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Old 06-19-2017, 04:15 PM   #161
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We just spent 5 nights recently north of Flagstaff, AZ above 9000' with dry campsites. Only partial sun during the day for maybe 4-6 hours and it rained for 2 of the 5 days which cut down the 4-6 hours some. There were four of us, recharging phones/devices, lights, fridge, some furnace overnight. We have the 160W factory install w/twin 6v. Batteries never were down at any level of concern, and were full by late afternoon every day. Most of our usage was 10 - 14ah per day, but one day we replaced 21ah.
For us, after a year and a half and several months of dry camping, haven't seen any need for carrying around a portable panel. When the kids leave for college and we're down to just two of us, the need will be even less.
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Old 06-19-2017, 04:40 PM   #162
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Originally Posted by Patandlinda View Post
Thick cable lock to trailer frame . Put away at night . Pat
Would take 30 seconds to saw through the light aluminum frame on my portable solar.
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Old 06-19-2017, 05:00 PM   #163
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Would take 30 seconds to saw through the light aluminum frame on my portable solar.
Usually never leave out if for some reason I'm nor around . Helps to talk to fellow campers and make friends . They will watch out for you. The cable is for someone thinking they can just walk off . Pat
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Old 06-19-2017, 05:06 PM   #164
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We just spent 5 nights recently north of Flagstaff, AZ above 9000' with dry campsites. Only partial sun during the day for maybe 4-6 hours and it rained for 2 of the 5 days which cut down the 4-6 hours some. There were four of us, recharging phones/devices, lights, fridge, some furnace overnight. We have the 160W factory install w/twin 6v. Batteries never were down at any level of concern, and were full by late afternoon every day. Most of our usage was 10 - 14ah per day, but one day we replaced 21ah.
For us, after a year and a half and several months of dry camping, haven't seen any need for carrying around a portable panel. When the kids leave for college and we're down to just two of us, the need will be even less.
Greg last camping trip sun was only out for a little while 2 of the 5 days . It was cold and needed heater . Had generator alsoif needed . Our electrical use was very little . In fact last day didn't put panel out and just driving home we were charged by the time we got home . Pat
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Old 06-19-2017, 05:23 PM   #165
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Remember . I belive the panel failures that were reported here was that the bond was good from the roof to the brackets but the gelcoat separated causing the problem.
On our 2013 Escape the panels were poorly installed. Pisspoor craftsmanship. The failures have been a result of one side of the panels having poor adhesion resulting in the opposite pulling off the gel coat under stress and loss of the panel. Do not believe that side winds are the issue.
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Old 06-19-2017, 05:40 PM   #166
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Remember . I belive the panel failures that were reported here was that the bond was good from the roof to the brackets but the gelcoat separated causing the problem.
I understood that gelcoat came off with an epoxied panel. A VHB panel came off but don't know if we heard that gelcoat came off with it.
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Old 06-19-2017, 07:15 PM   #167
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On our 2013 Escape the panels were poorly installed. Pisspoor craftsmanship. The failures have been a result of one side of the panels having poor adhesion resulting in the opposite pulling off the gel coat under stress and loss of the panel. Do not believe that side winds are the issue.
sorry to hear that....IMHO always thought the factory solar install was a bit iffy..especially after seeing recent pics....
hire a pro or DIY (Design It Yourself) if you think you can do a safe job of it.......some owners have come up with interesting solutions, but the most important thing is to make sure whatever you do doesn't hit the person following you on the road.
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Old 06-19-2017, 09:04 PM   #168
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..... Remember . I belive the panel failures that were reported here was that the bond was good from the roof to the brackets but the gelcoat separated causing the problem.
From Yachtsurvey.com: " Fiberglass laminates, because they're not a rigidly controlled, machine made substance, are subject to human error and variance in their uniformity. Neither the thickness nor the quality of the lamination are subject to much control. This means that while the same laminating schedule may be maintained throughout a model line, the resultant strength of fiberglass hulls can vary widely from boat to boat. Tests have shown that laminate strength on nominally "good" laminates can easily vary by +/-33%. By "good" it is meant that the laminate has no major defects, but rather simply variance in resin/glass ratios. This also explains why one of an apparently same series of hulls fails while others don't. All surveyors who are serious students of hull failures have encountered this anomaly that often seems to defy explanation."

Since it is an art, it stands to reason that some trailers are going to have some differences in quality. Mine has a "print through" around the door frame. Others report "spider cracking". This is a reality of FG trailers.

Marine Surveying : Hull Design Defects - Hull Failure Part II - Boats and Yachts Surveys
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