HOW DO I FIT SOLAR PANELS TO A CAMPER VAN ROOF simple and safe

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HOW DO I FIT SOLAR PANELS TO A CAMPER VAN ROOF simple and safe - Sprinter Transit T4

Рет қаралды 118,662

Күн бұрын

HOW TO INSTALL SOLAR TO A CAMPER VAN SAFE AND SIMPLE DIY campervan conversion simple way to install solar panels to the roof of your camper van
My aim is to give you campervan conversion ideas on how to convert a van into a camper and to help inspire you to build your own tiny home on wheels
please consider subscribing to my channel I really do appreciate your support thank you.
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/ @bigvansmallworld
My Amazon Store
Where you will find everything that I have used in my van builds. Plus more great van life essentials.
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How to convert a van into a camper van
DIY camper van build
how to build a camper van
How to Self Build A Van
How To build off-grid camper van for van life
DIY camper van conversion
DIY camper build
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How to build a tiny home on wheels
Tiny Home share this video with a KZfaqr friend:
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DIY camper van conversion
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inks to solar panel and charge controller & Brackets www.amazon.co....
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brackets on Ebay rover.ebay.com/...
#melsvanlife #melsvanworld #vanbuild #diycampervan #vanconversion #vanlife #vandwelling

Пікірлер: 298

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

why not check out my Amazon Store for all your van building needs & more www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvanworld

@edpowell496 Жыл бұрын

the energy you put into these videos is incredible

@DollopussD Жыл бұрын

Love the honesty in this 🤣 "An old battery I got for £2 from a breakers yard!" 🤣

@HowardKlein1958 Жыл бұрын

😊 Yeah that how it was in 70s. No money around and just made do and learn't how to do things myself , mind you two quid was a lot of money in 1975, beer 25p a pint so you could have a good evening in pub and Chinese take away after and still have change 😄 Petrol 32p a gallon, (that's 7p a litre 😯). ps where do i get those mounting corners from? Cant find on Amazon link you gave. That are perfect as i don't like drilling in roof for fear of leaks.

@stuartchapman5171 Жыл бұрын

I lived on the road in tge 80's. We ysed old van and truck batteries. We had a oair of wires with crocodile clips run out the top of the bonnet, round the windscreen post and in through the door, when you went out, sling a battery in the foot well, charge it up. We didn't use the batteries for lighting, incandescent bulbs only back then. We used to run car cassette players and old portable black and white cathode ray TVs. The lighting came from gaslight and candles.

@Jonny2284 3 жыл бұрын

Can I just say no matter how many videos I absolutely love KZfaq auto captioning attempt at understanding Mel's accent.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Haha thank you 😊

@melindaleon5907 Жыл бұрын

This panel can put out close to 100 watts kzfaq.infoUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.

@user-st4hx7yn8p 6 ай бұрын

Thanks Mel, im looking at doing this soon. I've already insulated and put my roof up, was worried drilling through and not being able to see the inside to check for leaks. Seeing this put my mind at rest, going to stick them on like you have! Thanks

@minttea4972 Жыл бұрын

Blooming marvellous. 👍👍👍👍👍👍

@BigVanSmallWorld Жыл бұрын

Thank you 🙏

@AndrewSmart32 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, so many tutorials involve screwing into the van, as I've already dealt with a leak from the air vent I don't want that with all my panels! This will be perfect

@alanmay1945 4 жыл бұрын

Your vids are just brilliant, simple, quick, cheap and very innovative methods, yet you achieve a perfectly good result. You are also working on your own, no extra help and no workshop with expensive machine tools. Mel, you are a marvel mate! Thankyou for so many of these great videos, each one a gem. Best wishes from Alan, in Norfolk.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alan that’s really nice of you to say really appreciated 👍🤓👍

@bobbyboy723 4 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld Hi Mel, I have been watching a lot of conversion videos and your stuff stands out as you keep it as simple as possible. I loved your comment on another video saying how you did not even have to bother with insulation if you didnt mind getting dripped on LOL. You capture the essence of just get out there and enjoy the tip without worrying too much about having all the luxuries. We would all love state of the art vans but I believe enjoying the trip with a basic van is better than sitting at home dreaming of a great van. BB

@mattcameron9349 5 жыл бұрын

Just a quick safety tip: It’s worth chucking a bit of cardboard over those panels before you connect the wires, so they are not producing any current. If the wires accidentally touch with the panels in sunlight, you can cause damage. Those brackets look really substantial!

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Matt that’s a good shout 🤙🤓

@SsKk558 Жыл бұрын

the panels don't produce current until a load is attached

@ryanstokoe2029 4 жыл бұрын

I was really resigned to the fact that I’d be drilling the panel to some roof bars and then not having space for extra luggage. Basically because I was scared that this adhesive (or any of the recommended brands) wouldn’t hold the panel in at 70mph. You’ve given me confidence to glue now. I think. Eek.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Good luck take ya time make sure everything is super clean and you’re be rite 👍🤓👍

@glynatmore1817 2 жыл бұрын

Young mel always comes across as everyone's friend. What a splendid fellow mel is. I can a haylow above your head mel Yesterday like the saint. !!

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you 🙏😇👍

@killianociardubhain414 2 жыл бұрын

You said it yourself, "Brilliant". Thanks Mel, your Videos make any conversion task less daunting.

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you that’s really kind of you 🍻👍

@craigwinterburn 3 жыл бұрын

Great easy to follow video. Never knew about the plastic roof Access holes, perfect. And great advice to leave the brackets alone a few days for the bond to go off. Thanks so much.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

You are absolutely welcome thank you for taking the time to comment really appreciated 👍

@manouchehromari2483 3 жыл бұрын

this is a good way to mount the panels than drilling hole into the van. good work !

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you 😊

@crpth1 3 жыл бұрын

Please be aware that's a VERY BAD CHOICE! Sorry to say, a bit stupid at best. Although the adhesive itself is quite strong. Remember the entire panel, which is basically a horizontal sail. Is being held in place by the... paint work!!! Yep! That's it! It's the paint that's holding, (anchoring) it all in place! Take it from someone with a "structural" background on automotive and other applications. Anyway it's basic common sense! Whoever as seen clear coat and/or paint peeling in a car, van, etc. should understand immediately what I'm saying. Let that sink in for a moment and then tell me how safe you would feel at highway speeds behind such an assembly. ;-) Cheers

@obgaming101 3 жыл бұрын

@@crpth1 thats why it should be sanded down and cleaned with alcohol before applying the glue.

@ggd1444 2 жыл бұрын

You must be one of the most entertaining guys on KZfaq! What a great character, keep up the good work.

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks! 😀

@lanodramallama 4 жыл бұрын

Your video inspires confidence! I will be converting a Transit minibus with an identical roof to yours by the looks, so it's great to see how you went about it - thank you!

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you that’s really kind of you to say I do appreciate your encouragement and support good luck with your build remember to keep it simple and safe 👍😊👍

@ran6974 2 жыл бұрын

I had a mate that tiger sealed his washing machine drum back together when it fell apart. I laughed… a lot. But it still works to this day. That stuff is strong as f! 😂

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant 😊👍

@belgiandip8682 2 жыл бұрын

Love your style, and this is Just what I needed! Thanks mucho, Mel.

@adrianhydephotography 3 жыл бұрын

4K subs 16k later now 20k. Outstanding Mel.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you again really appreciated 👍😊👍

@vanlifeembracingdiversity5431 2 жыл бұрын

Love your sense of humour. Hello from Brighton. About to finish my solar panel today

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the positive encouragement really appreciated good luck with your build 👍

@OutdoorGirlUK Жыл бұрын

Great video :) thanks!

@BigVanSmallWorld Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it! 👍

@phrayzar 5 жыл бұрын

Congrats on the 4k. I like the new fast paced video, you've got a spring in your step in this one, but still all the info, cheers.

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

phrayzar thank you I really appreciate your feedback I’ll try and keep up the pace 🤓🤙

@rozza381 4 жыл бұрын

Mel, you're an inspiration mate! Your videos are great to watch and I learn something every time. Keep up the great work! Cheers.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you that’s really appreciated

@ianjamiesonmusic 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 жыл бұрын

Welcome 👍

@nickjury5198 5 жыл бұрын

4000 subscribers😧👍 fantastic😎 Lovely job on the solar panel👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Nick really do appreciate every single one of you 🤓🤙

@vanillagoose4444 5 жыл бұрын

Wonder if i could stick a bunch of them on my house ! You should add some more straights to front Mel, act as a wind deflector ! nice job 👍🏻

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you and yes I was thinking about a wind deflector you could use these on a house I don’t see why not 🤓🤙

@rhiantaylor3446 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mel, very informative. Although I'm only an armchair van converter, I personally would prefer the semi-flex panels that mount direct on the tin roof. I would expect any panels to be combined with a decent sized battery, preferably lithium ion - the recovered batteries from bmw hybrids seem very cheap, I have seen £500 for 9kwhr. A decent battery and you can run yout fridge, a microwave or an induction hob. As you can see, I don't like the idea of lpg inside the same tin box I'm sleeping inside.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Hi thanks for your feedback really appreciated I have used flex panels but there not as good as the traditional ones

@Azurren 4 жыл бұрын

Indeed, feel free to do some googling about the disadvantages of the flexible panels. They don't have long longevity at all as they deteriorate rapidly when exposed to the elements (Wind, rain, ice, snow). Also without the aluminium backing / frame acting as a heatsink they get hot, extremely hot. In hotter countries they don't last long at all, here in the UK you may get a couple years out of them ;) They make sense if you use them as portable panels. Store them and slap them on when you're going away for the weekend / week. If you're looking for a permanent install, go with the ridged panels.

@andrew-wv9ti 7 ай бұрын

Nice job

@larrylindenmeyer4390 3 жыл бұрын

Very helpful! Thank you Sir and keep grinning!

@livefearless1123 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! Great video!

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you that’s kind of you to say 👍

@simonphillips2420 2 жыл бұрын

Nice vid thanks Mel

@in-the-vanpeter5157 5 жыл бұрын

Mel you are a bloody genius, where did you get those brackets ? absolutely by far the best way to fit a solar panel, Greg Virgoe you better up your game there’s a Mel about. I am so impressed with this. Thank you and huge 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Peter here's a link to the Brackets for you on Amazon www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B016ORGABK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B016ORGABK&linkCode=as2&tag=melsvanworld-21&linkId=7aea0fdf04168718d4136409d453a92e

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

thanks Peter link to ebay too 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%2FSolar-Panel-Mounting-Bracket-Sets-Frame-Kits-Adhesive-Bond-Caravan-Boat%2F252257787138%3FssPageName%3DSTRK%253AMEBIDX%253AIT%26var%3D551090468161%26_trksid%3Dp2057872.m2749.l2649

@crisrose9707 Жыл бұрын

This was a really great video. Thank you!

@Bananas1973 2 жыл бұрын

Im getting mad Kenny Everitt vibes watching this video 🤣. Fantastic video thanks for posting.

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 жыл бұрын

Lol thank you I’ll take that 👍😂👍

@lisagempup1398 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome job 4000 yeah👍congrats😊love the t shirt🌾🐈

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Hay Lisa thank you so much 🤓🤙

@daysgoneby4543 5 жыл бұрын

Wow congratulations fella on the 4k sub count and you really do deserve it fella as thanks to you.. You have shown us that you don't need to spend a fortune to do a great van conversion thanks buddy... Have a great weekend fella

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you really appreciate your support and positive feedback 🤓🤙

@daysgoneby4543 5 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld no worries fella

@markwilliams7573 5 жыл бұрын

Great job Mel, well done on the 4K subs fella. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Mark Williams thank you Mark really do appreciate everyone that has supported me 🤓🤙

@gastrictipple27 2 жыл бұрын

Back in the day when I was a young lad I had a vw 😂😂✌️🤘🤙👌♥️😁🦾 I'm 28 and iv just purchased my own plot of land and have a T4 1993 transporter and a Renault traffic t1000 and a micro belingo camper that I'm going to store in a container. I'll be using your methods for sure love you and your cockney ways

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 жыл бұрын

Nice 👍 🤓👍

@garyroberts-spinoutuk4874 5 ай бұрын

Many thanks brilliant

@louisjantzen7141 5 жыл бұрын

Ha! Gotcha, Mel: l already had a 4 bar roof-rack, so l just adjusted one bar to fit my panel... (the cables go through my sunroof) l even put 2 inch elevators on the back-end to keep it facing the sun... (Yes: l do *not* intend to move my van for a while) Hahaha... I liked those plastic end-bits though... yep!

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Well done sounds like you really do have one up on me lol 😂🤓🤙

@louisjantzen7141 5 жыл бұрын

Perpetual Stay-in-one-place, indeed.

@rayrichards6748 3 жыл бұрын

Mate, you remind me of Paul Whitehouse on the fast show. Easy squeeze cheesy peas. Cheers for the upload, good info bro.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Haha I get that a lot 🤞😊👍

@leftblank6036 3 жыл бұрын

Diamond Geeezaaa! thanks matey gunna do this next week

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Good luck 😉

@terencebaker4269 5 жыл бұрын

Mel, great presentation, I'm watching this build (I've already watch your previous series) because I like this layout best, the kitchen in this build makes best use of the space.

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you really appreciate your positive feedback and support 🤙🤓🍻

@marklennox2151 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Mel, I was watching a video and the guy said these mounts can't be used on curved or ridged roofs. You show that they can. I have a Chevy Astro van that has a similar roof to yours. I'm going to bolt them down though. When these things rip off it's from the paint separating from the primer.

@JosephMBoyer 2 жыл бұрын

Right. He didn't even bother to sand it down lol. These will last a season or two.

@stephenandrews8221 5 жыл бұрын

Perpetual motion. Thermodynamics init. Ha ha. Well done Mel. Very entertaining

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks 🍻glad you enjoyed my anecdotes 😂😂😂🤓🤙

@louisjantzen7141 5 жыл бұрын

He's right, Stephen. Ever since l've had my panel l no longer need to plug-in or start up. (now all l need is another one to power a microwave oven!)

@onemanandhiswhippet 5 жыл бұрын

Congratulations on 4K mate 👍 best regards Louie and is two poo pickers 👍❤️😀🐾🍺🍟

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

One Man and His Whippet thank you wish I had made it to camp Q and met up with you all looks like you had a great time 🤓🤙

@eatthecountry Жыл бұрын

Good stuff cheers

@frederickharron5217 5 жыл бұрын

My first van was a 1963 Corvair Greenbrier back in the early 70's, one of the worse vehicle I ever owned...Congrats on your subs...!

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you really appreciate your support 🤙🤓

@VoitekkWalks 3 ай бұрын

Perfect, Thanks 4 such a lovely guide

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful just remember the glue is only as good as the paint it’s sticking to

@manuelester7420 Жыл бұрын

Two dragon flies were doing it right next to your hand and flew away after you drilled the first bracket to the roof.😂❤

@BigVanSmallWorld Жыл бұрын

Haha 😂

@yokeobro Жыл бұрын

Legend!

@baloobear7838 5 жыл бұрын

Well Done Mel. Keep it simple!! Congrats on 4K subscribers

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Baloo Bear thank you really appreciate it 🤓🤙

@charliewhite6369 4 жыл бұрын

Good editing and Informative.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Charlie really appreciate your positive feedback 👍🤓👍

@leedavies9309 5 жыл бұрын

4000 subscribers , you should be on 10,000 all the tips you give great video mel

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Lee Davies thank you so much Lee 10k I think I would pass out lol 😂🤓🤙

@ruthybabe571 5 жыл бұрын

Congratulations on reaching 4k.

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you really appreciate your support 🤓🤙

@BrothersGrim2012 5 жыл бұрын

Great Video Mel keep em coming

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Thank so for the positive feedback really appreciated 🤓🤙

@Rick_Todd 5 жыл бұрын

Congrats on reaching 4000 Subs. Keep it going.

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Rick Todd thank you I’m overwhelmed 🤓🤙

@alant2419 5 жыл бұрын

Nicely done Mel

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Alan 🤓🤙

@garyroberts-spinoutuk4874 5 ай бұрын

Hi many thanks for the footage am going to do the same to my trailer just a thought as my trailer has no individual suspension will the solar panel fixed as you have done on top of the van Just thinking I'll be careful driving but will the solar panel crack IE with vibration Just a thought

@wayne1243 5 жыл бұрын

Great job Mel 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you 🤙🤓

@nashsgt Жыл бұрын

Hi could you please advise me if you get any whisle or noise from the solar panel when driving thank you

@BigVanSmallWorld Жыл бұрын

Nope

@dparris61 5 жыл бұрын

Cracking vlog Mel 👍👍😎

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

thank you

@vanlifeembracingdiversity5431 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed it but there are few steps I would have appreciated with wiring

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you there’s 2 wires one positive and one negative on the controller it’s clearly marked where they go with a small sign that looks like noughts and crosses 👍🤓👍

@Memyselfandvan 5 жыл бұрын

Congrats on reaching 4K Mel mate.

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you I’m so pleased and grateful for all the support thank you 🤓🤙

@rebeccacooper9251 Жыл бұрын

I'm going to be fitting a solar panel soon but there are lots of ribs on the roof of my van. How did you cut the plastic corner mount to fit the roof?

@BigVanSmallWorld Жыл бұрын

Hi I used a grinder please be careful ❗️ 👍

@brianroberts6356 8 ай бұрын

What size screws for fixing bracket to panel

@garrybeard2031 5 жыл бұрын

Great video mel well done 👍🇬🇧🍺

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate really appreciated 🤓🤙

@DCsPr0ductions 3 жыл бұрын

What exactly is that box you're connecting them wires too? As I'm trying to figure out a plan for our work van.

@Huskyandwolfdog 5 жыл бұрын

Hi from my husky and wolfdog from the Netherlands!🐺🐶😉

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Hello thank you for stopping by 🤙🤓

@patrickpirelli7897 4 ай бұрын

Mel is it 20mm hole ya drill for the wires to go through the roof

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 ай бұрын

I’m not sure 🤔

@gkuk 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Mell, Top job as always 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you 🤓🤙

@koaflores869 3 жыл бұрын

Dude I fuckin love you!

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you ☺️

@RomfordGuy 5 жыл бұрын

Another great and informative video. Cheers Mel

@RomfordGuy 5 жыл бұрын

Ps:Congrats on 4000+ subscribers

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you 🤓🤙

@MrDickydribble 2 жыл бұрын

Mel do you not need a fuse between the solar panel and DC charger? About to add a 60w panel so I'm unsure about whether I need a fuse?

@garysmith7811 4 жыл бұрын

Make that 1 more i jus subbed..😎

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you really appreciate your support 👍🤓👍

@davidrutherford3345 3 жыл бұрын

Woh woh woh what about the batteries ! how many ? Charging time ? What can they run ?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

I can’t remember lol 😂 sorry 😞

@ojbeez5260 2 жыл бұрын

So this is what the Brilliant Kid from the Fast Show does in his retirement. 'Aren't solar panels Brilliant, eh?'

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 жыл бұрын

Haha 😂 that’s brilliant 👍🤓👍

@countryside_guy 3 жыл бұрын

You can't beat bolts over all sealants/glues.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

True 👍

@T.J-and-Soul 8 ай бұрын

So did you ever have any problems with the adhesive?

@LorisRVLife 5 жыл бұрын

Love ur energy!! Need help with my solar... come to the USA.....Thanks for sharing, Lo :)

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for positive message really appreciated I’d love to come help you if I could what’s your problem? 🤓🤙

@LorisRVLife 5 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld I know zero about solar. My 2005 2720 TrailManor has solar and I have no clue about what it does, how to maintain it, if it's enough, if I need or can even put more on it... I'm a mess over here...........

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Oh dear sounds like you really do need help 🤙🤓

@graham9352 3 жыл бұрын

Got 17k subscribers now

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

I know I’m still in shock 🤷‍♂️ I’m ever so grateful thank you 👍🍻👍

@outthere9370 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Did you weigh down the corner brackets when you glued them?

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you and no as this would but the bonds under tension better let it lay naturally and bond like that 👍🤓👍

@DeboraWeberFicagna 3 жыл бұрын

I'm trying to convince the Brazilian campervan construction community that it can stick, your video will be very useful, until then everyone has pierced their roofs :)

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you 😊 that’s really kind of you good luck 👍😊👍

@crpth1 3 жыл бұрын

Debora Weber - PLEASE do not spread dangerous myths/errors and mistakes on your campervan community! I commented the same elsewhere in this section. DO NOT follow such stupid advise. By all means use the sealant & adhesive of your choice, that's absolutely fine and dandy. BUT for goodness sake use also the appropriate hardware for your application! As well intentioned as this guy can be, he's clueless about what is doing. There are good reasons why "everyone has pierced their roofs". To use your own words! Agora em bom Português! Ao usar apenas adesivo você está a confiar que APENAS e SÓ a pintura da sua van, supporte todo o esforço que estes paineis colocam em alta velocidade. Por favor use um pouco de senso comum e não aceite conselhos de quem obviamente não tem nem ideia do que está fazendo! Lembre só porque viu na internet não significa que é bom! Lembre também, que um painel destes, saindo a voar em alta velocidade pode matar. É tão simples quanto isto! Lembre ainda que pintura ou verniz de uma van ou carro NÃO é um elemento estrutural! é apenas tinta... Fique bem, Abraço

@RemusKingOfRome 5 жыл бұрын

i'd prefer removalable panels, so you can park your van in the shade while having your panels in the sun.

@DavidTangye 5 жыл бұрын

Do both. The portable ones are usually much lighter but much more expensive for the same wattage.

@WereReallyRelayCamping 5 жыл бұрын

when you have panels ont the roof your van is in the shade....

@DavidTangye 5 жыл бұрын

@@WereReallyRelayCamping it is unlikely that the panels would cover the entire roof, so no.

@pistonslapuk 5 жыл бұрын

That’s what good insulation is for :)

@WereReallyRelayCamping 5 жыл бұрын

@@DavidTangye mine do.......

@katcankan7129 5 жыл бұрын

Great job Mr Cheerful. Have a nice weekend 😊

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Hay Kat thank you and you 🤓🤙

@katcankan7129 5 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld 😊

@gkuk 5 жыл бұрын

@@katcankan7129 😸 Have a great bank holiday 😉

@katcankan7129 5 жыл бұрын

@@gkuk Thank you. You too Glen 😺

@bc-mr1si 3 ай бұрын

great video. thanks for sharing. can I connect the wires straight onto the battery 🤔

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 ай бұрын

NO DO NOT DO THAT YOU NEED A SOLAR CONTROLLER

@bc-mr1si 3 ай бұрын

@BigVanSmallWorld ok thanks for that.

@maddavvid2339 5 жыл бұрын

Just subscribed to your channel mate nice job of the solar panel

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

mad davvid thank you really appreciate your positive feedback and support cheers 🍻🤓🤙

@justinsmith6296 5 жыл бұрын

Make sure when using Tiger Seal you warm it up first as it makes it easier to apply otherwise it is like solid rubber when its cold.

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

justin smith thank you it was a nice day so didn’t really notice I haven’t used it much in could weather but next time I use it in a vlog I’ll pass that advice on cheers 🍻 really appreciate you taking the time to help 🤓🤙

@justinsmith6296 5 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld no probs mate, congrats on the 4K Subs BTW You'll soon be able to give up work and live off the KZfaq AD revenue LOL

@w1nd0cpro 5 жыл бұрын

Joseph nsw Australia easy peasy solar panel install thanks

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

No worries Joseph you’re in the rite place for solar 🤓🤙

@SACREDTRAVELLER 4 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video, exactly what I need to watch to know how to fit my own panel with those brackets that I also have. Excellent, thanks so much for making! Will subscribe x

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you really appreciate your support good luck with your installation pick a nice day and take your time and stay safe it’s a long way up 👍🤓👍

@dontwastetimetoday493 2 жыл бұрын

Im concerned about the wind pulling the panel from the roof at 70mph, which adhesive did you use to avoid such an accident? Thanks in advance

@jamesjddj23 2 жыл бұрын

tiger seal thats what he showed at the beginning of the video anyway... I have used tiger seal before and its really strong but i am also concerned it would blow off! I think having the solar panel flat on the roof would be better because of the wind getting underneath... My mate stuck his on a roof rack and he said its costs him loads more in diesel.

@Charlemagne1367 Жыл бұрын

@@jamesjddj23 Not better for the solar panels though. They need air circulation. If you stick them to the roof, metal heats up and in turn will heat up your panels, decreasing their performance and lifespan, which is already less for flexible panels vs ridgid on both counts.

@a552bcx 2 жыл бұрын

what kind of glue did you use on the side and what kind of rubber seal and glue did you use to seal the hole

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 жыл бұрын

I use tiger seal for every thing 🍻👍

@E3CB 5 жыл бұрын

00:31-00:32 Mel and his twin brother made a swap.

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

Haha 😂 thanks 🤓🤙

@SpikeyOfficial 2 жыл бұрын

I have a little Vito, I'm just wandering would a 150w been enough for just your fridge and charging of devices and lights? I know it's a very vague question but if you have an idea I would appreciate it

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Spike it’s more about the size of your battery’s I’d say you would want at least 150 amp hours to get you through the days that are overcast 👍😁

@SpikeyOfficial 2 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld okay thank you, so do you think two 100amp would be okay? I'm assuming you can join them. Sorry I'm a complete newb to this. But the only way to learn is give it a go 😂

@chrismills1209 4 жыл бұрын

Mel been watching your videos and some really helpful stuff so thanks. I guess you could screw to these to the roof allomg with the adhesive?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you and yes you could

@crpth1 3 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld - Not only could, but most important SHOULD use hardware to fix it in place... For goodness sake, at least put a warning about this rather stupid, so called, solution! Sorry if it doesn't sound nice and dandy. But consider that you're putting peoples life in danger just because it "looks" nice!!

@sages101 3 жыл бұрын

hey good idea man. I just bought the same mounts and realised they were too big. But they're made of plastic and can be cut. I didn't think of that lol. Cheers. Oh I forgot. What kind of caulking did you use to keep the brackets glued to the van? Thanks

@nigelwilding1145 Жыл бұрын

What did you use to stick it downM

@garymclay9885 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video. What size controller would be required for 700w solar powere? ie:- 4 @ 175w each?

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 жыл бұрын

Hay Gary it’s all about the voltage 👍

@garymclay9885 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mel. I’ve got it sorted thanks. On an other matter though!! My van has a secondary Varta agm battery that’s charged with a split charger from the van battery. I want to change it for a bigger lithium battery. Will the existing split charger charge the new lithium battery efficiently and safely? Or will I need a different split charger? Thanks again for all your advice. I’m loving all your videos. Very interesting and entertaining. 🤙

@tonydiscovery 5 жыл бұрын

Congrats on 4000 subs... Great vlog but you may of missed a thing on the stealth part as it is not very stealthy to have to get out of the front and get in the rear with out being seen...

@BigVanSmallWorld 5 жыл бұрын

tonydiscovery thank you really appreciate everyone’s positive support I know what you’re saying it’s the one downside of having 3 seats upfront I have two daughters that sometimes join me so it’s really just a case of personal needs 🤓🤙