I've used a number of folding panels over the yrs. Two yrs ago I purchased the iTech World blanket and I rate it. Mine gets a lot of use being a prospector and I recommend them highly.
I would be still using the solar on the roof. Less to cart,pack up and its not taking up room in your car. I've got a blanket and it's never been used plus 2 other solar panels that old and I used them a few times. But I have a bonnet solar panel on my fj cruiser and I've just fitted a solar panel on my rooftop tent and it's great nothing to set up nor pack up it's there all the time
Have used both itech world and kings solar blankets and both are really good. Obviously kings is cheaper but have been using mine beach and bush camping for about 5 years and no issue with it
The only Kings stuff I have used that I like is actually their solar panels and blankets. They're are ok for the price, unlike much of their other stuff.
If you are only using the solar to charge while at camp why not mount it under the rack? A lockable drawer slide system which you pull out at camp and then slide back in when you are on the road again.
Great vid mate. Just one note though. The lift pump for the diesel heater should not be installed horizontally, it would be ideally vertical or at a worst a 45 degree angle. The pump is lubricated by the diesel and over time in the horizontal orientation it will collect air and cause early failure due to air, cavitation and friction. It will also get noisier with time due to the same issue. 😊
@Haveacrack76 I've used it to charge a flat battery while waiting for NRMA/ RACQ in N.S.W. while doing our first road trip. After waiting for them for an hour and a couple of people trying to jump-start us, I connected the blanket, and in a bout an hour, she started. I just had to remember to turn the lights off when we were stopping in town. Mine's a little heavy as the panels are glass but never had an issue.
What ever solar panel array you use, Make sure the VOC does not exceed your solar chargers limit. Or just wont work. For example My DCDC/solar charger is a Kickass brand with a max voc of 24 or 25 Volts. I bought a Kings solar panel blanket that stated 24V VOC but it was actually 30V VOC. Had to take it back. Now I use a Kick ass solar blanket and all good. In saying that I also have a solid Kings 110W solar panel on the roof like you have and it works fine. It's VOC is 24V. But I did fit it with Tek screws so thanks for the heads up, I will get onto it and fix it sooner than later.
We have the HardKorr 200W folding panel as well which works pretty well. The panels are generally bulkier than a blanket though so you need a good location to store it in the car.
Keep an eye on them when you fire it up. It only takes a few minutes and they melt at the back where the tube plugs in. I would be interested to know if yours are OK.
That's an awesome horse box, the 4x4 is setting up great, at least you know now what the problem was, great video buddy 🏴
Hey thanks mate.
I've used a number of folding panels over the yrs. Two yrs ago I purchased the iTech World blanket and I rate it. Mine gets a lot of use being a prospector and I recommend them highly.
Thanks mate. I will check them out.
I would be still using the solar on the roof.
Less to cart,pack up and its not taking up room in your car.
I've got a blanket and it's never been used plus 2 other solar panels that old and I used them a few times.
But I have a bonnet solar panel on my fj cruiser and I've just fitted a solar panel on my rooftop tent and it's great nothing to set up nor pack up it's there all the time
The option is still there. I will likely end up with both options
Have used both itech world and kings solar blankets and both are really good. Obviously kings is cheaper but have been using mine beach and bush camping for about 5 years and no issue with it
Very good, thank you
The only Kings stuff I have used that I like is actually their solar panels and blankets. They're are ok for the price, unlike much of their other stuff.
Ive heard the same mate. Thank you
If you are only using the solar to charge while at camp why not mount it under the rack?
A lockable drawer slide system which you pull out at camp and then slide back in when you are on the road again.
It wont fit under my roof rack. I have it nice and low and there are lights that are in the way for that. Good idead though.
@@Haveacrack76 then maybe a bonnet mounted solar panel, Lensunsolar do some custom ones.
Great vid mate. Just one note though.
The lift pump for the diesel heater should not be installed horizontally, it would be ideally vertical or at a worst a 45 degree angle.
The pump is lubricated by the diesel and over time in the horizontal orientation it will collect air and cause early failure due to air, cavitation and friction. It will also get noisier with time due to the same issue.
😊
Wow, didnt know that! Im going to have to look at that again. Thanks mate
@@Haveacrack76 check out @johnmck1147 I think episode 11 might be the one.
I've used a Projecta portable panel with 6 in a line with a built-in regulator for years, and it works real well.
Well there you go. I didnt know Projecta actually made panels. Ill check them out. Thanks mate
@Haveacrack76 I've used it to charge a flat battery while waiting for NRMA/ RACQ in N.S.W. while doing our first road trip. After waiting for them for an hour and a couple of people trying to jump-start us, I connected the blanket, and in a bout an hour, she started. I just had to remember to turn the lights off when we were stopping in town. Mine's a little heavy as the panels are glass but never had an issue.
What ever solar panel array you use, Make sure the VOC does not exceed your solar chargers limit. Or just wont work. For example My DCDC/solar charger is a Kickass brand with a max voc of 24 or 25 Volts. I bought a Kings solar panel blanket that stated 24V VOC but it was actually 30V VOC. Had to take it back. Now I use a Kick ass solar blanket and all good. In saying that I also have a solid Kings 110W solar panel on the roof like you have and it works fine. It's VOC is 24V. But I did fit it with Tek screws so thanks for the heads up, I will get onto it and fix it sooner than later.
Good point mate. Very good point. Thanks for that
Kings panels I have used failed after 12 month,currently have korr blanket,companion folding panel & Drifta Stockton blanket and they are all great
Thats interesting, Kings seem to be hit and miss.
Under your horse float I think you said it was a pump. Might be a good idea to protect it from stones off the wheels when being towed.
Hmm, thats a good point. Ill do something about that. Thanks mate
I have the HardKorr folding solar panels and they have a good output for their size 👍
A few people have said Hardkorr. Thanks mate. I will be checking them out.
@@Haveacrack76
I got their triple panel 150w version, but I'm not sure they do that size now. I think they only do the quad panel 200w.
The solar panel is not a problem until it comes off. Held my small panel on with cables ties. Checked one day and the panel was just about to fly.
HAHA Im in good company then!
We have the HardKorr 200W folding panel as well which works pretty well. The panels are generally bulkier than a blanket though so you need a good location to store it in the car.
Thats a really good point. Thanks mate
What outlet vents did you use on the diesel heater? I haven't found any yet that don't distort from the heat.
Just the ones that came with it mate. Havent had an issue yet. Mind you, I havent used it full on in winter yet.
Keep an eye on them when you fire it up. It only takes a few minutes and they melt at the back where the tube plugs in. I would be interested to know if yours are OK.
Will do mate@@hugglepot
Kickass have some good solar panels
Nice, thanks mate, I will add them to the list.
Have used Kickass, Kings and I-Tech panels all been ok.
Awesome, thanks mate
You won’t have any problems with a kings solar panel, but don’t bother with their solar power converters. Stick with redarc
Oh I wouldnt ever use a MPPT from Kings. Too many bad stories. Good to know about the panels though.
well...its moving and it shouldnt....tape
Exactly
Send me an email on your solar regulator specs and what size portable solar panel you're considering, and we'll work out some options.
Done mate
itechworld
Thanks mate
10:40 Gay gear? 😅
Hahaha don’t know how I missed that in the editing!