super04duty
Observer
So, I finally got a ladder rack for my truck. It fits over the camper shell and extends to the cab roof lights on my CCLB F350. Though I will probably cut it down a couple of inches, as i don't see my roof lights lasting very long. Its VERY close to them, and with a truck this long, Im sure it'll flex enough to break them off road.
This rack has expanded steel welded onto it over the cabover portion, and I am interested in permanently mounting solar panels to it. I just really have no idea where to start looking. I like to buy things as local as possible (I am in the LA area). Ive got zero experience with solar, but i feel this should be doable. I also have no idea how to install a charge controller in the truck. Its a diesel, so it has factory dual batteries. I am not interested in installing a 3rd battery at all. I feel with solar panels set up like this, I can get by just fine with the stock two. I don't plan on really carrying any loads on this rack. As my intentions are to instal solar panels, and lights and antennas on it. I would like to maybe use some marine plywood and mount it over the camper shell. Between that and the solar panels, the truck would basically always be "parked in the shade".. and I can use the plywood area to carry items, or to set up chairs, or even do some prone shooting from.
Has anyone installed panels on a rack like this? And has anyone installed a charge controller for solar into a ford diesel with dual batteries? How did they hook them up?
This rack has expanded steel welded onto it over the cabover portion, and I am interested in permanently mounting solar panels to it. I just really have no idea where to start looking. I like to buy things as local as possible (I am in the LA area). Ive got zero experience with solar, but i feel this should be doable. I also have no idea how to install a charge controller in the truck. Its a diesel, so it has factory dual batteries. I am not interested in installing a 3rd battery at all. I feel with solar panels set up like this, I can get by just fine with the stock two. I don't plan on really carrying any loads on this rack. As my intentions are to instal solar panels, and lights and antennas on it. I would like to maybe use some marine plywood and mount it over the camper shell. Between that and the solar panels, the truck would basically always be "parked in the shade".. and I can use the plywood area to carry items, or to set up chairs, or even do some prone shooting from.
Has anyone installed panels on a rack like this? And has anyone installed a charge controller for solar into a ford diesel with dual batteries? How did they hook them up?

