roof "oil canning"

[penner]

Meant to ask this a while back. I have a 160 W panel ( approx 26 x 55) mounted directly to the full length tracks on my Ocelot. I notice a fair bit of "oil canning" in the roof at times, especially when meeting large trucks. Probably a normal thing , but I was thinking of installing a sill gasket or heavy duty weather stripping to seal off the front and sides of the panel . Has anyone done anything to stop or reduce this ??

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

That surprises me, I think it’s the first instance of ATC oil canning I’ve heard of. I’d make a direct call to Marty, I think he would want to know.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Steve has ATC gone to the same one piece roof material as FWC?

I wouldn't think our older style roof material could/would do that.

Frank

 

[ski3pin]

Steve has ATC gone to the same one piece roof material as FWC?

I wouldn't think our older style roof material could/would do that.

Frank

Frank, ATC still uses the one piece ribbed style roof they've always used. I expect the issue is due to the long solar panel mounted that moves with wind and air turbulence.

A call to Marty would be beneficial as he could offer suggestions.

This is a different issue than the "oil canning" reported on another manufacturer's campers.

 

[penner]

Your probably right Ski. I guess I just didn't know how to describe it. Was just talking to Jeff and he said as long as MY mounts are solid to the track its no problem. The panel has been on this way for 3-4 yrs now so I'm probably just starting to worry more in my old age !! Do any of you Guys have this with your panels?

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Your probably right Ski. I guess I just didn't know how to describe it. Was just talking to Jeff and he said as long as MY mounts are solid to the track its no problem. The panel has been on this way for 3-4 yrs now so I'm probably just starting to worry more in my old age !! Do any of you Guys have this with your panels?

I’m confused, I guess I don’t know what is actually going on. Is wind under the solar panel causing the roof to lift or make noise?

The oil canning I had on my Grandby was the noise that an old fashioned oil can would make as you pressed on the bottom. It would do it when we were trying to sleep if there was a moderate wind.

 

[penner]

W.S. It never does it when not moving , no matter how windy and it only does it occasionally when meeting a transport or with certain crosswinds. Must be the wind getting under the panel. I'm sure there are lots of solar panels mounted directly to the tracks like mine is. Probably overthinking the whole thing. I'll just drive on.

 

[ski3pin]

Your probably right Ski. I guess I just didn't know how to describe it. Was just talking to Jeff and he said as long as MY mounts are solid to the track its no problem. The panel has been on this way for 3-4 yrs now so I'm probably just starting to worry more in my old age !! Do any of you Guys have this with your panels?

penner, I have not experienced this noise. I have two small 100W panels mounted directly to the roof. I once watched the solar panels on another person's camper - I was driving our truck so could not look at ours - and witnessed how much an elevated panel can move in turbulent winds, especially up and down. It convinced me panels need to be mounted securely. I expect your long panel is moving up and down and making the noise you describe. If its been solid on the roof for 3 to 4 years, you are probably fine. I inspect my mounts each time I get up on a ladder to clean the panels.

 

[penner]

Ski. Would you happen to have a pic of your panels? Were leaving in 2 days but maybe I will make a change when we get back in September . Thanks.

 

[ski3pin]

Ski. Would you happen to have a pic of your panels? Were leaving in 2 days but maybe I will make a change when we get back in September . Thanks.

Happy to, but it will be tomorrow morning.

 

[pvstoy]

Just to give you a idea. I have three 160 watt Overland Solar panels on my flatbed hawk. They are on a custom aluminum frame.

The leading edge I added a air dam made out of poly material to prevent air from going under the panels and causing oscillation while driving.

Picture attached.
.

 

[penner]

Thanks for the replies Guys. Probably put 25,000 miles on the way it is so hoping it will be fine for the next few months. Over and out till sept.

 

[ski3pin]

Happy to, but it will be tomorrow morning.

penner, crazy days here. I'm sorry about not following through. Safe travels and have fun!

 

[SkyP]

ATC still uses the one piece ribbed style roof they've always used.

Hmmm- my 2018 Panther has a seam down the middle, pretty much the same as the 99 Grandby I sold.

 

[ski3pin]

The roof sheet is manufactured from two pieces. The center seam is pressed together at the factory and is permanently sealed. The more rigid one piece roof sheet is then shipped to the camper builder flat.