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05-04-2019, 04:29 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,990
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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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2016 Dynamax DX3 - Big Blue
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05-04-2019, 04:30 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,990
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FOURWHL
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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Pics attached this time
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2016 Dynamax DX3 - Big Blue
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05-04-2019, 04:50 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,990
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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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2016 Dynamax DX3 - Big Blue
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05-04-2019, 05:29 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Posts: 1,135
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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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2018 DX3 37TS Sunset
2019 Rubicon JLU
2022 RZR Pro 4 Ultimate
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05-04-2019, 06:06 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Akron, OH
Posts: 3,289
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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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2023 Dynaquest XL 3700BD
Had...2018 Force HD, 2016 Force, 2014 Thor 33sw
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05-04-2019, 06:36 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,990
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rskeans
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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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2016 Dynamax DX3 - Big Blue
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05-04-2019, 09:19 PM
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#7
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Retired Army Paratrooper
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Enterprise Alabama
Posts: 894
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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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Dennis & Zoleta
Retired US Army
2010 Grand Sport GT
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05-04-2019, 09:25 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,990
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Dicor the whole roof!
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2016 Dynamax DX3 - Big Blue
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05-04-2019, 09:46 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 596
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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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05-04-2019, 09:48 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 596
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05-04-2019, 09:54 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: New port Richey FL
Posts: 1,464
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Webefine
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Looks like you did a very nice job.
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05-05-2019, 06:18 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,990
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Webefine
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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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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2016 Dynamax DX3 - Big Blue
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05-05-2019, 07:49 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 596
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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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05-05-2019, 07:52 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 596
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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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05-05-2019, 09:42 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 7,916
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Webefine
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Looks you have room for one more skylight. Ha ha
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2017 Puma 297RLSS
2005 Ram 2500 4X4 diesel SMOKER!!
I love puns, irony and tasteless jokes...
born in Texas.... live in Arkansas
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05-05-2019, 10:27 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,990
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Webefine
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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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.
Sorry well miss you at the rally!
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2016 Dynamax DX3 - Big Blue
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05-05-2019, 12:50 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,990
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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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2016 Dynamax DX3 - Big Blue
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05-07-2019, 04:27 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,047
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Quote:
Originally Posted by halla
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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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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05-08-2019, 09:19 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,990
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FOURWHL
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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And here's a pic actually depicting this
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2016 Dynamax DX3 - Big Blue
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05-09-2019, 06:24 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,990
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And put back together. Yes I know my dicor work leaves something to be desired
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