New Van Solar questions

Hi

So are we saying then upholstery does get damp if left in the van all winter? or best to take it home (where we do have a good)dehumidifier to deal with any damp anywhere!

Seems to make good sense that a solar panel is regulated otherwise as you say it fries the battery! Does the solar panel control panel have a on/off switch as well?

Await any comments

As mentioned earlier soft furnishings can absorb moisture and then release it back with the added possibility of mould or other damp issues. So upholstery can be removed and dehumidifiers introduced in the hope that humidity is reduced. We used to take as much out as possible and store it all in our loft but for a few years we've removed the lighter more portable items and left the bigger items standing on edge with as much air space as possible. I don't know if it's as essential on newer vans but old habits die hard.

We also leave cupboards and drawers slightly open to let air circulate. We use offcuts of sponge pipewrap on edges to stop them closing. For a few years now we've left 3 of the unibond Aeros inside and they have always been full after a couple of months. Either they're working well inside or trying to dry out the neighbourhood - We like to think they're helping combat damp.

Our solar panel has no off switch so we remove the fuse.

 I've read somewhere that caution should be exercised with electric dehumidifiers because there's a risk of drying too much too quickly and causing shrinkage/cracks etc. No doubt others may have some ideas.

I don't see the point of taking fuse out of solar panels or turning them off. you have them fitted so let them do there job. would you turn of the panels on your roof of your house (if fitted ) when on holiday. no. fit and leave I say. 

Hi All

OK we are getting there plenty of good advice and opinions and we thank you all for that!

Last but not least is the problem should we purchase at time of hand over a "Front Towing Cover" do people think these are a must or an expense given this will be a brand new van and talking to someone on our storage site the other week his Swift front window was smashed while towing ended up in a £1200 insurance claim! Now he's fitted a front towing cover and will not tow without it! So his advice of course was buy one and use it every time you move the van?

await comments

Always use our front cover when towing, it takes a few minutes to put on and keeps front of van clean and protects from debris flying  up 

Lornalou - a valid point about doing it's job but the question was if there was an on/off switch and I tried to answer that.

We remove the solar regulator fuse whenever we cover the van - the pros and cons of which appeared earlier.

Also, the fuse should always be removed if the leisure battery is disconnected/reconnected.

We never bothered with a front cover for over 30 years until we saw the difference they make in filthy weather or worse after the roads have been gritted.  We don't go far without one now.  I picked ours up off ebay and saved over £200.  The better ones are just that in my opinion. - 

Hi Goldenhay

So you have a solar panel however in winter storage or just covering the van you remove fuse? Ok so that stops the solar panel running (I think?) but then you have no charge trickling through to battery if that's correct?

So why stop panel working? or is it that you just prefer to cover van up when not in use? confused? as like most have said on threads before whats the point of having the solar panel fitting in the first place? that's just the dilemma I'm facing but if we have it fitted then I want it working 24/7 365 days a year to get my moneys worth out of it. We don't want to spend £599 and then not use it and of course there's the point made about always having a charge for your motor mover but each to their own and that's just how you want to use it I suppose.