1st Campervan

[solarman]

Was up early this morning to measure the panels charging output,sun was out but still cloudy..these readings were taken abot 7.30
while the sun was still at low angle and just clearing house roofs,so i expected a low reading.





A couple of hours later sun higher but still cloudy on and off and these are the readings now....

[dachre]

That works great. Very useful bit of kit to have.

And it fits on your van roof perfect too.

[solarman]

Cheers Dachre,i can do some remote camping now,just need to replace the two batteries for one larger and cut down on wiring connections,putting in for new V5 at the end of the week when my photos come,
Solarman

[solarman]

have sent off for my new V5c now,a brief letter,photocopies of gas safety and reciept,photgraphs of converted van,
just hope i get the ammended V5,
Solarman.

[solarman]

Well here it is folks......a piece of paper i know,just thought i 'd upload the relevant wording on the V5C,

Solarman

[screechowl]

i like it around Capel Curig/Snowdonia area.I'm Sat nav free driver at the moment,like driving by instinct getting lost and finding my way around
,just like going without planning a route occasionally and seeing if i can navigate without the technology,but i DO make sure their is a map to hand
Solarman.

[screechowl]

Michael[/quote]l
Michael,i took it to a guy in Rochdale who was recommended to me by a friend,don't know where your based but i'm in Manchester,if it's close to you i can get you his number.Yes i would suggest getting all the welding work done before you actually need to use it,it's going to take up a bit of time anyway,i will also be going back to him for mechanical work(timing belt,water pump etc)as he has a good reputation and works alone.What festival are you going to and thanks for the comments,
Solarman.[/quote]

Can you pm his number to me please mate?

[Graham-sEY]

Well after a break and a few more camper trips to Wales,i finally managed to fit the solar panel to the roof,it was a fiddly job
and at times it was windy up there,but it had to be done while the weather was dry!I used Tigerseal on the brackets and haven't screwed or bolted it down yet(still an option for later as i haave predrilled some screw holes in advance)Cleaned the roof where it was to be in contact with the brackets and scratched both surfaces to give a key for the sealant and put plenty on,Had to mofify the bracket with some square cutouts where the mounts are bolted for finger access behind the bolt and nuts as i wouldn't have any way of getting to them after once it was mounted.Drilled through roof for cable access and put a cable gland for weatherproofing and securing the cable against movement and finally connected it all up,Tested with a multimeter before final fixing,but now sun has gone down so will have to check charging tommorrow daytime.
Here's some pics for you....











Have been on the motorway with it today driving up to 60mph and so far it's solid,will take some pics of solar charger
showing charging readings tommorrow,
Solarman.

Hi, nice job on the solar panel, what size panel is it and where did you buy it, after fitting one myself if you don't mind me asking.

[solarman]

another addition to my campervan is a tablet holder home made from some left over laminate flooring and some pieces cut from my old leather jacket and mounted to the headliner for ease of access,perfect for the google directions and internet and music bluetoothed to my headphones,very happy with it,
Solarman.Here,s some pics;

[montym100]

Very cool but think they`ll be some neck ache there

[solarman]

Some more pics this time with seats foldedout for bed........

.

[solarman]

Very cool but think they`ll be some neck ache there

Yes i do get a stiff neck but since it is more of a holder instead of it loose in van and i usually have bluetooth headphones on so not looking up all the time.I may put another one in at visor level or lower down near heater controls for when i,m parked up and need to watch something but that will need a good place to put it.