HOW DO I FIT SOLAR PANELS TO A CAMPER VAN ROOF Simple and Safe Using Unistrut

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3 жыл бұрын

HOW DO I FIT SOLAR PANELS TO A CAMPER VAN ROOF Simple and Safe Using Unistrut
a simple DIY 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
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Пікірлер: 163

@penguinpeter6912 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Mel, thanks for the tip mate on drilling the solar panal, just swapped mine and relocated it on old roof fitting and was going to just put the fixing bolts straight into the panal. Thanks. Thought your opening was nc500 not Malvern ha ha ❤️❤️👍👍👍🐧🐧

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to comment and keeping it positive really appreciated NC 500 will be like the M25 this summer lol 😂

@olivetrees342 3 жыл бұрын

Your videos are just such a pleasure to watch Mel. I am learning so much and I am grateful for all your efforts putting these videos together. Also, thank you for doing your part to keep yourself and the community safe by getting the jab. I hope soon, you and Rebecca (who seems just as lovely as you) enjoy some van adventures over the warmer months, restrictions permitting.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you that’s really kind of you stay safe and good luck with your build 👍😊👍

@maartenschot 3 жыл бұрын

Just found me a way to mount my panels! Thanks mel keep it up, cheers

@minisurfboardscouk 3 жыл бұрын

Great job well done Mel I’ve just updated my NDS Solar set up

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you 😊

@billmccaslin4198 3 жыл бұрын

Glad to see you're taken care of yourself my friend love the video

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you buddy

@kennorth6958 3 жыл бұрын

A Chuckle Brothers double act mounting the panel ,,, " Me to you - You to me" ,,, 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Haha 😂

@skookumjack 3 жыл бұрын

Wow that one honking big panel Mel! Rebecca as a mobile power station to drive about in ! Nice job.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you buddy that’s really funny 😆

@RustyRoseAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Congrats on 20k Mel

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍😊👍

@AshleyJonesFR 3 жыл бұрын

Great idea on where to run the cables but the glands are facing forwards so when driving, water could be forced between the cable and the seal causing a leak.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

I did them up tight 👍

@lynnecoombes8925 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the great tips and clear instruction , you both are a lovely pair , I have enjoyed the entertainment ,

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Lynne that’s really kind of you thank you 👍😊👍

@iritantNL 3 жыл бұрын

Im realy sorry for your loss..

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you that’s really kind of you

@philwilliams23 3 жыл бұрын

Another great example of unistrut, nice one Mel. Have a good Easter pal 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you buddy and you 👍

@warty5007 3 жыл бұрын

Another great job Mel ( I need one fitted to my T5 high top )

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you and good luck with your installation 👍

@billmccaslin4198 3 жыл бұрын

Everyone don't forget to like subscribe and share check out Mel's Instagram and Amazon storefront links in the description

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍😊👍

@richardholborn Жыл бұрын

Really Helpful mate thanks!

@BigVanSmallWorld Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

@katcankan7129 3 жыл бұрын

Another well done Job Mel 😊. Have a nice weekend.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you and you 😊👍

@sparkyjackson8479 3 жыл бұрын

My Ralph is an LDV so i can use the factory standard rust holes to feed the wires through

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Aw that’s really to bad bless Ralph lol 😂

@simonmiddleton4977 3 жыл бұрын

You may want to think about supporting the solar panel at the middle either side as large panels can flex with the air traveling underneath them at speed. This flexing can damage the panel.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you 😊

@MG-cp8xk 3 жыл бұрын

Neat job

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍😊👍

@douglashellierlaing4332 3 жыл бұрын

Mel , in your comparison between the Jackery and the Poweroak you questioned why your coffee maker wouldn't work with the Poweroak. The answer may be on page EN-09 of the instruction book, 'instantaneous high current may trigger over-current protection'.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@neilt 3 жыл бұрын

I'm sure those cable entry covers should be mounted with the sloping face forward to reduce windage. And as mentioned elsewhere, the glands would then be to the rear and less susceptible to leaks. I hope it works, but I fear it will leak.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

It will be fine the solar panels sit higher than the gland 👍

@davetinnion 3 жыл бұрын

Another good video 👍🏻 I had zero side effects from my covid jab after the dead arm, hopefully its the same for you.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you buddy 👍

@davidmeadowcroft7626 3 жыл бұрын

Really good video Mel. Do you have a support on the top of your ladder to stop marking or was it a home made jobby ?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you it’s just an old bath towel rapped round and held with zip ties 👍

@garethsmith5726 3 жыл бұрын

Bob the builder has nowt on you Mel, great vid.👍

@ryancorbett 3 жыл бұрын

I live in a village outside of Evesham. I am 3/4 through my build and would love your advice for the day.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Become a member of my channel and I’ll give you all the advice you need 👍

@ashleyhowell1436 Жыл бұрын

Neat and tidy job, where did you get those L brackets from ? Cheers

@Leatherkid01 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job as always Mel...hope youre still ok from the vaccine👍🏻

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you buddy and yes I’m absolutely fine 👍😊👍

@robertkirk4985 3 жыл бұрын

love the t-shirt

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you 😊

@Mulekev 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Mel Do you know if the ring battery to battery will charge my Van battery through solar it’s always going flat cheers keep up the good work 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Yes it would but if it’s going flat all the time you may have a problem good luck

@helenamandleberg9841 3 жыл бұрын

This is so useful! I also have a big solar panel (approx. 106cm by 180cm) and think I might use Unistrut to fix to the van. What exactly would I need to buy? I'm a bit bamboozled when I look at their website. Thanks in advance and keep 'em coming!

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the positive message if you look in my Amazon store everything is there

@briancollis9352 3 жыл бұрын

Another great install. What size (watts) was the panel?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you 305 watts

@matthewbrain7885 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Mel, great vid again, im at malvern a lot, just wondering what size panel it was?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Hi ya it’s a 305 watts panel 👍

@mikehurley5052 3 жыл бұрын

It amazes me how people build a van and as an afterthought decide solar would be good, that would be first job for me. You can check for leaks before fitting the ceiling.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

That’s a fair point 👍

@royabayliss3277 9 ай бұрын

Hi Mel.. thanks so much for these videos / really helpful.. I went to your link and ordered the nuts and bolts from that.. but they don’t look like the same Unistrut nuts you’ve got in this video? So not sure what’s happened there… could you possibly send a link as to where you sourced your Unistrut nuts from.. much appreciated.. I’m about to do my solar panels in same way! 😬

@BigVanSmallWorld 8 ай бұрын

Let me check

@michealgillman7418 3 жыл бұрын

Any ideas on making a tiltable version?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

I’m sure there’s a way to do it but I’m not really worried I get plenty from my 360 watts to keep me going 👍

@ryancorbett 3 жыл бұрын

We live close!

@feckneddy 3 жыл бұрын

Where do you get those walls from, they are just the perfect height .....can you link to them on Amazon ? ;)

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Haha if only 👍

@whitevanman9500 3 жыл бұрын

Great way to fix the Solar Mel.... You didn't show how much Power you got... another Vid Then..👌😊

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you 😊

@andrewbennett9537 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Mel has your van passed DVLA changes yet having trouble with mine hope you could help please thanks Andy.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

No mate mine is still a van with windows and to be honest with you I’m not worried in fact it could work in ones favour especially if you come across a no camper van sign my vans a van with windows not a camper 👍😅👍

@andrewpease3688 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, that's how it starts, achey arm and a little bit wobbly. Don't organise anything for tomorrow!

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you buddy 👍

@whippetsadventuresandoneman 3 жыл бұрын

Think that’s the same size to my solar pannel it’s huge I struggled on my own to lift it on to the van. I followed how you install yours on your van when I did mine. I fitted the brackets on to the solar on the work table and then I cheated in the end and used the works forklift to lift it along the top side of my van and slid it on to the unistrut 😜😜😜😜 Rebecca going to have a lovely solar on the top :) Great video buddy. Oh and I would of beeped my horn to see if they came out 😜 I do have a question tho I put my huge solar pannel to one side, was that wrong? Should I have put it in more center like you did Rebecca bud? Hope your feeling ok and well rested Big 🤗 😊

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate I’m feeling fine I don’t think it matters about panel they are not that heavy 👍

@whippetsadventuresandoneman 3 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld ok bud just when I saw you put Rebecca’s one to the middle I thought I might have too. Glad your ok 💪🤗😊

@crazycrab8578 11 ай бұрын

got me hands on a free 170w, 36v solar house roof panel , what controller do I need, it has to be cheap as possible, cannot find any info on them, its all 12/24v

@BigVanSmallWorld 11 ай бұрын

EBay

@MrDodgeeames 3 жыл бұрын

Do you wire the negative solar cable to the ctek charger or to the negative terminal on the battery?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

To the charger

@MrDodgeeames 3 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld great, thanks for that I’m installing my solar using the ctek soon. Great content, keep up the good work 👍🏼

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

@@MrDodgeeames just one other thing sorry I forgot to say make sure you connect the negative last and that the solar panel isn’t over 23v good luck with your build 👍😊👍

@chrisb5839 2 жыл бұрын

Are you not worried about the security of the solar panel only needing four bolts to be unscrewed for it to be stolen? Are there any ways to make it more tamper-proof?

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 жыл бұрын

I’m not worried at all

@chrisb5839 2 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld what about Becky? 😂

@CarpyChris1964 3 жыл бұрын

I was ruff for 24hrs then fine after that ''great video mel 👍👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@tonyblake642 3 жыл бұрын

Had my vaccine on Friday 2/4/21. Felt rough within four hours and now 48 hours later feeling fine.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you and well done 👍

@nealeburgess6756 3 жыл бұрын

Well Mel, who would have thought that your van-life video would kickstart such a vitreolic debate?? As usual, just keep smiling through. Here in Spain the vaccine rollout seems to be happening very slowly.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you I know it’s odd and I wasn’t even going to include that clip glad I did now lol good luck hope you get it soon stay safe 👍

@rustleinthebushes6065 3 жыл бұрын

Mel where are you from as you passed my house

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

I’m from Kent 👍

@sparkyjackson8479 3 жыл бұрын

Why "doesnt end well" ?

@theshedmonster 3 жыл бұрын

what size how much and where from Mel?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Becky has a 305 watt solar panel i have 2 160 watts panels my seat up is much better and cheaper amzn.to/31Km204

@SJHughes 3 жыл бұрын

Some people get side effects like they imagine they are living in a camper and every time they look in the mirror they are wearing a wooly hat also there passing wind sounds like a clarinet 😊 Had AZ 8th march still get weird sneezing and feeling spaced out and tired not all the time though comes and goes.It effects all people differently . In the 90s i used to deliver to ledbury from worcester every day always enjoyed it but malvern gone a bit down hill over the years.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the positive message 👍

@PumpTheRod 3 жыл бұрын

Why has a lot of the comments concerning Covid been removed?????????

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

🤷‍♂️

@chrislant4829 3 жыл бұрын

Think you make a lovely couple ?

@darren6531 3 жыл бұрын

Another great vid. How did you feel after having the vaccine. I felt rough for 24 hours after. But all worth it in the end

@iLouieTube 3 жыл бұрын

Worth it for what?, protect you against the Flu?, i suppose if your massively overweight, have breathing problems, aged above 70 or many other underlying health conditions that will hinder your recovery from the Flu or possible Pneumonia then yeah 100% get the vaccine. Never forget #thalidomide (Morning sickness wonder drug) 1958-1962 = 20,000 babies maimed, 80,000 babies killed UK government took years to withdraw the miracle drug :(

@iLouieTube 3 жыл бұрын

@@rogerstarkey5390 okay Roger that 👍🏻 take care

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Well I fitted a solar panel rite after and then spent the rest of the day in bed 😊👍

@adamparker6541 3 жыл бұрын

@@iLouieTube Thalidomide wasn't a vaccine.

@iLouieTube 3 жыл бұрын

@@adamparker6541 i never said it was, my point is don't ever trust the government or the super duper scientists appointed by the government

@RickandHeather 3 жыл бұрын

Hope the jab didn’t affect you too much Mel I felt ok until the next day then it proper knocked me about, how many watt was the panel? Thought we might see it kick in and produce some amps..... take care.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you buddy and you

@millinutz 3 жыл бұрын

So, according to Mels shirt, he is a Dad..., did we already know this or is it 1st April?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

I’m a proud father of 3 I don’t talk about my private life it has no bearing on my channel content 👍😊👍

@millinutz 3 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld very true, it has no bearing, and I respect that... but you did provoke a comment by wearing that Tee. Happy Easter and greets from sunny 🇨🇭, Steve

@HonkyHorton 3 жыл бұрын

Was this video sponsored by unistrut nut? 😆😆. Nice one Mel

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Haha no it was sponsored by you the viewer 👍😊👍

@linz_in_NZ 3 жыл бұрын

Oh Mel, What not to do after having your Covid Vaccine!!

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Haha it’s ok 👍

@linz_in_NZ 3 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld My brother had his through his work and they told them they should not drive or operate machinery after, and had to have it at the end of a shift or on a day off etc

@buddha1736 3 жыл бұрын

I had the COVID Jab Mel, I was on my Arse for 2 days lol 😂 still fill fatigue after about 1 week. 👍🏻

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Oh crap I’m sorry buddy

@Comanche2024 3 жыл бұрын

Found the email yet Mel??

@hikingbikingscotland1267 3 жыл бұрын

Got my Astra Zeneca a week past Sunday. Had a sore arm that night but on the Tuesday and Wednesday I was so fatigued and had zero energy. It passes by day 4.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

That’s interesting I had no side affects at all hope you’re feeling better now thank you for taking the time to comment really appreciated 👍

@michealgillman7418 3 жыл бұрын

What a hero Mel....I found Jack Daniels took away any vaccine issues...crack on mate!!

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you buddy 👍

@Mantis858585 Жыл бұрын

Hope this guy is still with us. 💉

@Comanche2024 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Mel, just to let you know we have messaged you on your Yahoo email about a problem we would like a solution too with your help of course. Please check your email please. Thanks Mark & Denise .

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you I’ll have to have a look see if I can find it I get 100s of emails

@ianworthy9598 3 жыл бұрын

Did you get your free donut

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately not lol 😂

@ukbeeps 3 жыл бұрын

Trypanophobia's beware!! this content you may find terrifying 😅

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Haha 😂

@petemoring67 3 жыл бұрын

AAHHH!! The old AstraZeneca EH?? .... Had mine 3/2/21 .... My back gave in and dropped me to the floor after a few hours - lasted 4 or 5 days - Otherwise OK, but still a lot of brain-fog and diziness :-( ................... My daughter had one a week ago, STILL feeling really Fluey, had to take time off work, and being Self-Employed, that's an expensive game .... AARRGGHH!!!!! ........ Hope you're still all good though Mel, I know most people are OK with it :-) ......... If Bill Gates gets his way and Shades-Out the Sun in June, all your hard work will be for NOTHING!! .... OOPS!! :-( .............

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

I’m not sure about anything anymore I’m so confused 🤷‍♂️ 😂🤣😅👍

@Comanche2024 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Mel can you check your email to see if you have received an email from us on your Yahoo.com email address please. ? Thanks. We are Mark and Denise. We need your advice.....

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Rite oh I’ll have a look in my spam folder

@Comanche2024 3 жыл бұрын

Have you found our email Mel? Do I need to send it again? It's very important to us .

@stina6762 3 жыл бұрын

Welcome to the shits and shivers later ! 😂👍

@897aa33 3 жыл бұрын

God have tried to say you something by sending cows against your way.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Lol 😂

@munkehpower 3 жыл бұрын

you had a hair transplant?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

No I just haven’t had haircut for 6 months videos coming soon it will all Make sense 😂👍

@munkehpower 3 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld I'm sure becky must shave her dog....let her loose

@Dragon_Sam 3 жыл бұрын

So you have the jab but still have to wear the mask and keep a social distance, it doesn't stop you getting it and doesn't stop you spreading it the mind boggles 🤣🤣🤣

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

I know sucks rite

@van-gabondramblinrose6398 3 жыл бұрын

Disappointed to see you promoting this jab for something which is 99.7% not needed. Does it not make you angry that you're being coerced into requiring these measures simply to live a normal life? It's your channel of course and you can post what you like. I'm merely making an observation that by doing so you may be unduly influencing people and pushing something which, although described by Johnathan Van Tam as being "no worse than taking a Paracetamol," actually has some 64 pages of reported side effects on the MHRA website, some of which have resulted in hundreds of deaths and other serious health outcomes.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

I’m not promoting anything I’m just making videos about my day