Solar Panel Mounting - Escape Trailer Owners Community
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×

Go Back   Escape Trailer Owners Community > Escape Tech > Escape Systems | Water, Waste, Charging & Propane
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 08-23-2019, 04:35 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Victoria, British Columbia
Trailer: None yet but would like a 19'
Posts: 19
Solar Panel Mounting

Has anyone know of a better way to mount solar panels on the roof? My understanding is that from the factory there are 8 holes through the roof to mount the solar panel. I have seen one other post that showed another owner mounting a roof rack and then mounting their panels to the rack, however, they still drilled holes through the roof to mount the roof rack. It would be nice if the panel had some fibreglassed on mounts so as to limit the number holes through the roof. It rains a lot here in BC so limiting potential water entry points is top of my mind.
Marty_3000 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2019, 05:04 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Jim Bennett's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,532
The mounting holes are not an issue if you annually check the sealant. That said I used Etrnabond tape to hold my four semi-flexible panels. I did this mostly to keep them out of sight, and that sure out great.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
Jim Bennett is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2019, 05:16 PM   #3
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Victoria, British Columbia
Trailer: None yet but would like a 19'
Posts: 19
Oh awesome! That does sound like a good option. Did you install your own entire solar system or have it pre wired and then just install your own panels?
Marty_3000 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2019, 05:32 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Doug2000's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: London, Ontario
Trailer: 2020 Escape 19
Posts: 1,117
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Bennett View Post
The mounting holes are not an issue if you annually check the sealant. That said I used Etrnabond tape to hold my four semi-flexible panels. I did this mostly to keep them out of sight, and that sure out great.
If I recall correctly, Jim Bennett had the best solar setup I have seen on here. I don't like the solid panel sitting up high on brackets, just yells steal me when at storage. I like the flexible panels taped on with the Etnabond tape. Nice and aerodynamic.

I am not a fan of drilling into the roof for anything.

Also to add, I always camp in the shade, so I have used portables in the past.
__________________
Had 2 Escapes, 17b, 19, went back to a pop up that fit in the garage. 2018 Coachman Clipper RBST HW AFrame
Doug2000 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2019, 05:50 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
Jim Bennett's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,532
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marty_3000 View Post
Oh awesome! That does sound like a good option. Did you install your own entire solar system or have it pre wired and then just install your own panels?
Here is a link to the thread I created when doing it. I did the complete install.
http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...ion-10273.html
Quote:
Originally Posted by Doug2000 View Post
Also to add, I always camp in the shade, so I have used portables in the past.
We generally try to do that but in a lot of our recent trips trees are a rarity let alone be in camping areas. That said, even sites with lots of shade still produce some level of charging and I adjust my 12V use accordingly. I can go a few days with no charging. I also carry a portable panel though it has not seen much use since I did my new system well over 2 1/2 years ago.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
Jim Bennett is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2019, 06:30 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Southwick, Massachusetts
Trailer: None, sold my 2014 5.0TA
Posts: 7,124
If you require mechanical fasteners then you can't avoid drilling holes. There are other approaches, as in adhesives where there are no holes, depends on what you feel comfortable with.
__________________
Happy Motoring
Bob
padlin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2019, 07:30 PM   #7
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Victoria, British Columbia
Trailer: None yet but would like a 19'
Posts: 19
Thank you for the link. I am guessing you have to cut or drill a hole for the go power plate though?
Marty_3000 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2019, 08:34 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Patandlinda's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Ventura County, California
Trailer: 2013 19 Escape
Posts: 7,204
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marty_3000 View Post
Thank you for the link. I am guessing you have to cut or drill a hole for the go power plate though?
I did the same installation on the 19 . Yes that was the one hole . It does have a cover plate that goes over though . Lensun semi Flexible fiberglass panels and still going good . Pat
Patandlinda is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2019, 08:47 PM   #9
Site Team
 
Donna D.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Portland, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 11,023
I have three big holes on the roof of Ten Forward. Large egress vent over the loft, MaxxFan center of the trailer and the 14x14 passive vent at the rear. Eight more holes, about the size of my pinky is not something that concerns me. I washed Ten Forward today and inspected most of the caulking and the solar panel mounts. I don't know what kind of adhesive ETI used to seal the bolts/holes, but that stuff is hard as a rock and smooth. It doesn't feel like ProFlex. IF the solar panel was to come off, it would tear a big chunk of the fiberglass off with it. I doubt that adhesive will ever let go (without a chisel) and leaks around the bolts aren't going to concern me. It's a good, clean install. YMMV
__________________
Donna D.
Ten Forward
2014 Escape 5.0TA
Donna D. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2019, 08:50 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
tdf-texas's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Baytown, Texas
Trailer: 2017 21' Escape - upgraded version
Posts: 2,697
Quote:
Originally Posted by Donna D. View Post
I have three big holes on the roof of Ten Forward. Large egress vent over the loft, MaxxFan center of the trailer and the 14x14 passive vent at the rear. Eight more holes, about the size of my pinky is not something that concerns me. I washed Ten Forward today and inspected most of the caulking and the solar panel mounts. I don't know what kind of adhesive ETI used to seal the bolts/holes, but that stuff is hard as a rock and smooth. It doesn't feel like ProFlex. IF the solar panel was to come off, it would tear a big chunk of the fiberglass off with it. I doubt that adhesive will ever let go (without a chisel) and leaks around the bolts aren't going to concern me. It's a good, clean install. YMMV
That sounds like 3M 5200. If it is, the gelcoat/fiberglass will give before it does.
__________________
Normal people believe that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Engineers believe in fixing it so that it never breaks.
tdf-texas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2019, 08:56 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SLO County, California
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21C 2019 Expedition
Posts: 5,210
Donna- did you have ETI do their retrofit for your panel? Otherwise don't you have two rails embedded in 3M 5200 vs. L-shaped brackets at the corners?
__________________
"We gotta get as far away as we can!"
- Russell Casse, Independence Day
Rossue is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2019, 09:02 PM   #12
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Victoria, British Columbia
Trailer: None yet but would like a 19'
Posts: 19
Thanks for the info on the factory install that does sound like it is super solid!
Marty_3000 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2019, 09:18 PM   #13
Site Team
 
Donna D.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Portland, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 11,023
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rossue View Post
Donna- did you have ETI do their retrofit for your panel? Otherwise don't you have two rails embedded in 3M 5200 vs. L-shaped brackets at the corners?
Yes, ETI did the install last August, just before I took the Big Trip. Didn't need it for the first four years, but knew I'd need it since I was dry camping for six days at the Boler 50th event. I had it wired for solar on my build sheet though. There are L-brackets at the corners, bolted through and hiding in the upper rear cabinets. I guess the brackets and bolts are covered with 3M 5200.
__________________
Donna D.
Ten Forward
2014 Escape 5.0TA
Donna D. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2019, 09:33 PM   #14
Commercial Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: liberty, Missouri
Trailer: 21 escape
Posts: 62
I mounted my panel on my 21 ft using eurothane windshield sealant, its the stuff the glass companies use that holds in the winshields in on vehicles, Just yesterday I decided to remove it, (100 watt) and upgrade to a 200 w. and I had a H-- of a time getting it off, had to use a winshield razorblade knife and make several cuts, . I will be reinstalling it tomorrow on a 19 escape I will be selling, so I will take some pictures and put on here if anyone would like to see,
oldstation is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2019, 09:37 PM   #15
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Victoria, British Columbia
Trailer: None yet but would like a 19'
Posts: 19
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldstation View Post
I mounted my panel on my 21 ft using eurothane windshield sealant, its the stuff the glass companies use that holds in the winshields in on vehicles, Just yesterday I decided to remove it, (100 watt) and upgrade to a 200 w. and I had a H-- of a time getting it off, had to use a winshield razorblade knife and make several cuts, . I will be reinstalling it tomorrow on a 19 escape I will be selling, so I will take some pictures and put on here if anyone would like to see,
Yes please pictures are always great!
Marty_3000 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2019, 10:48 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Port Angeles, Washington
Trailer: 2017 Escape 19
Posts: 198
We put two 160 panels on our 19 using the AM Solar brackets and adhesive system. No holes required except for one to drop the power inside. This is well sealed and protected from the weather. One could avoid this by dropping through the refrigerator vent but that involved more difficulty in running the wires inside than dropping through the top. We have several thousand miles on our system and are not having any concerns with them. We do store our 19 at home so we don’t have the theft issue.

Doug
Doug & Betty is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2019, 11:40 PM   #17
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Victoria, British Columbia
Trailer: None yet but would like a 19'
Posts: 19
That looks like another great option! Thank you every one for the helpful suggestions and information.
Marty_3000 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2019, 01:05 AM   #18
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Santa Rosa, California
Trailer: 2014 Escape 15B sold, 2019 Escape 19
Posts: 367
I really like the flexible solar panels and what Jim did looks great, unfortunately the smaller Escape trailers don’t have enough available roof space for this type of install. If you decide to take this route do some research before buying as some flexible panels don’t last long. I did the rack mounted panels on my E19 and as much as I hate drilling holes on the roof (or anywhere else in the trailer) I saw no other way, usually in life you can’t eat the cake and have it too.
Effie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2019, 08:01 AM   #19
Senior Member
 
Perry Butler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Lanesboro, MN, between Whalan and Fountain, Minnesota
Trailer: 2016 Bigfoot 25RQ - (2018 Escape 5.0 sold)
Posts: 2,155
Quote:
Originally Posted by Doug & Betty View Post
We put two 160 panels on our 19 using the AM Solar brackets and adhesive system. No holes required except for one to drop the power inside. This is well sealed and protected from the weather. One could avoid this by dropping through the refrigerator vent but that involved more difficulty in running the wires inside than dropping through the top. We have several thousand miles on our system and are not having any concerns with them. We do store our 19 at home so we don’t have the theft issue.
I believe ETI glued a number of panels down like AM Solar, but with fiberglass the gelcoat ripped off and the panel was left somewhere back on the road. At that point they went to bolting. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

Enjoy,

Perry
__________________
Those who know everything use pens. Intelligent people use pencils.
Perry Butler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2019, 08:10 AM   #20
Site Team
 
rbryan4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Canyon Lake, Texas
Trailer: 2015 19 "Past Tents", 2021 F150 Lariat 2.7L EB
Posts: 10,222
Caveat: I am not recommending that others do the same.

Our classic 19 has the panel mounted with epoxy. We received a bracket kit from ETI back when there were reports that some panels had blown off. We've never installed the brackets. The panel is still there, sturdy, thousands of miles and a few years later. Perhaps the fact that we store inside a garage helps.
__________________
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy an RV. And that is pretty close."
rbryan4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off




» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Escape Trailer Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:29 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright 2023 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved.