Attaching Go Power Overlander Expansion Kit to Roof of Apex 253RLS Camper

Updated 03/09/2026 | Published 03/02/2026

Question:

2020 apex 253RLS that has a laminated roof and no trusses. Adding 2 go power 200w solar panels. There is aluminum 1inch square tube on edge with 3/8 plywood. My question 1. Mounting panel on roadside with Z-brackets screwed into the edge rail. The other side using 1/4inch trifold rivets with grip 0.25 t0 0.625. is using Rivet a correct way of doing this? Question 2. should there be more Z-brackets be added?

asked by: Dale

Expert Reply:

Hey Dale, it looks like you ordered the Go Power 200 Watt Solar Panel Kit part # 34282182 which does come with 4 z-brackets. I do like what mentioned using the aluminum square tube as well as riveting the other side to the roof. This would for sure hold it to the roof. You wouldn't need more than the included 4 z brackets. What battery do you have in your RV?

expert reply by: Jameson C

Jameson C.

3/5/2026

1 or 2 rivets for z-bracket? Now two AGM batteries plan next year upgrade the converter and go to LIFOPO batteries.

Jameson C.

3/5/2026

@JamesonC I'd use two rivets per bracket. LifePo are super popular right now for good reason!

Therealkevinrtaylor

3/7/2026

If I understand correctly you want to install the solar panels attaching one side to the aluminum frame and the other by drilling holes and using the trifold rivets? Sounds like it will work but the rivets may be overkill. For what its worth, I am a professional installer who has been doing this since 2012. I install these panels directly to the roof all the time, even thin roofing like on your light weight rig. Ideally going into the frame is good wherever you can. I use Sikaflex 715. I put a bead of that under each Z bracket, screw them down with galvanized roofing screws and then cover the whole foot with more Sikaflex 715. Once the sikalfex is dry you would be hard pressed to pull the panel off easily even without screws. The provided 4 brackets will be sufficient. I have 4 panels installed this way on my personal rig, 3/8 plywood roof. I have about 4 years of use on it and they are still very effectively adhered to the roof.