K8MEJ
Owner, Off-Grid Power Systems
I've decided to use low-profile (13/16") strut channel for the roof of my travel trailer upon which I will mount tilt brackets and 200 watt Rich solar panels. The tilt brackets might not be used often for tilting the panels toward the sun, but will allow me to raise the panels for maintenance or allow me to tilt them up and out of the way if I want to take the shrouds off the A/C units, fans, etc.
Aluminum strut channel would be nice for weight savings and corrosion resistance. However, it's not easy to find and will likely have to be ordered from an industrial or electrical supplier. And it's more expensive. An alternative is the gold tone galvanized steel strut. It's readily available and less expensive, but will weigh more. I don't live near the ocean, but I'm concerned about using the galvanized strut on the roof of a camper that is not stored inside. I could paint it for an extra level of protection, but I don't know about the longevity.
Should I pony up the cash and order aluminum strut channel or will the higher quality electro-galvanized stuff work well enough for this application?
Thanks!
Aluminum strut channel would be nice for weight savings and corrosion resistance. However, it's not easy to find and will likely have to be ordered from an industrial or electrical supplier. And it's more expensive. An alternative is the gold tone galvanized steel strut. It's readily available and less expensive, but will weigh more. I don't live near the ocean, but I'm concerned about using the galvanized strut on the roof of a camper that is not stored inside. I could paint it for an extra level of protection, but I don't know about the longevity.
Should I pony up the cash and order aluminum strut channel or will the higher quality electro-galvanized stuff work well enough for this application?
Thanks!