one you linked. The hinges are pretty sweet though. I'm hoping I can use them.

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

@@vandwellerfeller Yeah, those hinges make it all worth it. Not just for lifting and getting the morning sun, but for storage, and removal of the panel. Really hope you can figure something out. Good luck!

@Chicago06sti 4 года назад

How come it doesn’t give ya info on load?

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

I really dont now why it doesn't, but I'm not the only one with that problem. Not sure if they plan to update the app later on to make that functon work, or if it only works with some panels and batteries. I can see the load on the actual solar charger screen though.

@oldspiced 3 года назад

@@gottasplit5707 It only shows power out if youre running your accessories from the charge controller "load out" since thats what your phone is connected to (the charge controller, not the battery)

@robertthomas8381 4 года назад

Just seen this, was it a game changer?

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

For sure it was a huge game changer. I’ve been able to keep my fridge running way longer without starting the engine, and charge all my electronics without any worry. As long as the sun is out, you’ll have power. So nice.

@robertthomas8381 4 года назад

Gotta Split I’ve got a tin top any suggestions?

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

@@robertthomas8381 I’d suggest getting a roof rack of some sort to mount the panel. The least amount of holes in a car the better. On my Tin top split window bus I’ll be putting a solar panel on top of my roof box and running the wires through the rear hatch. I’m not sure how well it will seal, but I'd be willing to try anything that isn’t going to permanently put holes in the car.

@robertthomas8381 4 года назад

Gotta Split I was thinking that and putting the wires at the rear hatch...

@gottasplit5707 4 года назад

Robert Thomas I think that would be the best way to start putting it together. If that leaks, maybe run the wire through one of the vents in the back.

@saltpepper1894 3 года назад

what are you using to prop it up?

@gottasplit5707 3 года назад

Just a piece of rigid insulation here. I intend to make something more sturdy and attached to the panel, but I also don't like drilling holes in the pop top and luggage rack. So for now I just use stuff I have in the van to prop it up.

@pyronitro Год назад

@@gottasplit5707 aside from the insulation to prop it up. did you bungee or strap it down in case a sudden strong wind blows? might crack the top?

@gottasplit5707 Год назад

@@pyronitro I installed some stays after this video that keep it up, but it is still connected to the top In the front and won't fall off even in high winds. I probably also wouldn't lift it up in really high winds just in case, same as the pop top.

@pyronitro Год назад

@@gottasplit5707 Thanks!