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Old 07-28-2012, 10:44 PM   #1
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Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

The Escape 19 now has ceiling lighting as a standard feature. I figured that it would be a nice addition to my Escape. Below is how I retrofitted a ceiling light in my Escape 19. It was an easy job once I got over the fear of cutting the ceiling vinyl material.

I purchase a double pancake LED light from http://www.fiberglasstraveltrailersrv.com

Other materials needed are:
4 feet of black 18AWG wire
4 feet of white 18AWG wire
(actually the wires can be any 2 colors to identify the positive and negative. Black and wire are standard colors for positive and negative respectively).

Wire crimp connectors, 2 for 18-gauge wire and 2 for 16-gauge wire.

A 2-foot piece of wire. The wire should be stiff enough to penetrate the insulation. I used a piece of music wire (which is a misnomer as it is used in model airplanes and found in hobby stores)

8 1"x1"x1/2" plywood blocks

5 minute epoxy

acetone or alcohol


I made a template from a cereal box outlining the light and the 4 mounting holes. I made reference lines mounting holes and for the light's center line. The red line is the cut line that marks where the ceiling vinyl is to be removed.
Attached Thumbnails
Template Cut Out (Small).JPG   Template (Small).JPG  
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Old 07-28-2012, 10:48 PM   #2
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Re: Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

The template is taped to the ceiling 25" from the sink side cabinet to the light' center line.

The vinyl material and insulation is cut away, leaving the underside of the fiberglass shell
Attached Thumbnails
Template on Ceiling (Small).JPG   Ceiling Materail Removed (Small).JPG  
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Old 07-28-2012, 10:56 PM   #3
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Re: Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

Remove the MaxFan trim plate. Run the stiff wire from the MaxFan to the light cutout.

At the light opening, tape the 2 electrical wires to the stiff wire and pull out toward the MaxFan
Attached Thumbnails
MaxFan (Small).JPG   Wires Ready to be Pulled (Small).JPG  
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Old 07-28-2012, 11:05 PM   #4
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Re: Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

Wires Pulled

Clean the fiberglass with either acetone or alcohol. Using 5 minute epoxy, attached the plywood blocks at each screw mounting position
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Wires Pulled (Small).JPG   Wood Screw Blocks (Small).JPG  
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Old 07-28-2012, 11:12 PM   #5
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Re: Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

Connect the 2 wires to the MaxFan wires. The MaxFan wires are tucked in on the driver's side. The Black wire on the MaxFan side is positive and the white wire in negative. For some reason the trailer feed wire is red on my Escape

Attached wires to the LED light
Attached Thumbnails
Wires at MaxFan (Small).JPG   Wires connected to Light (Small).JPG  
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Old 07-28-2012, 11:17 PM   #6
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Re: Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

Screw the LED light to the wood blocks

Add covers and done!
Attached Thumbnails
Light Screwed in Place (Small).JPG   Done (Small).JPG  
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Old 07-28-2012, 11:18 PM   #7
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Re: Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

I need a double scotch and I don't even drink the stuff.

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Old 07-28-2012, 11:20 PM   #8
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Re: Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

This light fixture has a two-way switch that allows only one light or both lights to come on
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One Light On (Small).JPG   Both Lights On (Small).JPG  
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Old 07-28-2012, 11:37 PM   #9
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Re: Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

That looks perfect.. like it was installed at the factory.. great job.. Glenn needs another drink..
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Old 07-29-2012, 05:45 AM   #10
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Re: Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

Great job Rick....gonna put that on my list! The under cabinet lights are a little low for some purposes.
I was afraid you were gonna say the lights came on with the fan : - )
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Old 07-29-2012, 07:06 AM   #11
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Re: Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

nice job, I'm glad Escape now includes 2 factory overheads because they are needed.
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Old 07-29-2012, 10:45 AM   #12
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Re: Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

Looks great, Rick. Nice tutorial on how you did it too.

It is something I have been thinking about for a while, but adding the strip lights inside the cabinets has helped a lot, and put this mod on the back burner.
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Old 07-29-2012, 11:06 AM   #13
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Re: Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

Thank you.
It is going on my list.
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Old 07-29-2012, 01:20 PM   #14
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Re: Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

Quote:
Originally Posted by cpaharley2008 (jim)
nice job, I'm glad Escape now includes 2 factory overheads because they are needed.
At Bandon, Tammy and Reace had a 19 there with two overhead lights, however the trailer did not have A/C, only a standard vent. With A/C there's not too much space for a light.
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Old 07-29-2012, 02:59 PM   #15
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Re: Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

one set is over bed, the other is in front of a/c over closet door, gives good light into closet.
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Old 07-29-2012, 08:40 PM   #16
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Re: Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

No need for scotch, Glenn. It's dirt simple to put one over the wardrobe door -- there's just enough room. The wires for the shower run up the front side of the wardrobe, so a little splicing, a couple of holes drilled, and I was done. Not as centrally located or as nice as Rick's set up, but good enough for my wife to put on her makeup and brighten the kitchen area. Momma's happy, so everyone's happy.

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Old 07-29-2012, 09:49 PM   #17
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Re: Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

Well, it would take a couple double scotch before I could even start.
And, you know where that would lead.

And, you have a 19 and I have a 17, so I think, I'll just think about it.

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Old 09-21-2012, 07:19 PM   #18
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Re: Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

Thank you for the great info and nice photos. I wonder how difficult it is to fish the wires from the fan to the dinette. We have extra insulation, would that give us extra problem when fishing the wires?

thanks!
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Old 09-22-2012, 01:37 AM   #19
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Re: Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

I don't think it would be a problem. It may take a try or two fishing the stiff wire between the fan and your light cutout, but that's it. The distance from the fan to the dinette is about the same as from the fan to my new light near the wardrobe. I also have extra insulation and had no problem fishing the wire through -- it was very easy to do. Good luck and please post some pictures of your new light!

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Old 09-22-2012, 10:45 PM   #20
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Re: Adding a Ceiling Light to the Escape 19

Thank you Rick, I have to convince my supervisor (aka the wife) that everything will be alright to cut a small hole in the ceiling....
I will sure to post some photos if the supervisor approves the plan.
cheers!
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