Truck Camper Solar Panel Installation

Truck camper magazine installs a 150 watt zamp solar panel system on their project camper and takes a big step towards cutting the cord and camping off the grid.

Truck camper solar panel installation.

Due to the limited space on truck camper roofs portable solar panels are a terrific option. The original solar mounts were modified to accept the new 200 watt monocrystalline solar panel. Mega 600 watt solar panel installation 2017 ram 2500 2017 cirrus 820. Most truck camper owners and dealers attach accessories to roof racks including solar panels.

Last spring we attempted an impromptu experiment to see how long we could camp without 110 volt shore power. With this type of installation the solar panels are typically six to eight inches above the existing roof rack. If your camper is older or is not pre wired make plans for an additional run of 8 gauge wire. I added 2 inch aluminum angle to the original mounts to accept the slightly wider panel.

Before installing a solar panel system determine if your truck camper is pre wired for solar. Mounting a solar panel in this fashion subjects the solar panel to wind thus potentially stressing the panel mounts and wiring. If it is locate the pre wire in advance. You may need to consult your owner s manual or call your dealer or manufacturer for this information.

I began by removing two 100 watt solar panels that came installed with the camper. This diy camper solar system guide is a multi step complete educational series that by the end you will know what all of the parts of a solar system do how they work together what you ll need for your specific system and what to expect during the build. With truck campers space is at a premium and you need subsystems specially designed for small roofs and tight storage compartments. Instilling a 235 solar panel renogy mppt chatge controller and 2 windy nation solar 80ah batteries in a 2015 lance truck camper.