Roof rails for pop top to mount solar panels to.

tandem2 · May 19, 2020

I have a Reimo pop top and want to mount 2 solar panels on it.
Looking for advice on what rail tracks are available to bolt to the roof.
I have no need to fit a roof rack on the track. I understand that the roof is rated for 40 kilos the solar panels weigh considerably less.
I have found that t track on eBay seems to stop at 48 inches 122cm. The 2 panels next to each other measure 49.5 inches 126cm.
Looked at some airline track or L track I have some internally in the van to move the Rock and roll bed but it is not surface mount type. Rather the flush type routed into the wooden flooring.
Does anyone know of a uk supplier of suitable track.
I can find it in Germany but the carriers won't deliver to the Uk as the track is 3990mm long.
Cheers

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

ArunAlec · May 20, 2020

tandem2 said:
I have a Reimo pop top and want to mount 2 solar panels on it.
Looking for advice on what rail tracks are available to bolt to the roof.
I have no need to fit a roof rack on the track. I understand that the roof is rated for 40 kilos the solar panels weigh considerably less.
I have found that t track on eBay seems to stop at 48 inches 122cm. The 2 panels next to each other measure 49.5 inches 126cm.
Looked at some airline track or L track I have some internally in the van to move the Rock and roll bed but it is not surface mount type. Rather the flush type routed into the wooden flooring.
Does anyone know of a uk supplier of suitable track.
I can find it in Germany but the carriers won't deliver to the Uk as the track is 3990mm long.
Cheers

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Have a look at Kari Tek roof rail systems,

Shop online at Argyll Kayaks

Roof racks. Cradles. Straps. Trailers. Racks. Clothing. Sea kayaks. kayaking gear. Recreational boats. Used gear. Find it all in one place, online or in our Ayrshire showroom.

www.karitek.co.uk

Ch1pbutty · May 20, 2020

SCA ROOF RACK SYSTEM

<div class="mainContent"> <h2>SCA Roof Rack System</h2> <p>IMPORTANT NOTE - SHOULD BE FITTED BY A SPECIALIST - YOU WILL NEED TO DRILL THE ROOF AND IT SHOULD BE PREPARED BEFORE PUTTING THE BOLTS IN I.E ACTIVATOR, PRIMER & SEALER TO PREVENT ANY WATER

www.banwy.co.uk

If the underside of the roof is not accessible (ie 1 side elevating roof), then attach using wellnuts:

wellnuts - Google Search

WelshGas · May 20, 2020

tandem2 said:
I have a Reimo pop top and want to mount 2 solar panels on it.
Looking for advice on what rail tracks are available to bolt to the roof.
I have no need to fit a roof rack on the track. I understand that the roof is rated for 40 kilos the solar panels weigh considerably less.
I have found that t track on eBay seems to stop at 48 inches 122cm. The 2 panels next to each other measure 49.5 inches 126cm.
Looked at some airline track or L track I have some internally in the van to move the Rock and roll bed but it is not surface mount type. Rather the flush type routed into the wooden flooring.
Does anyone know of a uk supplier of suitable track.
I can find it in Germany but the carriers won't deliver to the Uk as the track is 3990mm long.
Cheers

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Is there a particular reason you want to fix the panels using a rail system?
Most conversions using fibreglass roofs seem to just bond the panels to the roof using Silkaflex adhesive.

tandem2 · May 21, 2020

The California seems to have rails as standard.
Speaking to Roger about one of his systems they are fitted to a frame so I needed to be able to mount it to the roof.
Reading some of the forum posts people who have glued panels to the roof have had problems when the air has expanded under the panel.
Also since the panels are less efficient when hot I thought the gap under the panel would be preferable.
If we are in Europe I thought the panel glued to the roof would get the upstairs too hot.
I have looked at electrical uni track as that is available in stainless steel.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

tandem2 · May 21, 2020

The items I found first were the following
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ankerpun...n-System-Airlineschiene-Racefoxx/283535233688
a german company https://www.loadrestraint24.com/search/?q=kerl+500 has the equivalent at much better prices
they have bolts that will fit in airline track

Screw fitting with nut M8

Screw fitting with self-locking nut M8 for attaching objects like cabinets or modules to airline rails.

www.loadrestraint24.com

2 x 48" UNWIN KOLLER Surface Rail Track Camper Motorhome Van Minibus Seat G | eBay

Surface rail requires M8 fasteners, fixed into countersunk holes at 101.6mm intervals for a flush head finish. - Surface Rail can be cut to length under special order and can be supplied drilled or undrilled.

www.ebay.co.uk

then enough length for 2 panels

Unwin Surface Rail - John Adams Supplies

Unwin Surface Rail, surface mounted, it is simple and quick to fit into most vehicle floors, with a height above finished floor of only 13.5mm

www.johnadamssupplies.co.uk

The electrical track was from https://directchannel.uk.com/unistr...ange-a4/Unistrut-Type-Stainless-steel-channel

WelshGas · May 21, 2020

tandem2 said:
The California seems to have rails as standard.
Speaking to Roger about one of his systems they are fitted to a frame so I needed to be able to mount it to the roof.
Reading some of the forum posts people who have glued panels to the roof have had problems when the air has expanded under the panel.
Also since the panels are less efficient when hot I thought the gap under the panel would be preferable.
If we are in Europe I thought the panel glued to the roof would get the upstairs too hot.
I have looked at electrical uni track as that is available in stainless steel.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Those who convert their T6s dont seem to have a problem fixing panels directly to thei fibreglass elevating roofs.

Solar panel installation

Hi all, lurker on this forum but not posted before, after a bit of solar advice please. Done lots of research including on here, loads of advice just still a bit unsure of exactly what to get. The big solar thread was super informative, and i think im settled on the photonic universe panels...

www.t6forum.com

Roger Donoghue · May 30, 2020

They'll always be more efficient bolted on with some air gap, and they are a lot easier to replace in the event of a problem. I sell stick on kits too, but I'd always bolt on given the choice.

R

MattBW · Apr 28, 2021

Can confirm on my T25 had a panel without an air gap which failed quite quickly during a hot summer in the first year and had to be replaced. I changed it to a non sealed installation and it was fine for years.