Re: [A/S] Re: solar installation

["Terry Tyler" <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob, our '67 22' Safari has two solar panels, two batteries and one inverter. The two batteries and
two panels are sufficient for our needs when we're using this Airstream. If you haven't seen the web
page for our style of solar usage, go to http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Cabana/4868/ for my two
articles. Scroll down past the Amazon.com advertising. Both panels are installed flat with about an
inch of space between the panel and the Airstream's roof and about two inches of space along the
outside edge. That space is for cooling our heavily used panels. I have no experience with flexible
panels that lay close to the aluminum skin, so I can't answer your question about curved panels on
the roof. 

We seldom stay in the '67 22' for more than 90 days at a stretch. After the 89th day, we're ready
(BIG TIME) for one of our longer Airstreams. That's only one of the reasons I didn't go to more than
two panels. A second reason was I had what appeared to be an excellent place for two batteries. They
fit perfect and the wiring was easily done with minimal length. The down side was the weight on the
outside stringers off the frame beneath them. One of those broke from the weight.

My expertise at lowering the belly pan increased one day in Wyoming. Plus, I became proficient at
finding the broken stringer and having a welder repair it for me. Being a glutton for punishment, I
did the scud work of removing and replacing the belly pan in 105 degree heat on the welder's garage
floor with Rock Spring, WY dust and dirt swirling around me. Sandie stayed in the welder's air
conditioned office and had "cowboy coffee" from one of his choice mugs. 

When I read your idea of installing all four batteries under the street side couch, I remembered
that experience after adding only one extra battery. Bob, go ahead and add three more batteries, if
you don't mind setting aside a vacation day in a welder's shop. And, ohhhhh yes, buy a second pop
rivet gun, in case you jam the one you are using before the job is done. While you are at it, get an
extra box of 500 pop rivets. Be sure to pack your coveralls where you can find them. Keep all three
14.4 volt batteries to your Makita drill charged and if you haven't already bought a $4 drill bit
the same size as your pop rivets, do that. There's nothing like a sharp drill bit, when your arms
are tired. One other convenience is a wooden block that you carpet so your head can rest on it while
working under your Airstream. You'll be there for more than a couple of hours and this can be tough
on your neck (even if you lay your head on the floor - in the dirt).  

How are we doing Bob? Are you still hell bent for election to put four batteries under the couch?
I'd do it, if I didn't intend to travel the continent on all sorts of roads with the trailer. But,
knowing what I know now, I'd reinforce at least four of the outside stringers adjacent to the frame
under the area where the batteries will be carried before I pulled out the driveway and began my
vacation. While you have the belly pan down is a good time to inspect and restore anything you find
wrong or in need of improvement. 

Your wife may think you are Superman and can do anything, but this job can be a chore and a half,
especially when your own garage is hundreds of miles away. Come to think of it, it's still a chore
and a half at your own garage if you're gung ho about being a compulsive perfectionist. 

Enough chit chat. Keep us posted on what you actually do.

Terry