Where are my panels?

[Abbert55]

Someone recently told me that BOON-DOCKING was not the correct terminology for off-grid camping. We live in rural Western Arizona where that type of camping is prevalent and 98% of our outings.
I was told that the correct name is DRY CAMPING. That person also asked me why I didn’t have my solar panels on the roof of my 5th wheel.
Well, as I explained to them, it is a decision that is based on several different reasons.
#1. I like to park my RV under a tree or it’s shadow for shade and cooler temps. I can’t charge my batteries there. Solar doesn’t work well in shade. So, with an extension cord of proper gauge, I can move my panels into the bright sunshine.
#2. Solar panels don’t produce as much power when they are flat on a roof. Take a look at a solar field. Those panels all rotate to capture the most direct sunlight for maximum power. I use legs to tilt my panels for best rate of output.
#3. At 70 y.o., I don’t enjoy climbing up on the roof to clean them where it can be slippery at times and very windy. There are two fall risks I want to avoid.
#4. My unit is older and doesn’t have a solar ready inlet. I am not comfortable putting a hole in the roof if it didn’t have one from the factory. Then there are all the holes for the panel brackets, many more places for potential leaks. Yes, it can be done with some work as others have done with good success.
#5. It is difficult to inspect the roof membrane when it is full of panels. If the roof needs repair, guess what? Yup the panels have to be removed before repairs can be made.
#6. Aren’t you worried about someone stealing them? Not been a problem in all the years we’ve done it this way. You can chain them to something solid nearby. Sometimes I chain them to the TV.
The two panels are 540W ea. and weigh about 35# ea. They stow very easily on brackets suspended from the floor overhead in the pass thru. Easy to set up and easy to stow.
I hope this is reason enough to answer the question of why I keep my panels off the roof.

 

[BB_TX]

Sounds reasonable to me. Print out several copies and the next time someone asks, just hand him a copy and go about your business.

 

[DutchmenSport]

I have always said, "There is no right or wrong way to do camping. We all just do it "different." With that said (again), you are perfectly OK using your solar panels in the way you described.

Please do not let anyone "guilt" you into think your method is not the best or the correct method. Your method works for YOU and that all that really matters. Your friends have a different approach that works for them, and that's ok. But, don't let your friends bully you into thinking your way is wrong or should be handled differently. It works for YOU and (again said), that's all that matters. It's your camper, your camping experience, your life, and your safety! NOT THEIRS. All of the items you listed are 100% valid for not having permanently installed panels on the roof. Keep doing what you have been doing and enjoy your camping experience.

About those words, "boondocking" and "dry camping". It seems every time those terms come up a debate starts and seems to always end ... unended!

Here are a couple internet articles describing the terminology. Right, wrong, or indifferent, it's you call what you end up labeling your style of camping. Don't be bullied by someone else's terminology either. No matter what label someone puts on your style of camping, it really does not matter anyway. It's not the label thats important, its actually DOING it thats important!

Here's the links:

What is boondocking (and what it isn't)

What does boondocking mean? - an article from the Boondocker's Bible (By the way, this is a pretty informative site for boondockers).

 

[Abbert55]

Thanks for the encouragement. I didn't think they were trying to point out wrong or right as much as maybe just being curious. I had posted this in case anyone else had been considering adding solar to their pre solar ready rig. The points I made might give them some food for thought before they pull the trigger on a roof system. But, as you say, each to his own.
BTW, thanks for the links to the articles!

 

[Gonefishing1]

It’s all about what works best for you. As we get older we have to change how we do things. I’m at the age and health reason I can’t climb ladders anymore. So life changes had to be made. I now have to pay someone to clean and seal my roof. It is what it is. Enjoy life and we go on.