Trowbocop
Member
Hi all, my wife and I just got married & are building up a 2007 FWC Eagle along with our 2003 Tacoma 4x4. This will serve as our home on wheels for our honeymoon as we search for where we want to plant roots with our two dogs.
To be transparent, I knew nothing about vehicles or campers before diving into these, and I'm learning everything as I go thanks to online forums like this. I got the truck bone stock in 2011ish, got the camper almost 2 years ago. We've been all over the western states, and can't wait to full-time it across USA & Canada!
I'm at a point where parts have piled up and I've actually got time for more installs! I've searched the forums and found some very helpful information, but nothing that is specifically what I'm looking for. So I guess I'm asking if anyone can help clear the fog.
First pending big project: Solar Install
I've got two 100w renogy panels & a PWM charge controller. I've installed Yakima tracks on the roof along the frame using existing holes with new screws. I have located the pre-wiring inside the roof. So all that's left is..everything about the install! The tracks are spaced out perfectly to use the z brackets in conjunction with the tracks and the little yakima plates that go in the tracks.
Mounting panels- check. Wiring panels- somewhat unclear, see below.
Here's what my game plan is so far: 2 panels wired parallel with the Renogy Branch Connectors. Then the Branch Connectors plug into the MC4 SAE adapter, which plugs into the SAE plug that will be wired to the existing wires in the roof.
The red/black wires that come from the roof- they begin under the drawer under the stove area. So I'll pull those across to the battery area under the couch on the opposite side of the camper, where I'll plug those into the Charge Controller, then the Charge Controller into the 12v marine deep cycle battery.
Does anybody see any issues with that install? I'm certainly no electrician.
Second pending big project: Gas Shock Roof Assists
I purchased 4 40lb suspa gas shocks to aid in the lifting and lowering of the roof with the additional weight of panels added. I also have the ball joint plates.
Does everyone drill completely through the camper to install the ball joints above the door and out front? Also wondering, then do the upper mounts just screw into the edge of the roof?
Third pending big project: ARB 8' Awning
I'm having a difficult time finding mounting brackets that will attach to the passenger side of the camper. Many that I've been finding are for roof racks. Any recommendations?
Fourth project: Rear Wall Flip Down Steps
I've got four of these collecting dust right now. What screws is everyone using to put these into the frame? Also- easy way to locate frame pieces in the rear wall?
Will update as I make progress. Cheers!
To be transparent, I knew nothing about vehicles or campers before diving into these, and I'm learning everything as I go thanks to online forums like this. I got the truck bone stock in 2011ish, got the camper almost 2 years ago. We've been all over the western states, and can't wait to full-time it across USA & Canada!
I'm at a point where parts have piled up and I've actually got time for more installs! I've searched the forums and found some very helpful information, but nothing that is specifically what I'm looking for. So I guess I'm asking if anyone can help clear the fog.
First pending big project: Solar Install
I've got two 100w renogy panels & a PWM charge controller. I've installed Yakima tracks on the roof along the frame using existing holes with new screws. I have located the pre-wiring inside the roof. So all that's left is..everything about the install! The tracks are spaced out perfectly to use the z brackets in conjunction with the tracks and the little yakima plates that go in the tracks.
Mounting panels- check. Wiring panels- somewhat unclear, see below.
Here's what my game plan is so far: 2 panels wired parallel with the Renogy Branch Connectors. Then the Branch Connectors plug into the MC4 SAE adapter, which plugs into the SAE plug that will be wired to the existing wires in the roof.
The red/black wires that come from the roof- they begin under the drawer under the stove area. So I'll pull those across to the battery area under the couch on the opposite side of the camper, where I'll plug those into the Charge Controller, then the Charge Controller into the 12v marine deep cycle battery.
Does anybody see any issues with that install? I'm certainly no electrician.
Second pending big project: Gas Shock Roof Assists
I purchased 4 40lb suspa gas shocks to aid in the lifting and lowering of the roof with the additional weight of panels added. I also have the ball joint plates.
Does everyone drill completely through the camper to install the ball joints above the door and out front? Also wondering, then do the upper mounts just screw into the edge of the roof?
Third pending big project: ARB 8' Awning
I'm having a difficult time finding mounting brackets that will attach to the passenger side of the camper. Many that I've been finding are for roof racks. Any recommendations?
Fourth project: Rear Wall Flip Down Steps
I've got four of these collecting dust right now. What screws is everyone using to put these into the frame? Also- easy way to locate frame pieces in the rear wall?
Will update as I make progress. Cheers!
