rideadeuce 5 Posted June 26 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: 1 4 - Mike Nashville, TN 2018 Elite II - Spirit of Adventure Hull #308 - Toyota Tundra Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Raspy 1 Posted June 27 That is a very nice looking installation. They fit perfectly, especially on the awning side. So, no screws? Just the VHB tape under the mounting bracket feet? John "I only exaggerate enough to compensate for being taken with a grain of salt." LE2 #92 (sold), Black Series HQ19 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SeaDawg 29 Posted June 27 Looks great! Looking forward to hearing how it works out for you. 2008 Ram 1500 4 × 4 2008 Oliver Elite, Hull #12 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Overland 38 Posted June 27 Fantastic. I like that they sit about even with the awning. Now you just need to install two more forward of those. Did you upgrade the charge controller, or install a separate one for the two new panels? 1 Snowball • LE2 256 • 2018 Ford Raptor Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rideadeuce 5 Posted June 27 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. 1 - Mike Nashville, TN 2018 Elite II - Spirit of Adventure Hull #308 - Toyota Tundra Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hardrock 1 Posted June 27 Rideadeuce I advise to err on the side of safety. Solar panels can become flying uncontrolled wings that may cause serious harm to anyone behind you. A simple but strong aircraft cable can be attached to your panel and tethered to a strong steel mount. My concern is a good plan includes a backup plan. I would not depend solely on tape. Have fun and be safe. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rideadeuce 5 Posted June 28 @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 1 - Mike Nashville, TN 2018 Elite II - Spirit of Adventure Hull #308 - Toyota Tundra Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rideadeuce 5 Posted June 29 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. 1 - Mike Nashville, TN 2018 Elite II - Spirit of Adventure Hull #308 - Toyota Tundra Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rideadeuce 5 Posted June 30 Birds eye view of solar array. 1 5 - Mike Nashville, TN 2018 Elite II - Spirit of Adventure Hull #308 - Toyota Tundra Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mossemi 10 Posted June 30 Nice job trimming the tie wraps with flush cut snips. I hate tie wraps when they are not cut properly and they end up being razors. Mike Mike and Krunch Lutz, FL LEII #193 “the dog house” Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Curious 0 Posted October 28 I am very interested in adding 90 watt panels when I purchase my Oliver. Could you answer a few questions about what charge controller you used and if you changed the wire from the roof combiner box to the charge controller. Thanks familykw@cox.net Share this post Link to post Share on other sites