Car cover & Solar Panel

[BigChedda]

Hi there -

My 1977 Bay Window is currently driveway parked due to not having a garage at my place and storage rental is out of my budget. I would love to throw a car cover on the bus to help protect against the elements, but there's a solar panel installed on the roof charging the battery for the house electronics.

Does anyone have any tips on protecting the vehicle and keeping the battery charged? I'm not in love with the idea of putting on the cover when it's raining and taking it off when it's dry in the winter to keep the battery topped off, but if that's the best option then I guess I'll deal with it!

I also recognize a car port tent is an option, but a very ugly one IMO, so looking to exhaust all other options before going that route.

Thank you!!

[Synergy Solutions]

Trim a hole in the cover to match the solar, and use a clear plastic to patch the hole, like the license plate holes on custom car covers. Do a google search for “licence plate car cover” youll see what i mean.
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Im a Mobile Aircooled VW mechanic, and work on old and new cars alike. Specialty in Camper busses/Vans, TDI, and FI diagnosis and repair.

(206) 841 7324

[airschooled]

Your camper has an electrical inlet. Run an extension cord to it, and mount a permanent battery tender inside the bus, wired to the inlet. I do this even in my home garage so the fridge stays cold and I can leave lights on. Batteries last longer when tended, too.

Robbie
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[mikedjames]

You could also consider fitting a 10 watt flexi panel held down with straps over the cover and a cable running down one of the straps and going to the solar controller.
You do not need all the power of the main solar array to just keep the battery charged
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Ancient vehicles and vessels

1974 VW T2 : Devon Eurovette camper with 1641 DP T1 engine, Progressive carb, full flow oil cooler, EDIS crank timed ignition.
Engine 1: 40k miles (rocker shaft clip fell off), Engine 2: 30k miles (rebuild, dropped valve). Engine 3: a JK Preservation Parts "new" engine, aluminium case: 26k miles: new top end.
Gearbox rebuild 2021 by Bears.

1979 Westerly GK24 24 foot racer/cruiser yacht Forethought of Gosport.
1973 wooden Pacer sailing dinghy

[airschooled]

Good point. Lots of camp gear companies make 3-10 watt panels that you could stand up nearby with a small wire to the battery for covered tending.
_________________
Learn how your vintage VW works. And why it doesn't!
One-on-one tech help for your Volkswagen:
www.airschooled.com

[bsairhead]

The battery tender Jr. works great The idea of hard wiring is also a great idea.

[BigChedda]

Great advice, thanks everyone.