I plan to mount two of these permanently on top of my RV. Anyone every tried this? Are they at risk of kite action?
1781417
Anything that can catch the wind is at risk for kite action and a solar panel is no exception. I have mine very sturdily mounted to a car port frame. In a recent wind storm, they survived 60 mile an hour wind gusts even though the tarp on the car port was ripped to shreds. So the panels are sturdy if properly mounted, but you still need to consider direction and effect of the air flow.
1781418
We have had them mounted on our rv/van for several months and about 10,000 miles sometimes in heavy cross wind of 30 mph with no problems. We have plastic fairings from amazon on front and aluminum brackets (homemade) on back.
1259279
I have been in 2 thunderstorms with some winds and it has held up. I used the 4 corner stakes, 4 rope tie stakes provided which are attached, and I use an extra top tarp over the back of my truck where I sleep anchored with bungee cords to my roof rack and then anchored to front of Coleman Screen room with bungees for extra water protection. Without proper securing I'm sure it would fly in the wind as it is very light weight. I love this product but for camping long term and to endure all weather conditions which may arise I do secure it very well.
885052
I would have to dig it out of the bag and open it to answer your question. I would contact the company. I saw several of these in use on Pawley's Island during May 2014 and they held-up well in high winds without using a pole anchor.
96062
I have two other tripods. It spreads the same as they do. I do not think that a strong wind would topple it. But why would you be out there in a strong wind?
1157040
Hello, I agree with the first reply, you will have to get anchors or something with weight to hold it in place, we use ours when camping with our RV. We have it secured to our RV and to the grounds in many places along its base, and have yet to run into problems when the winds go above 20 mph. Just figure a way to give the base of it some weight and you will have no issues. I is a great tent and we love ours. I'd recommend some anchors cemented around it and you will gain the peace of mind it is secure in place. Over kill will never come back to bite you. We,ather and the winds as front line ahead of the storms are more fierce than many years ago, the negative is the cement, its not like dirt or grass. Your issue is holding it in place to wind. Act of GOD "Mother Nature" something you can't control Think over-kill and you will have no problems.
1739086
I would use the B3 for that. B2 is just too small unless you have a lot of wind there. I've been pulled across the beach by either kite!
1868693
It just needs to be placed on a stable level surface. I place mine on top of my RV I do attach a tether (strap) so the wind won't blow it off. It's been in a few storms and still hasn't moved.
2055189
I believe it's to be used on the tilt against the ground tied down with appropriate stakes... otherwise you'll end up with a kite!
1778492
I've used it extensively during aerobatics. Suction cup mount to the canopy, to the windscreen, no issues at all. Works great and is super stable.
87701
Mount them hard with rope or chain or cable. Bungee would work but would stretch a lot with some moderate winds. Its very tough material and well reenforced and you'll want to pull it tight so it doesn't sag too much in the middle.
982327
Hi, Sharon. It seems to me that a camper would utilize a solar panel that is permanently mounted. A "hard" panel, as opposed to this folding unit would be cheaper. Perhaps 1/3rd of the cost for the same wattage. You're paying quite a bit more to have the folding/soft and light style. This unit is more for having in a car or boat, or even a backpack, and put into action only when needed-- and not permanently affixed to the top of a parked RV or camper, during the week, charging the batteries for the next excursion IMHO. But to answer your question, my controller inputs take two bare wires from the panel. So I modified the adapter (that has alligator clips) that the panel came with by cutting the clips off so that the terminal ends are bare. The controller then locked them in with screws. You could actually just cut the plug off from the terminal end of the wire coming out of the panel, but I feel better about chopping up an adapter than cutting the plug off of the panel. Anyway, I hope I answered your question without rambling too much. -Scott
1885275
Looking at the one I have, I don't think I would mount it without protection from the elements. Direct rain wouldn't do it any good. My manual that came with it said nothing about where to mount it, only leave space for air circulation. I'm using mine in a 5th wheel camper. Hope this helps. Great product.
1688124
I've got one mounted directly on wood planks, used a couple of aluminum strips to hold it down. I've had it on since July, no problems yet and I've even stepped on it (barefoot). I use it to power my 12v fridge, works well. Clean it with a damp rag regularly, they get dusty.
1707203
The mount works nicely on a normal, one-string kite, if the kite is large enough. You just have to make sure there's enough friction on the string. I use a couple of extra loops, and no knots. It doesn't have to be a giant kite, but unless there is a TON of wind I don't think it will work on the typical $4 drugstore kite. I've found it helpful to put the mount twenty feet or so below the kite itself. If the mount is right up next to the kite, the jittering of the kite makes the GoPro footage uselessly shaky whether it's video or photo.
395149
I have not mounted mine at this time. I put some rocks in the bottom of the planter and then plated some flowers. We have had winds sustained at about 35 mph with gusts up to 50 and they have not even swayed.
840889
I haven't used it that way, but it sound like a great idea. Let me know how it goes. I find the Roller mount very sturdy.
1836817
No, that does not work. I did it that way and the wind will blow the whole over when it has blankets or anything large and rectangular on it. Nevertheless, I am getting another, after years of using the broken one - taped and pegged.