Solar Panels

[whyhuskers]

I am thinking about putting solar panels on the roof of my 17' Hi-Lo. Total weight will be about150-200 lbs. How will that affect the lift hydraulics ?
Thanks

 

[JackandJanet]

It shouldn't be a factor re the lift system at all. As far as I know, the SAME lift system is used for all HiLos, from the smallest 15 ft model to the giant 33 ft ones. Obviously, the larger the top, the more weight it has. Your trailer has close to the smallest top (like mine).

However, the axle and wheels on our HiLos are rated for 3500#. I know my trailer is at close to that with the frexh water tank empty (I've weighed it) so if yours is like mine, you have very little additional cargo load capacity. For this reason, and a couple others, I went with 100 Watt flexible solar panels on mine that weigh about 4 pounds each. I have three of them and they satisfy my electrical needs as long as I'm not camped in heavy shade.

Here's a link to my installation, which started out as two panels, but grew to three. https://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f28/my-new-200-watt-solar-installation-4354/

Another member installed the rigid solar panels and here's a link to his thread: https://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f28/my-400-watt-solar-set-up-7105/ I think his installation is beautiful and he's quite happy with it.

- Jack

 

[tcongdon]

I am thinking about putting solar panels on the roof of my 17' Hi-Lo. Total weight will be about150-200 lbs. How will that affect the lift hydraulics ?
Thanks

I myself was thinking of adding solar to my HiLo. I am planning on using the flat rollup panels that you can use the Eternabond tape on, instead of drilling or screwing holes in the roof. Also these panels do not weight hardly anything.

Travis