Using Unistrut usually still requires drilling holes in the roof but if sealed properly it will not leak the aim is to get a nice little donut of sealant around each load spreading washer and up the thread as shown here: th-cam.com/video/uhZp_MT3u4Y/w-d-xo.html
You can get those unistrut nuts with springs underneath, you could then put them in the strut first and they hold themselves into position, as for stopping anyone pinching them maybe replace the bolts with special heads or say torx head bolts? How about some thread lock to stop them coming loose or did you use spring washers?
Unistrut is made in different sizes 41x41 mm 41x21 mm in 2-3 metre lengths the most common,the the threaded washer is a channel nut sometimes called a zebedee has a spring that helps with locating that you can cut off if not needed available from good electrical wholesalers. Unistrut is normally used for lighting to bring closer to floor level you would see this in supermarkets with high ceilings but has plenty of other uses .
You could always put another L bracket on and use it to padlock it to the unistrut. The unistrut idea is genius - I might try that as a temporary install on my T4 and run the cables through the tailgate.
Hi Mel, The van is looking good! you mentioned the legal speed limit down the motorway is 60mph,for a transit van that isn't registered as a campervan can actually do 70 on a motorway, but you can only do 60 on a dual carriageway according to my speed awareness instructor!😇
Awesome Mel👍, I finish a job next week and then I'm taking a couple of months off to complete the van, I'm half tempted to set up a camera and do some videos😁
Gotta tellya mate that is without any doubt what so ever the best dang thing i ever did done see.. i might make up a roof rack for my landrover discovery .. fantasticks .. and room for a pony .. top jorb ..😁❤pip pips and carryon
Pop a blob of sycaflex under the cable connectors and glue them to the roof. I don’t think cable ties will stop rattling. Sycaflex would probably have worked under the panel as well. Had been thinking about roof racks but the system you used looks way more flexible and stealthy
Putting a kayak on the roof? I was hoping to on mine :) The other unistrut on top is that the same size as before or more narrow? Looking really good Mel :) so simple and yet really good ;) this video will help me so much :) 💪👍😊🍺
Check out regarding reactions The stainless steels, including 304 and 316, are more positive than zinc and steel, so when stainless steel is in contact with galvanised steel and is wet, the zinc will corrode first, followed by the steel, while the stainless steel will be protected by this galvanic activity and will not corrode
heres a link for you hope it helps rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575467911&toolid=10001&campid=5338454651&customid=&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fitm%2F10mm-Automotive-Marine-Battery-Cable-70Amp-80-0-40-All-Lengths-Black-Red%2F221419178181%3FssPageName%3DSTRK%253AMEBIDX%253AIT%26var%3D520295814931%26_trksid%3Dp2057872.m2749.l2649
Hello Mel. I'm wondering about drag/fuel economy. Did you see any decline in your fuel economy since fitting the Unistrut? Obviously you won't have driven far due to the lock down. It's clearly going to be far better than any off the peg roof rack and much more customisable of course.
Have you installed the MPPT controller yet ? Was wondering if you was getting any Charge out of the panel today . First bit of sun this year. I've got six 100w panels to fit tomorrow 😦
Hi Mel, another great video. We used Unistrut to install our two 310w panels on our roof too. Great stuff that I would recommend to anyone. Are you putting electric hook up in this one? Seem to remember you saying you were going to have 240v. Or are you just using an invertor?
@@BigVanSmallWorld When we installed our I had your motto in mind. We ended up using a eurohike camping hookup unit, I cut the cable with about 1m length for insie the van and wired it to the power outlet socket I bought for the outside of the van and then stuck a new socket on the other end of the remaining cable. Kept it safe and simple and pretty cheap too. ;-)
How is it looking after one year of being exposed to elements? I'm looking at some hot dipped unistruts, but the company does not recommend using them out in the open.
Hi what size bolts did u use to secure the solar panels to the crossbars ? and what size bolts where used to secure the crossbars to the vertical unistrut ? cheers :)
Hi Mel love your vids iav got same setup as you ring b2b charger do you fit solar panels iav got a vw crafter I would love for you to fit are panel cheers 🍻
Hi bud sorry I can’t seem to find them on wicks website :( ? Just been ripped off I ordered all the bits including the brackets it turned up but no brackets it took me a week to get a response now it’s been over a week later nothing and can’t message this guy on eBay now :(
I'm more interested on how you wired the thing INTO you van without drilling through the roof. i see it went to the back. still no holes or drill? hmmmm...
If you turned those brackets upside down that should give you more space between panel and roof? Also more air flow to keep it cool, bit of thread lock on the bolts to keep them from undoing too, nice job.
Hi Mel, hope you are well. I've checked the link for the unistrut and its out of stock. Would you mind letting me know the size of the unistrut is it 21 or 41mm? . Is the 41mm the bar for the along the roof length ways and the 21mm the support bars going width ways. Probably really stupid questions :)
That’s spot on mate you need the 41 along the length because the outside edge of the van has a slight lip the is higher in the middle even though the roof is flat 👍😷👍
Can't wait until we get to do this, this is exactly what we're going to do, apart from ours will tilt as well (somehow...haven;t figured that bit out yet!)
Hey Mel love your channel. There is a channel called dogcatmanvan on YT who beat you to it with the uni strut but a brilliant idea none the less. You should check his vids out. Keep up the good work 😃
Mel top choice using unistrut ,had some left outside for years very little rust on untreated metal.I used this stuff during my career as an electrician, use galvafroid paint on cut edges.cheers .
The Scottish weather is not allowing me to do this same bit yet on my van. Your van is coming on brilliant big man. Got a wee question though, is it possible to fit two of those solar panels side by side?
Hi yes they would fit perfectly but would have to go across the roof rather than down the length that’s why I got this size panel Incas I needed another one when I get my compressor fridge 👍🤓👍
I had a similar concern. Wouldn’t it be possible to install a small spacer between the L-Bracket of the solar panel and the Unistrut to provided need clearance off the roof? Mel, always enjoy you vids, enthusiasm and willingness to share - keep ‘em coming.
AS ALWAYS MEL GREAT JOB I HAVE RENOGY DC TO DC CHARGER FIT TO MY VAN SO MANY PANELS MUST GET SOME SOON IF ONLY TO KEEP MY MAIN BATTERY TOP UP , AS I HAVE NOT BEEN ON THE ROAD OVER THE WINTER THANK YOU AGAIN FROM SUNNY SKEGY UK
I plan to use a roof rack with u bracket sliders, so i can slide removable solar panels in or out. Probably flexible panels so I'll need to sandwich them between a wooden base and perspex top ?
Nice an tidy job there Mel looking good 👍
Thank you
Good job Mel 👍👍👍
Thank you
Well planned Mel, I like it.
Thanks for sharing
Best solar panel install I've seen on a van very impressive; especially when so many people have so many issues with leaks.
Thank you really appreciate your encouragement 🤓👍
Using Unistrut usually still requires drilling holes in the roof but if sealed properly it will not leak the aim is to get a nice little donut of sealant around each load spreading washer and up the thread as shown here:
th-cam.com/video/uhZp_MT3u4Y/w-d-xo.html
What a cool project! Perfect for construction workers that travel for work a lot!
Wow, how easy was that! Superb, getting so close to finishing .
Cheers mate 👍🤓👍
You can get those unistrut nuts with springs underneath, you could then put them in the strut first and they hold themselves into position, as for stopping anyone pinching them maybe replace the bolts with special heads or say torx head bolts? How about some thread lock to stop them coming loose or did you use spring washers?
That’s a good idea too
Unistrut is made in different sizes 41x41 mm 41x21 mm in 2-3 metre lengths the most common,the the threaded washer is a channel nut sometimes called a zebedee has a spring that helps with locating that you can cut off if not needed available from good electrical wholesalers.
Unistrut is normally used for lighting to bring closer to floor level you would see this in supermarkets with high ceilings but has plenty of other uses .
Zebs are ok but can be fiddly on slotted uni, still top kit to use.
Mel great job well done mate.👍🇬🇧🍺🤘
Thank you 👍🤓👍
Top job Mel looking good soon be on the road👏👏👍
Good job as always Mel.
Thank you 🤓👍
great install Mel
G Day Mark thank you 🤓👍
You could always put another L bracket on and use it to padlock it to the unistrut. The unistrut idea is genius - I might try that as a temporary install on my T4 and run the cables through the tailgate.
Thank you for the great idea 🤓👍
Looking good! 👍
Thank you 👍🤓👍
Nice and easy Mel. Great way to a trouble free system. :-)
Thank you 👍🤓👍
Brilliant, well done & thankyou!
You’re absolutely welcome thanks for your support 🤓👍
LookGood! Glad to hear your on Instagram. I had good news today so in May I can start finishing up Dobby, and might get a new instagram page!
I can wait to fit this to my van!! 😎
Hi Mel, The van is looking good! you mentioned the legal speed limit down the motorway is 60mph,for a transit van that isn't registered as a campervan can actually do 70 on a motorway, but you can only do 60 on a dual carriageway according to my speed awareness instructor!😇
I drive HGV so I get confused 🤷♂️
Awesome Mel👍, I finish a job next week and then I'm taking a couple of months off to complete the van, I'm half tempted to set up a camera and do some videos😁
Go for it but I’ll tell ya now it slows you down but good fun too 🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld I did a couple of dog video's many years back and remember it well, took ages putting it all together but I did enjoy it👍
Hi Mel, just watched your old solar panel video on the transit and wondered if there was a reason you didn't use those fittings this time?
Because I wanted to make a roof rack so I could mount other stuff on the roof too 😊👍
Gotta tellya mate that is without any doubt what so ever the best dang thing i ever did done see.. i might make up a roof rack for my landrover discovery .. fantasticks .. and room for a pony .. top jorb ..😁❤pip pips and carryon
Haha cheers mate 🤓👍
In the Transit build you glued the brackets to the roof. Has it held? Would you do that again as a no drill option?
Matt Taylor morning yes it’s all going ok and yes I’d do it again 👍😊👍
Hi Mel, great work m8, I know where to get my solar panel now and should order it this week:-)
No worries mate I put a link in the description for you 🤓👍
Tidy 👍🏼
Thank you 🤓👍
Pop a blob of sycaflex under the cable connectors and glue them to the roof. I don’t think cable ties will stop rattling. Sycaflex would probably have worked under the panel as well. Had been thinking about roof racks but the system you used looks way more flexible and stealthy
Thank you 👍🤓👍
Hi Mel. nice job. are the solar cable connectors water resistant. do you need to cover these with additional protection?
Thank you yes they are absolutely water proof
Putting a kayak on the roof? I was hoping to on mine :)
The other unistrut on top is that the same size as before or more narrow? Looking really good Mel :) so simple and yet really good ;) this video will help me so much :) 💪👍😊🍺
Hi thank you and good luck with your build all the info on the unistrut is in the video I made about it 🤓👍
Check out regarding reactions
The stainless steels, including 304 and 316, are more positive than zinc and steel, so when stainless steel is in contact with galvanised steel and is wet, the zinc will corrode first, followed by the steel, while the stainless steel will be protected by this galvanic activity and will not corrode
No worries I’ll check it every now and then and simple to change 🤓👍
Hi Mel what wire are you using from starter battery to your ring b2b charger please
heres a link for you hope it helps
rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575467911&toolid=10001&campid=5338454651&customid=&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fitm%2F10mm-Automotive-Marine-Battery-Cable-70Amp-80-0-40-All-Lengths-Black-Red%2F221419178181%3FssPageName%3DSTRK%253AMEBIDX%253AIT%26var%3D520295814931%26_trksid%3Dp2057872.m2749.l2649
Hello Mel. I'm wondering about drag/fuel economy. Did you see any decline in your fuel economy since fitting the Unistrut? Obviously you won't have driven far due to the lock down. It's clearly going to be far better than any off the peg roof rack and much more customisable of course.
I have absolutely no idea 🤦♂️🤷♂️😂👍
Have you installed the MPPT controller yet ? Was wondering if you was getting any Charge out of the panel today . First bit of sun this year. I've got six 100w panels to fit tomorrow 😦
Hi yes it was working fine good luck tomorrow hope the weather hold out for you 🤓👍
Yes it may be easy enough to attach the solar panel but how easy was it to install all the rails 🤔 I’d say it was little more difficult.
How did you make the big frame though on the roof?
I made a video all about that 🤓👍
Hi Mel, another great video. We used Unistrut to install our two 310w panels on our roof too. Great stuff that I would recommend to anyone. Are you putting electric hook up in this one? Seem to remember you saying you were going to have 240v. Or are you just using an invertor?
Hi thank you I’m not really a fan of 240v but I will have a simple hook up for the odd occasion I stay at a camp site so I can use my electric hob 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld When we installed our I had your motto in mind. We ended up using a eurohike camping hookup unit, I cut the cable with about 1m length for insie the van and wired it to the power outlet socket I bought for the outside of the van and then stuck a new socket on the other end of the remaining cable. Kept it safe and simple and pretty cheap too. ;-)
How is it looking after one year of being exposed to elements? I'm looking at some hot dipped unistruts, but the company does not recommend using them out in the open.
It’s looking exactly the same apart from some chips here and there 👍
👍
I thought the same about that empty space on roof right beside your panel. I thought maybe a roof container for extra storage, if you need.
That’s a great idea 🤓👍
Put some washers in and get more clearance.
That’s a good idea thank you
Would you still recommend the brackets Mel, any problems with them?
Hi no problems at all iv actually fitted another panel for the winter months so glad I did it this way really simple to fit and remove panels 👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld thanks Mel 👌
Hi what size bolts did u use to secure the solar panels to the crossbars ? and what size bolts where used to secure the crossbars to the vertical unistrut ? cheers :)
6mm 👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld fab were they m8 - 6mm
What solar charging unit have you got with panel
Ring DC to DC mppt smart controller 🤓👍
You might want to consider rubber washers as well, dissimilar metals together causes electrolytic corrosion!
Good idea 🤓👍
A few knee prints in the roof but all good other wise only joking lol looking good Mel ;)
I’m super lightweight lol
Hi Mel love your vids iav got same setup as you ring b2b charger do you fit solar panels iav got a vw crafter I would love for you to fit are panel cheers 🍻
thank you thats really kind of you im a little out of action at the moment
@@BigVanSmallWorld cheers mel hope you get better soon and keep the videos coming me and are lass love them ❤
Hi Mel is it ok to use just black cable? As they sell the red and black cable was just wondering can you use just black or both? :)
I just use black suppose black and red would be better though 👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld aww ok was just wondering was there any difference in the cable :)
No difference both the same 👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld aww ok thanks bud I bought both colors knowing my luck I’ll muck it up if I stuck to one colour :(
Have you just come back from skateboarding 😀.
What can I say I’m an old surfer 🏄♂️
@@BigVanSmallWorld Not a born again surfer?
Alan T I’ve been surfing and diving most of my life love the ocean
I thought you were a dancer. Lol
Don't those unistrut fixings usually have a spring between the bolt and nut or am i thinking of something similar?
You’re absolutely right there also available without the spring 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld ahh ok that makes sense lol
Hi bud sorry I can’t seem to find them on wicks website :( ? Just been ripped off I ordered all the bits including the brackets it turned up but no brackets it took me a week to get a response now it’s been over a week later nothing and can’t message this guy on eBay now :(
Oh no I’m sorry 😣
@@BigVanSmallWorld i manger to get some from wicks :) so will be fitting this over the weekend and the diesel heater. I’m truly nervous tho :(
What was the name of the track?
I put a link in the description for you 🤓👍
I'm more interested on how you wired the thing INTO you van without drilling through the roof. i see it went to the back. still no holes or drill? hmmmm...
Oh no 😬 I would have shown you input the cables through a plastic bung that was allready in the roof from new 🤓👍
and now just needs four big globs of dual-component epoxy on the bolt heads to preven... uhh... delay any theft attempt...
👍
Thank you great idea 🤓👍
I think that I would have used loctite on the bolts ....... but then I'm a coward.
No worries 🤓👍
Kat working late 😺565th
Lol 😂
God stand still man u making me sea sick
Lol 😂
my way is easier.
So true your chicken your eggs 👍😊👍
If you turned those brackets upside down that should give you more space between panel and roof? Also more air flow to keep it cool, bit of thread lock on the bolts to keep them from undoing too, nice job.
I know what you mean but I wanted the panel as low as possible and it’s hidden behind the side unistrut so can’t see it from outside
Wtf who puts 2 thumbs down even when it’s not been broadcast yet
His ex most probably so mel says
haha welcome to my world 😂
@@BigVanSmallWorld it looks mean but I guess it helps to generate comments like these, which is actually good for the channel. It wasn't me though!
Yes 20k many congratulations Mel.
Thank you buddy 👍😊👍
Hi Mel, hope you are well. I've checked the link for the unistrut and its out of stock. Would you mind letting me know the size of the unistrut is it 21 or 41mm? . Is the 41mm the bar for the along the roof length ways and the 21mm the support bars going width ways. Probably really stupid questions :)
That’s spot on mate you need the 41 along the length because the outside edge of the van has a slight lip the is higher in the middle even though the roof is flat 👍😷👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld Thanks buddy, much appreciated, keep those vids coming :) :)
Where did you get your solar panel Mel ?
Links in the description 🤓👍
Nice one bud✌️
Thank you
Can't wait until we get to do this, this is exactly what we're going to do, apart from ours will tilt as well (somehow...haven;t figured that bit out yet!)
Hey Mel, great video, thanks! Can I ask if you sprayed your unistrut black, or purchased it like that?
Hi Mel just a quick question how much would u charge to insulate and fit solar to a sprinter and clad lol ???
What size cable do you use to come from the controller to the battery and what size fuse do you need
Wow 10k followers Mel your doing great mate. Been following you since video number 1 :)
Thank you really appreciate your encouragement 👍🤓👍
I used unistrut also. Your solution looks more discrete though. Have you left room for a wind turbine?
No wind turbine I’m afraid 🤓👍
Why didn't you have the L brackets the other way around that way you could have more clearance from the roof?
Because I want it low as possible 🤓👍
Hey Mel love your channel. There is a channel called dogcatmanvan on YT who beat you to it with the uni strut but a brilliant idea none the less. You should check his vids out. Keep up the good work 😃
Thank you I’ll have a look 👍🤓👍
Mel top choice using unistrut ,had some left outside for years very little rust on untreated metal.I used this stuff during my career as an electrician, use galvafroid paint on cut edges.cheers .
Thank you that’s really good to know 🤓👍
The Scottish weather is not allowing me to do this same bit yet on my van. Your van is coming on brilliant big man. Got a wee question though, is it possible to fit two of those solar panels side by side?
Hi yes they would fit perfectly but would have to go across the roof rather than down the length that’s why I got this size panel Incas I needed another one when I get my compressor fridge 👍🤓👍
Great install, a nice strong method of installing your panel... nice and neat also..
Thank you 🤓👍
Nice bit of forethought there Mel, easy install & removal if necessary.
Thank you 👍🤓👍
I always enjoy the enthusiasm you have for the jobs on the van mel great job fella
Thank you
Great tutorial Mel, solar easy peasy 👍👍👍👍, ATB Dave
Your absolutely welcome thank you 🤓👍
Good info there buddy xxx
Thank you 🤓👍
Grand job Mel, watch those step ladders don't slip, Been there seen it done it got the sore leg 🤨
Cheers mate 🤓👍
Felt pad on the exterior of the van? that'll collect dirt nicely...
I had a similar concern. Wouldn’t it be possible to install a small spacer between the L-Bracket of the solar panel and the Unistrut to provided need clearance off the roof? Mel, always enjoy you vids, enthusiasm and willingness to share - keep ‘em coming.
Use loctite next time and they won't be nicking that anytime soon. However you won't get em off easy either lol
Thank you 😊
👍👍👍👍👍👍😊 Excellent. Nice and neat.
Thank you
I wish my transit had a spot for the rails
Good stuff mate ,as always
Thank you
Well done Mel, another top job made to look simple.
Thank you
Awsome work Mel, easiest and best system I’ve ever seen! Congrats mate!
Thank you 🤓👍
As the meerkats would say "simples" loving the simplicity of the solar install. Cheers Mel!
You are absolutely welcome I’m glad you found it useful thanks for letting me know I I really appreciate your taking the time to comment 👍😊👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld I definitely appreciate all your amazingly helpful videos! 👊
Hey Mel how are you
Hi Martin I’m good thanks you ?
Can you put a fresh water tank on the roof then you don’t need a pump to your tap gravity fed tap
My guess is that you are going to put a top box there for wet suit ect,
That’s not a bad idea 🤓👍
so simple great idea nice one fella
Thank you 😊
Hi Mel, it seems the links for the moot charger and solar panel aren’t working anymore! Any chance you could update them?
thank for letting me know i used a renogy 160w ebay.us/odtYpA
Thanks! Do you find that it has provided enough power?
Nice simple work Mel 👍
Thank you 🤓👍
AS ALWAYS MEL GREAT JOB I HAVE RENOGY DC TO DC CHARGER FIT TO MY VAN SO MANY PANELS MUST GET SOME SOON IF ONLY TO KEEP MY MAIN BATTERY TOP UP , AS I HAVE NOT BEEN ON THE ROAD OVER THE WINTER THANK YOU AGAIN FROM SUNNY SKEGY UK
Great use of the uni strut mate. Maybe a bit of thread lock for belt n braces etc 👍🏻
What a good idea. I bet we will see a lot fitted this way now.👍
Thank you just remember you see it here first 😂🤓👍
How do you fit the unistrut though?
This is priceless thanks great video!
Hi mel where did you but the unistrut from many thanks chris
I put links in the description 🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld d'oh obvious bern along day truck driving lol
No worries mate 👍
Nice one Mel. When you go away do you take the cats with you.
Thank you you and no the cats stay home lol 🤓👍
I plan to use a roof rack with u bracket sliders, so i can slide removable solar panels in or out. Probably flexible panels so I'll need to sandwich them between a wooden base and perspex top ?
sounds good to me good luck with it 👍🤓👍