How to Build a Cargo Trailer Camper - Solar Install Part 1/2
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- čas přidán 26. 08. 2024
- Welcome to Ways Out Back!
Follow along as I convert my old 6x10 Construction Cargo trailer into an off road camper. My goal is to build a comfortable trailer that can follow my Ford Ranger into some great lakes and campsites.
It has a 12v Fridge, 460Ah of Battery, Diesel heater, Shower, 2 Burner stove, on demand hot water, electric brakes, and lots more.
Check out the past videos of Building a Rack for the front, Insulating the trailer, Putting in the RV Windows, installing the water tank, Framing in the cabinets, Running the Electrical, Installing the plumbing, Lifting it and adding brakes to the existing axle.
In this Video I Explain how I mounted my solar panels on the roof of my trailer!
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Solar Panels- amzn.to/3yNky6V
Controller- amzn.to/380xQ4X
Great video and install! Excited to see some videos of you out, off-grid crown land camping!
Thanks Joel
Yeah camping is definitely the best part! We are heading out tomorrow- test this little trailer out. 👍
Another awesome job. I made a comment on your shock mounts, which was another awesome idea. But really appreciate the simplicity of your solar struts system.
I have 305 watts panels on my 6x12 and am going to change to smaller panels on the roof. But will have two more that can be placed on the ground if I park in the shade.
Thank you for the great idea.
I was debating on some portable panels along with the fixed. I really like the idea of parking in the shade while summer camping and still charging. I’ll see how it goes and maybe do that later.
We have a trip out west planned so this set up should help charge between stops. Glade you found it a bit useful. 👍
Also maybe look into these shingled panels they seem to pack more watts into a small foot print. The panels are 170w each so 340w total and only measure 49”x28”. Maybe that would work for you?
I would personally have invested in a small Honda generator, they are a waste of time in the winter running solar with no sun. It cost me thousands to find out the hard way.
Yeah very good point! Many think they will get more out of solar then they actually do. Your bang on summer is great but winter is a real struggle. My trailer has 460ah of batteries with only draining 50% I can go about 6 days being very careful. After that I have a dc to dc charger in my truck so I can charge there or like you mention a generator. To be honest though when I’m out boondocking and someone fires up a generator I pack up and move on I honestly can’t stand them. We have a strict rule no generators when we go camping as a group. 😁
@@waysoutback Thanks for the reply, and generators are noisy, I am testing solar now at home with two 100w panels from CTC, with new marine deep cycle batteries. The fold up 100w panels are my choice but very expensive.
@@wrxs1781 Everything has gone through the roof in the last few years, or is difficult to find! I installed the two on the roof and then a plug on the side of my trailer to plug in another one if I need it. I was thinking if I want to camp in the shade I can still run a panel out to the sun. I don’t have one yet but maybe I can use one of those fold up panels. Let me know how your testing goes.
Awesome job!! I am mounting six solar panels on the top of my 8×20 ft cargo trailer. Could you link where you got the unistrut and spring hardware please??
It’s usually in stock at Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Here a link to Home Depot -
www.homedepot.ca/product/superstrut-14ga-pg-half-slot-1-5-8x13-16x10ft/1001447009
Awsome design! Is there a risk that multiple connectors under the panel will rub/scratch the panel surface from the bottom?
Thanks! I’m not 100% sure. I don’t think so there is about 1/2 inch of extra room. But I will let you know if it ever does. 👍
Have you experienced any leaks in your roof from the superstrut installs?
No leaks so far! I used a rubber washer and lots of sealer. I like actually rubber washers for any protrusions I find they take the vibrations and expansion better then just sealant
Why did you buy a controller? Does it already come with one? How is the solar panel holding up?
I bought all the components separately. I wanted the shingled panels and they only come individually. The system has been much better then I thought… in the summer it charges up quickly, panel’s have been great! 👍
Great video!! Did you mount the uni-strut through the roof sheeting or through the actual steel roof frame?
I ended up bolting it right through the steel frame. I feel like riv-nuts might have been better.
Those unistruts seem to block the air flow under the solar panels! Anyway to raise the solur panels up?
Personally I like the low profile but definitely you could raise it as high as you want, you could also use 1 1/2” unistrut in the middle but as of now the middle has about 1/4” gap under it and the edge about an inch.
I wanted to keep it tight so I wouldn’t catch the tree branches etc when going down backroads but you could space it up as much as you want… you’d just need longer bolts.
Where did you get the solar panel you should’ve linked it in the description
Thanks for the reminder I just added the link into the description. 👍
Here’s a link to the panels
Solar Panels For Rv Trailer - 12v 170w monocrystalline Extra Compact Shingled Solar Panel Design, 12v Panneau Solaire 170w. Great for RVs, Campervans, Trailers, Cottage, Shed or Beach. Perfect for all Off-Grid Projects. (1, 170 Watts) www.amazon.ca/dp/B09HNKTNHG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gl_i_2NEZCE0N41KSQYW9HMXG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Do you have a materials list?
No sorry.
I had never seen a Solar panel like that. Are these a GOOD/Better/Best ones or just what you found?
Hmmm that’s a tough one. I liked that It was a local distributor. I liked the amount of wattage packed into the smaller panel due to the cell shingling. It’s a newer technology…. As for are they the best…. I’m not really sure I think I need to own them a bit see if they are durable see if maintain the output. I will keep you posted in future videos.
Great job !
Do you have a link for those solar panels ?
Unfortunately they seem to be out of them right now so my order link is not valid. Here’s a link to the smaller 110w panels from the same company. If you look at the spec sheet in the pictures you will see the 170w panels. Maybe reach out to the store?
www.amazon.ca/Solar-Panels-Trailer-monocrystalline-Campervans/dp/B09HNLDLK5
@@waysoutback Thnx for the quick reply .
Sent the seller an email.