I am currently installing 6 100 watt Renogy solar panels on my 2020 303 rls. I quickly found that the screws that come with the mounting brackets will not work in my roof. I tried to find rafters on 16in oc but nothing lined up. I’m thinking that I will need to use well nuts to secure them. My questions are what is the thickness of the of the roof sheathing and what size we’ll nuts to use? Are there other options? I have already started to use the screws but can’t continue with that. Any suggestions on the mounting of my panels would really help. I am currently renting a shop to do this install and need to finish this ASAP.
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You don't need to find rafters or use well nuts, just run 3/4" screws straight through the bracket and rubber roof into the plywood sheeting obviously taking proper precautions for water proofing. I covered the mount bases and screws with self-leveling roofing caulk, Thousands of miles towing in all conditions without problems.Paul and Deb Cervone
2022 Imagine XLS 22MLE
2021 Imagine XLS 17MKE - SOLD; 2015 Reflection 337RLS - SOLD
2016 GMC Denali 3500 SRW
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Originally posted by Poppy's 5th Wheel View PostYou don't need to find rafters or use well nuts, just run 3/4" screws straight through the bracket and rubber roof into the plywood sheeting obviously taking proper precautions for water proofing. I covered the mount bases and screws with self-leveling roofing caulk, Thousands of miles towing in all conditions without problems.
2018 Solitude 310GK, disc brakes
Morryde SRE4000/XFactor with heavy duty shackles, V-Brackets in spring hangers
2012 Ram 3500 SRW 6.7 Diesel, air bags
18k B&W Companion, non-slider
640 watts solar, 400 amp-hour Lion Safari UT 1300 battery bank
Aims 1500 watt inverter/charger with ATS
Somerset, WI
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The roof sheathing is 3/8" OSB. Most owners, including myself use a screw that penetrates a minimum of 1/2" into the OSB. Then as Poppy states, seal the area with self leveling sealant. There is no need to hit a rafter.
JimJim and Ginnie
2024 Solitude 310GK - 2020 F350 Dually
GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
GDRV Rally Support Coordinator
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Originally posted by TucsonJim View PostThe roof sheathing is 3/8" OSB. Most owners, including myself use a screw that penetrates a minimum of 1/2" into the OSB. Then as Poppy states, seal the area with self leveling sealant. There is no need to hit a rafter.
JimGary and Carla, "Livin' the Dream!"
2021 Solitude 390RK-R
2019 Ford F-350 Lariat, extended cab, 8' box, 6.7L Diesel, SRW
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Originally posted by Livin' the Dream View Post
Is the sheathing 3/8" or 3/4", because you can't penetrate 1/2" into 3/8" OSB unless you're at a significant angle.
Just my "2 cents worth"
RobCate & Rob
(with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
2015 Reflection 303RLS
2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
Bayham, Ontario, Canada
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Originally posted by Livin' the Dream View Post
Is the sheathing 3/8" or 3/4", because you can't penetrate 1/2" into 3/8" OSB unless you're at a significant angle.
JimJim and Ginnie
2024 Solitude 310GK - 2020 F350 Dually
GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
GDRV Rally Support Coordinator
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Originally posted by TucsonJim View PostThe roof sheathing is 3/8" OSB. Most owners, including myself use a screw that penetrates a minimum of 1/2" into the OSB. Then as Poppy states, seal the area with self leveling sealant. There is no need to hit a rafter.
JimMy trailer: Grand Design Momentum 397TH with many small modifications and a fairly large (1700W panels, 10KW batteries) DIY solar install.
My truck: 2020 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn 4x4 DRW, 6.7L Cummins HO Turbo Diesel, Aisin 6-speed, 4.10 axle, Patriot Blue Pearlcoat, Longhorn L1, Towing Tech, Max tow, Towing prep, 30K 5th wheel, Cold Weather pkg, Safety group, Body color bumpers, Tow hooks, Auto level, 50 gal fuel, Bed step, Side steps, Sunroof, Aux switches, Air Horn, TruXedo Sentry bed cover
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Originally posted by Sckarolek View Post
Checking... is the answer "the roof sheathing is 3/8" OSB applicable to all Grand Design trailers or only the trailer the original poster was asking about? My trailer on order is a Momentum 397TH. 3/8"? thanks...
In the mean time, GDRV-Megan Can you answer the question about the roofing material. Are all models still equipped with the 3/8" material?
JimJim and Ginnie
2024 Solitude 310GK - 2020 F350 Dually
GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
GDRV Rally Support Coordinator
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Originally posted by TucsonJim View Post
This was true for all models when the moderators were at the factory about a year ago. And I have not heard about any changes since then. The moderators have a Zoom meeting with GDRV next Tuesday and we'll add your question to the agenda.
In the mean time, GDRV-Megan Can you answer the question about the roofing material. Are all models still equipped with the 3/8" material?
Jim
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Is there a good technique to find where the roof trusses are located? A normal stud finder does not work with 3/8” OSB.
I am using SuperStrut attached to the room with 3/8” Stainless lag bolts - pre-drilling pilot holes, then filing with Alpha self leveling 1021 lap sealant, then covering screws with lap sealant as well.
I have yet to hit a rafter/roof truss. I have a 2021 S-2930RL.2021 Solitude S-2930 RL
1200 watts solar, 3KW inverter, 400 A/Hr LiFePO4 batteries
2020 Ford F-350 CC LB Crew Cab SRW 6.7L 4x4 3.55
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steve&renee I saw that pic of your securing system last night after watching a video posted on YouTube where the guy lost 3 panels bolted together that flew through the air after departing his rig. I think your solution is excellent, well thought out. Bravo!Pete and Dana
2020 GD 2400BH
2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT 6.2L Gasser
Full-Time as of 4/30/21
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I know this thread is old, but I had a new question. Should I put butyl mastic on the mounting pad feet before screwing to the roof. I have some material left over from my bowed awing repair. Or put some self leveling sealant under the pad before screwing down? I was also thinking of running the screws in lightly, then backing them out and filling the screw hole with Gorilla glue and then reinserting. The glue will act like lock tite. Thoughts?
Thanks
Keith2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
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