Starfire 2006 - how much weight will the roof take? (1 Viewer)

[stevec]

I'm fitting a solar panel shortly and need to know if I can put any weight (me - 65kgs) on the roof so I can clean up the Sikaflex from the panel mounting plates. It would also help with cleaning the roof. I just can't seem to reach the middle bit from a ladder. I have no idea how thick the roof is or how it is constructed. It does seem to have a non slip finish to it as if it was designed for someone to stand on. Tha tmay of course be a false assumtion.

 

[Chris]

I'm fitting a solar panel shortly and need to know if I can put any weight (me - 65kgs) on the roof so I can clean up the Sikaflex from the panel mounting plates. It would also help with cleaning the roof. I just can't seem to reach the middle bit from a ladder. I have no idea how thick the roof is or how it is constructed. It does seem to have a non slip finish to it as if it was designed for someone to stand on. Tha tmay of course be a false assumtion.

65kg's?

I salute you. I was 60kg when I was 13.

I am sure the roof will take 2 or 3 of you.

 

[Techno]

If this is a pre Swift starfire EDIT (of course it is) it will be GRP outer skin with 5mm ply underneath which then sandwiches polystyrene between that and the papered ply ceiling.
Your weight isn't an issue.

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[stevec]

So looks like it's ok to put my weight on it. I'll spread some duck boards around though just in case.

An interesting picture Techno. How did you cut the hole without chopping through the wires. Some sort of magic trick?

 

[Techno]

Yes I do lots of them. No need for duck boards! I spent lots of time on our Starspirit roof.

Explained here
Broken Link Removed

 

[stevec]

Thanks Techno. Our van already has one of those antennas. Whoever fitted it put it right on the joint between the front roof moulding and the flat roof section. It obviousl;y leaked as they had to put loads of silicon round the base. A bit of a mess really. Complete lack of forethought!

I see you put your solar charger in one of the top lockers . How far was the run to the battery? I was considering doing the same but it would leave a two meter plus run of cable to the battery. Not sure what volts drop at 10A (max o/p of my charger) on 4mm cable would be. I'm not sure if I'd every get 10A from my 120W panel though, at least not in the UK. Do the screws holding your kit hold ok in the wallboard?

Is that a battery manager box on the far left?

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[stevec]

Just to complete this post. I have just put the solar panel on the roof and I haven't fallen through. although I spent most of the time on all fours there were times when I had to walk upright across the roof. No hint of sagging and no nasty creaking noises. Now I know that I can send the wife up there to give the roof a good scrubbing!

 

[Techno]

Yes the roof is solid but the high chassis means the body rolls more especially if stood up so not advisable or you could just fall off

 

[Techno]

Pictured is our first van the Starspirit in my early learning days 200 watt of solar and every conceivable extra. Happy days and memories.

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