Avida stuff

[T1 Terry]

Couldn't quite decide where this should go so it might move some where else without notice
These are from the roof of Vik351's Avida

Avida roof composition.jpg

Basically, there is more substantial material in the ceiling layer than the roof layer to attach anything, so simply gluing and screwing solar panels directly to the roof risks them not being there after a B double or triple passes in the other direction. I know many have posted photos on other forums of their panels simply attached to the rubber roof, but they are still there by good luck rather than secure attachment.

We have developed a frame made from curved 25mm x 1mm thick aluminium square tube that follows the roll of the roof and attaches to the 40mm square aluminium tube that runs lengthways up each side of the roof. This way the solar panels are actually anchored to the main structure of the motorhome frame rather than the very thin ply roof while leaving good air movement clearance under the panels.
This design follows Avida's mounting recommendations so should avoid any issue later on if there are any rubber roof issues ...

Something worth thinking about before you attach solar to the roof of your Avida or Australian Winnebago

T1 Terry

[Vik351]

So we did the right thing then...!!!



not like the old bomb...!!!



vik...

[Craig]

Not all Avida's have the same type of roof design Terry. The Esperance are indeed thin on the top layer but the larger MHs have a thicker top layer.
Recently I watched a clip of a panel install on an EPDM roof where they used eternabond "doublestick" (basically double sided tape for EPDM). My initial thoughts were that was a great idea but then I remembered just how difficult it was to remove the eternabond tape when I had to do a repair. So as long as the panels don't need to be removed it is a great idea.
On another forum I recently read a post where the fellow used self levelling sealant to attach the panels. I asked if he had used a mechanical means of affixing them as well to which he replied no. After expressing that the self levelling sealant was not an adhesive he then started quoting the size of the surface area of the abs mounts he used and how the increased mass of the panel will hold it down . This guy would have fitted in well in the old CMCA forum with those good ol fellows we know.

[T1 Terry]

Not all Avida's have the same type of roof design Terry. The Esperance are indeed thin on the top layer but the larger MHs have a thicker top layer.
Recently I watched a clip of a panel install on an EPDM roof where they used eternabond "doublestick" (basically double sided tape for EPDM). My initial thoughts were that was a great idea but then I remembered just how difficult it was to remove the eternabond tape when I had to do a repair. So as long as the panels don't need to be removed it is a great idea.
On another forum I recently read a post where the fellow used self levelling sealant to attach the panels. I asked if he had used a mechanical means of affixing them as well to which he replied no. After expressing that the self levelling sealant was not an adhesive he then started quoting the size of the surface area of the abs mounts he used and how the increased mass of the panel will hold it down . This guy would have fitted in well in the old CMCA forum with those good ol fellows we know.

Hmmm..... Now where have I heard similar logic and engineering all rolled into one seems these people frequent a number of forums or there is a large gene pool they breed from

[T1 Terry]

Next bit

Hole in the roof 1.jpg

Yes, the solar panel does fit over the box, just

Hole in the roof 2.1.jpg

Hole in the roof 3.1.jpg

Hole in the roof 4.jpg

Hole in the roof 5.jpg

Probably the glue around the conduit is doing most of the hold in place job, the rest is just to keep the water out.

[Lance]

What glue/sealant are you using there Terry ?

[supersparky]

I just counted 17 panels on Vik's rig. That a truckload of solar. How many kw's and what size battery??

[Vik351]

Yes Craig... "After expressing that the self levelling sealant was not an adhesive he then started quoting the size of the surface area of the abs mounts he used and how the increased mass of the panel will hold it down"

I do recall reading this

Would make a good bush mechanic me thinks...!!!

vik...

[Dot]

I just counted 17 panels on Vik's rig. That a truckload of solar. How many kw's and what size battery??

So what happens if there is no sun for a week or so? would a small genny eg 2kva be a go?

[Vik351]

I just counted 17 panels on Vik's rig. That a truckload of solar. How many kw's and what size battery??

So what happens if there is no sun for a week or so? would a small genny eg 2kva be a go?

Well the chances of that are buckleys and fuggleys and I would go to a CV park at worst for a charge, there is no storage on the bloody thing for the Mitzi let alone a genny...

vik...