2017 Models with Solar Option
When researching the solar option, I had previously seen a 2015 Escape 19 that had the ETI factory installed solar option and it appeared the solar panel was mounted to aluminum channels that were either glued and/or bolted to the exterior roof . Recent pictures posted on the forum of the 2017 Escape trailer with the solar option appeared different in that they showed four mounting feet only and bolted to the roof, two on each side of the solar panel/roof. This thread post #35 had some pics of a new 2017 (2nd Gen) model trailer with solar mounting for reference
http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f1...er-8784-4.html
Apparently the bolts are not visible inside the trailer on the 2017 even in the enclosed cabinets in the rear ceiling area. Being curious as to how this was installed and constructed on the inside of the ceiling, an inquiry was made to ETI.
ETI provided a picture of the inside (with the solar panel mounted) with the mounting bolts and washer visible before the headliner is installed which apparently covers them.
I added labels to the original ETI picture to help explain my understanding of the construction and ETI after review verified that the picture labeling was correct.
previously emailed questions to ETI and ETI answers
1. Is the area to the left of the bolts with the lines drawn on it, the reinforced area with a wood slat fiberglassed to inside of the ceiling?
Yes.
2. If so, are the solar bolts and washer mounted thru what appears to be fiberglass only area ?
Yes, although the upper roof-mounted brackets do sit on part of the reinforced area.
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This is the labeled picture of the inside mounting of the 2017 models solar panel option for your reference.