Yesterday, fenders—today, flags, and a bit more.
I stabilized the flag mount so that it does not flop forward or backward as the flag weight shifts from movement or the tilting of the trailer. There is sway from motion. I see that as okay. I increased the size of the flag base [using heat-shrink-tubing] so the it is snug in the mount [one complete & one to go]. I also installed the 2 DiNotte tail lights and placed the battery packs. I expect the shipping tube will cover the center area. It should to arrive tomorrow, Wednesday, 02/17.
I added a rack to hold a SolarGorilla Solar Charger, if I’m able to get one. It will be a part of my laptop charging system. I’m hoping the position is not shaded too much by the quad as we ride south. Worst case, I can place it on top of the trailer. Ultimately, I will add a PowerGorilla.
Would it be feasible to consider running a piece of mounting pipe straight up from the current location of the rack for the Solar Gorilla and having it swivel above the trailer so that you could easily readjust the rack to best take advantage of solar gain? I can see where the current location, at that height, might cause concern about the panel being blocked from the sun.
I’m thinking a lightweight extension pipe might not add much weight. I would guess you would have to consider some additional support to stabilize the pipe be it thin wire or ratchet straps.
Uh oh, as I typed that an image of a mini-weather station with anemometer riding above the trailer just popped into my head. You could be your own travelling weather station and stream the data to the internet!
(I must be getting hungry as these loose thoughts are popping into my head unbidden!)
- Zeke
Hi Zeke,
Yes, that is feasible and I considered it. I need a location that does not interfere with the boxes. Ultimately, they will serve as a canopy storage place [solar panels still producing power] when I want the canopy off. The other consideration is COG. the higher, the more additional support I’ll need [I see you recognize that.]. Without the quad, I’m guessing. Even if I do not place the Solar Gorilla here, I’ll use that rack for storage of something.
Thanks for thinking along with me and for the interesting ideas. I like thinking “outside-the-box.”
Now, back to trying to find a relay solution for my taillights.
Until…
Jim
So to go along with my post about the weatherstation…
- Zeke
Interesting! Maybe for next year’s tour. Now, I have a link. We shall see what happens. –jim
Instead of following up with a weather station, I thought that Zeke was going to suggest that a solar tracker be added to the SolarGorilla swiveling above the trailer. – Dan
Hi Dan, That’s another thought, which reminds me that I have to place SPOT Messenger, my satellite tracker. It may work very well on the trailer. Thanks! –jim