Solar Panel(s) on Bed Bars/Bed Rack

I’m getting some higher lift bed bars. Instead of a rtt I’d like to put a solar panel on top perhaps 5’X3’ or so. Also a battery in the bed of the truck.

https://m.ebay.com/itm/1-200-Watt-1...413.m4084.l1311.R4.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xsola.TRS0

Anyone running a solar setup? If so, please post pics and info, greatly appreciated.

(I know there’s a few post on this buried in other threads, just wanted to start a new discussion)

 

I just use a flexible panel and toss it up on the roof when I'm parked or at camp.
I can send photos later.

not having the panel permanently attached is nice, because the sun moves and so does your truck. It's nice being able to aim it directly at the sun.
a solar panel aimed straight up at the sky is not very efficient unless it's high noon. I can go from getting as little as 2 amps out of my 12v 100 watt solar panel when it's flat on the racks to getting 6amps when it's actually angled to face the sun.

The panel can also be tied to the rack easily if I want to just forget it up there.

I have my dual battery setup under the hood, but I've considered switching over to all lithium batters (6 total) and getting more solar wattage so I can charge my Alta (electric MX bike) at the trails. But when I priced it out it ended up being around $6000 in batteries. Waiting for the price to fall.

I would keep the batteries under the hood unless you need a really robust bank of them.

I run a fridge/freezer, compressors, lights, a chilipad (cooling blanket for tent), a fan, and other stuff off of my dual battery setup with zero problems.

 

Only photo I currently have on this computer.

 

Very cool setup right there.

 

Thanks for all the info to everyone.

Looks like they’re portable, too which may be easier than trying to mount it permanently.

Actually, the more mobile the better, you can just leave the solar setup at camp charging a portable battery while you’re out wheeling

 

My RV /mobile setup; 100w, controller is in the pelicase, meters on the side.

 

that's cool - all in one set up!

where did you get it?

 

The solar kit is from Costco, ebay 12v meters, I put together the rest.
I wanted something that would work mainly for the RV - but could be hooked up with gator clips to a truck batt.