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Originally Posted by oil pan 4
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Cool story bro, remember that not everyone is capable of reclaiming solar panels from specialty lighting, then using them as a substitute for an alternator.
People say to remove the roof rack, which has the solar panel on it; saying the solar isn't worth the increased aero drag. What other ways are there to keep the house batteries charged without a solar panel? Alternator while running, generator, or plug into the grid. Those other options cost more while on the road, can't imagine a net gain from going without the 220 watt solar panel.
If there is some low-cost way to mount the solar panel directly onto the roof to not need the roof rack I'll consider it. I know there are flexible panels one can directly stick onto the roof however I imaging they'll never pay for themselves in fuel savings.
Also, you realize the antenna is like 1% of the frontal surface area on a van this size? I am open to downsizing rear-view mirrors if it pays for itself in fuel savings within a reasonable timeframe. The name of the game is to minimize running costs (money and time costs) until I am not enslaved to the oil monopoly anymore.
Is there a fuel economy gauge costing $50 or less you recommend? I would just search for it however I like having recommendations from fellow ecomodders. I am unsure of what type of OBD this FORD van has.
A reminder, it has to pay for itself in lower running costs within 20,000 miles.
If I was for fuel savings at any and all costs I would have a regular-top van (or minivan or PRIUS) freezing in the dark, sweating in the heat and sipping gas on a sore and miserable ass.