Aluminum rack for NAHT hightop

[RichBenn]

For those just looking for solar panels, 100 watt high efficiency semi-fexibles are going for about $160- $180 these days. Easy to tape down, no drilling.
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Rich

[J Charlton]

You might want to consider making the racking out of Unistrut. You can check the loading ratings for Unistrut from their web site but the 13/16 X 1 5/8" Aluminum strut is certainly rated to support far more than anyone would rationally be thinking of putting on it.
I make up brackets of 1/4" aluminum plate that join the various Unistrut parts together to accomplish whatever design the top owner wants. The great thing about the Unistrut is that virtually any design is possible and that virtually anything can be attached to the racking anywhere. Spring nuts are used in the channel and stay in place if the racking is taken off for storage which makes reassembly really quick and easy.
I only make the brackets up for each specific design. The van owner sources the Unistrut locally and puts the racking together - it takes 3 - 4 hours the first time - some pics of racking that I built for an AW top are on the Northamericanhightops.com website and https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?search_author=Mundopacheco

J. Charlton
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NAHT hightop availability May 18 2023 -
Bend Oregon - for Oregon, California- (7 tot , 3 available), Kennewick Wa (6 tot, 1 available), Small Car Performance Fife Wa. (7 tot 4 avail ), Fairbanks Alaska (1 tot 0 avail)
Future availability TBD : Springfield Mass. Staunton Va, Florida, Colorado, Grand Junction Co., SLC probably late 2024

[Cbkg]

I would research the use of the flexible solar panels first, I've read a few reviews from people that have had them for a year and some reporting warping, cupping and loss of efficiency... solar panels need air circulation under them to prevent overheating...

Renogy,out of Cali, I believe is offering a 100% rebate for all of their flexible solar panels sold...

https://www.renogy.com/voluntary-product-recall/

[jimf909]

[rotaecho]

Any updates on a kit?
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-Will
1982 Westfalia mTDI (50deg) aka Betsy Bertha
http://www.tdivanagons.com

[noelleon]

Finally made some progress with this and have the first prototype!
Flat packs with panels for lights or rotopax. Gutter mounts are ARB pattern so awnings bolt directly..making a Roadshower mount.
Bars will be black and panels van body color.
Testing it this weekend and will then start mounting hardware and adding the top panel for solar.

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'90 Westfalia w/ NAHT

[Blair_Francis]

OMG!! This is AMAZING! I'm super inspired to do this to my new 82 Diesel High Top that I'm picking up on Saturday!! She's a real beaut and will be taking us down to Mexico this fall for a long term adventure. How has your design stood the test of time? Are you willing to share the design so I can make one here with local craftsmen?

Thanks so much!!

PS... this is my soon to be new van:

[jimf909]

How’s the progress on this rack? I’d love to see any updates. Thanks.

[noelleon]

Came out well I think.

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'90 Westfalia w/ NAHT

[jimf909]

Super sweet. Well done.
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- Jim

[Steve M.]

Got any figures on "before/after" mpg?
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This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them.

[joetiger]