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Roof Photos of 31' LD
If you have pictures of the roof on a recent 31' LD please post them of share the link with me. I am curious to learn about the factory layout and more specifically, how solar panels can be mounted in different configurations. A 2D blueprint would work also :)

I did spend a great deal of time searching the forum and Google pics for pictures but was unable to find any. Thanks in advance!
Chet in Yorktown, Virginia

Re: Picture of roof on 31' LD
Reply #1
Chet,

Pardon the dirty roof. I took some photos for you of the roof of my '06 30' LD.  My two solar panels were installed by the factory in the location that you see.  You do NOT want them to do this. As you can see, there is no room to install a vent cover between the solar panel and the dome of the Fantastic Fan.  I complained to Steve Newton and Vince about this long ago and I don't know if they have changed their tolerances and added more room, but it is worth asking about. 

My Fantastic fan was replaced last year with my roof reseal and I am going to install a Fantastic upgrade kit which adds a rain sensor to solve the issue.  I should have asked them to do it at the factory when they installed the new fan.

30' Lazy Daze Roof - Google Photos

Mike S.
'06 30' TB Anniversary Edition
'06 30' TB Anniversary Edition

Re: Picture of roof on 31' LD
Reply #2
Gosh Mike - thanks so very much for taking those pictures. You really didn't have to do that although your pictures provide me with a great deal of information!

Is the large black circular object up front a factory install? It looks like some sort of TV antenna although I see the Winegard there also. My guess is that they pushed that second panel as far away from the AC unit as possible to reduce shade on the solar cells. It does seem very close to the vent cover though :O

It looks like there is sufficient room in the rear to mount panels off to each side of the vent cover. Maybe some additional room up front although I wish more of the equipment was centered thus freeing up the sides. Thank you again Mike!
Chet in Yorktown, Virginia

Re: Picture of roof on 31' LD
Reply #3
If you have pictures of the roof on a recent 31' LD please post them of share the link with me. I am curious to learn about the factory layout and more specifically, how solar panels can be mounted in different configurations. A 2D blueprint would work also :)

I did spend a great deal of time searching the forum and Google pics for pictures but was unable to find any. Thanks in advance!

Chet, this link will take you to our blog post and will show you where they were on our 06 and where we moved them. The one behind the fantastic vent allowed the vent to cast shade on the panel. I moved it and the post discusses that.

Life's Little Adventures: Solar Panels On The Move

Jim

Re: Picture of roof on 31' LD
Reply #4
Yes, the round object on the front is an overy expensive KVH in-motion satellite dish.  I'm not sure they even make them anymore. The factory did install it for me.  There is plenty of room for another couple of panels on the roof if you want them.   Just make sure you plan the whole system panel, batteries, inverter etc. to be able to effectively utilize them.  With two AGM batteries, two panels has been sufficient for me, but your use model may dictate otherwise.

Mike S.
'06 30' TB Anniversary Edition

Re: Picture of roof on 31' LD
Reply #5
Thank you Jim. It looks to me like three panels just about fill the drivers side. Do you think there is enough room in front of them for another? And the passenger side appears even more congested with the sky light over the shower and refrigerator vent cap. Maybe only three on that side also?
Chet in Yorktown, Virginia

Re: Picture of roof on 31' LD
Reply #6
Thank you Jim. It looks to me like three panels just about fill the drivers side. Do you think there is enough room in front of them for another? And the passenger side appears even more congested with the sky light over the shower and refrigerator vent cap. Maybe only three on that side also?

I suspect you could put two more on the driver side and maybe more with planning. We replaced our antenna with a Jack antenna in 2012. Life's Little Adventures: Now We Know Jack That would free up more space and eliminate shadow compared to the old Winegard. However, at some point weight becomes an issue.

Jim

Re: Picture of roof on 31' LD
Reply #7
Good point regarding the weight concern although I am guessing I should be fine since by my very nature I travel light. I have read a few other stories where the additional weight of the solar panels, wires, additional batteries, etc. have quickly added up to 500 and sometimes even 1000 pounds. For me it will be about balancing my needs versus what is acceptable for additional weight and money invested.

Correct me if I am wrong but it appears that on the LD 31s the factory TV antenna is mounted forward and just off to the passenger side. Maybe directly above the forward corner of the sofa / bed? And there is essentially a big hole there, maybe an inch or so in diameter, where the lower antenna assembly passes through into the passenger compartment?
Chet in Yorktown, Virginia

Re: Picture of roof on 31' LD
Reply #8

Correct me if I am wrong but it appears that on the LD 31s the factory TV antenna is mounted forward and just off to the passenger side. Maybe directly above the forward corner of the sofa / bed? And there is essentially a big hole there, maybe an inch or so in diameter, where the lower antenna assembly passes through into the passenger compartment?

This is accurate.

Jim

 
Re: Picture of roof on 31' LD
Reply #9
I took these to send to Dan at Quality Solar for a November installation.
Photos 1 & 2 are facing forward,  3,4,5 facing aft.  Larger level is 48" smaller level is 18"
Hope this helps.

Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE