Roof weight for solar and utility racks

[mcarper]

How much weight can I put on the roof? How much can I go down the side walls if I were to have a custom rack that mounts on the edge of the roof? I'm looking at options if I were to get one of these amazing RV's.

In terms of solar there are options that can get you LOTS of panels mounted on a roof for boondocking; the classic is sliding panels

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9etCVBIdegY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM5s4F-7AOk&t=244

I don't think I'd ever go overboard like this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0rBfEm0cZ0

[J_Norris]

Cool setup and good question - we have 3 panels for ~240 watts and they never have trouble keeping the batteries charged, but we live in the southwest and usually don't camp under more than 50% canopy cover.

For us the reason I'm considering switching to other panels is that the weight of our classic panels makes the shell much harder to lift. If I lived closer to a dealer I would consider having them put on stronger lift bars, but I think it will be easier to just lose the pounds by switching to lighter weight panels for the same total watteage.

We looked briefly at adding more to try to convert either of the remaining 2 items to solar (air conditioning or heating), but we couldn't accommodate the extra solar needed or justify all the extra electronics, super-size batteries, inverters, and other purchases to make it work.

We are seriously looking at converting our stick house to full solar (including heating) and that will be challenge enough for us.

[Shane826]

J-Norris- Have you tried cranking up the torsion bars a turn or two? Unless they are bottomed out you can get quite a bit more lifting power out of them...

[mcarper]

It sounds like the torsion bars can be adjusted so the roof can carry more weight. Is there some sort of weight limit so I know what can be done on the roof? I know that some models come with an awning so I'm guessing the roof side walls can hold a decent amount of weight.

[J_Norris]

With respect to the suggestion on adjusting the torsion bars - yes that is a great idea, and it was reading this forum that showed me how to go about it, with pictures even!
Sadly, the torsion bars on our new-to-us-but-old Trailmanor had already been adjusted to their limits. It's still quite workable as long as there are 2 people lifting, and I have a long lever setup for opening her when I'm alone. Definitely wouldn't want to add more weight to her though!

Jodi

[AmcFlorida]

Ok, watching. I am thinking solar too! Soon to own a 2720SL... 2004 model year

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by AmcFlorida

Ok, watching. I am thinking solar too! Soon to own a 2720SL... 2004 model year

That's an EZ Mod.

Here are a few pics of the mod that I did several years ago.

Let me know if you have any questions.

[Kmikesell]

I'll be adding solar to my rig as soon as the white stuff stops falling from the sky.

[Stephene1219]

I have 450W of solar on my 29/22. This includes the 100 watt panel that came with it and two Renogy 175w flexible solar panel. They are all running on the 30AMP controller. A 30 Amp controller can take up tp 600 watts. The flexible panels are very light weight, With this et-up never have issues with power even if not full sun.