rideadeuce

Okay, so I have found another iteration with the solar controller and kickstand... but the only difference is weight again. Under 20 lbs. Sorry, hope that helps.

It looks like the eclipse is a lighter weight version without the kickstand. So you would have to lay it or hang it somewhere. At first, I thought that is what I had because the voyager controller was a weatherproof upgrade at the time or purchase last year.

Very well built 100 w panel by Renogy with built in weather resistant 2o amp controller. Just had to buy some solar wire and a SAE reverse polarity connector due to Zamp having to be different and have their positive reversed. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AHCWGOO/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_5KriDbREVM10F or this has the MC4 to SAE pigtail connector and the reverse polarity connector https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MW1M1VB/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_USriDb8YFZ5M3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079JVBVL3/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_hWriDb67S7GYB https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JH1QD54/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_xXriDbNEJHBD9

Yes. I started with a bigger maybe 2 x 4” piece but it brought out the other side too much so I just cut it down until I got it right. Ended up with a small piece on each end maybe one by two. Had to roll the awning in and out several times to check it.

Works as a spacer to take up a bit of stretch in the awning fabric.

[postquote quote=179982][/postquote] When fully extended I put a piece of the soft velcro (not the hooks) along both ends closest to the roller bar. But make sure to clean out top channel of the extended awning. Hard to see unless you really look and go along the top with cleaning mitt.

Found some non-slip tape laying around and applied it to protect the gelcoat (think I saw from John D.) but don't put your spare back on front facing and scuff it up - make sure the front is rear facing. Just sharing one of my many mistakes.

Called Carefree and they suggested to put a small piece of the soft side of velcro along the roller when fully extended. While in the process of doing this I was cleaning the awning and found a fair amount of debris along the top channel of awning. Cleaned out a bunch of leaves and put the velcro piece as well and both sides close flush now!

I can’t run my AC going down the road without it.... yet! Maybe I should just focus on the Hybrid inverter and Lithiums.

The engine is a Honda clone. Good reviews and at $750, worth a look. My interest is in the electric start (connecting to hybrid inverter for remote start). But saying all that I have the same reservations as John.

@hobo, I feel the same and I believe John and I both have the Yamaha EF2400 ISCH BUT I looked and compared for a long time. And although I am very happy ( especially after the blisters on my hand healed from forgetting about the low oil cutoff safety) with my choice. I sometime feels I should have bought the Predator (saved a little money), done the propane conversion, had more watts and possibly the ability to add remote start, direct 30 amp plug, etc. The dimensions are good as well but its only drawback to me is the weight... 100 vs 75 lbs

I got to use this after carrying it around in my truck for over a year in May of this year. Still had a full charge and was able to jump the Tundra two mornings in a row due to my daughter playing with the interior lights without my knowledge. Also, I used the trickle charge at the campground overnight the 2nd day. Worked great in both instances. Very well made and powerful. LiFEPO4 much safer as well.

Birds eye view of solar array.

Tidied up the wires a bit and added some 1/2 in. s.s. straps attached to the panel just for some safety redundancy since I used VHB tape only for install. Thanks everyone.

Mid-ship right along beside the solar wire (adjacent to the pantry)... straight shot. No drilling.

I agree completely but what changed my mind is having to fish the VE.direct cable2 x2 down to it, wasn't an easy task today going up with the communication cable. So once the battery monitor goes up top (so that I can run VE.direct cables from the controller and battery monitor to Color GX) I thought I might as well install it showing rather than leaving it in the cabinet. But I would guess the app will be used 90% of the time. So if I wasn't going to add the Victron solar charger and Color GX I would definitely leave in the basement.

Overland, that is what I have been thinking about all morning. The Color GX display is 7 mm narrower than the Zamp controller. So not sure, any ideas? Probably a cover plate of some sort or possibly just white caulk 3-4 mm each side is not that much. BTW, the additional solar panels are making quite a bit of difference (33% more amperage)! Wow, very happy. Oh, and the only reason I moved it up top is so that it is easier to connect the VE.direct cables to the Color GX from the solar controller and battery monitor.

Finally got the fish tape up through the hulls and mounted the battery monitor properly. Next, upgrading solar charger 100/50 and Color GX display.</p>

[postquote quote=175206][/postquote] Yes!

@Hardrock, I agree with you despite Am Solar's claims and my anxiety about being able to pull them off one day without damaging the hull. Redundancy, for the sake of safety seems smart. So instead of running a separate cable I am going to attach some 1/2 in S.S. wire straps to the 10 g double insulated wire connecting it the panel (heaving duty with conduit) and attach it to the panel's aluminum frame. On the junction end there is another larger 2-3 metal cable strap tying all the panel wires together, so it should hold if anything happens to the panel bond. Thanks for reminding me what others have said, I hear ya! https://www.amazon.com/LOKMAN-Stainless-Cushioned-Insulated-Installation/dp/B01HPE188Q/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=1%2F2+in+cable+strap&qid=1561719228&s=gateway&sr=8-4

No screws just VHB tape. Am Solar swears by it if you prep it correctly, they said they have never had one come off. We shall see. If you can get the panels without the SAE connectors cut off it is pretty much plug and play. @Overland, they said no upgrade needed unless I add more. I want to add Victron solar controller and possibly a display later so I will upgrade at that point if I do it. Thanks for your feedback and previous posts.

The solar panel install went so smoothly yesterday I woke up this morning with the energy to finally tackle the battery monitor install I had been postponing for months. I think I am going to just leave it by the EMS monitor for now just because it is easy to use via bluetooth in the Victron Connect app.

Finally got around to installing the Zamp 90 watt slender panels on the Oliver today. Very simple, just some heat shrink for the wire connections and putting the feet on the panels. I used the AmvSolar tall feet on the passenger side and the standard ones on the driver side and prepped with alcohol before applying the supplied VHB tape... seems to be very sturdy. Time will tell. Still have to tidy up the wires but a thunderstorm with lightning rolled in. The package Am Solar sells had everything included for the install except (2) Zamp SAE connections and a SAE Y-splitter. But they sell both on the website. For some reason they cut off the original SAE connector so you have to re-install one, maybe if you gave them advanced notice you could get one that has not been removed. Curious to see how much Amp hour difference stored tomorrow. From Am Solar: My install:

Thanks. Going to look for someone here locally to try and do something similar. Very nicely done. As far as the air bag, I am pretty satisfied with my current setup. I love my Tundra but I have had so much trouble with the dealership here that I am seriously thinking about getting a Dodge in a few years. May change my mind but plan on just using it without any more upgrades for now. Thanks for the specifics on the gen cover!

[postquote quote=175884][/postquote] Where did you order the custom cover with snaps? Would they make/sell another one... Perfect solution for my needs. Was it difficult to the install SS snaps on the aluminum cargo tray? Did you use Screw studs/rivets/threaded for the male stud? Thanks, Mike