The Wallygator Chronicles

That's what I'm talking about! Very well done! Enjoy your travels!!

 

did you glue those solar panel brackets? If so, what type of adhesive?

 

Never mind, i need to read slower… vhb tape haha

 

Yeah the 3M VHB 4950 tape and then Eternabond tape over that. Is working well so far.

 

im thinking of installing solar on the roof if my fiberglass trailer but not willi g to drill holes for it. The tape seems like a good option but Im scared to death of it letting go on the hwy and hurting someone…

 

EZ! Throw a strap or 2 over before you roll.

 

So I definitely had these same concerns and I also want no holes in my top. After doing it and prepping it correctly, my concerns are more at ease and I just monitor it from time to time. There is guy on Youtube called Hobotech that has had his solar panel attached this way for, I believe, four years now with no issues.

He did not use the 3M primer that 3M recommends for the VHB tape. I did. They use this tape to attach skyscraper windows and it's even been used on space vehicles. It's strong stuff and with the proper prep and eternabond over the top of it, I don't see a failure coming anytime soon. Plus the panel wires on mine are attached and reinforced by eternabond tape. It would take a complete failure of four taped spots on the panel and the wires breaking for the panel to fly off. I think it's more likely the entire roof of the top would fly off before the panel does.

I also used the extra Eternabond tape I had leftover and made a sort of air dam for the front of the panel. I will post a pic when I can (working now). All I can say is it's ultimately up to you, but from my experience the solar panel is going nowhere.

 

awesome man, thanks for the detailed reply
An air dam at the leading edge makes good sense as well, would drastically reduce and lift on the panel.

 

I was fun scrolling and reading through your build, nice work. It has been a while since I checked other builds. Often I get stumped on something and comb through or search for that specific solution to the problem I'm having. I think I'm gonna add refrigerator straps to be mounted like you did to try to make it even more solid.

 

Thanks! It's definitely a work in progress. I recently added L-track to the fridge platform (right in front of the fridge) and no longer use the hooks added at the front passenger seat mounts. This mod helps with quicker removal and it keeps the fridge all the way back improving passenger comfort options a little. The seat mount hooks previously used are much farther forward and that pulled the fridge forward a few inches when cinching it down.

Also I am planning on completely redoing the back of the cab. Have maybe needed to use the rear seat once in two years so I plan on removing the rest of the rear seats. Then come up some sort of platform and rear cab wall board to optimize the space. Also with a goal to lower the fridge to improve access. Can completely get into and out of the fridge now,but with the way this fridge opens, the lid hits the cab roof and you have to hold the lid open while trying to get what you need. It's a minor annoyance but since I'm planning on redoing it may as well try and fix this also. Subsequently I have been combing other builds as well looking for ideas. Love your build and look forward to seeing what else you have planned.

 

Thank you, it is a never ending process as you know. I wish Goose Gear did the seat deletes for our model, both 60/40. It is a lot of effort that we all end up going through for something that does not really need to be uniquely custom. We have to tilt the passenger seat sometimes to get into the freezer side. If I had to do it over I would put the fridge in the back seat again but maybe look for one that was a little smaller.

 

Heres a not so good pic of the pseudo airdam I made using eternabond tape. Hasn't moved in 3000 miles.

 

Ok was finally able to get some work done this weekend. Got the screens sorted out. Used pet screen then used hockey tape on one side around the border of the screen. Then flipped it over and used gorilla glue to fasten the cloth side of the velcro to the screen. Worked out well and I hope it lasts cuz this was not fun.

Front over one side of the sliding window. When that side is open completely, the velcro lines up.



An the sides. Closed the back after putting these in and laid down, almost fell asleep, plenty of airflow.

 

After an almost nap, started on the lighting. Bought a white Baja Designs dome light and already had the green one from the previous setup. These little lights are nice and they should be for the price. They put out plenty of light for this application. Very happy.

Used the white for the interior and the green for the back yard.


In the pic above you can also see the overhang storage net I picked up off Amazon....never drink out of the blue nalgene!

 

Sort of night shots of the brightness of these great little lights.

 

Then decided I needed better access to the 12V plugs so whipped up this little bracket to mount it to. Previously this was on the side of the battery box. Didn't stain it or anything, I'm tired!

 

Never posted a night shot of the Lux Lighting under hood lights. They work well.




Oil change complete. Not a drop of oil spilled with the motiv filter drain and ValvoMax oil drain system. 24,936 miles.

 

I'm really liking those Lux's. Pretty bright!

 

Yeah and easy to install since they are magnetic

 

What kind of stain are you using?
Im liking the linseed oil myself, smells something fierce but it goes away after a few months.

 

It's a Behr product. Don't know the exact one cuz it's a friend of mines stain that he used on his deck. The stuff sure smells and I hope the off gassing ends soon. Been leaving the back open 24/7 when it isn't raining to facilitate this. Sick of the smell

 

Mounted an indoor/outdoor temp gauge by accurite in the topper.

 

How do you pull up the tailgate once you are inside the truck bed?

 

I cut off the end of an old ratchet strap and used a couple washers with a bolt on the tailgate. Works great.

 

Awesome...
I think I have an old dog leash I could use in the same manner.

Asking bc I have a SuperPacific (GFC type topper) ordered and I'm planning out my build.

 

Cool! Can't wait see your build

 

Washed it and put another coat of bugslide on it just in time for the rain.



An finally got the awning mounts bolted up. Should have never tried to 3M tape those mounts. The tape is not good for vertically mounting things that have weight to them. However, no regrets using it on the solar panel as it is solid up on the top. So happy to be able to use the awning again.

 

Also added a Buc-ee's patch. If you have never been to a Buc-ee's, you are not American.. First time I have ever been. What a fiasco.
124 gas pumps and a lot of people. If I didn't have the ZE/ZIR virus before Buc-ee's, I certainly did after. Pretty much a daily super spreader event. Had fun

 

Been trying to figure out some camp lights to put on my rack. Any thoughts on this? Maybe red or Amber to keep a low profile while camping. I thought about red rock lights but after second thought figured they’d be way too bright. Came across these and they look sweet but at $50 a pop, not sure I can stomach it.
https://www.nationalluna.com/product/1812-led-dual-colour-touch-light-whiteyellow/

 

Wow those seem kind of expensive for what they are but you wouldn't need that many. Maybe just one. I have thought about this a lot. Was looking into adding something I could just switch on from inside the canopy if needed.
But have so far, knock on wood, not needed it.
Now that I have the awning back, it has a built in dimmable LED strip that plugs into a cig lighter. With that and the green baja designs light I put on the cap, I won't need much else.
These BD lights are more money but are bullet proof and come in many colors. They are low profile and provide a lot of light for how small they are. Could be a solution for you.