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Old 10-23-2019, 02:15 PM   #1
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5.0 TA solar panels

I have done the research but can not find a direct answer to how many solar panels can you put on top of 5.0 and still have tv jack and other antenna options? The 5.0 must have a larger topside then all other sizes/ layouts. So can 2 panels be added and still use the tv antenna option and/or WiFi or cell phone boost jack options. Thx
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Old 10-23-2019, 02:23 PM   #2
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This all depends on where you want to locate them, and how wide they will be. Here is an image from above of my roof. I just installed 4 60W semi-flexible as I did not want them to extend above the upper part of the roof. If you go full width of the trailer you could do a lot more.

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Old 10-23-2019, 02:27 PM   #3
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When I was looking to add to mine, I could fit 2 100w panels on the roof along with the original 160 in the rear. The Jack antenna would likely cast a shadow on the front most of the 3. I stuck to just the one and carry 100 watts of portable, which I've yet to need.
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Old 10-23-2019, 07:26 PM   #4
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I added 3 60 watt panels exactly like Jim’s but on a 19 roof . Because it is a 19 we have one less panel .And we have a tv antenna on roof too . Pat
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Old 10-23-2019, 08:41 PM   #5
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Thanks for the prompt and informative replies.

To add some clarification, specifically on the solar panels, can I order factory installed panels (2) on the 5.0; the zamp portable plug in and still get a functional non interfering tv antenna!

Yep, I’m asking to get the cake and eat it to!

Thx
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Old 10-23-2019, 09:22 PM   #6
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5.0 TA solar panels

Quote:
Originally Posted by MichaelJS View Post
Thanks for the prompt and informative replies.



To add some clarification, specifically on the solar panels, can I order factory installed panels (2) on the 5.0; the zamp portable plug in and still get a functional non interfering tv antenna!



Yep, I’m asking to get the cake and eat it to!



Thx

You should ask Escape. Not only will they tell you whether they can do it, but also whether they *will* do it, which is perhaps a more important question.

I’d be surprised if the answer to either is No. They routinely put double panels on 19’s and 21’s, so I can’t see why a 5.0 would be different. Antennas can go amidships so as to not impinge on the panels.Click image for larger version

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Old 10-24-2019, 06:14 AM   #7
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FWIW, the antennas are only good in metro areas, their range is limited to civilization. In addition most cg have cable, so I just went for the cable ready option in my last 2 Escapes.
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Old 10-24-2019, 06:37 AM   #8
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Cable being available has a lot to do with where you choose to camp. I've yet to notice a public campground with cable, not that I look for it.
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Old 10-24-2019, 06:53 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Patandlinda View Post
I added 3 60 watt panels exactly like Jim’s but on a 19 roof . Because it is a 19 we have one less panel .And we have a tv antenna on roof too . Pat
Can you post a pc of that?

Thank You
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Old 10-24-2019, 07:24 AM   #10
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Cable being available has a lot to do with where you choose to camp. I've yet to notice a public campground with cable, not that I look for it.
I too have very rarely seen a cable connection at a campground, with the exception of a few of the commercial campgrounds I have stayed at, and that is not very common.

Not really interested in TV other than for movies though. Too busy doing other things. [emoji4]
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Old 10-24-2019, 09:37 AM   #11
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My one option regret is getting the Antenna. Should have done the cable only setup like CP. I will say we have used the antenna on occasion and it works well, but we are mostly streamers now. One less hole in the roof to maintain and more room for a second panel.
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Old 10-24-2019, 11:17 AM   #12
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Thx all. Thinking on your responses, I am probably a streamer too and the cable only option should allow portable satellite connection unless I’m mistaken. That may be my best option overall.

Wow, thx all!
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Old 10-24-2019, 11:24 AM   #13
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Carrying a LEAF https://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Antenna-.../dp/B00APPDX86 antenna for a window may suffice for those times you need TV.
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Old 10-24-2019, 11:30 AM   #14
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Well, hmmm. Maybe I need to start and think outside the box, or in this case, inside the camper! Thx Padlin.

2 solar panels, zamp Portable connection, cable ready with no antenna, and get myself up to date on modern indoor antenna systems. Check✔️
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Old 10-24-2019, 12:12 PM   #15
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Cable TV connections are relatively common in "RV park" style private campgrounds, but to some extent they may be old installations still in use, rather than current practice. Without an additional "box", the signal will typically be the old analog system that hasn't been broadcast in most places in North America for several years. In parks with long-term residents (e.g. staying for the whole winter), a cable connection plus the box from the cable company can provide wired phone and high-speed internet as well as TV, but that's not useful for short stays (due to the excessive equipment setup required).
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Old 10-24-2019, 02:05 PM   #16
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Actually most of the private parks we stay as well as KOA's have cable tv and internet. Analog went out maybe 10 years ago and cable swept in to fill the void. In addition some cg's are in the mountains where OTA signals are void but cable is brought in using the existing telephone poles.
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Old 10-24-2019, 02:33 PM   #17
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Quote:
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Can you post a pc of that?

Thank You
I can later when I get home Pat
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Old 10-24-2019, 02:36 PM   #18
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My one option regret is getting the Antenna. Should have done the cable only setup like CP. I will say we have used the antenna on occasion and it works well, but we are mostly streamers now. One less hole in the roof to maintain and more room for a second panel.
Me too but got to say was at a campground last summer in Utah and we got 69 channels and they didn’t have cable was told we were right near the station Pat
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Old 10-24-2019, 02:40 PM   #19
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I too have very rarely seen a cable connection at a campground, with the exception of a few of the commercial campgrounds I have stayed at, and that is not very common.

Not really interested in TV other than for movies though. Too busy doing other things. [emoji4]
We use the tv and set sleep timer since 1994 to go to sleep . We do prefer to read , play games etc but need for sleep . Guess it is PTSD .Pat
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Old 10-24-2019, 09:46 PM   #20
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Can you post a pc of that?

Thank You
Here are a few pictures, our antenna is at the rear on passenger side . Looks like a flyng saucer , doesn't"t shade the solar at all. I put one in front , one panel in middle and one at rear . If you still would like to see like Tom s ,I can get on the roof in a couple days . Right now we are dealing with a lot of smoke from the fires over the hill But you can get the idea . Pat
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