Renogy panels

nighthawk87 · 03-25-2018, 12:52 PM

I bolted two of them in my roof using the provided z brackets. I noticed the screws just keep spinning and don’t necessarily tighten down. Granted I used my drill. The panel seems bolted down enough as I put upward force and it seems fine.

Has anyone used different screws? I feel like there should be something that makes it cinch down better. I have a Jayco Jayflight with plywood roof. Not sure how thick. It’s a 2016 Jayflight 26bhs

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wags999 · 03-25-2018, 01:00 PM

Plywood roof is 3/8" typically.

Screwby · 03-25-2018, 01:11 PM

I followed the instructions from a YouTube channel I found on installing panels on RV roofs. I started with a strip of Eternabond tape under each “z bracket”. Then pre drilled the holes for mounting screws much smaller than the screws themselves. I then added a dab of Dicor caulking over the screw holes and then hand tightened the screws until they were snug being careful not to strip them. Once everything is nice and snug you cover the brackets and screw heads in self leveling Dicor to completely water proof the install. Once all that dries you will be golden. I’ve had mine on for about a year and a half now and everything is solid as can be.

Pa1 · 03-25-2018, 08:37 PM

Sounds to me like you stripped the screws in the wood. I would suggest not moving the trailer with the panels in place. You will need larger wood screws. Also hand tighten them. Make sure to cover the new screws and brackets with a sealer such as Dicor.

nighthawk87 · 03-25-2018, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pa1

Sounds to me like you stripped the screws in the wood. I would suggest not moving the trailer with the panels in place. You will need larger wood screws. Also hand tighten them. Make sure to cover the new screws and brackets with a sealer such as Dicor.

Question is, do I used larger screws or just remove these, place some eternabond tape over the holes and then move the panel about 6” and redo it?

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Screwby · 03-25-2018, 08:50 PM

I think just slightly larger screws would be fine, doesn’t take much larger to get the threads grabbing again. Then just follow those steps and you should be golden!

Pa1 · 03-25-2018, 09:10 PM

Make to use wood screws. You should be able to feel some resistance as you screw them in. Make sure to let the scrrw driver/socket do the work. Don't exert to much downward force. The wood is not that strong.

jd99336 · 03-25-2018, 09:21 PM

..................and put your drill away and use the HAND screwdriver. The drill (unless you set the slip clutch really loose) will overpower the threads on these wood screws in ply really easy.

troutslayer · 03-26-2018, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nighthawk87

I bolted two of them in my roof using the provided z brackets. I noticed the screws just keep spinning and don’t necessarily tighten down. Granted I used my drill. The panel seems bolted down enough as I put upward force and it seems fine.

Has anyone used different screws? I feel like there should be something that makes it cinch down better. I have a Jayco Jayflight with plywood roof. Not sure how thick. It’s a 2016 Jayflight 26bhs

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If you look at my pictures you will see that I used products called "brass rivet nuts" (which I believe is what Renogy recommends). These will give you the security you are looking for.

nighthawk87 · 03-26-2018, 12:04 PM

I think I’m going to just unscrew them, peel off the dicor and put eternabond over the holes.

I’m then going to move them about 6” and redo it but hand-tighten them this time.

I remember one of the panels bracket wasn’t flush and didn’t cinch down. I think it’s due to the curvature of the front of the roof. This way I can move it further back too and hopefully get it to lay flat.

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Screwby · 03-26-2018, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nighthawk87

I think I’m going to just unscrew them, peel off the dicor and put eternabond over the holes.

I’m then going to move them about 6” and redo it but hand-tighten them this time.

I remember one of the panels bracket wasn’t flush and didn’t cinch down. I think it’s due to the curvature of the front of the roof. This way I can move it further back too and hopefully get it to lay flat.

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Sounds like a plan, just go slow and easy, take the time to make it good so you have the peace of mind knowing they are 100%. I mounted mine like this, perfect width for the trailer.

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