Rooftop Solar on Factory Rack

[Logsplitter]

Made a little progress today (only had a free hour).

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Very ingenious method of bending that aluminium

 

[Tom109]

There is a sheet metal brake insert that fits my press, but it’s $150. A few pieces of square stock cost a few dollars.

 

[Tom109]

Wiring is complete from the panel to the battery box. I need to fine tune the cable cover, just not sure if I want to make a guide or cut the plastic. Not going to rush this decision. I will say this - fixing a roof rack to the lashing handles is a poor decision. I know, I know, add up all the M6 bolts and their load equals yada-yada. I call BS. I’ve spent a lot of time in that area and that is no way I would ever use that method for my typical roof rack use.

This little central bracket is where my MPPT brackets will mount. I loosened the two bolts on either side to center the factory bracket on the threaded floor holes.

 

[Tom109]

MPPT brackets in place with the 20A fuse.

 

[Tom109]

All done. Tomorrow I’ll do some solar charge testing and see where my batteries sit (SoC) after sitting for three weeks. It will be nice to have an onboard supplement to the bogus smart alternator.

 

[Logsplitter]

All done. Tomorrow I’ll do some solar charge testing and see where my batteries sit (SoC) after sitting for three weeks. It will be nice to have an onboard supplement to the bogus smart alternator.

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Nicely done.