Solar issue on small RV (balcony, places, visit, Phoenix)

[fluffythewondercat]

We have had a chronic problem with something on the roof of our van making loud thumping noises at freeway speeds. The problem persists even after our normally dependable RV shop said they fixed it on our last visit.

I have also noticed this week in sunny Phoenix the solar panels aren't charging the coach batteries. Grrr. I hate wasting perfectly good sun.

On my way here I managed to get a fourth floor balcony room and finally, a birds-eye view of the van roof:




I believe the cable (lower arrow) near the fan vent is to blame for the fwapping sound. I also think this is a connecting cable for the panels, as well as the one that runs past the air conditioner (upper arrow).

Does that seem reasonable, given the symptoms?

It looks like the panels are pretty well attached. Where would the connection point for a cable be?

Any help appreciated. Thanks.

[Hemlock140]

Yes, those cables would vibrate and make noise at freeway speed, and should be secured. I would suggest Velcro, adhesive backed. Place the hook under the cables stuck to the roof, and loop over the cables to hold firm. Probably 1-3 places in each place to keep the wires from moving. You could just use duct tape but it would have to be replaced every couple of years.

[StealthRabbit]

Very quick fix to find out! (Duct tape)

I would tend to secure the cables OFF the roof until the connection point (Likely near your invertor)