Grumpyman Posted May 12, 2023 Share Posted May 12, 2023 Hi I have just received a recall notice regarding the solar panel bonding on my Autotrail F68. Has anyone had a problem with this. We are off to Scotland for three weeks next weekend so can't be looked at until mid June. Grumpyman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Globebuster1 Posted May 13, 2023 Share Posted May 13, 2023 I'd be inclined to get up and have a look - and give it a good wiggle. Without knowing if this is a flexi or framed panel it will be difficult to advise the next course of action. Perhaps you should contact Autotrail for more specific info on the problem? I would only ever use aluminium brackets when installing a panel, the plastic ones are prone to degrade, and can be weak at the point of bonding too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hans Posted May 15, 2023 Share Posted May 15, 2023 A clear picture would be nice to advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted May 16, 2023 Share Posted May 16, 2023 This link is to Auto-Trail Recall Notice RSPV/2022/010 that was issued on 13 JUNE 2022 and relates to a potential issue with the bond between the solar panel and the motorhome's roof. https://www.vehicle-recall.co.uk/recall/RSPV/2022/010 Certain F-SERIES models are affected and I have copied below an extract from the recall notice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grumpyman Posted May 16, 2023 Author Share Posted May 16, 2023 Thanks for your comments l have it booked in at Brownhills in early June. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david lloyd Posted May 17, 2023 Share Posted May 17, 2023 On our way from Arnside to Keswick along the M6 last week we saw two solar panels lodged in the hedging along the hard shoulder. Judging by the jaunty angle they were laid at I would guess they had ‘flown’ there rather than been placed. Have absolutely no idea if they were from an Autotrail but it does prove the point that these can become detached so certainly take every opportunity to have them checked. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeF Posted May 17, 2023 Share Posted May 17, 2023 Pointing with sealant around a possibly secure panel seems a useless exercise. The use of sealant adhesives alone to fix a solar panel, either rigid framed or flexible, may not be a long term solution. People have died as a result of solar panels becoming detached from a RV. In my view only mechanical fixing will provide security. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebishbus Posted May 17, 2023 Share Posted May 17, 2023 Yes I agree , bonding alone is a bit of a risk. If it is a painted aluminium roof you are only gluing to a layer of paint, if GRP it is probably a polished surface. You should at least remove the paint, then in both cases degrease and roughen up the surface to form a key. Then add a wind deflector in front of the panel to prevent wind getting underneath. Brian B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted May 18, 2023 Share Posted May 18, 2023 It's interesting (to me) that there hasn't been previous on-line discussion about this recall. Apparently 609 Auto-Trail motorhomes should be checked (and 20 that were exported to Australia), but I can't find any on-line complaints about solar panels taking wing from Auto-Trail models, not even on the Facebook "Autotrail Unhappy Owners Group". https://www.facebook.com/groups/569051023302494/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grumpyman Posted May 18, 2023 Author Share Posted May 18, 2023 I have a wind deflector in front of the panel so hope it does the job until Brownhills have a look. Off to Scotland for three weeks on Sunday so hope not windy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onecal Posted May 18, 2023 Share Posted May 18, 2023 Hi Enjoy your three week break ,take your time on the road now that you know there may be an issue with bonding of same. Hopefully the recall on your return will sort all out for you , No stress, no pressure, that's what it should all be about Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.