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Old 09-30-2015, 01:30 PM   #1
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Ceiling reinforcement

Hi Folks,

I have the ceiling of my 2009 Escape 19 open for repairs, front cabinets removed and headliner pulled back as far as the ceiling fan.

While everything is disassembled, I am wondering what kinds of accessory reinforcement may make sense, either for future solar panels or a TV antenna. I don't expect to be back in here anytime soon, so if tabbing up some plywood reinforcement or mounting brackets, now is the time to do it.

I do want to put in one or two solar panels. The antenna is a nice-to-have.

I know there are some pictures in the Friday photos, but it usually doesn't list the model number, so guidance would be helpful.

Regards,

Matt
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Old 09-30-2015, 05:39 PM   #2
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There is a piece around the a/c shroud and where the Jack antenna is located. Also the oh lights appear to have wood behind them- this is the 21 model.
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Old 09-30-2015, 05:49 PM   #3
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Are you going to install a double light fixture over the table? If so, you'd want to epoxy the 1/2" piece of plywood in now.

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Old 09-30-2015, 07:25 PM   #4
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Do you want to structurally reinforce the roof so it can carry more weight or install blocking
for attaching items to the structure (ceiling/ roof) ?
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Old 09-30-2015, 09:41 PM   #5
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We had a satellite antenna installed during our build and Reace reinforced the roof in the front of the trailer. Don't know how much weight it added but it did cost us a bit more. After all that, we found that a satellite antenna is something we wouldn't do again due to the limitations of the antenna when parked in areas that aren't completely open (small trees, etc., block the signal). Adding an outlet to make it "cable ready" makes more sense.
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Old 10-01-2015, 12:54 AM   #6
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Are you going to install a double light fixture over the table? If so, you'd want to epoxy the 1/2" piece of plywood in now.

Ron
Excellent suggestion, Ron! So, how much reinforcement do you think I would need to hang one of those Swedish chandeliers?

Seriously, thanks I wasn't even thinking in terms of internal additions.

Regards, Matt
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Old 10-01-2015, 01:00 AM   #7
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Do you want to structurally reinforce the roof so it can carry more weight or install blocking
for attaching items to the structure (ceiling/ roof) ?
Other than eventually adding panel I didn't have definite plans about anything on the roof. I am not sure the front roof is the best spot for adding a panel,but it would sure simplify the level of finish I would need to achieve up in this hard-to-reach area.

Regards,

Matt
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Old 10-18-2015, 12:30 AM   #8
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Is there any reason not to install a solar panel on the front roof of the 19 above the dinette? It looks like there only other possibilities are behind the AC unit or maybe between the Fan and AC. Where are the stock installs done?

I was looking at putting a Jack TV antenna up front; but that seems to spoil the biggest, flattest area. I might even be able to get two up there, and it's close to the battery!

Regards,

Matt
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Old 10-18-2015, 10:59 AM   #9
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Worked for me, ETI 95 watt panel in the middle, 100 watt panels added in front and rear.

Click image for larger version

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Old 10-18-2015, 12:42 PM   #10
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Worked for me, ETI 95 watt panel in the middle, 100 watt panels added in front and rear.

Attachment 13574
Looks like a neat install . Other then the Escape 95 install curious who did the orther 2 panels front and back . Looks like 4 feet used with brackets ? Would love some more information on your install . The nicest set up I have seen so far . Also are panels bolted to inside ? Pat
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Old 10-18-2015, 01:41 PM   #11
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Thanks, Don.

The picture is a great help! Is are your batteries on the rear bumper, front dinette or hitch box?

Regards,

Matt
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Old 10-18-2015, 02:23 PM   #12
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The installation of the front and rear panels, and connections to the existing Go Power controller, were completed by AM Solar in Springfield, OR. The panels were mounted using their rocker foot mount brackets and the panels are not bolted through the roof. I did ask them to add a 2nd set of brackets to the leading edge of the front panel.
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Old 10-18-2015, 02:24 PM   #13
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Thanks, Don.

The picture is a great help! Is are your batteries on the rear bumper, front dinette or hitch box?

Regards,

Matt
Hi Matt,
The batteries are in the hitch box.
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Old 10-18-2015, 02:32 PM   #14
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Is are your batteries on the rear bumper, front dinette or hitch box?
As far as I can tell, only the 17' has the battery (or batteries) on the rear bumper, and it always has it (or them) there.
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Old 10-18-2015, 03:27 PM   #15
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The installation of the front and rear panels, and connections to the existing Go Power controller, were completed by AM Solar in Springfield, OR. The panels were mounted using their rocker foot mount brackets and the panels are not bolted through the roof. I did ask them to add a 2nd set of brackets to the leading edge of the front panel.
Yes I have spoken to before and was considering them for solar .If you don't mind could you give more information about the the panel installation ? If you like you could PM instead . Thankyou Pat
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Old 10-18-2015, 03:33 PM   #16
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Can't see from your picture the extra feet in front . Could you show that in installation .They do a lot of installations and I know you need a appointment they are so busy . Pat
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Old 10-18-2015, 03:48 PM   #17
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Can't see from your picture the extra feet in front . Could you show that in installation .They do a lot of installations and I know you need a appointment they are so busy . Pat
Pat,
You really can't see the extra set of feet in the photo as they were reversed (back-to-back) so the extra bracket base is under the panel.
Yep, they're busy. When I was there in early September they were already booked for the rest of the year.
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Old 10-18-2015, 04:04 PM   #18
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Yes I have spoken to before and was considering them for solar .If you don't mind could you give more information about the the panel installation ? If you like you could PM instead . Thankyou Pat
Pat,
Sent you a PM.
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Old 10-18-2015, 04:35 PM   #19
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Don,
I'm with Patandlinda, That looks like a really nice solar install. Was the junction box installed by ETI or by AM Solar. ETI now runs the wires through the refrigerator vent.
Cody
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Old 10-18-2015, 06:46 PM   #20
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Don,
I'm with Patandlinda, That looks like a really nice solar install. Was the junction box installed by ETI or by AM Solar. ETI now runs the wires through the refrigerator vent.
Cody
Junction box was installed by AM Solar.
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