I love your channel. I love your fortitude and ingenuity. Please consider this an offering and not a critique: this is at best a temporary setup. Based on reviews of Gorilla tape, it does not like long term exposure to moisture. It gradually loses its adhesive qualities. Therefore check it regularly and retape the solar panel down. Otherwise you may find with highway wind speeds that the solar panel rips off and flies off and hits another car or worse, blocks their windshield. This could especially happen during winter when the colder air and moisture loosens the adhesion. Just please be careful. A more permanent solution would be to use some type of bonding agent like Sikaflex. This is what RV manufacturers use to bond components to the roof of vans.
Very good point! We used Gorilla tape to “secure” the poles of a gazebo. After 2 rains the tape was gone and so was the gazebo. Also, I was told that panels on a vehicle were an easy target for thieves.🤷🏽♀️IDK I just pray she stays safe🙏🏽🖤
That looks really neat!!!! Good job, however, maybe you should put some type of shield around the front of the panel. I’m just hoping it doesn’t loosen up and air gets underneath it and blow it off. They look kinda like your water shields around your windows, but these are a shield for your roof top….ijs
Hey Abiyah. I used that same method a few years ago when I put a reflectix panel on my roof to help with the sun. I used gorilla tape as well. It stayed on there for a whole year before showing signs of coming off. So, I think that it will be fine.
I think it looks fine and I see no reason why it shouldn’t work. I wouldn’t worry about the naysayers. If they’re wrong or right, it doesn’t matter because you have to try things within you lifestyle. Again, great job!
Ignore the haters. If this is what works for you, within your budget and skillset, and you know that this might only stay stuck for a year, do it. It's what you're comfortable with it. As long as you go in with eyes open, that it's only a temporary fix? More power to you.
I have two 100 watt flexible solar panels in my truck and I used a 25 roll industrial strength Velcro around the edges of my panels. They do not move at all.
You definitely helped me out. I’m going to be living the van life. The last day in my apartment is April 22. I’ve been thinking about what I wanna do for a refrigerator. I know I need solar and power but I’m probably going to have to wait until May to get that. I had no knowledge about how to install solar but your video just gave me the confidence that I’m gonna get the same brand as you and I’m gonna tape it to my minivan as well. Thank you for sharing.
You did a good job! I would have done the same thing! You have to try new and inexpensive ways to get what you need. Kudos to you for your efforts in getting the job done. You are inspiring me! I will be joining you on the road in December or January !
If it turns out just incase the gorilla duck tape doesnt work get some FLEX SEAL tape. Kinda pricey but, it's fantastic. I love this. Now i now how to put solar on my van.
Excellent idea, Abiyah! You found an inexpensive solution to installing solar on your minivan. Regularly check the tape to make sure the adhesive hasn't degraded. Other than that, good job! 👍
Would you ever consider purchasing a cargo carrier that you fix to the back of your car, so you can store items in it and free up space inside your vehicle?
There will always be someone. Who although they don't live on the road. Will try to tell you how to do something they know nothing about. Gal. It's awsome that you got it done without paying a bunch of money or damaging your van. Well done 👏 you rock. Can't wait till I get my van up and running. Maybe meet up someday. Love your vidios. Following you. And absolutely love the way you shared with us all the different ways you have to deal with such things. Thanks 😊
If on the first sunny day you discover slow charging/low wattage, try either moving the battery closer to where the wire comes into the van(a shorter distance from a to b), or if possible change where the wire goes into the car to decrease the distance from a to b (a=panel, b=power source/battery). I love how cheerful you are.
Look for something to divert rain away from your solar power cord because water can leak down the cords into your van/home, but it looks good be blessed!
Check check check for leaks when you get a decent rain!!! My minivan trunk hatch had a leak from the tiniest indent in my seal from when we tied something to the top with bungee. I was able to push it around and get it back right, but take care to check when it rains that the seal isn’t broken. Along the sides are good, just be careful that the top of the seal stays sealed. It’s likely it will be fine…just wanted to let you know to keep an eye on it. Also…I may try this…give us an update in a month or s of how it’s staying put when driving and if you’ve seen any leaks from the hatch.
Do you store your stool ?you’ll need it to wash panels off regularly, dirty panels will not charge any….pine pollen in Spring won’t just brush off, hose the panel then soap n wash like car 😅,,,you’ll notice the controller lower reading when dirty, keeping panel clean is a regular maintenance item for all panels
I've been thinking I will try to do solar panels this way as well after watching Mini Van Lee did it. Im thinking maybe I'll get a black car now where I wanted a silver. Hmmmmm!🤔🤔
This is great. I'm going to try this too. I have a minivan as well and I had the same issue. I don't have the skill set to do all the fancy solid system.
Awesome setup…minivan Lee has had this setup for Y. E. A. R. S🙄 with no issues, your other panel…I think it’s from Jackery can be used when you don’t want to be in the sun. Love ya💗
Hi Ms. Abiyah: I hope you're doing well, staying safe, and being blessed! I'm doing great! I am a new subscriber to your RUclips Channel!! I love your personality, spirit, and content 🤗🤗!! Ms. Abiyah, you did an excellent job assembling your Solar Panel on the top of your Van. Do not worry about if anyone leaves a negative comment. Be Your True Authentic Self | Do YOU Boo 👍💪🏽🤗💜!! Have a blessed week, my sister in Christ 🙌🏽😇🙏🏽🤗!!
You are an amazing inspiration. I'm doing minivan life, while doing traveling Healthcare in hospitals around the country. Already traveling so why not right? Been watching your vids and I'm just so ready. Thanks for sharing your amazing and Beautiful life. 🎉🎉🎉
I enjoy your content and you have been a blessing to watch and learn from you an your story. I used zip ties and rope to hook my solor panal to the roof of my van truth. Do it the best way for you at the time . Continue to grow and learn but thank you Vanlifesaved my life.people like vanlifes are awesome
good job girl but beware over time the tape takes the paint off your car and in the spots it does it does damage it but just because it happened to me i guess it doesnt mean it will happen to you , also check it every now and then because after its been on their a while the tape breaks down and ya solar panel can blow off while driving
Good job! I would loop the wires all the way down to the bumper cover and loop back up before going inside the van. This will prevent the possibility of water enter into the van when it rains hard.
Hi 👋🏽 Abiyah, you are welcome for the coffee grinder so that you can a fresh ground coffee in the morning with whipped cream and shaved chocolate. I am making a suggestion, I am having a van conversion me and my builder talked about putting the solar on the roof of the van and we decided to keep it stealth and I will just chase the sun. I will be a half timer like Benjamin living his best life. As far as mounting your solar panels with gorilla tape. It will not last in the rain long ,I am saying this from experience. I have the same tape on my outside mirror and I have had to retape it 3x already. It will be comming off when I get the mirror fixed. The weather is not as bad here in California as it is where you are. Good Luck with the solar panels and enjoy fresh ground coffee ☕. Love, blessings and safe travels.
Thanks for sharing the youtuber name on were you got that idea. I look at minivan Lee sometimes as well. I will look at hers too. I hope to get solar this year for my van weekend trips. An easy yet inexpensive way to get it outside my van is just what I'm looking for. Thanks,🙂
Great idea 💡 😁... You should just get a burgundy tape to camouflage the wire part that is on top back of the roof... The black tape kinda stands out...
Sometimes the simple solution is best! I have a solid panel on top, attached to my roof rack with metal zip ties. I've been thinking of sticking a flexible one to my van's hood but got intimidated by all the conflicting info about taping vs. screwing vs. caulking it. Now I'm inspired to just do it. (I do have some insanely strong tape for it and don't care about ruining the paint job.) Thank you!
😅way to go Abiyah it looks wonderful and very slim and trim and certainly unnoticeable keep up the good work I have learned some things about camping and keeping things in order from watching your channels thanks 😊 for your positive attitude about life and mistakes that will happen in van life,I own a 9/10 cargo trailer and my daughter and I turn into a small camper if u ever do a video on showing pictures of your subscribers camper build let me know I would 😊like you to see my camper thank you 🙏 and safe travels
You did a great job ! Oh hey thanks for telling us about winterisblu He has great music doesn't he !! I love watching your videos thank you for sharing your travels so nice to see the places !
New subscriber! :) I'm going to try a version of this with industrial velcro so air can flow under it and tape sections down every foot or so to help secure it from flying away.
Great job Abiyah! You are so determined and I love it!! I can't wait until you are back on the road! Thank you so much for being an inspiration! Be safe👼🏾🙏🏾💕
It's worth a try. I hope it doesn't leak for you. It's something I wondered about myself as I felt I would hate getting that out and set up all the time. Takes some time off your hands. Hope it works out.
I love ur videos.. Have you camped @ Myrtle Beach?? If so can u recommend a camp ground.. I’m currently researching van life for beginners…Thx for videos…
I have a question about the tape. I'm just getting started on this van life and a partimer. My question is, if I use tape for the solar panels, will it ruin the paint on the car? Thanks
I love your channel. I love your fortitude and ingenuity. Please consider this an offering and not a critique: this is at best a temporary setup. Based on reviews of Gorilla tape, it does not like long term exposure to moisture. It gradually loses its adhesive qualities. Therefore check it regularly and retape the solar panel down. Otherwise you may find with highway wind speeds that the solar panel rips off and flies off and hits another car or worse, blocks their windshield. This could especially happen during winter when the colder air and moisture loosens the adhesion. Just please be careful. A more permanent solution would be to use some type of bonding agent like Sikaflex. This is what RV manufacturers use to bond components to the roof of vans.
I hope she takes your suggestion, because I was thinking the samething...Keep checking that tape!😂
Gorilla tape doesn’t even hold up my white sheer curtains INSIDE my van in the summer heat.
Oh my that would be Avery nasty and unfortunate thing
I was thinking she would fine until you mentioned possible harm to other people. Scary thought. But it sounds like she did her research.
Very good point! We used Gorilla tape to “secure” the poles of a gazebo. After 2 rains the tape was gone and so was the gazebo. Also, I was told that panels on a vehicle were an easy target for thieves.🤷🏽♀️IDK I just pray she stays safe🙏🏽🖤
That looks really neat!!!! Good job, however, maybe you should put some type of shield around the front of the panel. I’m just hoping it doesn’t loosen up and air gets underneath it and blow it off. They look kinda like your water shields around your windows, but these are a shield for your roof top….ijs
Wow I love how the cords work inside no pinch marks.
Love tha idea 💡 solar pan looks great to me ❤
Hey Abiyah. I used that same method a few years ago when I put a reflectix panel on my roof to help with the sun. I used gorilla tape as well. It stayed on there for a whole year before showing signs of coming off. So, I think that it will be fine.
Awesome. That’s great news to hear. I’ll just keep an eye on it.
I think Minivan Lee’s did too if I’m not mistaken!! 😝
I think it looks fine and I see no reason why it shouldn’t work. I wouldn’t worry about the naysayers. If they’re wrong or right, it doesn’t matter because you have to try things within you lifestyle. Again, great job!
@@AbiyahBina Where are you now?
@@AbiyahBina Can we meet somewhere for dinner?
Ignore the haters. If this is what works for you, within your budget and skillset, and you know that this might only stay stuck for a year, do it. It's what you're comfortable with it. As long as you go in with eyes open, that it's only a temporary fix? More power to you.
Travel Grandma, Elaine has originally recommended Eternabond.
I have two 100 watt flexible solar panels in my truck and I used a 25 roll industrial strength Velcro around the edges of my panels.
They do not move at all.
You definitely helped me out. I’m going to be living the van life. The last day in my apartment is April 22. I’ve been thinking about what I wanna do for a refrigerator. I know I need solar and power but I’m probably going to have to wait until May to get that. I had no knowledge about how to install solar but your video just gave me the confidence that I’m gonna get the same brand as you and I’m gonna tape it to my minivan as well. Thank you for sharing.
Don’t do it. Her’s blew off on the expressway in one month!
Maybe get a roof box and attach more perm to the roof box? For future.
Yep … Minivan Lee has used this set up for years with no complications … I think it’s brilliant . Good job !
You did a good job! I would have done the same thing! You have to try new and inexpensive ways to get what you need. Kudos to you for your efforts in getting the job done. You are inspiring me! I will be joining you on the road in December or January !
If it turns out just incase the gorilla duck tape doesnt work get some FLEX SEAL tape. Kinda pricey but, it's fantastic. I love this. Now i now how to put solar on my van.
Hello from Florida. Take care and have a Blessed one
Excellent idea, Abiyah! You found an inexpensive solution to installing solar on your minivan. Regularly check the tape to make sure the adhesive hasn't degraded. Other than that, good job! 👍
Would you ever consider purchasing a cargo carrier that you fix to the back of your car, so you can store items in it and free up space inside your vehicle?
That tape should hold because racecar drivers use that all the time for their body work
There will always be someone. Who although they don't live on the road. Will try to tell you how to do something they know nothing about. Gal. It's awsome that you got it done without paying a bunch of money or damaging your van. Well done 👏 you rock. Can't wait till I get my van up and running. Maybe meet up someday. Love your vidios. Following you. And absolutely love the way you shared with us all the different ways you have to deal with such things. Thanks 😊
Gorilla tape is good, but if it starts to peel up, get eternabond tape which last longer.
Good you took seat out good to see if any rust.
If on the first sunny day you discover slow charging/low wattage, try either moving the battery closer to where the wire comes into the van(a shorter distance from a to b), or if possible change where the wire goes into the car to decrease the distance from a to b (a=panel, b=power source/battery). I love how cheerful you are.
Look for something to divert rain away from your solar power cord because water can leak down the cords into your van/home, but it looks good be blessed!
Check check check for leaks when you get a decent rain!!! My minivan trunk hatch had a leak from the tiniest indent in my seal from when we tied something to the top with bungee. I was able to push it around and get it back right, but take care to check when it rains that the seal isn’t broken. Along the sides are good, just be careful that the top of the seal stays sealed. It’s likely it will be fine…just wanted to let you know to keep an eye on it. Also…I may try this…give us an update in a month or s of how it’s staying put when driving and if you’ve seen any leaks from the hatch.
Cheers to you Abiyah! I am hoping and praying for you that your solar setup works for you. Stay safe and blessed!
Do you store your stool ?you’ll need it to wash panels off regularly, dirty panels will not charge any….pine pollen in Spring won’t just brush off, hose the panel then soap n wash like car 😅,,,you’ll notice the controller lower reading when dirty, keeping panel clean is a regular maintenance item for all panels
Definitely a game changer life will be so much easier you don't have to worry about keeping ur food cold in ur fridge
My panels are holding up after being installed 2 years ago. I check them often. I
I've been thinking I will try to do solar panels this way as well after watching Mini Van Lee did it. Im thinking maybe I'll get a black car now where I wanted a silver. Hmmmmm!🤔🤔
This is great. I'm going to try this too. I have a minivan as well and I had the same issue. I don't have the skill set to do all the fancy solid system.
I was thinking about doing this exact thing last night. Even got the same solar panel in my cart as I type this. It’s a sign! Lol
Nice! Thank you for sharing your journey 💞
You do you please don’t worry about the negative Nancy’s or Karen’s. A girl got to do what they got to do. You are the bomb baby.
Yes young lady you did a fine job.. Vary good.. keep ME updated.. 👍🙏🤞🤞👌😂😂
What I enjoy most about your videos is your spirit. Keep smiling and laughing! :)
I am so glad you got that solar panel.
Can't wait for the next video of you using it.
Safe travels.
NJ
Use the sun for your energy it’s free.
Awesome setup…minivan Lee has had this setup for Y. E. A. R. S🙄 with no issues, your other panel…I think it’s from Jackery can be used when you don’t want to be in the sun. Love ya💗
Hi Ms. Abiyah:
I hope you're doing well, staying safe, and being blessed! I'm doing great!
I am a new subscriber to your RUclips Channel!! I love your personality, spirit, and content 🤗🤗!!
Ms. Abiyah, you did an excellent job assembling your Solar Panel on the top of your Van. Do not worry about if anyone leaves a negative comment. Be Your True Authentic Self | Do YOU Boo 👍💪🏽🤗💜!!
Have a blessed week, my sister in Christ 🙌🏽😇🙏🏽🤗!!
❤yes! Great upgrade… we love minivan Lee she has great ideas and is so much fun!
Tape doesn't rust the roof of the van. I had my panel on for over 3 years, and I took it off, but I want it back on.
I wish u lived near me I have so much questions I would love to live that life
You are an amazing inspiration. I'm doing minivan life, while doing traveling Healthcare in hospitals around the country. Already traveling so why not right? Been watching your vids and I'm just so ready. Thanks for sharing your amazing and Beautiful life. 🎉🎉🎉
I enjoy your content and you have been a blessing to watch and learn from you an your story. I used zip ties and rope to hook my solor panal to the roof of my van truth. Do it the best way for you at the time . Continue to grow and learn but thank you Vanlifesaved my life.people like vanlifes are awesome
good job girl but beware over time the tape takes the paint off your car and in the spots it does it does damage it but just because it happened to me i guess it doesnt mean it will happen to you , also check it every now and then because after its been on their a while the tape breaks down and ya solar panel can blow off while driving
Good idea with solar.
YOU DID GREAT !! LOOKS AWESOME !!!
You did a wonderful job.
Good job! I would loop the wires all the way down to the bumper cover and loop back up before going inside the van. This will prevent the possibility of water enter into the van when it rains hard.
*MS. ABIYAH IF YOU CAN TEAR THE TAPE SO EASILY WITH YOUR HANDS, WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THAT IT'LL BE 💪🏽 ENOUGH TO HOLD YOUR SOLAR PANEL* 🤔
Hi 👋🏽 Abiyah, you are welcome for the coffee grinder so that you can a fresh ground coffee in the morning with whipped cream and shaved chocolate. I am making a suggestion, I am having a van conversion me and my builder talked about putting the solar on the roof of the van and we decided to keep it stealth and I will just chase the sun. I will be a half timer like Benjamin living his best life. As far as mounting your solar panels with gorilla tape. It will not last in the rain long ,I am saying this from experience. I have the same tape on my outside mirror and I have had to retape it 3x already. It will be comming off when I get the mirror fixed. The weather is not as bad here in California as it is where you are. Good Luck with the solar panels and enjoy fresh ground coffee ☕. Love, blessings and safe travels.
Thanks for sharing the youtuber name on were you got that idea. I look at minivan Lee sometimes as well. I will look at hers too. I hope to get solar this year for my van weekend trips. An easy yet inexpensive way to get it outside my van is just what I'm looking for. Thanks,🙂
Great idea 💡 😁... You should just get a burgundy tape to camouflage the wire part that is on top back of the roof... The black tape kinda stands out...
That's what I was saying too get a burgundy or dark red ,good job Abiyah
So proud of you. The Duct tape works and it’s neat.
What a blessing you are fantastic job on your No Build Home!!!!
Very nice, I wouldn't even notice the solar panel unless I am up up above. Good job!!
😁This is exciting. I love an easy, efficient solution. Stay safe and TFS. 🧡
Sometimes the simple solution is best! I have a solid panel on top, attached to my roof rack with metal zip ties. I've been thinking of sticking a flexible one to my van's hood but got intimidated by all the conflicting info about taping vs. screwing vs. caulking it. Now I'm inspired to just do it. (I do have some insanely strong tape for it and don't care about ruining the paint job.) Thank you!
My Husband thinks I’m coo coo! I want to trade my 98 Lexus for a minivan. It’s a 98 but SHE is clean and runs perfectly
Woohoo!!!congrats on your new stuff. Looking good 👍 👌
The orange cord may bring the rain into the van.
😅way to go Abiyah it looks wonderful and very slim and trim and certainly unnoticeable keep up the good work I have learned some things about camping and keeping things in order from watching your channels thanks 😊 for your positive attitude about life and mistakes that will happen in van life,I own a 9/10 cargo trailer and my daughter and I turn into a small camper if u ever do a video on showing pictures of your subscribers camper build let me know I would 😊like you to see my camper thank you 🙏 and safe travels
You did a great job ! Oh hey thanks for telling us about winterisblu He has great music doesn't he !! I love watching your videos thank you for sharing your travels so nice to see the places !
Honey, we off grid. Not on road, but duck tape? Gotta have it.😅
Thank you for sharing your no build solar set up!
I'm loving this easy method of solar panel installation! Thanks for sharing!
Looks like great setup. I'd check on tape a few times a day until you're comfortable with the tape holding up for a while. Thanks for sharing. 😊
So far, even after heavy rain, it’s holding up
It looks great! 👍🏽 And it works! 🌸 Works for me; and it’s not mine! Hahaha
Very cool! 😎👍
Woo hoo. SHE did it. 👍
This was a GREAT video. People make solar SO COMPLICATED and you made it easy and showed that it works!
Didn’t work!
Haha,, i love when you say " A little ghetto, but it works!" - story of my life! lmao
It’s ghetto good! Function over form...great work! ❤
Sometimes you do what works for you. Great!!!
Great job Abiyah I love it as I too do not want any holes drilled in my van either ❤️❤️❤️❤️🥰
im so jealous. cant wait to able to pur solar on my van.
Wont that tape take your paint off van? Hope not
Even on a cloudy day I get a little, but if you’re power bank is at 100% it won’t charge.
You are right. Because later I was getting about 30w on a cloudy day. Which is better than nothing.
Love trains had one run near house when I lived in Virginia right about 10:30 every night, loved it!! Also great job with panel
So helpful Abiyah thank you!
You go girl. You’re wonderful.
Thank you for sharing I am setting my van up for camping not full time, yet. Love your way of giving information.
I think that’s a great idea! I never would of thought of that.
Hello Abiyah, I just luv ur progress! Moving forward, keep up the good work! Be Blessed 🙏🏾
Good Setup
HalleluYah!!! So cool!!! How much power on your solor generator.
New subscriber! :) I'm going to try a version of this with industrial velcro so air can flow under it and tape sections down every foot or so to help secure it from flying away.
Great job Abiyah! You are so determined and I love it!! I can't wait until you are back on the road! Thank you so much for being an inspiration! Be safe👼🏾🙏🏾💕
Me too. I just need a little more time here.
@@AbiyahBina I will definitely stay tuned!☺️
Love your FOA sweatshirt 💕💕💕
It looks so good! I've been wanting to put a solar panel on my minivan. Thanks for this vid.
It's worth a try. I hope it doesn't leak for you. It's something I wondered about myself as I felt I would hate getting that out and set up all the time. Takes some time off your hands. Hope it works out.
Looking good. No skill needed just be able to tear tape! That would work for me LOL.
You know what? It is your van, do what you want to it. No one has the right to slam you for anything. This is your life not anyone else's.
I'm so happy for you. God Bless.
Looking very good , be always safe please.🌺👍
I love ur videos.. Have you camped @ Myrtle Beach?? If so can u recommend a camp ground.. I’m currently researching van life for beginners…Thx for videos…
Love your van. Also enjoying my new setpoint with your discount. 💙
I've been watching you since you started. I'm so glad you did this. When I start vanlife, I'm doing this.
Thank you
Great idea! Just hope it doesn't take the paint off when you decide to take the tape off. But overall, I like it and it works. Hoot, hoot!
I have a question about the tape. I'm just getting started on this van life and a partimer. My question is, if I use tape for the solar panels, will it ruin the paint on the car? Thanks
🙋🏽♀️GREAT JOB DARLING 👍🏽👍🏽🫶🏽💯✌🏽
Great job can’t wait to see how well it works