Hi, excellent installation. Did you remove (eliminate) the relay under the driver seat and the solar controller. I am currently using the solenoid connected to the relay. But I have heard by adding the MPPT you no longer need the solenoid the relay and the solar controller. Do you have a sketches of your installation?
I don't have any sketches but it's pretty straightforward as the system I installed was completely isolated from the van itself. I had it plugged into a battery pack.
All four were the same I bought them on Amazon but I just looked and they don't sell them anymore. look for something with quick release that's marine grade or at least stainless steel. Best of luck
I was actually thinking about installing solar panels in the same place but using a computer monitor swivel stand instead. But... Then I was thinking that I might not want to always park the van in the sun. Decisions, decisions... Thanks for the video! How are you currently propping up your panels today?
I found typically I didn't need to actually ever pivot the solar panel up. we would sit at a park and as long as it wasn't covered by a tree, The system would charge nicely. I get what you're saying I just don't know at the end of the day if it makes that big of a difference... It's like walking at 3 mph or walking at 5 mph you'll still get there in generally the same time. 🤠
@@smidgelife thanks for the reply. Since I'm still in the last stages of my build, I have time to think it through. I'm going for a portable power station since I have a weekender. I won't have many things to keep charge. And I might just pull out the panels to charge instead of a permanent mount. 🤷🏾♂️... But it's nice to see someone have the same idea.
I have had a weekender for 5yrs. I’ve had a suitcase solar panel just tossed up there that I can pull down at camp sites when parked and wanna pop the tent… after years of doing it that way I’m tired of moving things around. I wanna install something more “fixed” like this. Glad I found your video 🤙
The setup I had worked really well for one person working in the van with laptop and cell phone. For two people that became challenging you definitely need to up the battery capacity compared to what I was using.
The hinges can be found on eBay for a lot cheaper than on Amazon half the price. Thanks for the video as I am doing the same thing.
Thanks so much for this video - likely going to mimic nearly your exact setup!
Nice looking van
Thanks 👍
Hi, excellent installation. Did you remove (eliminate) the relay under the driver seat and the solar controller. I am currently using the solenoid connected to the relay. But I have heard by adding the MPPT you no longer need the solenoid the relay and the solar controller. Do you have a sketches of your installation?
I don't have any sketches but it's pretty straightforward as the system I installed was completely isolated from the van itself. I had it plugged into a battery pack.
Great video.
Really enjoyed watching it 👍
Can you be motre specific on the hinges/ Are all 4 the same? also where did you purchase them?
All four were the same I bought them on Amazon but I just looked and they don't sell them anymore.
look for something with quick release that's marine grade or at least stainless steel.
Best of luck
I was actually thinking about installing solar panels in the same place but using a computer monitor swivel stand instead. But... Then I was thinking that I might not want to always park the van in the sun. Decisions, decisions... Thanks for the video! How are you currently propping up your panels today?
I found typically I didn't need to actually ever pivot the solar panel up. we would sit at a park and as long as it wasn't covered by a tree, The system would charge nicely.
I get what you're saying I just don't know at the end of the day if it makes that big of a difference... It's like walking at 3 mph or walking at 5 mph you'll still get there in generally the same time. 🤠
@@smidgelife thanks for the reply. Since I'm still in the last stages of my build, I have time to think it through. I'm going for a portable power station since I have a weekender. I won't have many things to keep charge. And I might just pull out the panels to charge instead of a permanent mount. 🤷🏾♂️... But it's nice to see someone have the same idea.
@@pimpmatic2k2 either way it's really cool what you're doing let me know if you end up doing that now because that sounds pretty neat either way.
I have had a weekender for 5yrs. I’ve had a suitcase solar panel just tossed up there that I can pull down at camp sites when parked and wanna pop the tent… after years of doing it that way I’m tired of moving things around. I wanna install something more “fixed” like this. Glad I found your video 🤙
Did you paint your van? It was brown... And then blue?
The Wolfsburg edition for that year was brown and tan.
We just weren't thrilled with the brown.
So yes we painted it a happier blue and white.
Where did you get the mounting hinges.
On Amazon: amzn.to/3a579gr Cheers.
thank you! i am curious how much power you use. Just to charge your phone and what else?
The setup I had worked really well for one person working in the van with laptop and cell phone. For two people that became challenging you definitely need to up the battery capacity compared to what I was using.