rideadeuce

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

For single 12v battery https://www.goalzero.com/shop/trickle-charger-inverter/maintainer-10-trickle-charger/ To use with larger solar panel for more juice https://www.goalzero.com/shop/trickle-charger-inverter/guardian-12v-plus-charge-controller/

The people at AmSolar have been very nice and helpful. Ended up purchasing everything through them. Plan to do the install when we get back from the Smoky’s. Pulled this from their website... “ Roof Attachment Fiberglass roofs – We have been using a type of 3M double-sided tape on our mounts since the mid 1990’s, and we have never lost a panel. As long as the tape is properly installed on a clean surface at the correct temperature, it will hold. As an added level of protection, we use a layer of Dicor self-leveling sealant around the entire perimeter of the mount, and cover the screw holes/heads as well. The sealant protects the tape and any potential roof penetrations from water intrusion and decay.” So I am going to give it a try and will post pics later. Thanks for everyone’s input.

So I was thinking about what @Overlander and @John said regarding cleaning and the fact that I don't have an awning on the curb side. Thought these might work on both sides in the same fashion (tall version at least on passenger side). If I mount them the way AmSolar recommends with VHB tape and sealant I don't even have to drill any holes. The mounts would be on each end and if it worked out properly you could lift up for cleaning and/or tilt when warranted. https://amsolar.com/rv-mounting-accessories/91m-35mz

@Overland, thanks for the additional pics... trying to decide if I want to try and fab myself or ask OTT service if they would do it. Its looks fairly straight-forward. I am hoping with the extra wattage I won't need to lug around my 100w suitcase solar anymore. @KWR, you can buy other cheaper brands than Zamp for the outside SAE solar input, you just have to make sure and reverse your polarity at the controller or buy something like this https://www.amazon.com/Tecmate-OptiMATE-CABLE-Adapter-polarity/dp/B00AHCWGOO

Well, I just ordered (2) Zamp 90 watt panels. @Overland, what do you think about mounting them at an angle instead of flat. How did you do your drivers side? Do you think the awning on passenger side would cause any shadowing if mounted at an angle?

This size seems like it would fit on both sides up top. The feet are even made for curved roofs. There is even an extra plug-in on the factory roof install for the solar panels. It would be super easy if you could get an SEA splitter cable and just plug them in, then you would just have to mount the feet. Just wondering if anyone has done anything like this. The whole parallel vs series and panel compatibility is beyond my expertise. Though it would be nice to have a 500W system. https://www.zampsolar.com/90watt-long-expansion https://www.zampsolar.com/y-connector 30-AD-90L-InstallGuide.pdf

It is the 6 in dial version and it has a brass screw lock on the left side.. the whole front swings out to reveal a small German made quartz movement (AA battery). Made in USA otherwise. Does not tick. Me too... the original is a metal wind-up, super nice but very heavy and expensive. This one fits and works nice for this application. The back is perfectly flat, so it is an easy install with some VHB tape. @John, after some use I realized it does have a mild tick noise.

New nautical clock for the Ollie! Chelsea from the Patriot collection. Fits nicely. https://www.chelseaclock.com/style/patriot-collection/

What I like about the RVH2O 105 degree quick connect is that it makes an almost 90 degree down spout for the city and fresh water connections. They also sell a 90 degree for the winterization/fresh water and black tank flush connectors that are at right angles. But you better hurry if you want the 105’s because RVH2O has d/c’d them and the RV water filter store website is the only one that still has some that I know of. Also, the whole idea about quick connects in my opinion is to leave them on so I can quick connect and disconnect my hoses upon arrival, etc. I mean between the water pressure regulator, the water filter, the water splitter, the 10 hose, the 5 ft hose, and the dirty hose.... that’s a lot of connections to whittle down. @John, I did see your post before it vanished. I agree, Eley makes great products as well. I have several of their products in use at home as you can see in the pic below. Note: Eley - Made in China Kwik Link - Made in USA

Now that is a flag pole! Well done.

Work great... on angled City and Fresh water tank connections https://www.rvwaterfilterstore.com/H1008.htm

I agree on terrible resolution. I think I heard someone say that the resolution is limited due to the RCA cable. It would be really nice if there was something with a better picture. I have used the Arlo camera with a suction cup on the back and the picture is great but the lag at times is annoying.

So after just over a year the TT was past due for a polish/wax job, especially after our first summer trip to Ft. Pickens. The little trees there offer some shade but the leaves leach quite a bit leaving a large amount of stains on top. I purchased the cordless milwaukee 7 in rotary polisher and its little 3 in brother and was pretty impressed by ease of use vs corded and battery life. You can get it as a kit (2 batteries and pads) if you don’t already have some of their proprietary batteries. The (2) 5 Amp/hr batteries finished the 2 step job easily with one additional charge. I used Meguiar’s polishing/cleaning compound and yellow pad and then their marine wax with black pad... beautiful better than new shine. The smaller polisher was great at doing the frame around the windows removing the black streaks from the above light gaskets (what a pain dealing with that every time I wash). Next time, I plan of using Meguiar’s 2:1 cleaner wax to whittle down the process to 1 step. Milwaukee 2738-20 M18 18-Volt FUEL Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 7 inch Variable Speed Polisher (Tool-Only) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N909O6H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_7Yp.CbRP5DGJN Milwaukee 2438-22X M12 Variable Speed Polisher/Sander – Xc/Cp Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LESTLOS/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_tai_RXp.CbYW7K62D Meguiar’s M6132 Flagship Premium Cleaner/Wax, 32 Fluid Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00355JQ52/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_PZp.Cb1A6G6Y9