Community Forums

mbenazeraf · 01-24-2023, 07:09 AM

I am considering installing a couple of solar panels on the roof of my 5th wheel. It is already pre-wired with Zamp outlet on the roof. My big concern is to hit some wiring when putting in the screws. Is there a risk of that? Is the ceiling wiring (light, duct work, speakers,etc..) usually near the top of the roof or below that? Also, does the mounting screws have to be mounted on a roof stud? Of course proper Dicor sealant will be applied.
Keystone Crossroad Cruise 29Si 33ft 2021.
I emailed Keystone but no luck yet for an answer.

Yosemite77 · 01-24-2023, 07:28 AM

When mounting your panels, it’s preferable to hit the roof trusses, if possible. On the roof of my 5er, the sheathing is 3/8” thick, with the trusses 16” on center. I think that’s pretty common. With the brackets being 3-4” wide, not every screw will go into a truss. With the morning dew on the trailer, I could actually see where trusses were located.
Personally, I wouldn’t worry about hitting any wiring, as it’s unlikely to be wedged up against the roof.

Marine359 · 01-24-2023, 07:30 AM

How many watts do you want on the roof?
Look for my review next week of the new technology CIGS flex panels. Finishing testing this week in Key West. I’m pretty impressed with their performance, and will be installing two of them. No holes needed in roof. Caution though, they are expensive.

mbenazeraf · 01-25-2023, 06:40 AM

I will be installing a single 100W panel. That is simply to maintain the batteries while in storage. I was able to locate the two wires at the batteries and will be installing a controller near that. The panel has 4 brackets with 2 holes on each. Not sure what the roof is made of on this RV. Keystone is not very helpful and keep referring me to my dealer which is about 200 miles from me. I will attempt to try the morning dew thing as suggested by Yosemite77. Thanks all for replying.

BJRiggs · 01-29-2023, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbenazeraf

I will be installing a single 100W panel. That is simply to maintain the batteries while in storage. I was able to locate the two wires at the batteries and will be installing a controller near that. The panel has 4 brackets with 2 holes on each. Not sure what the roof is made of on this RV. Keystone is not very helpful and keep referring me to my dealer which is about 200 miles from me. I will attempt to try the morning dew thing as suggested by Yosemite77. Thanks all for replying.

I mounted my solar panel on unistrut (slotted channel) so I could screw it to the trusses (16" o.c.) then I used spring nuts and short bolts to attach the solar panel brackets to the unistrut. This allows me to remove it if necessary or add additional panels without leaving holes in the roof.

5er2life · 01-29-2023, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BJRiggs

I mounted my solar panel on unistrut (slotted channel) so I could screw it to the trusses (16" o.c.) then I used spring nuts and short bolts to attach the solar panel brackets to the unistrut. This allows me to remove it if necessary or add additional panels without leaving holes in the roof.

That is a great suggestion. I'll be looking into this as we're getting closer to solar. Thanks for the idea.