I Drilled a Hole in the Roof

[A.Smith]

Time to put a hole in the roof of my Hawk for solar wiring.
It is not pre wired, so I am running new wires.
I have a Renogy cover to be mounted to the roof.
I don't want to pull the ceiling, but understand it is best to keep wiring out of the elements.

So my question is, Where best to punch, drill the hole in the roof ?

There are times logic does not apply, therefore, Help !

Thanks
Fred
A.Smith

 

[BBZ]

Depends where you are putting the solar panel I suppose..

In my old one, I placed it near the front so that I could run the wires to the battery and controller with as short of a length as possible.. I drill in front corner and used a solar wiring gland to cover the hole.. I carefully drilled through the roof and headliner and while I was nervous, it was a very easy project. Just drill slow...

Good luck!

 

[A.Smith]

Depends where you are putting the solar panel I suppose..

In my old one, I placed it near the front so that I could run the wires to the battery and controller with as short of a length as possible.. I drill in front corner and used a solar wiring gland to cover the hole.. I carefully drilled through the roof and headliner and while I was nervous, it was a very easy project. Just drill slow...

Good luck!

Go slow, so true. Thanks

 

[Vic Harder]

If your camper has fibreglass batting in the ceiling, be aware that the drill may try to wrap/pull it out. I also made my hole as far forward as possible so that the wiring running up behind the front push panel hides most of it.

 

[A.Smith]

Holes are in the roof ! Hurray !

i will add pictures when I figure how to post them.

I followed Vic’s advice from 15 September, 2020 that was a response to Adding Solar to 2002 FWC Hawk post. It took me a while to find the post.

Renogy cover on the roof.
3m4200 and #8 stainless sheet metal screws securing the cover.

In addition;
3/4” PVC couplings covering the outlets from the Renogy cover. Then 3/4” PVC containing the wires to connectors underneath the solar panel.
The PVC will be secured with stainless steel automotive zip ties to the aluminum frame securing the solar panel.
that way all the wiring will be out of the elements.

My thanks to the members of this forum for all the help on this project of adding solar, a lithium battery and dc to dc charger.
Rando ,Vic, 323 ckent Craig and discobell Dan, very active life Dean, and countless others.

Thank You
Fred
A.Smith

 

[ckent323]

recommend making the hole large enough to accomodate a rubber grommet along with the wires. The grommet will minimize the risk of the sharp edges of the hole in the Aluminum roof cutting into the wires.


Alternatively you could wrap the wires with heavy tape or soething. I used a grommet.

 

[RC Pilot Jim]

I would also check with the factory in Woodland to get their advice.

www.stan@fourwh.com

 

[Jon R]

Stainless steel screws in aluminum can cause corrosion of the aluminum. If you were not aware of this, do an internet search to read about the corrosion mechanism and possible solutions.

 

[A.Smith]

Stainless steel screws in aluminum can cause corrosion of the aluminum. If you were not aware of this, do an internet search to read about the corrosion mechanism and possible solutions.

Gracious, oh my.. I will alter future use of stainless to the aluminum roof. Thanks

 

[pvstoy]

Stainless steel screws in aluminum can cause corrosion of the aluminum. If you were not aware of this, do an internet search to read about the corrosion mechanism and possible solutions.

A slather of wheel bearing grease can help the two metals being together to play well.