Solar Panels

[K9 EXPERT]

I was in a store yesterday called Rack Attack. I went to look at Roam cargo boxes. The store had a display of a truck topper that had solar panels installed on the top. I Think two panels were only $500. I do not camp, but I do believe in being prepared when stuff hits the fan. Can someone provide several examples of solar panels uses when installed on a truck?

 

[Space Ghost]

buddy of mine has an rv that has solar panels on it that charges its lithium battery to power stuff on it w/o needing the engine. For a raptor not sure, maybe w/e you put in the back or power to the battery thru some cables. With the limited space i dont see it powering too much

 

[wheelman55]

OP. We live 100% on solar and 100% on water catchment from the roof. We love the independence.

Solar on your truck is not really worth anything if you don’t camp.

If you do really want solar, get a folding 100 watt setup like a Renogy or Zamp. These are much more useful, allowing you to park in the shade and put the solar panel in the sun.

This will let you run a dc fridge, power phone/laptop/tablet/headlamp/etc as well as keep the truck battery charged…as long as there is sun

When/if the stuff hits the fan, challenges will be water, food, shelter and heat. Having a few watts on your truck really won’t do much.

 

[Donmatteo]

I've seen them. I think there is a benefit for the lighting and campers or people that use basic small tools in the field and need some power to charge things. It's a specific use case I think.

 

[Kings4thecup]

i was looking at doing this but it was way more than $500!

 

[GCATX]

If you don't have one of these you might look into them. This one can jump start a car 80 times they say. Comes with attachment like a cigarette lighter so you can charge/run whatever, couple usb charging ports. Built in flashlight too. You can charge it up using usb also.

This one is around $300 but I got it using Ford Pass points from when we got new trucks. There are smaller ones, this one is pretty big. It's been as useful as a pocket on a shirt.

I mostly use it to start my zero turn mower. Lawnmower batteries are shit anymore, I refuse to buy a new one.

 

[smurfslayer]

I mostly use it to start my zero turn mower. Lawnmower batteries are shit anymore, I refuse to buy a new one.

Maybe get a battery tender for the z/t?

 

[GCATX]

Maybe get a battery tender for the z/t?

Meh. It takes the same amount of time to hook up the jump box.

I do use tenders on the dirt bikes, the important stuff.

 

[Steve_S]

Cascadia 4x4 makes solar panels for vehicles and even some for the Raptor to look like the hood graphics. I’m not affiliated in any way but wanted to share as I started getting Insta ads for them a few days ago.
https://www.cascadia4x4.com/products/ford-f150-raptor-70-watt-hood-solar-panel-twin-35-watt-system

 

[HAP]

If you don't have one of these you might look into them. This one can jump start a car 80 times they say. Comes with attachment like a cigarette lighter so you can charge/run whatever, couple usb charging ports. Built in flashlight too. You can charge it up using usb also.

This one is around $300 but I got it using Ford Pass points from when we got new trucks. There are smaller ones, this one is pretty big. It's been as useful as a pocket on a shirt.

I mostly use it to start my zero turn mower. Lawnmower batteries are shit anymore, I refuse to buy a new one.

View attachment 444539

I have one of those in the Gen 1 and the R. They are a great product. The volt meter is very useful as well.

R,
HAP