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Old 05-04-2019, 04:29 PM   #1
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Getting cold feet....

So I'm at the point in my solar install where I need to start drilling holes in the roof...

I'm trying to double and triple check myself to make sure I get it right the first time.

I've got the roof print for my unit and think from the vents and skylight I can work out the location of the trusses, but trying to drop my power cables down the control pedestal behind the driver seat.

It looks like that pedestal may partially overlap the front cap? Anybody have any insight as to whether I can get access direct to the roof from that pedestal? Would the entry point where the antenna and satellite be better? Not sure how to access that from inside though. The pedestal drops down perfectly to the batteries for me
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Old 05-04-2019, 04:30 PM   #2
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So I'm at the point in my solar install where I need to start drilling holes in the roof...

I'm trying to double and triple check myself to make sure I get it right the first time.

I've got the roof print for my unit and think from the vents and skylight I can work out the location of the trusses, but trying to drop my power cables down the control pedestal behind the driver seat.

It looks like that pedestal may partially overlap the front cap? Anybody have any insight as to whether I can get access direct to the roof from that pedestal? Would the entry point where the antenna and satellite be better? Not sure how to access that from inside though. The pedestal drops down perfectly to the batteries for me
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Old 05-04-2019, 04:50 PM   #3
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Ugh the roof print I have is 37BH with cabover. Any chance that's why truss location isn't lining up?
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Old 05-04-2019, 05:29 PM   #4
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A very ambitious project. Don't know the answer but did a search and came up with this. http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...x3-161036.html Maybe you don't have to drill.
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Old 05-04-2019, 06:06 PM   #5
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Man, I am not sure I could do it. I would be a nervous wreck. Probably doesnt make you feel better, lol. hopefully you figure it out.
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Old 05-04-2019, 06:36 PM   #6
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A very ambitious project. Don't know the answer but did a search and came up with this. http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...x3-161036.html Maybe you don't have to drill.
Heh I'll have a video series about why I went the route I did

Thinking a stud finder is my best bet. If unlucky lags into the plywood will be my backup I think.

Opened up the antenna cover for the coax and was able to fish a string through so i think I'll take the roundabout route behind the TV to get to the batteries
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Old 05-04-2019, 09:19 PM   #7
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Don’t worry Brian, if you screw it up you can always just Flex Seal it. [emoji482]
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Old 05-04-2019, 09:25 PM   #8
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Dicor the whole roof!
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Old 05-04-2019, 09:46 PM   #9
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I put solar panels on my DX3 roof last summer, if you would like to talk I can pm you my phone number. Would be easier over the phone.

Larry
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Old 05-04-2019, 09:48 PM   #10
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Old 05-04-2019, 09:54 PM   #11
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Looks like you did a very nice job.
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Old 05-05-2019, 06:18 AM   #12
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I put solar panels on my DX3 roof last summer, if you would like to talk I can pm you my phone number. Would be easier over the phone.

Larry
Thanks, but I think I've got a route figured out that's going to work. Appreciate it.

Let's catch up and compare notes at the rally.
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Old 05-05-2019, 07:49 AM   #13
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Not going to be able to make the rally this year, to many other commitments.
How many watts are you doing, I did 400
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Old 05-05-2019, 07:52 AM   #14
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I glued my panels on the roof! I couldn’t bring myself to putting screws in the roof.
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Old 05-05-2019, 09:42 AM   #15
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Looks you have room for one more skylight. Ha ha
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Old 05-05-2019, 10:27 AM   #16
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Not going to be able to make the rally this year, to many other commitments.
How many watts are you doing, I did 400
Going with 600 on the roof and another 400 on the trailer. Frame for my first set of 3 is screwed and dicored. It's as stressful as I was afraid of lol.

I'm videoing the whole install so will share when it's ready.

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Old 05-05-2019, 12:50 PM   #17
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Well I confirmed my original question - yes the utility pedestal comes up into the front cap. I had drilled as far out and back from the wall but didn't see a drill bit. Fed some allthread up there and could feel it tapping on the underside of the front cap.

So I also confirmed the existing route the coax takes into the cap is the best way to go. I cut a new hole about 6" to the left of the coax hole and fished a wire to get my string over there. Then I pulled two 2AWG from the cab up to the roof. Wouldn't say it pulled easy, but wouldn't say it was hard either. Fished the 2AWG behind the TV no problem then used a wire to fish it behind the drivers cabinet into he pedestal.

Just have to go through the floor and I'll be into the battery compartment
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Old 05-07-2019, 04:27 AM   #18
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Man, I am not sure I could do it. I would be a nervous wreck. Probably doesnt make you feel better, lol. hopefully you figure it out.


I'm with Aaron, there is NO WAY I'm drilling into my roof. One of my friends had a simple CB radio antenna installed in his Newmar and while it was repaired "several" times, almost the entire ceiling had to be replaced.

When he sold it and downgraded to a fifth wheel, the dealer drilled a hole in the ceiling (I forget why) and the first time it rained, it leaked.

You'd think that it's a simple matter of just sealing a hole but for some reason...

Of course, I'm sure you'll be just fine.

Mark
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Old 05-08-2019, 09:19 AM   #19
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Well I confirmed my original question - yes the utility pedestal comes up into the front cap. I had drilled as far out and back from the wall but didn't see a drill bit. Fed some allthread up there and could feel it tapping on the underside of the front cap.

So I also confirmed the existing route the coax takes into the cap is the best way to go. I cut a new hole about 6" to the left of the coax hole and fished a wire to get my string over there. Then I pulled two 2AWG from the cab up to the roof. Wouldn't say it pulled easy, but wouldn't say it was hard either. Fished the 2AWG behind the TV no problem then used a wire to fish it behind the drivers cabinet into he pedestal.

Just have to go through the floor and I'll be into the battery compartment
And here's a pic actually depicting thisClick image for larger version

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Old 05-09-2019, 06:24 AM   #20
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And put back together. Yes I know my dicor work leaves something to be desired Click image for larger version

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