Trailer covers with solar panels

[Beekeeper]

If you put a cover over your trailer that has solar panels on the roof do you need to put something over the panels to protect them from fabric rubbing on them? And if so, what do you use?

[Rockhead]

Pool noodles work great.

[RBRV]

Originally Posted by Beekeeper

If you put a cover over your trailer that has solar panels on the roof do you need to put something over the panels to protect them from fabric rubbing on them? And if so, what do you use?

Corner protectors like those used for children on furniture.

[Beekeeper]

Both those are great ideas. I should have been clearer with my question though. I am wondering if the fabric rubbing on the panels will harm the panels, not the fabric.

[RBRV]

Originally Posted by Beekeeper

Both those are great ideas. I should have been clearer with my question though. I am wondering if the fabric rubbing on the panels will harm the panels, not the fabric.

Not in my opinion.

[Jill]

Originally Posted by Beekeeper

Both those are great ideas. I should have been clearer with my question though. I am wondering if the fabric rubbing on the panels will harm the panels, not the fabric.

We’ve had our trailer under cover for 6 years now and haven’t detected any problem to the solar panel. We use a thinner cover though. I use child corner protectors on the edges of the panel and that protects the cover from tearing. Oh and with the thin cover the solar panel still charges [emoji3]

[Beekeeper]

Originally Posted by Jill

We’ve had our trailer under cover for 6 years now and haven’t detected any problem to the solar panel. We use a thinner cover though. I use child corner protectors on the edges of the panel and that protects the cover from tearing. Oh and with the thin cover the solar panel still charges [emoji3]

What brand of cover do you have??

[Beekeeper]

And for those of you that use the child corner protectors do you use just the included sticky backing or do you use a stronger glue?

[kathytony1985]

So far the sticky backing has held our corner protectors on, no problem.

[Beekeeper]

Jill, I was wondering if you can tell me what cover you have for your 21C. Light weight sounds ideal to me since my husband is 80 and I am close behind.

[RBRV]

Originally Posted by Beekeeper

And for those of you that use the child corner protectors do you use just the included sticky backing or do you use a stronger glue?

Mine were installed by the previous owner, so I don't know. They are looking rather aged now so I may have to replace them soon.

[DGLP]

Originally Posted by Beekeeper

If you put a cover over your trailer that has solar panels on the roof do you need to put something over the panels to protect them from fabric rubbing on them? And if so, what do you use?

I purchased some foam anti-fatigue mats to cover our solar panels before I put on the cover. They're made from 1/4-inch-thick EVA foam. I cut to size and put the smooth side down. We have adjustable bungee cords, which I attach to the aluminum edges or bracket to hold down the padding.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...3583_200703583

Our neighborhood in Minnesota is prone to hail. We have numerous neighbors who need roofs and siding replaced after 1.5 to 2 inch hail fell in the area in late May. Also the storm resulted in $2000 in damage to a new motorhome several houses down from ours. Hence, we cover the entire surface of each panel.

[Jill]

Originally Posted by Beekeeper

Jill, I was wondering if you can tell me what cover you have for your 21C. Light weight sounds ideal to me since my husband is 80 and I am close behind.

Ours is from Classic Accessories. We were lucky when we got it as it has a lifetime warranty. We are on our third now and the company has been very good about replacing them at no cost or hassle when they wear out. I don’t know if they still have the lifetime warranty though.

[DT6]

Your cover will not damage the solar panel. The solar panel has a clear cover which I assume is some type of hardened glass (something like corning ware). A cover is not going to hurt it at all. What others have mentioned is important and that is covering the corners of the solar panel before you put the cover on your trailer. If you do not, the corners of the solar panel will make short work of your cover.

[HABBERDABBER]

Anybody got a model identification for this size?

[Karen M.]

Originally Posted by HABBERDABBER

Anybody got a model identification for this size?

This is the one we use. We got it from Amazon. In our hot and dry, and windy climate, they last a couple years.
Classic Accessories Over Drive PolyPRO3 Molded Fiberglass Travel Trailer Cover, Fits 13' 1" - 16'L Trailers (80-409-161001-RT)
Classic Accessories Over Drive PolyPRO3 Molded Fiberglass Travel Trailer Cover, Fits 13' 1" - 16'L Trailers (80-409-161001-RT)

[Beekeeper]

Thanks so much to all of you! We ordered the cover when buying our trailer but Escape was not able to get them at that time. The one they recommended, on Amazon, is still not available so we are looking at others that are.

[Beekeeper]

And DGLP you talked me out of ever moving to Minnesota!

[HABBERDABBER]

Originally Posted by Karen M.

This is the one we use. We got it from Amazon. In our hot and dry, and windy climate, they last a couple years.
Classic Accessories Over Drive PolyPRO3 Molded Fiberglass Travel Trailer Cover, Fits 13' 1" - 16'L Trailers (80-409-161001-RT)
Classic Accessories Over Drive PolyPRO3 Molded Fiberglass Travel Trailer Cover, Fits 13' 1" - 16'L Trailers (80-409-161001-RT)

I appreciate your effort. I've got a cover now, but it's getting a bit long in the tooth, and time to start looking for a replacement.

[NCopp]

We have a Calmark cover which works great. The one for the Escape 2017 19' was designed specifically for it. It's mid weight and solid. The solar panels are not bothered by cloth but as others mention, the edges of the panel could tear the cloth. Also, it does charge a bit though the cloth which won't happen if you cover up the panel.