Where / How to store Solar Panels while traveling

[Rollercoaster639]

In the process of getting Solar panel, the solid type and was wondering where and how the rest of the members have been transporting them.

I have heard some say inside the RTT.
Any other places come to mind that would protect them from damage. I store the table on the inside of the roof and my RTT is almost flat on the canopy.

Any help sugestions would be welcome. Thanks

[george]

I store the table on the inside of the roof

This is what I wanted to suggest.i am going to place mine there.My table is going on the roof rack

[OOOOMS]

Solar panel units are pretty robust and most come in a frame of some sorts.

I mount mine on the roof rack or you can slide it under your RR

[GI Jane]

I have roof rack space between my rtt on my trailer and the top of the trailer where I store my table and put it on top of that.. It has a canvas bag that it slides into to keep dust and rain off it...

[esajoda]

I modified my RTT fitting by lifting it enough off the canopy for the solar panel to fit.

[ChrisF]

after our last trip in Kgalagadi I am convinced a "stored" solar panel is the worst type of dead wheight !!

Mount it where it will WORK when you park.

On our last trip we spent precious little time "in kamp", and way to often we would only be driving short distances par day, but with multiple stops in between .... Our friend had his 80W panel mounted on the roof rack and never had issues with his 2nd battery. On the other hand we never had enough time in camp to charge the battery properly ....


before we head of into 40 degree climate I WILL be mounting a fixed solar panel externally.

PS - and mount it in such a manner that you can "un-clip" it and move it when you camp in the shade. :)

[george]

Make sense what you say Chris.I will maybe re-think my setup. Just a question. I have the Stecca controller.Can I simultaneously charge with the solar and the alternator or do I have to switch between the two

[ChrisF]

George I will be watching to see what the clever guys say about the Steca charger.

Also looking for an affordable unit that can do this switching ...

[george]

George I will be watching to see what the clever guys say about the Steca charger.

Also looking for an affordable unit that can do this switching ...

Then we can watch together

[SuidWes]

My Steca disconnected as soon as it picked up the charge from the alti... Still best to mount it on the rack where it can work when parked.

[ChrisF]

Jaco watter Steca model het jy ?

[george]

My Steca disconnected as soon as it picked up the charge from the alti... Still best to mount it on the rack where it can work when parked.

Cool I will test mine then

[SuidWes]

Steca Solsum 6.6