Zamp solar package

[johnwen]

I can't seem to find any info in the Oliver manuals regarding physical adjustment of the optional solar package we had installed on our Oliver.  We have the 320W panel on the roof and I see 4 wingnuts that allow repositioning one side or the other to favor the sunlight.  Can I travel with one side high and the other, low?  Or does the panel need to travel level, as was installed?  Thanks,

John

[AndrewK]

John,

The panels need to be relatively level to the roof when you are moving.

Tilted more than a little would cause the panels to act like a sail and likely be torn off, as you drive.

Andrew

[John E Davies]

I tilt mine one hole lower to the left (street side) so water will tend to run off instead of pooling. The other side is in the top holes.  No worries at all doing this. But you do need to drill the knobs and install “safety” ties.

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/2066-how-to-install-safeties-on-the-solar-panel-mount-knobs-important/

Nobody tilts their panels toward the sun, unless perhaps you are at one spot for a month. And that would require long extension arms. And that only works if you do not have two awnings.

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/2791-how-to-solar-panel-extension-arms/

John Davies

Spokane WA

[Rivernerd]

10 hours ago, John E Davies said:

But you do need to drill the knobs and install “safety” ties.

I note this thread is now four years old, with no recent entries.  Has Oliver improved the solar panel attachment design so this is no longer an issue?

 

•  

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/2066-how-to-install-safeties-on-the-solar-panel-mount-knobs-important/

 

[John E Davies]

28 minutes ago, Rivernerd said:

I note this thread is now four years old, with no recent entries.  Has Oliver improved the solar panel attachment design so this is no longer an issue?

 

•  

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/2066-how-to-install-safeties-on-the-solar-panel-mount-knobs-important/

 

The picture that they currently use for the solar option shows no safeties that I can see.

Do the newest brackets still look like this?

Maybe a brand new owner with the new panels could take and post a pic on that thread to bring it up to date.

John Davies

Spokane WA

[Hokieman]

My 2021 model brackets are the same.  Before I picked it up from factory, I read a post on this forum, or perhaps Facebook, from an owner that had a panel come off due to the fastener knob working loose, did some expensive damage.    Then I read about JDs mod.   This was the first mod I did, first afternoon after picking up at the campground.  It’s quick, easy & cheap insurance.   Thanks JD!

[johnwen]

12 hours ago, John E Davies said:

I tilt mine one hole lower to the left (street side) so water will tend to run off instead of pooling. The other side is in the top holes.  No worries at all doing this. But you do need to drill the knobs and install “safety” ties.

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/2066-how-to-install-safeties-on-the-solar-panel-mount-knobs-important/

Nobody tilts their panels toward the sun, unless perhaps you are at one spot for a month. And that would require long extension arms. And that only works if you do not have two awnings.

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/2791-how-to-solar-panel-extension-arms/

John Davies

Spokane WA

Thanks, John, for the info and the links.

John

[John E Davies]

1 hour ago, Mike D. said:

My 2021 model brackets are the same.  Before I picked it up from factory, I read a post on this forum, or perhaps Facebook, from an owner that had a panel come off due to the fastener knob working loose, did some expensive damage.    Then I read about JDs mod.   This was the first mod I did, first afternoon after picking up at the campground.  It’s quick, easy & cheap insurance.   Thanks JD!

WOW, can you please post this information on that thread?

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/2066-how-to-install-safeties-on-the-solar-panel-mount-knobs-important/

This is the first time I ever heard of a panel actually coming off and damaging stuff. Do you know how Oliver Service reacted to this? I REALLY think this should be a Service Bulletin to at least warn owners to check them, or better yet, to secure them properly so they can never loosen....

John Davies

Spokane WA

[Hokieman]

4 hours ago, John E Davies said:

WOW, can you please post this information on that thread?

Sure will, if I can find it.   I think it was on Oliver Owners Facebook page.  My wife uses Facebook, I do not.   I’ll ask her to do a search for me to find that post, which must have been a year ago give or take.  

[Hokieman]

I found the reference, it was on Facebook Oliver Trailer Owners.  Apologies are needed however, my memory failed me.  The Oliver owners panels did not come off, they said they were just “flopping like fish”.   My assumption when I read that in May 2021 was that major damage was imminent, so the knobs needed to be secured.   I’ve attached the screenshot from Facebook here, and also on your other thread. 

[Geronimo John]

On 8/29/2022 at 5:05 AM, John E Davies said:

Do the newest brackets still look like this?  (Picture below)

JD:  I have been told that UV resistant zip ties are all black.  Is that no longer the case?

GJ