The Camping Thread - Page 46

roKWiz · 22-02-2023, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

There was an incident here couple of years back where a panel unstuck from the roof and flew into the path ofva following car which swerved to miss the panel and hii an oncoming car resulting in deaths.pretty sure it is a requirement that panel have to have a mechanical fixing ( screws rivets or bolts)and glue to affix panel now.And for your own peace of mind you should insist on having more than glue

prydey, Good to see quality Vitron stuff being used.

Some kind of mechanical fixing is always good usually along with gluing. Full length alloy angle is OTT and won't let the panel cool underneath properly. Myself, usually use 4 angle brackets inboard from the corners to allow airflow under but giving it enough area to mechanically fix it to the roof. Large pop rivets are fine along with some flexy Sikaflex to stop any leaks.

The installer might have not wanted to drill into the roof to avoid any possible leaks down the track and as far as I can see is NOT required to do so.

ADR on solar install on RV's does NOT specify any laws regarding installation only in that they must be securely fixed. (which can be interpreted as glued or screw)
Whole bus side panels are glued only onto the steel framework these days, along with Filon fibreglass panels on Winnebago's not to mention pantec bodies.

BENT_8 · 22-02-2023, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roKWiz

prydey, Good to see quality Vitron stuff being used.

Some kind of mechanical fixing is always good usually along with gluing. Full length alloy angle is OTT and won't let the panel cool underneath properly. Myself, usually use 4 angle brackets inboard from the corners to allow airflow under but giving it enough area to mechanically fix it to the roof. Large pop rivets are fine along with some flexy Sikaflex to stop any leaks.

The installer might have not wanted to drill into the roof to avoid any possible leaks down the track and as far as I can see is NOT required to do so.

ADR on solar install on RV's does NOT specify any laws regarding installation only in that they must be securely fixed. (which can be interpreted as glued or screw)
Whole bus side panels are glued only onto the steel framework these days, along with Filon fibreglass panels on Winnebago's not to mention pantec bodies.

If youre only using full length on leading and trailing edges there is ample room along the side edges for air flow/heat dissipation, using full length along the leading edge prevents wind acting against those 2 small brackets.
You can actually buy proper solar panel angle which are full length and have a raised inner edge to give the panel more breathing room and is what I have on mine.
KT Cables is a brand and can be bought from Anaconda.

My Nephew recently repaired a van roof from water leaks that the owner had spent over 2k on at the mob who fitted Robs panel that they couldnt.

Is the TV aeriel only glued on, what about the A/C unit.
If they can mount both those with fasteners and not leak im not sure why a professional couldnt do the same with a simple solar panel.

BENT_8 · 22-02-2023, 10:30 AM

Just sent a screen shot to my friends/family in the industry, and there are a few.
The responses we're all the same, WTF.
One said they throw away scrap offcuts bigger than those bits and only use steel not alloy. They all laughed at the excessively large junction box and that its upside down and that Dario along with Cararest are the dearest going around but atleast Cararest do quality work.

If youre happy with it Rob then so be it but its not a good install.

roKWiz · 22-02-2023, 12:25 PM

Honest Gaza · 22-02-2023, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

I gave the coffee machine a quick test, making the equivalent of 2 drinks one after the other, plus some flushing etc and all seemed ok.

Were you able to identify the A/Hrs the machine took from the battery ?

prydey · 22-02-2023, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Just sent a screen shot to my friends/family in the industry, and there are a few.
The responses we're all the same, WTF.
One said they throw away scrap offcuts bigger than those bits and only use steel not alloy. They all laughed at the excessively large junction box and that its upside down and that Dario along with Cararest are the dearest going around but atleast Cararest do quality work.

If youre happy with it Rob then so be it but its not a good install.

Not sure why your expert friends say the Junction box is upside down. The size of it doesn't bother me. Not like you can see it and most vans have similar. The adhesive is sikaflex and is used in many applications including high stress joins between different materials.

I have no problem with Dario. I didn't find them expensive either. I guess forums are full of judge judy's.

prydey · 22-02-2023, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honest Gaza

Were you able to identify the A/Hrs the machine took from the battery ?

Not accurately. Solar feed in makes it difficult to see exactly what the before and after readings were. Will do some homework and let you know.

Tassie f100 · 22-02-2023, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

Not accurately. Solar feed in makes it difficult to see exactly what the before and after readings were. Will do some homework and let you know.

If you are using Victron there is provision to down load an app which gives input volts and amps. and also output volts and amps etc

prydey · 22-02-2023, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

If you are using Victron there is provision to down load an app which gives input volts and amps. and also output volts and amps etc

Yeah, I have the app.

Not sure how to work out the amount of Ah used though. Inverter was reading about 1200w. Cycle was about 10-20 seconds for the coffee part and maybe 1 minute or so for the milk... Maybe you can calculate it from that??

I wasn't paying real close attention. Just making sure it worked. Will have another play at some point and take note of what is going on.

hayseed · 22-02-2023, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

Not sure why your expert friends say the Junction box is upside down. The size of it doesn't bother me. Not like you can see it and most vans have similar. The adhesive is sikaflex and is used in many applications including high stress joins between different materials.

I have no problem with Dario. I didn't find them expensive either. I guess forums are full of judge judy's.

Honest Gaza · 22-02-2023, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

I wasn't paying real close attention. Just making sure it worked. Will have another play at some point and take note of what is going on.

I only ask because it's easy to connect any Inverter to any Battery and power up a device (within reason). It's the ability to recharge the battery afterwards with available sunlight that determines if it's a viable solution.

I'm going to be setting up a Coffee Pod Machine off a 200AH Lithium Battery via 2000W Renogy Inverter...and am interested in what's being sucked out of the Battery.

blueoval · 22-02-2023, 06:26 PM

Im missing the open fire and camping, so Im gonna just leave this here. Its a shot of my last trip to the local camp spot in Mclaren Vale. Pink Gum Campground.

prydey · 22-02-2023, 06:30 PM

Great spot Shav. Been there a few times but only camped there once.

blueoval · 22-02-2023, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

Great spot Shav. Been there a few times but only camped there once.

Thanks mate, I agree. Such a great location and close to home but still has the country vibe. One of my favorite spots if I just want to do a sneaky overnighter.

prydey · 22-02-2023, 07:39 PM

Blewitt Springs is a nice area, especially up where that camp ground is. A nice area for cycling too, as you know. Some walk trails around as well.

blueoval · 22-02-2023, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

Blewitt Springs is a nice area, especially up where that camp ground is. A nice area for cycling too, as you know. Some walk trails around as well.

Not many know of the rock climbing/boldering area a short walk from there too. Its not a bad way to check out some pro's doing their thing and be close to the river.

I just love the quiet there. The downside is all sites are quite close to each other.

**buggerlugs** · 22-02-2023, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

So, finally got around to getting the solar panel, solar controller and inverter fitted to my van.

I got it done at a place called Dario here in Adelaide. Good pricing and workmanship although they did leave the van in a bit of a mess.

Solar panel up front
image

Mppt controller
image

Inverter, fitted under dinette seat
image

And single powerpoint from inverter to run the small coffee machine

image
All Bluetooth too so turns on and off via the victron app.

I gave the coffee machine a quick test, making the equivalent of 2 drinks one after the other, plus some flushing etc and all seemed ok.

Nice to have that all done ready for our trip to Uluru in July. Just the folding mattress to address now. Don't want to spend much on this van as it's not a long term van so likely just go with some sort of mattress topper.

We have 2 panels on the roof of our Mercedes Sprinter Van and they were glued down with the you beaut sikaflex stuff. 30ks out of Goondiwindi , on a very rough and bumpy road ( that nearly bounced us out of our seats ) one flew off and near took out the car behind us. Since had them reinstalled, glued and screwed in to the roof. I'm a big fan of sikaflex, but that was a scary incident.............

Coffee machine set up looks good. Definitely a necessity..............

prydey · 22-02-2023, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggerlugs

Coffee machine set up looks good. Definitely a necessity..............

I'm a bit snobbier than that but I got sick of taking the house set up with us (grinder, espresso machine etc) and it took up a lot of bench space so I looked around for a pod machine that had a proper steam wand, and now have that just for the van.

BENT_8 · 22-02-2023, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggerlugs

We have 2 panels on the roof of our Mercedes Sprinter Van and they were glued down with the you beaut sikaflex stuff. 30ks out of Goondiwindi , on a very rough and bumpy road ( that nearly bounced us out of our seats ) one flew off and near took out the car behind us. Since had them reinstalled, glued and screwed in to the roof. I'm a big fan of sikaflex, but that was a scary incident.............

Coffee machine set up looks good. Definitely a necessity..............

You must be trolling too I guess..lol

The problem with using any adhesive is you're fixing a rigid panel to a flexible surface so when the surface flexes the panel doesnt and the joint, in this case Sikaflex, is stressed and fails.

BENT_8 · 22-02-2023, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

Not sure why your expert friends say the Junction box is upside down. The size of it doesn't bother me. Not like you can see it and most vans have similar. The adhesive is sikaflex and is used in many applications including high stress joins between different materials.

I have no problem with Dario. I didn't find them expensive either. I guess forums are full of judge judy's.

Because it is but if youre happy with it then go your hardest.
Atleast if the panel flies off it wont be your family in the firing line I guess.

**GasoLane** · 22-02-2023, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Because it is but if youre happy with it then go your hardest.
Atleast if the panel flies off it wont be your family in the firing line I guess.

Ok, you've had your say (many times) so now go and play in another thread please.

prydey · 22-02-2023, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

You must be trolling too I guess..lol

The problem with using any adhesive is you're fixing a rigid panel to a flexible surface so when the surface flexes the panel doesnt and the joint, in this case Sikaflex, is stressed and fails.

Most of these sikaflex products are actually designed for that purpose. They allow movement while maintaining a strong bond.

prydey · 22-02-2023, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Because it is but .

Is it?

Why would the seal go at the bottom? I've googled pictures of them and that is how they go as far as I can tell.

I personally don't know which is why I looked around after you commented.

**buggerlugs** · 22-02-2023, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

You must be trolling too I guess..lol

The problem with using any adhesive is you're fixing a rigid panel to a flexible surface so when the surface flexes the panel doesnt and the joint, in this case Sikaflex, is stressed and fails.

You must admit you do have form and have been banned before because you can't help yourself.......

BENT_8 · 22-02-2023, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggerlugs

You must admit you do have form and have been banned before because you can't help yourself.......

Yeah but I dont troll over what I consider safety.

I've always treated Rob with respect and even offered advice on van stuff due to my own time and family/friends in the industry.
In one of the articles I linked the head of Jayco himself said they only recommend screw and glue on their vans, I believe Rob has a Jayco so I find it hard to believe that Dario know better.

At the end of the day its Robs van and money but he's not sitting behind it.

**Charliewool** · 23-02-2023, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Because it is but if youre happy with it then go your hardest.
Atleast if the panel flies off it wont be your family in the firing line I guess.

Upside down???
How do you open the junction box if the screwed lid is glued/screwed to roof?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

prydey · 23-02-2023, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honest Gaza

Were you able to identify the A/Hrs the machine took from the battery ?

So I figured out how to turn the solar charge off in the app, so I could read pure battery volts. Before use it was reading 13v which is basically fully charged. I made the equivalent of 2 drinks and then turned everything off and let it sit for an hour. Battery voltage read 12.93v.

I'm aware it's not overly accurate but it's the best I have without adding a shunt to the system to read voltage in and out.

So very little drain on the battery.

During operation voltage dropped to low 11v which is to be expected. Like starting a car.

prydey · 23-02-2023, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honest Gaza

I only ask because it's easy to connect any Inverter to any Battery and power up a device (within reason). It's the ability to recharge the battery afterwards with available sunlight that determines if it's a viable solution.

I'm going to be setting up a Coffee Pod Machine off a 200AH Lithium Battery via 2000W Renogy Inverter...and am interested in what's being sucked out of the Battery.

When I was buying the equipment for my setup I asked about changing to a lithium battery and I was told for my purpose it wasn't really worth it. He also warned that many lithium batteries have a max discharge rate of 100a, which wouldn't be able to run my machine, even though it would have more capacity. Make sure you read the specs so you don't get caught out.

BENT_8 · 03-03-2023, 01:44 PM

Spending the weekend camped at Barmera's fabulous Lake Bonney for the annual Carp Frenzy that has been a tradition for us and something we're continuing in memory of my best mate Jerry.

Arrived Wednesday evening and the weather has been nothing but sensational with mid to high 20's and sub 10knot winds.

Have to travel light these days with my new toy taking place over a 6x4 trailer of camp luxuries so tenting it is.

https://i.postimg.cc/MZd37QV8/20230303-112134.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/5y7Pbhbt/20230303-112102.jpg

As you can see from the dead grass/dirt along the foreshore at the caravan park, the flood water came up a looong way and we're lucky to be able to be here at all as the park closed for 3 months and only reopened mid Feb.

https://i.postimg.cc/90F83m3S/20230303-112613.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/G2RgQPXb/20230303-112624.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/13gd53g1/20230303-112634.jpg

And one of my new toy, what a blast
https://i.postimg.cc/NMxJPynm/20230303-112745.jpg

Trevor 57 · 03-03-2023, 03:08 PM

off to Lake Boga for 5 days next week. It has been a while since the van has been out