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Old 01-03-2021, 06:09 PM   #1
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Very low control panel location

Just purchased a 2020 Coachman Chapperal 360 IBL.
I'm 6 foot guy can someone tell me why the control panel was installed on the wall at 3 foot 10 inches up on the wall???
Why???
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Old 01-03-2021, 06:56 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by Tim966 View Post
Just purchased a 2020 Coachman Chapperal 360 IBL.
I'm 6 foot guy can someone tell me why the control panel was installed on the wall at 3 foot 10 inches up on the wall???
Why???
They were short stafffed that day?

Sorry.
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Old 01-03-2021, 07:00 PM   #3
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Thanks funny.
Can the control panel be moved up, so I won't have to break my back every time.
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Old 01-03-2021, 07:03 PM   #4
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There appears to be stairs adjacent to the control panel, so I'm wondering if the builder mounted the panel low thinking it might be accessed from the level at the bottom of the stairs.

I noticed on my motorhome model that the thermostat, switches and outlets on one wall were arranged differently on every example of that floor plan I looked at. I think the individual builder on that day decides where to knock the holes in the wall. These builders possibly don't ever own or use RVs, so there is no logic to where they mount the panels.
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Old 01-03-2021, 07:03 PM   #5
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The panel in my TT is just above my knees.

Whoever installed must have been down on his knees.
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Old 01-03-2021, 07:07 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by Tim966 View Post
Thanks funny.
Can the control panel be moved up, so I won't have to break my back every time.
Sure can if:

You don't mind cutting a new hole;

Splicing 2-3 wires for every switch or indicator on the panel;

Repairing the old hole.
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Old 01-03-2021, 07:08 PM   #7
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Thanks funny.
Can the control panel be moved up, so I won't have to break my back every time.
You’re the only one that an answer this. Being that almost every version of every model has its own peculiarities, even though they’re supposed to be the same.....

You’ll have to remove the panel screws, and slowly pull the panel aside to see how much slack, if any, in any direction to see if you can relocate it. Also, you’ll have to reinstall some form of framing to mount the panel to. It’ll be a pain in the a55......maybe just sit down on the steps and play along.
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Old 01-03-2021, 07:11 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim966 View Post
Just purchased a 2020 Coachman Chapperal 360 IBL.
I'm 6 foot guy can someone tell me why the control panel was installed on the wall at 3 foot 10 inches up on the wall???
Why???
I operate my controls while standing on the lower floor down those 2-3 steps to the left. If I have to use the controls while standing on the upper level, it's no problem since I know what each switch does and I don't have to get my face next to the panel to read labels.
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Old 01-04-2021, 02:52 PM   #9
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When I have to use it I sit on the step!!!!!!
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Old 01-04-2021, 03:02 PM   #10
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I operate my controls while standing on the lower floor down those 2-3 steps to the left. If I have to use the controls while standing on the upper level, it's no problem since I know what each switch does and I don't have to get my face next to the panel to read labels.
For those who need to "read the labels up close" perhaps a Braille Label Maker could help ID the switches
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Old 01-04-2021, 03:38 PM   #11
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Here’s how mine looks from the bathroom/bedroom landing:
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Here’s how it looks while I’m standing on the main floor in front of my stairs:
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Old 02-12-2021, 05:04 PM   #12
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The problem with recreational vehicles is that they don't employ designers to do proper layouts of anything in these trailers or motorhomes. They leave it up to the installers to place fuses, panels wherever it suits them. How much more user friendly would it be if they placed fuses where they can be seen or serviced. Wouldn't that make life so much easier for the consumer..? For some inline fuses, the operator needs to trace the wires just to find out if there's a fuse in the line or to find it in some obscure location..


Their cheaply paid installers in all likelihood wouldn't know how to read the instructions to place them where they were designed to be placed in the first place. This lack of attention has become so ingrained in manufacturers operations that they don't really care any longer so long as their trailers are selling. So manufacturers feel it's a waste of time to hire proper designers but manufacturers need to wake-up and take some action to rectify this..
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