Panel Retainer

[zuni]

In preparation for some wiring I was removing panels as my wife watched. She was concerned with the ease the two lower panels came off. I mentioned that someone had come up with a cable retainer system to keep them from bouncing down the road should they become detached. Being the engineer I wanted to come up with a way to make them easily detachable without tools. Quick disconnects, picture wire, crimp ferrules, heat shrink. I've got this! Quick trip to the store for the necessary parts and I was good to go. As I explained what I was going to do with the wire and other bits and pieces she walked over to the tool cabinet and came back with two cable ties. Well duh didn't I feel silly with my complicated plan. :banghead: Two high strength cable ties and one $1.50 easy release key ring later the panel is secure.:yes: Don't tell the wife but I may go back an replace the ties with the picture wire just to sooth my male ego then again maybe not because those ties sure are tough.

CJ JAX

 

[Chupaca]

Well done..!!

like the quick disconnect touch...great job congrats to you both..!! :2thumbs::clap:

 

[jwulf74]

Wire ties will be OK for a while, but in my experience they will get more brittle with age and heat. The cable will still be a better long term bet.

 

[Jim&Teresa]

Good to tether panels....I use high strength shock cord

Wire ties will be OK for a while, but in my experience they will get more brittle with age and heat. The cable will still be a better long term bet.

:agree: I used 110 LB paracord (550 LB max tested strength)! :thumbup: Also have a carabiner on the frame end so it can easily be disconnected!

BTW...never had a panel come off. First time I pulled my panel on my 2012 RT, I pushed a grommet out and was lucky to find it on the floor. Since then, I cable tie all my grommets in when I pull a panel. That way, they tend to stay in better and IF you push one out, it's still there. I always check my panels when I push them on to insure there are seated well. Also, when you pick it up from the dealer after service, I would suggest you do a quick check on those panels to insure they are on correctly!

 

[cuznjohn]

when the wind took my side panel it broke the tye raps in a hot second

 

[zuni]

The panels are actually fairly secure and I think as others have pointed out making sure they are properly seated in the grommets is key. The heat making the cable ties brittle is a good point and I will probably continue with my initial plan and replace them with the wire. Thanks for all the input everyone!

CJ JAX

 

[Bob Denman]

But she STILL deserve a hug for coming up with the cable-tie idea! :thumbup:

 

[Pennyrick]

Put a set of Baker Air Wings on the Spyder and you can add fresh cool air while keeping the panels in place.