NIGHTMARE Solar Linear Actuator's Instal

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2 жыл бұрын

We decided to fit solar actuators to our camper van solar panels so we could raise them with the flick of a switch was a total nightmare
🔴 Check out or tilting solar video here • An EASY Solution To Ma...
fitting the solar actuators drove me crazy so many times but in the end, they worked out just fine and will allow us to get more power from the sun's free power.
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Пікірлер: 330

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

🔴 Check out or tilting solar video here www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zAuM...

@user-fs4fd3gv3r 2 жыл бұрын

You already have a voice activated system for tilting the panels.. it's called Emma lol

@user-fs4fd3gv3r 2 жыл бұрын

You already have a voice activated system for tilting the panels.. it's called Emma lol

@paleogeology9554 11 ай бұрын

Get yourself a driver board like thhe ESP-32 or Rasberry Pie and you could program them to even go down and lock with small solenoids. Dont get discouraged, you have a very nice prototype. With alittle finishing and some add ons your system can easily be controlled by your phone, tablet or even a control panel inside that will give ya the voltage your bringing in, the pannels would auto move to the best angle ect... all these seamingly tough things are EASY to do with those driver boards and all the mods, motors ect you can now easily get

@LVNITUPM8 2 жыл бұрын

Instead of putting 3 actuators you should have just left it at the middle one and added aluminium angle line or chanel along the back of the solar panels so they don't bend In the middle

@philbrooke-little7082 2 жыл бұрын

The thing that screamed at me was the hard shading the sticky up brackets will put on the panels as the sun moves round. 1/2 of one cell shaded can lose you half the output of the panel particularly marked in direct sunlight on non cloudy days.

@jockspice 2 жыл бұрын

First time watching one of your vids and immediately subscribed 😁 Great honest project and you've paved the way so the rest of us don't cock up! I don't mind the power bank stuff, it's the way ahead. Looking forward to many more vids and binge watching the old ones 👍

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Hi and welcome! Thanks for joining our crazy neighbourhood, we do say things how we see it even if we get ourselves into a bit of trouble from time to time! Thanks for the commenting bud!

@WillsWhereabouts 2 жыл бұрын

Eyyyy if you ever need a hand or some advice and tips on how to do something I’m your man! 😂😂 Glad you got it all sorted and working because it is a bloody cool feature to have ☀️

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Hello son, just watched your recent upload and I think we will pass on the advice and tips, but just for now, you are doing good though and we are both proud of you 👍

@MichaelWebMason Жыл бұрын

Love the fact that you film the fails too. It's all a learning process.

@UrbanVanlife Жыл бұрын

Everyone has to learn somewhere and we don't always get it right first time so its better to be honest about it and show how things can go wrong because it could help other people!!

@Chris-ut6eq 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the honest thoughts. ....am I glad I've done it, no! LOL. Hope the added power over time makes you happier during your journeys!

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chris, this one really tested our patience but got there eventually 😂😂

@r1ckatkinson 6 ай бұрын

Thanks Neil, I was wondering about the angles and offsets for making this work, so you've probably saved me a lot of trial and error. (Keep up the good work)

@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN 2 жыл бұрын

In the long run I think you'll enjoy the ease of use with the actuators, ass long as they last. Great vid guys 👍

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy it’s much easier than getting up a ladder every single time to prop them up 😂😂😂

@Reaper4367 2 жыл бұрын

You pair are Gold! Cheers for making me smile.

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

@Alivefrom45 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to see you finally got them working.

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Us too, it was getting a bit emotional for a while there!

@adafoe7350 2 жыл бұрын

Great educational video, love your style of presentation with a wonderful and beautiful interaction of how a relationship should be like.

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Hi and thank you 🙏

@johnbrownboots9884 2 жыл бұрын

A lot of cost and effort to have electric motors pushing the panel up. You could use a long alloy telescopic pole. Still have to climb a ladder to tie down the thumb wheels.

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

That’s what we swapped over from, the reason for the actuators is so we can control the angel of the tilt easier

@johnarmstrong6242 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video I love your honesty about the fails and you's provide quality humorous content keep them coming

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Hi John thanks for the nice comment, sometimes things don’t go how you think they will and we think it’s important to show the fails too as we aren’t professionals and if it helps someone not do what we did then that’s a win for us!

@SolarPowerChannelwithChris 2 жыл бұрын

I think it was a good investment. Having panels angled correctly makes a big difference. I would like to fit these.

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chris, we agree that having the panels tilted definitely helps get more efficiency from the panels

@mnvm-videos 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video Sir. a lot of details, great. I have one suggestion, there is a good chance sometimes you may forget to remove the Safty lock before raising the panels. please come up with a plan on that. good luck!

@chrisrothwell69 2 жыл бұрын

I just love watching your relationship play out on the telly.

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Nearly wasn’t a relationship left after this one 😂😂😂😂

@chrisrothwell69 2 жыл бұрын

@@UrbanVanlife Gladly very much doubt that. I had a v heavy week, you 2 had me crying with laughter.

@kevingalloway9338 2 жыл бұрын

A lot of work went into that, hopefully you get more energy out of the panels. Brilliant

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Yes 🙌 they work great and yes we getting all the solar!

@kalef1234 2 ай бұрын

Nice vid, glad you made all the mistakes so I don't have to! Pretty straightforward for the functionality it provides

@UrbanVanlife 2 ай бұрын

Oh man and did I make them all lol . Good luck buddy

@PECorbit 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry the install caused you so much trouble Neil but it was still a great video just to watch you figure out ways to solve all the problems it had! I guess this is just one of those 'live and learn' experiences.

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Every day is a school day with us two 😂😂 But it’s always good to learn new things, inwards and upwards!!!

@nomadsurvival4952 2 жыл бұрын

That was a great vid glad you made all the mistakes! I am still wanting to do the same thing on my van this just helps me with the idea of doing it thanks! And yes I have subbed..

@GimpyCamper 2 жыл бұрын

I can understand… I rigged an actuator on a lawnmower trail once and there was a lot more trigonometry involved than you would think, also said actuator that was rated for outdoor use only lasted a year

@raykeogh1972 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, love the humour side of it, that's what I used to do when lecturing photography back in the day. Ive just bought the EF EcoFlow Delta Pro portable power station 3600W solar Generator. That will give me full electric like a house would have. I also have two 1000W jackery's which helps me NEVER to use EHU totally dependant. If in winter time I can go to any EV station and top it up under one hour. I can go off grid for life lol. subscribed and a RED hope you don't hold that against me. as I an typing this I am at Glide-rite on the Wirral just through the new tunnel expencive but worth i£1750 comes with 5 year warranty getting my Air suspension sorted, This helps me with getting on ferry's and over big rocks. Anyway thanks for sharing Ray K UK. YNWA.

@Pugwash. 2 жыл бұрын

I might have a go at this after all the other jobs!

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Yes 🙌 Learn from our mistakes and you’ll do it in 30 mins 😂😂

@guywhoknows 2 жыл бұрын

Cantilever. Single actuator. Slide bracket. Panel rails. Done.

@xconsultancyuk8838 Жыл бұрын

You two are lovely ! Well done !

@Witteringtrucker 2 жыл бұрын

I got an Ecoflow River Pro sent to review and its simply BRILLIANT!!!!!

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Great bit of kit!!!

@markmangan845 2 жыл бұрын

Great vid again guys 😊👍

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Mark!

@iaincook2493 2 жыл бұрын

love that glasses push. Hey from Texas but Blackburn born.

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Hellllloooo!!! Bit of a difference Blackburn to Texas how long have you been state side?

@thedicksons1284 2 жыл бұрын

Great video as usual and I love your honestly. I've got 4 panels (2 each side) and I've made both sets hinged so at least one set can be angled to the sun if I want to but, I climb a ladder and put 2 poles in with wing nuts (the same wing nuts that hold them down). Basically, the way you had yours originally but I was thinking of doing what you have but, thanks to your video, I'm not going to bother so if I ever meet you I owe you some beers. Also, I live on the West coast of Scotland so those actuators probably wouldn't last a year here lol.

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy, we feel that there’s no point in showing everything perfect and that it’s all gone okay when it just plain hasn’t that way if anyone does want to try it they know what problems to look out for!!! Lucky you living in Scotland we love the place!!!

@raykeogh1972 2 жыл бұрын

@@UrbanVanlife Me to going to Mull on Sunday 10th July. did 6 weeks of the real coast not the NC500 this was 1000s of miles sticking to water mostly at my side lol.

@markmcculloch2570 2 жыл бұрын

From South Africa. What an enjoyable and entertaining video. First watch and I am now subscribed 😂

@GregBurghart Жыл бұрын

Hope you got your tilting solar working. I have a 2015 Sprinter 170 with 1020 Watts of solar on a motorized lift that has worked flawlessly for over 2 years and DEFINITELY is worth the effort for the lift. I can produce 2-3x more power daily by tilting, which is especially handy in winter months. The key to troublefree motorized lifts is calculating the proper lift mount angle and good mechanical design.

@UrbanVanlife Жыл бұрын

This video shows the full set up working buddy . It all works perfect

@B.Walker. 2 жыл бұрын

Still alot cheaper than wills blinds.. I love you Neil x

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

This made us smile I Love You Too!

@BentleyOnTour 2 жыл бұрын

Fab video Neil, I am looking forward to part 2 where you install a turntable under the panels so they align with the sun! 😁👍. Ps, thought I had subscribed as I keep bloody seeing your vids, every time I log on. Now I have 🙂👍

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Bentley on tour, Emma here …. Please stop giving him ideas we do NOT need any turn tables 😂😂😂😂

@BentleyOnTour 2 жыл бұрын

@@UrbanVanlife I don't know if it easier Emma but you could build one on under the van. Have air struts to lift it up. Simples 👍😁. Martin

@spiritzweispirit1st638 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the mechanical experience to help others out, by saving them head scratching time! My thoughts are, the faster power gains from the tilt, on a day the weather changes to darker later on, made it worth the gains!😶👍⚡🌦️ ... I personally would think of how i could mount it all on a weather sealed framed 4'x8' and then on a spinner table and antenna motor, so no matter what direction your parked , you can always be at your most optimum angle!⚡🌞

@EricPeelMusic Жыл бұрын

Those are not outdoor rated. It will quickly get gunked up with dirt and potentially fall apart endangering others on the road. More importantly not designed to handle forces pulling upwards axially on it. Trust me, bad idea. Must at use a bearing or combination of bearings designed to handle axial loads in both directions.

@cliftonmassey3143 2 жыл бұрын

Why not use one actuator between the two panels with a support beam prevent the panels from flexing? Also why not use a electronic locking device to secure the panel in the down position?

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

One still left us with a wobble in it we did try one, we also tried it with a bad in the middle but till wasn’t right, and for us manually securing them was a fail safe way, even if it means we still have to get up the ladder

@theellmersadventures 2 жыл бұрын

Hello hope your both ok and dolly and poppy great vid sorry I had to leave the live early but loved it lol all the best love from us all

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jamie and family we are all very well and just about recovered from the live stream, can’t believe it went in for 2 hours 😂😂😂

@theellmersadventures 2 жыл бұрын

@@UrbanVanlife 😂😂😂 omg you must of been enjoying it lol I had to leave early as kids for school lol

@garywalker3818 2 жыл бұрын

YOU GOT THERE IN THE END GOOD BLOG A GEN KEEP THEM COMING AND YOU MAC ME 😊😊😊😊😊GARY FROM CREWE 👍👍👍👍

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gary, took. While but made it through and eventually got there… may have a few more white hairs now though!

@waveydaveydiver Жыл бұрын

Great video both! Automation, motorisation, remote control is awesome. Maybe gas struts like the ones they use on popup roofs would be the answer?

@EricPeelMusic Жыл бұрын

Super dangerous to work with and difficult to select appropriate force rating, for a novice builder.

@awesomusmaximus3766 11 ай бұрын

I have three Diy 2.4 KW tracking arrays two of them using optic feedback actuators

@anthonyellis1409 2 жыл бұрын

Love it Neil and Emma.

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy, took a bit of timer but we got there in the end!

@aberdeendeltaforce 2 жыл бұрын

Love your honesty, absolutely brilliant your not just another wanky family friendly channel. I personally have no intention of tilting my panels, with 300ah of lithium batts, 2 victron B2B chargers and 480 watts of flat laid solar Im way overpowered, never dropped below 85%, even in the depths of winter. 👍

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

To be honest we only did it because we saw it on someone else's van, but had we known what we know now probably would have just left the old system as was to save on the extra white hairs gained lol!

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

just seen the second scomment mate and it totally goes again youtube community guidelines , we cant let comments like that go at al or we would risk losing the channel , and to be honest wether its a quote from some one or not its not something id personlay put in some ones comments section , we like to have a laugh but there is a point when your going to offend some one just cos you feel like it and we aint in to that to be honest , please keep comments respectfully within the terms and conditions of youtube (neil)

@EricPeelMusic Жыл бұрын

With al that spare electricity, why don’t don’t you aid the diesel heater with a small electric space heater? Pollute Earth less?

@aberdeendeltaforce Жыл бұрын

@@EricPeelMusic because in my opinion the carbon agenda is nonsense created by MSM and elites to control our movements. The only thing that will solve pollution to the earth is mass de population, starting with those billionaires at the top who have exploited every single natural resource this planet had to offer.

@EricPeelMusic Жыл бұрын

I’m not talking about carbon emissions or greenhouse gases. I’m talking about diesel exhaust as well as an ICE’s consumption of oxygen. There are many toxic poisons and particulates that are emitted from an ICE. If you think diesel exhaust is safe or beneficial for Earth then go ahead and run a diesel engine with exhaust fed into your garage or home with no ventilation and remain in there without a breathing apparatus. Everyone knows this is deadly, dark stuff. Use your common sense, instead of making this a political thing.

@mr-biz 2 жыл бұрын

The motor goes on the top of the linear actuator so water ingress into the actuator gear cannot happen. I found out the hardway. My solar tracker was static (not on a van) so I made a frame that moves and then put the panels in it. You should use one actuator per object that you are lifting.

@davidbloomfield4135 2 жыл бұрын

In the end mate it looks great, but i think we all felt your pain in that video....well done mate

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy, everyday is definitely a school day!!

@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204 2 жыл бұрын

good vid neil and emma on the channel thanks lee

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Lee 😀😀

@BuiltbyD 2 жыл бұрын

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but I figure you should know now. Those linear actuators will get out of synch with each other. As they age, they will slow down, each at different rates. That will put your panels in a bind and likely damage them. Keep a close eye on them every time you use them. Additionally, they can't handle outdoor use. Moisture will get in the motors, gearcases and the RF receiver and cause havoc. I use 4 to lift my pickup truck topper. I built a switchbox so I could quickly disable one or more while a slow one or more catches up. They are inside the topper, shielded from rain and still only last a year or two. Don't let the challenges discourage you; cheers for giving it a go!

@MrCPPG Жыл бұрын

Yes, realizing that the actuator cannot rest at horizontal but rather an angle is a revelation if you have never used them before. I would have opted for one actuator and stiffened the panel assembly with aluminum binding plates on the end. But in the end you got it working which is all that matters. I think the video is more helpful because you also showed mistakes thus helping others avoid them.

@UrbanVanlife Жыл бұрын

Thank you and yes we show mistakes so it hopefully helps others to not do the same thing!

@erinjuniorteague-suradi3196 2 жыл бұрын

Love your work mate. 💪🏽

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy, gotta have a go ain’t ya !!

@leesylvester8713 Жыл бұрын

I still would have run a rail on the leading edge of the panels just for stability and looks. Nice work.

@UrbanVanlife Жыл бұрын

No need to be honest and with out new roof rack it would have had to have come off .

@ToddlerVan 2 жыл бұрын

Aw man, what a nightmare! Nothing worse than when your ball deep in something and you just need to grind it out until its sorted, Well done for getting there in the end man, think i'll just stick with manually tilting solar though😮

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah it was one of those situations where it was not going to defeat me no matter what! It may of taken more time and money than I wanted to but I won in the end! VICTORY was MINE!!!

@ToddlerVan 2 жыл бұрын

@@UrbanVanlife ha! lap of honor required sir

@madforit9661 2 жыл бұрын

Watch out Ant and Dec we have a funny duo. Great video guys

@mickwolf1077 Жыл бұрын

You could support both panels together with a length of aluminum angle across the top edges, also instead of actuators what about those chain type window winders for houses? where the chain only bends one way and could be adapted with a geared motor. That would be quite secure in wind in up or down positions and would be low profile.

@UrbanVanlife Жыл бұрын

You could support them with 1 but the slightest bit of wind and the thing would buckle on its self . Having 3 makes it super strong and also makes it so not just one actuator Is doing all the work

@stevehutton6055 2 жыл бұрын

you guys are so smart and fun

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve, although we do sometimes question the smarts, but we do try and just keep it light

@HappyPlaceCamping 2 жыл бұрын

Ok I'm going to agree with Em. I think it could be done in a tent. If someone really wants to pack it all with them and set it up and tear it down a lot. We may be doing tent stuff pretty soon. But we won't be packing all that stuff with us. We have one bluetti that we'll take. But we may very well take an ac unit and extension cord and hook up to an electric campsite. Cuz it's hot! I know solar can be great to have, but I feel like this is all such a pain to get hooked up and installed. Do you have enough sunlight over there to even bother with solar? I swear every video I watch from UK it's always cloudy. Strongly recommend you don't aaaaaahahaha! I'm going to take that advice and not do it LOL. Great video. You guys are always so entertaining.

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

I literally love your comments and I look forward to reading them and replying, really feel like we would have a great time if we ever got to meet up, and we would all be very well fed! Yes we do get enough sunlight to have solar, slightly less in the winter obviously but enough to keep us off grid for our adventures and keep our batteries nicely full, we even pull in off the moonlight on occasion! Hope you are all well!? Big hugs from us 🥰☺️🐾🐾

@ian9963 Жыл бұрын

Waiting for an update video with solar test when in down position and up position, pls. Now you are an expert can you fit them to my Motorhome 🤪

@UrbanVanlife Жыл бұрын

We tested them at the weekend 150% more solar with them tilted and if you want me to fit them for you I charge £1500 per hour but comes with free fudge ….. bought from the local Poundland…. Hopefully this price puts people off we are willing to go lower at £2000 per hour with no fudge…. Hope this helps 🤪🥜

@teuscftp 2 жыл бұрын

Ladi & Margret has a channel and they have solved it so it even locks in safe in down mode..

@kroozer5215 2 жыл бұрын

Really nice job

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks kroozer, got there in the end!

@functionalvanconversion4284 3 ай бұрын

Nice work!

@UrbanVanlife 3 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@robincastree 2 жыл бұрын

Great your fails are our lessons. Thank you . Thank you

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Allll the fails . But hey we all but human

@daz.r1994 7 ай бұрын

Great job.

@UrbanVanlife 7 ай бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

@timmayshevchenko8722 Жыл бұрын

Hey, i have been playing with same idea myself. What happens when you forgot to take the screws out and pressed the button for actuators to go up. Build a solenoid locking system and wire it with relay so the system will never work unless e-latch is off.

@UrbanVanlife Жыл бұрын

I’m honestly not that daft mate . Screws out then turn the system on then raise them . It’s kind of like driving away with the awning out something I’d never do

@DavidLaFerney 2 жыл бұрын

No project ever goes quite as planned on the first go. If you actually use the camper off grid and it works for you - in the long run you’ll be glad you did it.

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks David, we do a lot of off grid camping and so far so good (touch wood) 😊😊

@Boppa1260 2 жыл бұрын

It was wills fault. 🤣👍🏻

@RockyMtnGobblers Жыл бұрын

Looks like the wind will get under your solar panels while driving and tear it up, I hope not, I found your video helpful, thanks.

@UrbanVanlife Жыл бұрын

No mate not a problem to be honest . And even more so now with Then TOTALY hidden inside the mule rack

@MMMM2MMMM2MMMM Жыл бұрын

I would have mounted the actuactor to the other side. This way the mount would be on the highest level of the PV panel. I would have but all panels on a strud before i would have mounted the actuators too. This would have made it stronger.

@UrbanVanlife Жыл бұрын

I didn’t but it works . And a lot of ppl woukd have done it there own way just like we did . The main thing is dose it work if so you won . Do yours work

@SparkysTravels1512 2 жыл бұрын

Should have asked DIY Guru Dan, lol, good job well done.

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

We know NO such guru 😂😂😂

@tony35842 Жыл бұрын

use a cam link at the actuator to panel connection. the first couple of inches of actuator travel pushes the link to lift the panel. then the actuator will lift it directly. If you design the link correctly you can use it to lock the panel down.

@EricPeelMusic Жыл бұрын

Far too complicated for him.

@theoteam4641 2 жыл бұрын

Well done, ya things tend to cost more than we budget for. If you add a switch to the actuator that way it won’t come on as you drive, that’s what we did 😊

@EricPeelMusic Жыл бұрын

It should be engineered well enough to handle a 75mph (driving) wind load when raised anyway. Otherwise you endanger others on the road.

@theoteam4641 Жыл бұрын

@@EricPeelMusic true, it’s more technical than people think. The switch would stop the actuators being live when driving as a safety feature

@EricPeelMusic Жыл бұрын

A manual switch is okay but it can easily be forgotten about before driving. Only way to ensure safety is adequate engineering, redundancy and eliminating human error during usage. An automated switch that turns off the system when lowered, which must be turned back on manually combined with a rack that can be safely tilted at highway speeds is probably the easiest way to ensure safety. Its fine to do fun DIY projects like this on one’s own time but encouraging others to do the same if not engineered properly isn’t responsible.

@aberdeendeltaforce 2 жыл бұрын

You know what they say about gingers……the rustier the roof, the wetter the basement 😂

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Hhhhmmm …. Comment of the week??? 😂😂

@MartinHoferBRASIL 7 ай бұрын

Hi, did you at the end glue the angles on the roof ? Weren't they fixed at the pole first ? What was the reason ? Thanks...

@diysolaradventures7894 Жыл бұрын

My panels look about the same size as yours what size actuator should I get or the size of the ones you are using for your panels ?

@UrbanVanlife Жыл бұрын

All the links to the ones we used are in the description . I’m not TOTALY sure offchsnd which size we used

@rogerrabbit6522 2 жыл бұрын

16 minutes in. I'm thinking you need a sprung closer latch similar to a car bonnet that you can release when needed, a latched pin solenoid may work for the release pin but if you are climbing up to unscrew the securing bolts you can do it manually. That will give you that initial lift you need.

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

What if it fails and springs open . Then it’s good bye solar

@EricPeelMusic Жыл бұрын

The upper pivots will block sunlight at almost every angle from the front and rear of your van. Block one cell and whole panel is blocked. Nice. Would have been better to raise the entire mechanism up a few inches.

@chox2001 2 жыл бұрын

When you cut unistrut and paint it. How easy is rust to start on the cut end. I ask because I need to buy for my solar and don’t know if I should buy a specific length and not cut

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Unistrut is galvanised so shouldn’t rust but you can also buy plastic caps that go over the end to help protect it

@chox2001 2 жыл бұрын

@@UrbanVanlife thanks I will give them a try

@Dirt-Diggler 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers for that 👍 You've confirmed the route I've taken with panel tilt 🤔 gas struts and some rope 🤣 gas struts for the UP and rope for the DOWN, it's still a win for you guys 👍 cos i learnt from your mistake,, so i guess i win more cos you saved me money but you get the what i mean 🤔 i appreciate the honesty 😎 way better than the perfect life BS the internet usually force feeds us, THANKS GUY'S 👍😎👍

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Hi ya! Yes that system you have sounds like a much cheaper and easier option, but we do like a channel over here 😂😂😊😊😊

@DaisysOnTour 2 жыл бұрын

Great job, still looks flippin impressive though!!!

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Yer it kind of dose look cool as when it’s going up . Plus we get to controll the angle of the tilt . But oh my what a bloooddy faff that all was lol

@Mad109R 2 жыл бұрын

Ah but its always easier second time around 😉👍

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

This was probably 4th if I’m honest lol it really messed with my head this one . But hey stuck in there and you find a way ( many holes later )

@ysesq 2 жыл бұрын

nice Linear Actuators

@marks-0-0 2 жыл бұрын

Neil, it might be worth checking out the channel "Ladi & Margaret" as they built a powered tilting panel system.

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

We will defo give it a watch thanks 🙏

@adamhempshell5429 2 жыл бұрын

I was going to say the same there van build is a bit slow but they are profectionists

@lyfandeth 2 жыл бұрын

100 watts is just the new USB3 standard. USB3.2, I think. Also called USB3 Power Delivery. (PD)

@010Tracer 2 жыл бұрын

NICE JOB ! maybe could use gas struts to spread and damping the movement ?

@ivanmccaffrey316 2 жыл бұрын

I did think about that Neil. After seeing what you went through, I’m thinking flat for now. 😀

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

There was a lot of trial and error that’s to be sure!!! But got there in the end!

@ivanmccaffrey316 2 жыл бұрын

@@UrbanVanlife you sure did. Like me you won’t let it beat ya.

@ivanmccaffrey316 2 жыл бұрын

@@UrbanVanlife my main question is, when are you going to put the pop up flux capacitor on the roof?😂

@NorthernersonTour 2 жыл бұрын

Goblin in the corner i’m not surprised you didn’t to have a mark moment on them ladders them neil 🤣🤣🤣🥾🥰🥰 vlog far to technical for me but i love the panels going up and down and yes just blame paul 🤣

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Cheeky isn’t he Lisa, I will not lie there where moments where I thought about ways of injuring him 😂😂😂

@NorthernersonTour 2 жыл бұрын

@@UrbanVanlife 🤣🤣🤣i bet you did em that little bungle bear 🤣🤣

@user-cp1ze1hu3y 2 жыл бұрын

That’s a gooder job Neil, if you can say it, it a word, I’m also dyslexic two and I know what you mean 👍🏻

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Neil I knew someone would understand my thinking 😂😂

@anthonyellis1409 2 жыл бұрын

BLOODY ACE idea though 👌 pal.

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Anthony!

@PK_Blinder 2 жыл бұрын

My bank balance and my sanity doesn't need this video....😲

@Paulsvanlife 2 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣

@PK_Blinder 2 жыл бұрын

@@Paulsvanlife Ahhhh the instigator... 😉

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Blame MR PAUL for this one 😂😂😂

@PK_Blinder 2 жыл бұрын

@@UrbanVanlife I made the mistake of researching the word Bifacial..... 🤔🙄

@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife 2 жыл бұрын

I see why you were stressed out now 🤯 you did well to stick with it and get it finished It works a treat I'm not sure if I'm gonna bother after watching that plava 🤣🤣🤣 crack video you guys 👍

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy and the thing for anyone else doing it is they can see where we went wrong so it would be a lot easier for them!!!

@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife 2 жыл бұрын

@@UrbanVanlife what it's all about sharing and learning 👍 Tonight live stream was so funny loved it 🤣

@1981dasimpson 2 жыл бұрын

i think if you had the actuator mounted the the same rail as the hinge then they would push out and up

@ianhadfield65 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the vid. Be aware your address is readable .

@UrbanVanlife Жыл бұрын

Yer mistake in our part but hey what can ya do

@winningae86 2 жыл бұрын

Are your actuators IP rated at the seal ? I used a similar actuator a few years back on an outdoor project and rain got in and that was that 😔

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting info thanks we will have to look at this!

@rogerrabbit6522 2 жыл бұрын

I noticed that you have a snorkel fitted, you you have gas dropout vents or other in the floor and if so why the snorkel?

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

The snorkel goes to the engine for the air supply for the compression buddy . We don’t breath out of the snorkel But now thinking I wonder if we should seal the windows up just Incase any of that gas comes in . But then again gas I heavier than air so I guess common sense tells us we will be ok

@stephenjobe9944 2 жыл бұрын

It would probably be cheaper to consider the top of the van as a shaded area in terms of solar gain, the use of half-cut solar panels & microinverters or power optimisers is a cheeper, lighter & less labour intensive alternative.

@user-fs4fd3gv3r 2 жыл бұрын

Hope the actuators are reliable. If one stops working then it could damage a panel

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

So do we buddy… or Emma will be very miffed and we don’t want that!!!

@b-ranw801 Жыл бұрын

Interesting to find someone whos done exactly what I'm looking to do. Only, I have the crazy idea to do it on my roof of the house. Main things I am concerned with is the constant electrical load on the actuators during the tilt for season long holdings. Is there any advantage from the cost of electricity to hold the panels up compared to the gained advantage of having that tilt? I'm sure if I did the math I could find the answer, but its nice to know the real world implications. Also, thinking about any wind blowing loads onto the panels while they're sticking up in the air. I'm sure the actuators wouldn't hold up over time in these conditions... idk

@UrbanVanlife Жыл бұрын

Good points . The actuates are a screw so they are never under a electrical load . Only when lowering them or putting them up . Other than that you can TOTALY turn off the electric to them and they stay put because if the screw they won’t move . But total nightmare if they were to fail your kind of stuck till you get another one . Hope this helps

@b-ranw801 Жыл бұрын

@@UrbanVanlife That helps, thank you!

@UrbanVanlife Жыл бұрын

That’s great mate . Most think there kind of like a hydrolic kind of thing but there a screw . Which is a bonus cos it makes them a lot stronger

@user-fs4fd3gv3r 2 жыл бұрын

How about 1 actuator per panel so that if one breaksdown then the panels won't be twisted and damaged?

@dougle03 2 жыл бұрын

All good, but drilling your panels voids any warranty you might have on them. Looking good..

@paullawrence8572 2 жыл бұрын

Just wished I had your knowledge Neil! By the way was that the scouse ice-cream man going past.🧠👍

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Paul, did you say ice cream???? Emma’s eyes have just lit up

@paullawrence8572 2 жыл бұрын

@@UrbanVanlife 🤣🤣

@ivecamperbuild_thomas4084 2 жыл бұрын

You should of got the actuator with the motor on the side they are much stronger then the model you have and one in the centre would of lifted the 2 panels up on its own . Mine lift and turn and I have 4 ,120 watts all bolted together and they lift and turn to face the sun

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

The one actuator will easily lift up both Panels . But with the weight of the panels you still have a massive wobble in the wind ( that’s just science ) unless you frame the whole thing . Fitting 3 makes it as strong as a frame but a lot less weight .

@ivecamperbuild_thomas4084 2 жыл бұрын

I have 1 lifting 4 120watt panels which also turn to face the sun which are bolted down while I’m driving I also have a brake on them so when they are being lowered they don’t crash down but I don’t have the actuator fitted the way you have yours I think I have a few photos on my Instagram account if not I will put some up

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Yer but with one in the middle there is nothing stoping a wobble in the wind or a breeze . . Like I said it works great and we wouldn’t change it now

@brendaallen7683 2 жыл бұрын

What is the wattage of your solar panels and can you provide details for purchase?

@UrbanVanlife 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Brenda here’s to the ones we have www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07P925KZD?tag=onamzneilclag-21&linkCode=ssc&creativeASIN=B07P925KZD&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.WQWUV9FLFOSL# Hope this helps