Recreational Vans
Solar tilt struts are adjustable supports that hold one edge of a photovoltaic panel above the mounting surface so the array can face the sun more directly. The concept is simple. Increase the angle of incidence, reduce cosine losses, and a panel produces closer to its rated output for more hours each day. On mobile platforms and compact rooftops where surface area is limited, improving angle can deliver a meaningful gain in daily watt hours without adding more panels.
A typical tilt setup includes a hinge on one long edge of the panel frame and one or more struts on the opposite edge. The struts control height and angle, and they must lock solidly to resist gusts and vibration. Some use slotted bars with pin positions. Others rely on threaded adjusters or gas assisted struts with mechanical locks. The hardware must be sized for the panel area and local wind exposure.
Seasonal tilt is the main use case. In winter, when the sun sits low, tilting a panel toward the equator can add a large boost. In summer, a lower tilt or even flat position can be preferred to balance wind safety with respectable production. On a van or overland rack, owners often travel at different latitudes, so an adjustable range matters more than a single fixed angle.
Tilting a panel increases its aerodynamic profile. That adds uplift and torsion on hinges, struts, fasteners, and the roof structure beneath. The higher the tilt and the larger the panel, the larger the loads during gusts. This is why strong hinges, braced struts, and backed mounting points are essential. Roof skins, racks, and crossbars need a clear load path to structure, not just thin sheet metal.
Material choice matters. Marine grade aluminum offers a strong to weight ratio with natural corrosion resistance, and stainless steel hardware protects threads and clamp points from rust. Mixed metals should be isolated to minimize galvanic corrosion, especially in coastal environments where salt accelerates wear. Nylon insert nuts, positive pin locks, and serrated flanges help connections stay tight under vibration.
Locking is non negotiable. A strut should have a positive mechanical lock that cannot wander under motion. Gas springs can assist lifting but should not be the only element resisting wind. Detent pins, over center latches, and captive hardware prevent accidental collapse or unwanted deployment.
Panel frames differ by manufacturer. Some accept direct strut attachment through slotted channels. Others require adapter brackets that spread loads across the frame. Never bolt through the glass laminate. Use frame rated holes or engineered clamps that grab structural lips.
On mobile platforms, stow position is as important as tilt. The assembly must sit low and secure when driving. A panel that rattles or lifts even a little can amplify loads and damage hinges or roof mounts. Secondary retainers, rubber isolators, and double action latches add insurance.
The rule of thumb for fixed seasonal tilt is latitude for annual average, latitude plus fifteen degrees for winter, and latitude minus fifteen degrees for summer. With adjustable struts you can get closer to these targets on the fly. Azimuth orientation matters too. Face the panel south in the northern hemisphere and north in the southern hemisphere. A few degrees of error is fine, but large misalignment reduces gain.
Park with the panel edge that hinges facing into the prevailing wind when possible. This reduces uplift on the struts. In exposed locations, shorten the tilt to lower the presented area. On vans and trailers, resonance can loosen hardware over time. Use thread lockers where appropriate and re check torque per a maintenance schedule.
Aluminum struts keep weight low on a roof, while stainless components resist corrosion. Ensure pins are tethered and cannot drop to the ground. Use UV stable bushings to prevent squeaks and wear at pivot points. Where struts meet panel frames, employ load spreaders to avoid point stress.
Position the vehicle or trailer on level ground before raising a panel. Verify no obstructions will cast shade as you tilt. Lift with one hand while the other guides the strut to its locking position. Confirm the pin is seated or the latch is fully engaged. Try to wobble the panel. If it moves, adjust until the lock feels solid.
A seasonal checklist helps. Inspect hinges for play, confirm torque on mounting fasteners, check for signs of galvanic corrosion, and clean panel glass with soft water and a non abrasive pad. If struts are adjustable with threads, keep threads clean and lubricated with a product that will not attract dust. Replace any worn bushings or deformed pins promptly.
On a roof that sees snow, stow panels flat before storms. Snow adds dead load and can push a tilted panel sideways. In high wind regions, consider a conservative maximum tilt angle and short strut lengths that keep loads within the rating of your rack and roof.
Mobile life adds variables. Campsites change orientation, winds shift, and you often have limited time to set up. Aim for quick, repeatable adjustments. Many travelers choose two or three preset positions rather than infinite adjustability. Morning, midday, and afternoon stops then become simple. If you plan to boondock through winter at higher latitudes, invest in a strut range that reaches steeper angles to capture the low sun.
Keep wiring neat and strain relieved. A tilted panel moves through an arc, so wires need slack, abrasion protection, and drip loops to keep water away from roof penetrations. Grommets and sealed glands maintain a watertight barrier. On racks, route harnesses inside channels when possible, protected from branches and road debris.
When choosing a tilt system, match it to your panel dimensions, rack spacing, and travel habits. A large panel on a narrow rack may require cross braces. A compact panel can use a single central strut if the frame is strong enough, but two struts provide better stability in gusts. Always consult panel and rack load ratings before you commit to an angle in strong wind.
For drivers who rely on real world power in remote places, the choices above can feel like a maze. This is exactly where a purpose built approach pays off. Our team engineers tilt struts, hinges, spreaders, and latches to match panel size, rack geometry, and how you actually travel. We align tilt range to your latitude map, size hardware for wind zones, and integrate waterproof routing so your roof stays dry and quiet.
If you are exploring a complete adventure build, see our Recreational vans page to understand how power, storage, and interior layouts come together. For a start to finish van power system that includes tilt ready hardware, visit our Custom build vans page. Shopping for a finance friendly base platform with a smart solar plan in mind? See our Mainstream vans page for options that pair well with roof tilt systems.
At handoff, we walk you through safe tilt use, stow checks, and seasonal tweaks, then you can test your setup on local trails around Northwest Arkansas before heading home. When you are ready to turn sunlight into dependable miles and meals, we are ready to build.
Ready to capture more energy from your roof space? Book a build consultation and let OZK design, fabricate, and install a secure tilt system that fits your van, wiring, and travel style. Tell us how you roam, we will tailor the power.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com