Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Class C Motorhomes: B+ motorhomes

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Topic: B+ motorhomes

Posted By: Gene in NE on 03/03/13 07:26pm

Snowman9000 - If you are seriously considering installing solar panels on the roof, you probably will conclude to drill holes all the way through the roof, fill the hole with some sealant around the bolt, and then place relatively large washers on the inside to keep them from pulling back out. A member "Gary Swanson" installed a Yakima car top carrier on his roof that way on page 45 for description.

His photo page has been taken down, but here is a picture of his ceiling showing the bolts through the ceiling -
[image]

Wish I had a structural diagram of your model 213, but all I ever got was one for my model 211. It will give you some idea on how the structural steel rafters are placed -
[image]

2002 Trail-Lite Model 211-S w/5.7 Chevy (click View Profile)
Gene

Posted By: Snowman9000 on 03/03/13 07:53pm

The refer and shower are in the same places on mine so it is probably the same framing.

Currently RV-less but not done yet.

Posted By: Ktuck on 03/04/13 12:40pm

Snowman9000 wrote:

The refer and shower are in the same places on mine so it is probably the same framing.

Have you considered using 3M VHB Tape? In the Yahoo Skinnie-Winnie group, it has been thoroughly discussed and is now the most frequently recommended method for mounting solar panels.

Over the last year I've had our panels exposed to temperature extremes and combined air/wind speeds of close to 100mph. The are still rock solid and I didn't have to drill any holes in the roof.

Posted By: Teacher's Pet on 03/04/13 02:52pm

Ktuck wrote:

Snowman9000 wrote:

The refer and shower are in the same places on mine so it is probably the same framing.

Have you considered using 3M VHB Tape? In the Yahoo Skinnie-Winnie group, it has been thoroughly discussed and is now the most frequently recommended method for mounting solar panels.Over the last year I've had our panels exposed to temperature extremes and combined air/wind speeds of close to 100mph. The are still rock solid and I didn't have to drill any holes in the roof.

What type of roof skin do you have? The R -Visions have a "rubber" roof, which is a bit more flexible than a metal, Filon or fiberglass roof.

'06 Phaeton 40' QSH
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'04 R-Vision Trail-Lite 213
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Posted By: Snowman9000 on 03/04/13 03:39pm

To be exact, it's TPO membrane over a luan plywood base. What most people do with those is either just screw into the luan, or use wellnuts in the luan. With liberal use of Dicor sealant. Apparently either one will hold the panels just fine.

[image]

Posted By: Snowman9000 on 03/06/13 06:36am

On the TL, has anyone pulled off the panel that surrounds the back end of the cab? I am thinking of doing some wiring on the passenger side from beneath the chassis up into the overhead area, and it sure would be a lot easier if I remove that panel. EDIT: I am referring to the panel behind the passenger seat, facing back to the living area.

I don't have the TL handy to look at right now, but I seem to recall it didn't look completely simple or nondestructive to do. Not simple doesn't bother me, but I don't want to damage anything.

* This post was edited 03/06/13 07:41am by Snowman9000 *

Posted By: Orion_42 on 03/06/13 07:22am

Snowman, I had to replace both vertical end caps on mine when I bought it because the prior owner had jackknifed his trailer into BOTH SIDES! It's pretty straightforward and merely involves removing all the phillips-head screws along both edges. The side screws are behind the white vinyl strip that peels out of the aluminum track (easily put back in). I didn't remove the top piece that overlays both sides (didn't want to break the roof seal), so I had to carefully pry it out from under the top cap where it overlaps about an inch or so. I believe the rear bumper overlaps the sides on your model, so you may have to remove either the top cap or the bumper cover to get the sides off.

I had wired a rear view camera above the rear door and ran the wire behind the top cap (fished it to the left side) and through the rear wall behind the angled board where the roof/wall meet in the bathroom. It then runs the whole length of the coach behind that angled board inside the cabinets.

[image]

* This post was edited 03/06/13 07:31am by Orion_42 *

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2001 Trail Lite B+ 211

Posted By: Snowman9000 on 03/06/13 07:40am

My bad, I'm talking about inside the MH, the panel behind the passenger seat that faces the living area.

Sorry for the confusion. I'll edit my post too.

Posted By: Orion_42 on 03/06/13 10:12am

Ha ha....maybe I just read it too fast. Yep, I did those, too. Just need to access the Phillips-head screws holding it on. Yours is newer and may differ, but it was no problem.

Posted By: cheeze1 on 03/17/13 11:38am

Hello gang, it's been awhile since I've posted, but just wanted to mention that we sold our beloved Ms. 213 yesterday. We are sorry to see her go, and thoroughly enjoyed our RV experience but we have developed some other interests, we lost one of our 2 girls [emoticon]

, and 213 was not being used as much as she deserved. She was purchased by a very nice father/son team who hopefully will join (and read) this thread fairly soon.
I cannot tell you how valuable the contacts and friendships that we have developed over the years with this group and wish you all well.
I will not be cancelling my membership, I just won't be around as often.
Fond regards to everyone,
Cheeze1

Chas Morristown, NJ
Trail Lite
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