How to: install safeties on the solar panel mount knobs. IMPORTANT!!!

[Mike and Carol]

After each camping trip I wash (and usually wax) our trailer, going on 7 years now.  When I’m up on the ladder doing the top and solar panels, I check each knob, they are always tight.  I think I had to tighten one the first time I washed after our pickup trip in May ‘16.  Mike

[ScubaRx]

1 hour ago, Mike and Carol said:

After each camping trip I wash (and usually wax) our trailer, going on 7 years now.

I am very impressed. In 9 years now, I've washed ours maybe 3 times, had ours washed maybe 4 times and, unless you count CGI's ceramic coating, it's never been waxed.

1 hour ago, Mike and Carol said:

When I’m up on the ladder (washing) the top and solar panels, I check each knob, they are always tight.  I think I had to tighten one the first time I washed after our pickup trip in May ‘16.  Mike

Same here, none have ever been loose.

[John Dehne]

Thanks John E. Davies,

I wax my trailer 3 times a year and I always check my solar panel mount knobs one was always a quarter turn loose. I found it had no lock washer on the 1/4 bolt knob. So I went the extra mile and install a lock washer and a wire safety. Drilled a 1/16” hole and used my favorite aircraft wire. Life is good!

[SeaDawg]

Maybe it's a different system today. 

Our 2008 fasteners  have never felt loose. But then, we do adjust the panels at a long term campsite, and it's been on us to make sure all is good.

I'm all in on that old saying, "an ounce if prevention is better than a pound of cure." (Quote from my mom, and ageless others.)

Check and be confident.