Satellite/solar roof access channel: Solitude 310GK

[andrewssteve]

Just starting my solar install on a 310GK.

This unit comes factory-prep'ed with a satellite/solar roof-to-basement channel (or chase) that you can run cables in.

Here are some pics showing how I accessed the channel and ran a pair of 8 AWG cables from roof to basement:

1. The roof access as prep'ed from the factory. On the roof, to the left of my bedroom AC.



2. Scrape off self-leveling sealant, exposing a screwed-in sheet metal plate.



3. Keep peeling away:

[andrewssteve]

Now you need to run cable, Go to your basement and look on the basement ceiling for a sticker that reads "Satellite Roof Access Channel":



You might need to pull the cables down from the roof with a snake. I had issue because the chase opens up in a closet, then has to find a hole in the floor. My cables were bottoming out on the floor before finding the last hole to the basement. Needle nose pliers helped.



Finally, attached the cable access fittings. First the wrong way:



Then the right way:

[andrewssteve]

One last pic:

[cdantarpley]

Andrew,
I am installing solar on my 2019 310GK....
A few questions; You didn’t mention having to drill once you removed the roof plate...
1. Did you have to?
2. How big (diameter) is the channel?
3. Are there any other watch outs?

Thanks in advance!

C. Dan

[andrewssteve]

Andrew,
I am installing solar on my 2019 310GK....
A few questions; You didn’t mention having to drill once you removed the roof plate...
1. Did you have to?
2. How big (diameter) is the channel?
3. Are there any other watch outs?

Thanks in advance!

C. Dan

No drilling. There's a cutout (approx. 5/8" in diameter) that provides access to a "chase", just an opening in the framing that provides clear access to the trailer floor. Only watch-out is you have to be able to thread your wires from the chase into a cutout hole in the floor. Kinda tricky to get a wire into the hole in the floor.

-Steve Andrews

[CraigBair]

I am installing solar on my 2021 310GK. I’ve run satellite coax through the roof to bay channel using the GD chase, but was unable to run a second wire…chase appeared to be just too narrow. Has anyone been able to widen this chase?

[xc700FAN]

Hello, we have a 21' 310GK that the dealer replaced the roof and they covered over the access panel from the factory that you show on yours. Trying not to cut numerous holes in the roof of the rig, cannot locate with a strong magnet any type of metal cover under the membrane. Any suggestions or measurements on where it SHOULD be located? Also looks like you drilled a hole directly through the satellite access sticker in the passthrough. Any other help would be appreciated.
Thanks Al

[dagerlach]

I have a 3540GK. Opened the roof access only to find that it just goes into the attic space. There is no conduit or chase down toward the pass through or electrical wiring. The Solitude did come with “solar prewire”, but I have completely rewired the electrical system using Victron components. I’m finally installing the solar panels now that the weather has improved.

[dagerlach]

I was able to drill a hole down into the bathroom linen cabinet and take the solar electrical wiring all the way down to the utility area where I have the MPPT. It all worked at very well. Of course, it would have been much easier if GD had provided a channel/conduit from the roof….but it is what it is.

David