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I've used a 12V Marine Watertight Deck Connector to get the wiring for the panel to the inside of the truck bed in a way that won't lead to ceiling leaks. https://www.amazon.ca/Perko-1190DP0CHR-Marine-Wate...
The one I bought is 15 Amps. The panel is technically 30, but I'm not going to be drawing that much so this should be fine. If I were doing it again I'd look for a higher amp fitting.
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Most truck camper owners and dealers attach accessories to roof racks, including solar panels. With this type of installation the solar panels are typically six to eight inches above the existing roof rack. Mounting a solar panel in this fashion subjects the solar panel to wind, thus potentially stressing the panel, mounts, and wiring.
Make sure to buy a fitting that fits the cable size. This solar panel kit comes with 10 gauge wiring. It was very tricky to wire up the deck fitting as this is the maximum gauge it fits.
Mark where you are going to place the fitting. Drill it out with a spade or hole bit of the appropriate size. Dry fit the deck fitting to make sure it fits snugly.
Figure out where to cut your panel wires so they will come out from under the panel and connect to the deck fitting without exra wire to flap around in the wind but also not so short that you create tension on the fitting.
Connect your wiring to both the male and female sides of the fitting. Make sure to mark which wire is hot and ground on the wires that will be inside the canopy.
I've used white Fast-Cure 5200 http://www.amazon.com/3M-Marine-Adhesive-Sealant-5... to attach the fitting to the canopy, instead of screws. Again, I don't like drilling holes in things that are meant to keep the rain out. This stuff both sticks and makes things watertight. Once it sets up you won't be able to remove the fitting without tearing out the fiberglass, so again don't mess this up. Marine adhesive is super messy and can only be cleaned up using acetone or a similar solvent. It will not come off of your clothes ever, or your skin for many days. Wear gloves and work clothes, clean up your work area and have a rag and acetone handy. Be careful and only put it where you want it!
Apply sealant to bottom of fitting. Insert into hole in canopy. Apply pressure downwards gently to squeeze out any excess sealant and ensure it fills in any gaps. Put something heavy on top while it cures. Clean up any excess carefully. Check inside the canopy for any drips or dangling sealant and clean that up before it sets up as well.
**UPDATE** The original throughput I used corroded horribly over the winter, so I've replaced it with a different type which doesn't require you to cut the wires and forms a nice waterproof seal.
**UPDATE** The original throughput I used corroded horribly over the winter, so I've replaced it with a different type which doesn't require you to cut the wires and forms a nice waterproof seal.
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