Benidorm or bust

[Bigsidavies]

What's villajoyosa like Si ? I think we're booked in there at some stage soon .

We thought it was really nice. We only had the afternoon at the seafront but it had some nice bars and was really chilled out. We parked near the marina then walked the seafront and ended up in a square where we had some food and a drink. We were there Feb on our way to meet some friends who were having a week in Benidorm.

 

[JumpShip]

Thanks for the feedback mate
Currently working our way slowly south down the coast making sure we have the holidays covered to avoid disappointment but trying new places whenever possible.

Cracking day yesterday John , hopefully all the driving will be over and you can relax in some sunshine!

You heading through the middle? Zaragoza, valencia and down the coast ?

 

[Rioja John]

The Spanish motorways are brilliant hardly any traffic had a good days run stopped on Segorbe aire had a walk into town now bedded for the night Benidorm arrival tomorrow am as only 120 miles to go.

 

[Rioja John]

Spanish motorways.

 

[FWhite]

Well, you are in the middle of a long weekend, I assume, like here.

For what I remember, in the winter the only really troubleful area was around Valencia, if you took that route.

 

[Rioja John]

Segorbe this evening

 

[Rioja John]

My expensive sliding door security device.

 

[JumpShip]

Yeah Immaculate Conception holiday apparently, lots of Spanish out enjoying themselves and another excuse for fireworks!

 

[Rioja John]

Got in Benidorm 11am this morning fabulous pitch, took notice where the sun was so parked van up lifted pop top. Then inflated awning, set new camp kitchen up, just looked up and 200 watt Renogy solar panel gone, twinwall still on the roof cable gland smashed up.
Heard a terrible noise yesterday sounded just like a puncture pulled over on motorway checked all tyres and wheels for tightness carried on to a motorway services to check van and trailer wheels ,tyres and bearings for overheating.Drove around services a couple of times and noise gone, so set off again got up to 50mph on motorway and noise like puncture again so I stopped again checked under van to see if any panels had dropped down and nothing so I proceed on with the noise and once off motorway was going to call VW assist, all of a sudden the noise stopped and the van drove the next 250 odd miles perfectly, I never thought to look on the roof. What happened the plastic bolts I had sika flexed to the twinwall had pulled out I've now got a real mess on my roof as I've removed the twin wall now.
Good job no other traffic on motorway.

 

[Ayjay]

@Rioja John. I feel for you - I had a 160W panel bonded directly to to the poptop roof a few years ago and the thing flew off on the autoroute on the way down to the South of France (our first long trip in the van). The only warning we got was a couple of loud thumps above us followed by an even louder one as the panel ripped itself loose from the roof and junction box and started flying back to Calais. Luckily, the road was very quiet and we can only hope that we didn't leave any third party damage in our wake but there was no sign of the panel when we quickly pulled over. I cut the cables as close to the roof as possible and we carried on. Later that day, I contacted the guy that fitted it (a well established local converter) who was at a loss to explain it but agreed to fit another without any further question once we were back home. Just put it behind you (no pun intended!) and don't let it ruin the trip.

 

[DXX]

If you want to install something while you’re away just change your Amazon country designation to Spain. I’ve seen off grid vans making solar installations in car parks, there are a few van lifers who do maintenance work on others vans to bring a few euros in.

 

[Rioja John]

 

[Qnapper]

View attachment 311228View attachment 311229

OMG....... looks like simple double sided tape used!!!! no way thats is strong enough to stick it down. At least your safe and it can all be fixed. Enjoy your holiday break.

 

[Sackmycook]

Did you have anything on the leading edge to upward deflect the airflow ?

 

[Rioja John]

The double sided tape held it was the plastic plots that I sika flexed through the twin wall which pulled through and detached the solar panel,
The twin wall was still attached to the roof but I’ve now removed it .

 

[Rioja John]

Did you have anything on the leading edge to upward deflect the airflow ?

No.
This was it before it took a flying leap.

 

[Qnapper]

The double sided tape held it was the plastic plots that I sika flexed through the twin wall which pulled through and detached the solar panel,
The twin wall was still attached to the roof but I’ve now removed it .

Ah I see now. Looks like the wind has gone under panel and sikaflix gave up. You could buy loical and fixed one back on. I can recommend a place or order from amazon Sp[ain.

 

[Qnapper]

No.
This was it before it took a flying leap.
View attachment 311232

That would have vibrated with the wind going through holes at front in palstic panel perhaps enough to weaken glue. Just guessing of course.

 

[jimc91]

I’ve done the mounting on twin wall, used washers under the twin wall to spread the load when bolting through it and some vhb tape on the leading edge to stop the wind separating the panel from the twin wall, probably also helps mine is a smaller panel nearer the back- I still think it’s the way to go but I’m sure people might think twice reading this- try not to let it ruin the holiday

 

[DXX]

No.
This was it before it took a flying leap.
View attachment 311232

If it’s not sealed water will get under it, freeze in cold weather and either crack the panel or detach it.
I’d go the self adhesive route with a Photonic, had mine 8 years and no issues. Not sure how it will fair on a hot black roof though, maybe wrap the roof white.