Truck bed cover solar panels ideas

[GGameBoy]

Hi, I am trying to get some feedback for an idea that popped in my head lol.

I wanted a truck bed cover for my truck that I just bought but don’t want to spend the money for one. I also have 2 250 watt solar panels that will fit my truck like a tonneau truck bed folding cover. But it would be a single fold instead of a 3 or 4 folding one. The solar panels would just overlap the top of the truck bed on all sides roughly. Then one would fold one on top of the other if I needed half of the truck bed for something.
My truck is a 2022 Chevy 2500 gas. I have a 2nd compartment for a 2nd 12 volt led acid battery in the hood of my truck that I could utilize. Also I am planning on utilizing this truck and my RV for long term living.

Has anyone used solar panels on a truck? I did see one YouTube video of something what I was thinking but his do not fold.

Is there any issues regarding solar panels breaking while in the road since they r made of glass?

Or what about if I attach the solar mppt to the truck battery. Any issues messing with the trucks onboard computers? Or any issue with the alternator? Or is it completely safe? I was thinking it would be nice not to ever have to worry about a dead battery on the truck.

I was thinking this could supplement my rv solar while boondocking. I would not have to set anything up, just pull neat to the rv and plug in. Maybe some sort of quick disconnect if I forget to unplug it from the rv? Is there such a thing?

Also, if I could attach the solar to my truck battery. I could plug my truck into the rv via the 7 pin tow cable and use the truck and rv batteries together no?

 

[Newbsolarguy]

Trying to do the same thing myself but you are way ahead of me…lol I was thinking flexible panels adhered to the existing tonneau cover panels. But the rest is still I. The air bc I want to tie into truck battery for charging as well along with being able to supply power to my camp site.

 

[Johneb]

I would use some type of rubber mount for shock absorption.

 

[davewho?]

I gave up trying to put a panel on my tonneau cover. I stuck a bed rack on there instead. Progress photos, not finished.
Dave in Austin

 

[quili]

Here's what I did in the 2019 Tundra I had. Custom Stainless Steel Base on top of the roll n lock tonneau cover. Tonneau cover fully operational.

 

[x98myers7]

I gave up trying to put a panel on my tonneau cover. I stuck a bed rack on there instead. Progress photos, not finished.
Dave in Austin

love it! put one side on hinges so you can angle the panel up when parked. it's worth it! you'll see a lot more collected.

or, make a "canopy" top out of two panels angled slightly (like a roof) and make it into a dry sleeping area with some walls.