I gotta say, these Lazy Dazes are caulked and butyled to the max. I just removed the satellite and batwing mounts. Those babies were AFFIXED. Before the LD we've had several Foretravels. I always thought that the Foretravels were caulked really well. Now, I know that the Foretravel builders don't hold a candle to the Lazy Daze boys! Check this out. It took me two hours to get this thing to release. There is no way it could have leaked - ever! ;D
jor
Yes, LD certainly likes to seal things well! Curious as to why you removed the satellite dish?
Curious as to why you removed the satellite dish?
I don't have any use for it. I just replaced the factory TV with a ROKU as we just stream and watch an occasional dvd. Also, easier to get around the roof and will give me some room for panels down the road.
jor
I don't have any use for it. I just replaced the factory TV with a ROKU as we just stream and watch an occasional dvd. Also, easier to get around the roof and will give me some room for panels down the road.
jor
Thanks, I thought about removing my satellite dish as well since I'll never use it but haven't been brave enough to do it. :-[ I do use the TV antenna though. If I ever do a solar upgrade, that would be a good time to remove it.
"If I ever do a solar upgrade, that would be a good time to remove it."
Right. That's what I did on my 2003 midbath, in order to have room for six solar panels. I don't watch TV, so the dish was of no use to me.
"If I ever do a solar upgrade, that would be a good time to remove it."
Right. That's what I did on my 2003 midbath, in order to have room for six solar panels. I don't watch TV, so the dish was of no use to me.
Exactly why I don’t have the antenna anymore, to get a 5th panel up top.
A question for those that have five, six, or more panels on the roof . . . Is it difficult to walk around up there if you have to perform maintenance, etc.? I’m always afraid I’m going to step on something I shouldn’t step on as it is!
Greg,
Roof caulking is an important consideration when adding or removing roof seals and equipment.
All my panels are offset from the roof edges by an inch or so. This will be advantageous when it comes time to reseal the roof. LD certainly uses plenty of sealant leaving a work space can help achieve removal or repair.
Maneuvering around the roof is also an important consideration. When I had AMSolar upgrade my system, I intentionally left empty roof space.
The front right corner was left empty to allow me to clean the nose of the rig as well as the 115 watt panel on the front left side.
The rear right corner was left empty to facilitate climbing to the rooftop with cleaning supplies.
To the right of the AC I placed a 90 watt panel. This allowed me to place the panel toward the edge without covering the roof seal. The space between the AC and the panel allows me to walk between the two units allowing access to the forward roof and panels.
The space immediately in front of the above mentioned 90 watt panel is empty to allow for cleaning panels on the center and left side of the roof as well as cleaning and maintenance of all other appliances amidship.
The space immediately left of the rear Fantastic Fan vent allows for access to the two 190 watt panels on the rear left next to the AC.
The tools I use are common- A garden hose with adjustable spray nozzle, a bucket for soapy water, a long handled scrub brush capable of cleaning underneath the panels as well as cleaning items for the roof itself.
All in all the whole cleaning process can take less than 30 minutes. Not a difficult process at all. Access to everything was planned out and has worked out quite well.
Hope this helps,
Kent
That is one sweet layout, Kent. I'm saving that photo ffr. Thanks.
jor
FWIW, adding more panels on the roof may make deployment and removal of an RV cover more challenging, for those who use one. My ex-rig has two panels and it’s already like playing “Twister” up there.
That is one sweet layout, Kent. I'm saving that photo ffr. Thanks.
jor
Jor, your layout will be different as Kent has a RB model.
My single panel looks lonely! 😩
Jor, your layout will be different as Kent has a RB model.
Oh, of course! I gotta get my mind right on the in and outs of the Lazy Daze! Thanks.
jor
My single panel looks lonely! 😩
At least your bank account has friends still.
Kent, can you tilt your panels? I have the original 100 W fixed, plus 2 180W & 1 100 W tilting from Quality Solar. I found it helps cleaning to tilt them a bit first. Amazing how much 'carp' can crawl under those panels. With only 4 panels on a 31ft, I have good room to move about.
Joel
Joel,
Yes I can tilt all the panels. I purchased the legs etc. to do it for catching the sun when needed.
For cleaning under the panels, I get great results using the long brush and the hose. Tilting the panels is just too much work for this old man.
Kent
Kent, do you have a photo or link on the brush you use under the panels? I have not yet cleaned under mine.
I use a Hose and refrigerator coil brush or this.
Amazon.com: Vanitek Dryer Vent Cleaner Lint Brush, Long Flexible Refrigerator... (https://www.amazon.com/Vanitek-26-Inch-Flexible-Refrigerator-Condenser/dp/B0778RFGQ2/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=refrigerator+coil+brush&qid=1655123952&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A1IAGFXK3ICQ72&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExQTYyRzQyTDVXRTVQJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTM0OTI0M0VKQUZFM0oxMElBSSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjI3ODA1OElGS084UVhYMzRVJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==)
Greg,
There are several “Dryer Lint Brushes” available on Amazon. Home supply stores may have similar products. Amazon.com: Vanitek Dryer Vent Cleaner Lint Brush, Long Flexible Refrigerator... (https://a.co/d/0mqiTGi)
Some have more flexibility and a bit more reach.
Kent
Completely agree, I recently replaced our 2004MB city water inlet, the body cavity behind the inlet plate was completely filled with caulking! Also took me more than an hour to remove the inlet and reset the check valve. I have to say most of the caulking was wasted as those stand along caulking in the cavity did not do any good, but just fill the space.