Retrofitting wiring for roof top solar and or Starlink

Juan de Fuca

New Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2025
Posts
7
Location
Port Angeles WA
Hey knuckle-busters,
I'm looking to buy a used 21C. Is it possible to retrofit wiring for roof top solar and or Starlink if not already present?
Generally speaking, which of the typical Escape options that may or may not be added down the road proverbially speaking. I didn't see this topic in previous threads (but will admit I ran out of steam looking 10 pages on)
Thanks in advance
 
Sure, lots of people add solar and communications antennae to the roof of their Escape trailers.
 
The 21C is has easy access for new cables. The fridge roof vent provides easy access to the vertical chase behind the fridge. Wires can be dropped down and retrieved by opening the side fridge hatch. From there they can go through the "floor" and be run either forward or rearwards.

Ron
 

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Ron in BC,
That was the info I was hoping to hear about finding chases.
BTW we get to view beautiful Victoria BC every (clear) morning from our home.
Cheers
 
On a clear day if I go to the top of Grouse Mtn. I can see the Olympic peninsula. :)

The cap comes off easily, only 4 screws. Under it is a mesh screen, about 1/4"x1/4". I snip a couple of wires to make an opening for cables or wires that I'm installing.

Ron
 
Hey knuckle-busters,
I'm looking to buy a used 21C. Is it possible to retrofit wiring for roof top solar and or Starlink if not already present?
Generally speaking, which of the typical Escape options that may or may not be added down the road proverbially speaking. I didn't see this topic in previous threads (but will admit I ran out of steam looking 10 pages on)
Thanks in advance
If you need more photos of the factory solar installation let me know. For things that are accessible I can get you shots.
 
Hey W@nderer.
Photos would be great if they aren't much trouble.
I have read that for the attachments of solar panel to the fiberglass there are established protocols for a reliable/safe result. Where to find runs for the wiring was my big mystery. I'm looking for a used trailer here in the northwest and want to cypher out what features might be (relatively easy) to added if not already present.
Question: Do you have an opinion on non-negotiable practical features if you were buying a used trailer?
JdeF
 
Question: Do you have an opinion on non-negotiable practical features if you were buying a used trailer?
JdeF
There will quite a variation partly depending on the area the trailer is likely to be used.

We don't have A/C but some folks in hot spots can't live without it.

Bathroom sink, some folks order with it deleted. Makes me nauseous thinking about a person using the kitchen sink tap instead of the bathroom sink. Others don't care.

Underneath foam. I installed my own and have full access to all plumbing and wiring. Others like the factory foam because it insulates more. My view of the downside is access if there's a problem to deal with.

I wouldn't buy a unit with awning windows but others love them. Same as a manual awning vrs. a power one.

Ron
 

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