User Tag List

Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Results 1 to 10 of 10
  1. #1
    Site Sponsor
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Where the road leads
    Posts
    1,339
    Mentioned
    5 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    solar panel brackets, to tilt or not?

    just curious as to how many have the tilt option and use it.....

    how many wish they went tilt?

    if going tilt did you buy kit or make?

    how did you make?

    this is the last part I need.....hence the questions.

    thanks,
    Jim and Belinda H. Pa.

    2018 337RLS- 2nd ac, dual pane windows, table and chairs, Kodiak disc brakes 12-28-17 (Thanks Ed!)
    720w solar, 100/50 Victron scc


  2. #2
    Site Sponsor
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Location
    SW Colorado
    Posts
    2,673
    Mentioned
    42 Post(s)
    Tagged
    1 Thread(s)
    Never had tilt and never needed it. Only time I can see a benefit is if you parked some place for a long time and can park the trailer with optimal solar access. It does not gain you that much if you have good solar panels from what I know.

    Hope this helps.
    2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th wheel with 6K axle upgrade. B&W 25K OEM Companion, Steadyfast system, 2022 F350 SRW 6.7 King Ranch 8' bed, Trailer reverse lights, rear spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, and Solar

  3. #3
    Site Sponsor livinthelife's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Location
    SoCal
    Posts
    2,808
    Mentioned
    26 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quote Originally Posted by Jims94vmx View Post
    just curious as to how many have the tilt option and use it.....

    how many wish they went tilt?

    if going tilt did you buy kit or make?

    how did you make?

    this is the last part I need.....hence the questions.

    thanks,
    Our original 2 solar panels were installed for tilting using self-designed brackets. Our additional 2 use factory brackets and do not tilt. We tilt the first 2 panels when we're camping in the desert in January, due to the sun angle.

    2017 Reflection 26RL "Mili"
    2016 Ford F250 Extended Cab Gas Engine "Buck" (the truck)

  4. #4
    Seasoned Camper
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Posts
    162
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    We have 4 panels on our 351M and have been full timing for 3 years. The first year was full boondocking. At that time, I kinda wished I'd put tilt brackets on, since the trailer never moved and I could have maximized my output better. For occasional boondocking, I wouldn't bother.

  5. #5
    Site Sponsor
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Where the road leads
    Posts
    1,339
    Mentioned
    5 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Thanks for info.
    Jim and Belinda H. Pa.

    2018 337RLS- 2nd ac, dual pane windows, table and chairs, Kodiak disc brakes 12-28-17 (Thanks Ed!)
    720w solar, 100/50 Victron scc


  6. #6
    Site Sponsor
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    2,111
    Mentioned
    7 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    When stationary in AZ in January I tilt the panels because the sun is low on the horizon and we sit for a month or more. I made my own brackets to tilt. The solar installers usually tell you not to tilt just add another panel and be done with it. This is not bad advice as I get older.

    Red
    Location - Wherever the road takes us...Full-timers
    2015 Momentum 380
    2019 Ram Dually

  7. #7
    Seasoned Camper
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    Where we park it!
    Posts
    168
    Mentioned
    1 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    The ability to tilt your panels also, and more importantly, gives you easier access to the roof membrane under the panel for inspection and cleaning.
    -Rob-
    Rob, Chris and fur baby Maya - Follow us at rctravels.rmcd.ca
    2019 Solitude 374TH, Victron Multiplus II 3000 2x120, Cerbo GX, 6x Battle Born 100AH, 1800W Solar, Blue Sky CC's, Starlink
    2023 GMC Sierra Duramax Denali 4x4 DRW Longbox Crew Cab, Curt Q25

  8. #8
    Site Sponsor
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    2,111
    Mentioned
    7 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quote Originally Posted by KamFlyer View Post
    The ability to tilt your panels also, and more importantly, gives you easier access to the roof membrane under the panel for inspection and cleaning.
    -Rob-
    Clean the roof HUH! I don't let the wife on the roof, she might fall and there goes breakfast...lunch...dinner...laundry...
    Location - Wherever the road takes us...Full-timers
    2015 Momentum 380
    2019 Ram Dually

  9. #9
    Site Sponsor
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Where the road leads
    Posts
    1,339
    Mentioned
    5 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quote Originally Posted by el Rojo View Post
    When stationary in AZ in January I tilt the panels because the sun is low on the horizon and we sit for a month or more. I made my own brackets to tilt. The solar installers usually tell you not to tilt just add another panel and be done with it. This is not bad advice as I get older.

    Red
    How did you make the brackets?
    Jim and Belinda H. Pa.

    2018 337RLS- 2nd ac, dual pane windows, table and chairs, Kodiak disc brakes 12-28-17 (Thanks Ed!)
    720w solar, 100/50 Victron scc


  10. #10
    Site Sponsor
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    2,111
    Mentioned
    7 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quote Originally Posted by Jims94vmx View Post
    How did you make the brackets?
    I went to True Value in Blithe CA (closest to Quartzsite) and was looking for strap or flat iron. I found galvanized strap with holes in it, like you use on garage doors. Sorry haven't had enough coffee to remember the name. I cut them to 18" and just bolted them in place. If you have more than 1 row of panels you might want 2 different lenths to avoid/minimize shadows.
    Location - Wherever the road takes us...Full-timers
    2015 Momentum 380
    2019 Ram Dually

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

DISCLAIMER:This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Grand Design RV, LLC or any of its affiliates. This is an independent site.