Hmmmm, not quite!Ps.... do you want to know how much a "Socket Button Head Cap Screw: 5/16-18 x 0.625" weighs? 0.0167 lbs / 0.2672 oz / 75.75 gram.
nice work! devil is in the details!
Hmmmm, not quite!
Methinks you have the decimal point in the wrong place...
0.0167 lbs / 0.2672 oz / 7.575 gram.
Keith.
Right - with the motor kit models the linear actuator would keep the sliding panels in place. On the manual models is there enough friction in the uni-bearing slides to keep the extended panels from moving in windy conditions?No locking mechanism for when it is extended. I could not see any reason why it was necessary.
Posting here helps others who may have questions and bump up the thread.
Some questions here may be candidates for the site`s FAQ.
Consider a 48xx series....I noticed that the maximum array length is 3 inches less for the "Motor Kit" compared to the manual racks. Is this due to travel limits of the linear actuators or some other factor?
Correct, the bearing's moment of inertia is higher than the wind's horizontal force.Right - with the motor kit models the linear actuator would keep the sliding panels in place. On the manual models is there enough friction in the uni-bearing slides to keep the extended panels from moving in windy conditions?
Yes - minimizing shading is critical. For my next 144" Sprinter looked at using a RoamBuilt Shadow Rack and just attach solar panels on top of rack. [See attached photo of Shadow rack.] But I have little use for a large roof rack. The SureShade on the ShadowRack is an appealing solution for an awning that can handle more wind than a typical RV awning.. . . Secondly, if you look at the attached drawings, you will see that if one wants to they could put a larger length array. BUT, it is not recommended for the sole reason of minimizing shading from the upper array or cargo rack. One would need to 'track' their vehicle towards the sun to mitigate. . .
I have some Combi-Cam locks on my van and they are a lot better than the keyed locks. This end bracket and combi-cam lock combination is a great feature of your design. Integrating a locking device was often a weak point in many of the DIY sliding and tilting solar racks I've seen.SEO time....
...say hello to my leetol friend.
Or, for this season, my 'L'f on a shelf'.
https://oriondesigns.ca/our-products/
https://oriondesigns.ca/
They are included with the kits.Do you think a cover might be needed on the Combi-Cam? Like this one from FJM Security Products? Mine are on the inside and not exposed to rain, snow or dust.
On a semi-related note...Do you think a cover might be needed on the Combi-Cam? Like this one from FJM Security Products? Mine are on the inside and not exposed to rain, snow or dust.
FANTASTIC!!They are included with the kits.
FJM doesn't have 3D CAD models for them, so they are not on the renders.
In fact, they didn't have their Combi in 3D CAD when I inquired. So I created it, then gave them the model. As appreciation, they gave the products I ordered for prototypes for free.
I agree!This is epic.
Yes - I've looked at many sliding solar panel systems on YouTube and other forums. Most were DIY projects of varying quality. I found two companies selling kits:Orion, great job! I think a lot of us have wanted to build this exact product. We have clients who have asked for similar solutions but we never wanted to commit to building something that we could not fully test.
At this time I do not offer a 'Mounting Kit' to mount to the T1N gutter. I cannot say if or when there would be, as T1N's are now out of production and 14 years old.Orion, do you have an option for mounting to T1N’s ? Renderings all seem to be for NCV3’s. Or are they not Sprinter specific, therefore we have to facilitate your racks to our vans ?
I wouldn't use ball bearing sliders in this application. Likely a headache.I agree!
Yes - I've looked at many sliding solar panel systems on YouTube and other forums. Most were DIY projects of varying quality. I found two companies selling kits:
Dunn & Watson in Australia, who sell some of the parts on Amazon. But the shipping costs are crazy. They only have kits for 80 or 100 Watt panels, more suited for off-road 4x4s.
https://trailerpartsdirect.com.au/s.../solar-panels/100-watt-slide-out-solar-panel/
Another company, Prepper Solar Roof Racks, in Texas makes roof racks for 4x4s, but they don't look suitable for vans.
https://www.prepperracks.us/
The best DIY project was by Everlanders at this video link.
https://youtu.be/cM5s4F-7AOk
Very well done with air power on a Ford F550 based Expedition vehicle. Jason got a lot of great comments and many who wanted him to sell kits, but he wasn't interested.
Another interesting and epic project was by "Beginning from this Morning" placing 3500 Watts of solar on a 1964 converted GM bus.
https://youtu.be/UhvWJZjqRJs
Both of these DIY projects, like many others, used ball bearing drawer slides. Everlanders washed out all the lube from the slides so they would not collect dirt. But they still needed to clean them with a pressure washer regularly. Using Unibearings as Orion is doing should work much better.