TheSamba.com :: View topic - Advice on Yakima roof rack solar panel install

Tue Mar 23, 2021 5:34 pm

I have eight of the Yakima gutter mounts with aluminum tube crossbars. They are 1⅛” tubes but I can’t fine any 1⅛” U-bolts to hold down the panels. Seems like it is a nonexistent size, not even McMaster-Carr has them. What do you suggest? 1¼ U-bolts with a vinyl tube forced over it?

Is there a size or geometry of rigid frame solar panels that will fit good on the crossbars? Anyone have an install I can look at for ideas?

Suggest a panel I should buy?

Tue Mar 23, 2021 5:39 pm

I used these and would highly recommend!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TPMTJMN

Tue Mar 23, 2021 6:13 pm

I've used the Yakima round bar clamps. One benefit is they won't harm the vinyl coating on the yakima round bars but it doesn't sound like you're using yakima bars. At $5 per they're also not inexpensive.

https://www.amazon.com/Yakima-Snap-Round-Square-Se...2270625392

Tue Mar 23, 2021 7:41 pm

This kind?

I took the top part off and used the bolt to attach a frame made of 1" box aluminum tubing.

Tue Mar 23, 2021 8:13 pm

Gnarlodious wrote: I have eight of the Yakima gutter mounts with aluminum tube crossbars. They are 1⅛” tubes but I can’t fine any 1⅛” U-bolts to hold down the panels. Seems like it is a nonexistent size, not even McMaster-Carr has them. What do you suggest? 1¼ U-bolts with a vinyl tube forced over it?

I don't see the issue here. Using 1-1/4" u-bolts leaves a 1/16" clearance on each side. The hold down force is created by the clamping action, not the sides touching the bar.

Tue Mar 23, 2021 9:29 pm

PDXWesty wrote: Gnarlodious wrote: I have eight of the Yakima gutter mounts with aluminum tube crossbars. They are 1⅛” tubes but I can’t fine any 1⅛” U-bolts to hold down the panels. Seems like it is a nonexistent size, not even McMaster-Carr has them. What do you suggest? 1¼ U-bolts with a vinyl tube forced over it?

I don't see the issue here. Using 1-1/4" u-bolts leaves a 1/16" clearance on each side. The hold down force is created by the clamping action, not the sides touching the bar.

If you get a slightly larger size, you can slide some clear plastic tubing over the U-bolt unthreaded part and then it fits the bar and doesn't mar the rubber on the Yak tubing. I did this to attach an awning and to attach a safari rack to Yakima round tubing. It's dark and I don't have a picture on my phone, sorry. I used stainless U-bolts, nuts, and washer.

Wed Mar 24, 2021 2:47 am

I bought SS U bolts at Home Depot for my Yakima rack.

A couple of different choices there if you don't want SS.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-4-in-x-1-1-8-in-x-2-.../204273755

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-4-in-x-1-1-.../205883012

Sat Mar 27, 2021 9:07 am

I just installed my panel.

Do you have the round cross bars already installed?

Go to home depot and grab these and some fasteners. Get as many as you want/need, I only used four for the size of my panel.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner-Bender-1-in-Ru.../202875644

The nice part is that the rubber part sandwiches between the panel, and the bar which will help with vibrations. The panel doesn't move at all.

If you want more detailed images let me know.