Parkliner AC and Canopy questions

[frank_a]

Does anyone have any kind of detail at all on how Parkliner is supporting their new roof mount AC, and/or bracketry used for the new Fiamma awning option? Pics (especially!) and/or text welcome!

I would really like to get AC where it belongs - on the roof! Gail & I would also like to see what we could do about a regular trailer canopy. The canopy thing is less important than the roof mount AC, but our Gander Mtn. canvas thing is worn out!

By the way, we also have a jalousie window problem, the one over the dinette does not seal anymore and cannot be cranked out. I can lift it out, so it's not stuck. Any ideas welcome!

Pics of our most recent trip later. Can't "do" photobucket at work anymore, as it is blocked.

Frank

[Johnny M]

Originally Posted by frank_a

Does anyone have any kind of detail at all on how Parkliner is supporting their new roof mount AC, and/or bracketry used for the new Fiamma awning option? Pics (especially!) and/or text welcome!

I would really like to get AC where it belongs - on the roof! Gail & I would also like to see what we could do about a regular trailer canopy. The canopy thing is less important than the roof mount AC, but our Gander Mtn. canvas thing is worn out!

By the way, we also have a jalousie window problem, the one over the dinette does not seal anymore and cannot be cranked out. I can lift it out, so it's not stuck. Any ideas welcome!

Pics of our most recent trip later. Can't "do" photobucket at work anymore, as it is blocked.

Frank

I am dealing with the exact same dilema now regarding a roof a/c on my 71 Boler but don't think I can be much help on yours as I don't know how your body/roof is constructed. I will try to remember to share what I come up with to you when I get it done or you can follow my post of http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post530448
Can't be much help with the awning but on the windows you should be able to remove the window either by removing the screws or drilling out the rivets holding it in place. Yours may have a frame on the inside that has to be removed first before it will lift out (mine are 1 piece assembled). Then you can disassemble the window and replace the bad component(s). Check the crank handle first though as is could be it is not gripping the shaft it turns to open it (teeth rounded off). There are a number of RV parts places by searching Google that sell parts for them. The hinges were the most difficult part for me to locate for mine which I got directly from Hehr. You might also try vintagetrailersupply.com. Just remember when reinstalling the window to put new butyl tape around the seal on the outside to keep it from leaking...

[frank_a]

Thanks John, good suggestions.

I guess no one on FGRV with a Parkliner has these new options. I was hoping for some specific ideas!

Frank

[Sid]

Frank
When I last talked to Chandler months ago he mentioned that the roof must be factory built with internal reenforcement for top mount AC.
Sid

[frank_a]

Originally Posted by Sid

Frank
When I last talked to Chandler months ago he mentioned that the roof must be factory built with internal reenforcement for top mount AC.
Sid

Hahaha! That's Chandler for you Sid. "The roof must be factory built." That guy is so full of himself it's not funny.

After a bunch of research, I'm not sure I want to move the AC, but had been hoping for specific detail, like 1" square oak ribs were glassed in lengthwise, or an additional sheet of 1/4' or 3/8' marine plywood was integrated into the roof surrounding the vent. My point being that folks do install AC on roofs off eggs all by themselves with different forms of bracing.

It will be a very long time before I forget how Chandler treated me in 2014. Even the work they did (moving the batteries to the tongue) was very poorly done, and required more of my time to fix. Sheesh!

On the other hand, twice this past weekend folks at rest areas wanted to talk with me about our Parkliner. There's no question the design is very advanced for a lightweight egg. One was a tall fellow driving a 38' motorhome looking for something simpler, and the other was a tractor trailer couple who used to have a Casita. Funny thing that - nobody came by to check it out at the campground, but we invariably get folks checking it out when we're at rest areas!

Thanks Sid. Enjoy your day!

Frank

[neparker]

Frank,

When we were in the factory late last summer one was being built that had a roof mount AC. Chandler mentioned plywood reinforcements, but I didn't inquire further. I didn't notice any obvious plywood on the unit, but the headliner was already in place.

Attached is a picture of one of the Fiamma brackets. It's bolted through the shell and has backing plates. The roof of the closet is used for the foremost bracket. The pole and center reinforcement piece are stowed in the closet with brackets on the wall adjacent to the entry.

-- Anne

[frank_a]

Originally Posted by neparker

Frank,

When we were in the factory late last summer one was being built that had a roof mount AC. Chandler mentioned plywood reinforcements, but I didn't inquire further. I didn't notice any obvious plywood on the unit, but the headliner was already in place.

Attached is a picture of one of the Fiamma brackets. It's bolted through the shell and has backing plates. The roof of the closet is used for the foremost bracket. The pole and center reinforcement piece are stowed in the closet with brackets on the wall adjacent to the entry.

-- Anne

Thanks Anne! Great pic of that awning bracket too. For some reason, I thought it was more complicated, i.e. CNC cut out of solid aluminum or something. That looks like maybe 1/4" aluminum strap on the lower piece and 1/8" strap on the top. I may just have to do a bit of experimentation!

What pole and center reinforcement piece Anne? Do you have pics of those too?

Thanks again!

Frank

[frank_a]

Originally Posted by neparker

Attached is a picture of one of the Fiamma brackets. It's bolted through the shell and has backing plates. The roof of the closet is used for the foremost bracket. The pole and center reinforcement piece are stowed in the closet with brackets on the wall adjacent to the entry.

-- Anne

Anne, two questions - from the pic of that bracket, it's clear there are two braces coming from the top. It looks like just one on the bottom?

Do both the top and bottom bolt through a common hole just at the top into the closet? Or is the bottom one bolted in more than one place?

Thanks!

Frank

[neparker]

Frank, There are at least 2 bolts... will try to get a better picture with a ladder a little later today and also one of the inside bolt pattern. (I tried to take a picture inside the closet, but it didn't come out.)


The center reinforcement rail and crank come with the awning.

[frank_a]

Originally Posted by neparker

Frank, There are at least 2 bolts... will try to get a better picture with a ladder a little later today and also one of the inside bolt pattern. (I tried to take a picture inside the closet, but it didn't come out.)


The center reinforcement rail and crank come with the awning.

Wonderful! Thanks again Anne, I really appreciate it.

So how many brackets are there? 3? All essentially the same? I figured one would come in through the closet, then the others just through the upper cabinets. A pic of the inside bolt pattern would sure tell me a lot as well.

Is there a model number for the awning itself? I got on Fiamma's website, but couldn't figure it out.

I'm not in much of a hurry, but Gail and I have decided to look at getting more of a factory awning than our Gander Mountain tent/canopy/bungee cord thing!

Enjoy!

Frank

[neparker]

Here 'tis, Frank. There are two brackets -- one attaches in the closet ceiling, very close to the entry wall, and the other attaches in the aft curbside cabin. (That's the inside picture I took.... the right hand bolt in the picture is the top one.)

There is also a spacer with no apparent bolts in the middle of the awning. Picture included

Let me know if you have questions or want more pictures. Happy to measure or whatever. (This may take two postings...)

-- Anne

[neparker]

Part 2 -

[frank_a]

Originally Posted by neparker

Here 'tis, Frank. There are two brackets -- one attaches in the closet ceiling, very close to the entry wall, and the other attaches in the aft curbside cabin. (That's the inside picture I took.... the right hand bolt in the picture is the top one.)

There is also a spacer with no apparent bolts in the middle of the awning. Picture included

Let me know if you have questions or want more pictures. Happy to measure or whatever. (This may take two postings...)

-- Anne

Boy, that's GREAT Anne, thanks so much! Is the awning 8'8", 10'1", or 11'6"?

What's the black stuff between the glass and the brackets where the bolts go through, and what is smeared on top of the bolts?

This looks doable. Thanks for the help, pics and info!

Frank

[Pat in Michigan]

Hi Frank, do you need a shot from above of the awning?

[frank_a]

Originally Posted by Pat in Michigan

Hi Frank, do you need a shot from above of the awning?

Pat,. I'd take whatever I can get. I would also like the size (thickness and width) of the aluminum bracket pieces if possible.

Thanks!

Frank

[Roadie1]

Hey Frank- just happened upon this thread. My buddy purchased a used PL and ordered the same factory awning my new PL came with. He fabricated the support bracket system and installed the awning himself.
It looks identical to mine now. I know he's used it several times and it's worked out great. Good luck!

[frank_a]

Originally Posted by Roadie1

Hey Frank- just happened upon this thread. My buddy purchased a used PL and ordered the same factory awning my new PL came with. He fabricated the support bracket system and installed the awning himself.
It looks identical to mine now. I know he's used it several times and it's worked out great. Good luck!

Hey Tab! Any chance you could ask him what sort of material he used? I.e., 1" aluminum 1/4" thick for the bottom, 1" X 1/8" thick for the top? Did he make/use a spacer for the middle as well? If so, did he attach it?

Thanks for any help. I want to put together a plan and do this!

Frank

[Pat in Michigan]

Frank, the top straps are about 3/4 inch and the bottom strap is about 1 inch. Hope that helps

[neparker]

You're welcome, Frank. Overall length is about 9'4", so the awning is probably the 8'8" one. Black underneath the brackets is a rubber gasket material, white on top is probably caulk. -- Anne

[Roadie1]

Frank- I'll try to track him down for details.


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