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DustyRooster's avatar
DustyRooster
Explorer
Jun 28, 2023

'15 Coachmen Class C Roof Construction (layer diagrams)?

Hi all!

Looking for some help/guidance.

I just purchased a 2015 Coachmen Freelander 27QB and I am about ready to mount a few solar panels up top.

I am having a hard time finding any information on how coachmen constructs their roofs. Ie. How thick the wood layer is, insulation layer etc.

My biggest question would be does Coachmen have aluminum or joist type rails between or under a wood or insulation layer I am able to anchor my mounts on?

I have mounted on EPDM with SS screws in the past, but this Class C has an ever so slight angle on the front cab over where I would like to put a couple panels. I would really like to mount to a solid stud of some sort instead of just thin wood.

Wondering if anyone has any knowledge or experience with the Coachmen roof and the layers of construction.

Thanks for any guidance!

DR
Class C
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jun 28, 2023
    If you can find an old brochure for your model it may show how it's constructed. I know my brand does.
  • MDKMDK's avatar
    MDKMDK
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2023
    Have you contacted Coachmen RV? They still exist. They might know.
  • DustyRooster's avatar
    DustyRooster
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2023
    Thanks for your reply @scottG and @mdkmdk

    I have been searching for the brochure online, and I contacted Coachmen 2x over the last month with no response yet. Figured I'd try here.

    Thanks again for your suggestions!
  • MDKMDK's avatar
    MDKMDK
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2023
    It would be safer to wait for the manufacturer to get back to you with accurate engineering info. They do take a few days in most cases. Supplying them with the VIN and or manufacturer's unit id usually helps them respond, based on your exact unit.
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer II
    Jun 28, 2023
    contacted Coachmen 2x over the last month with no response yet


    Did u email them or call ? Large companies get hundreds upon hundreds of emails on a day to day basis that they cant keep up with. Especially tech related bc it involves being passed on to another person.

    Calling has better results than emailing. Ask to speak to a tech or service rep. They should at least answer the phone when people call.
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer II
    Jun 28, 2023
    Youtube shows factory various tours.

    This one is 4 yrs ago.
    https://youtu.be/hQ0BZ09HGxg


    AFAIK, they used walkable roofs with wood studs, 3/8” ply and aluminum skin but i don’t know the exact years of those builds in regards to using the aluminum skin.
    I cant see them changing the plywood or frame.
    At least the roof thickness should be the same . I don't think the Insulation R - value has changed over the years, thickness should be the same.
  • DustyRooster's avatar
    DustyRooster
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2023
    Thanks, @MDKMDK. I agree and I did provide them my VIN# and the ID near the entry door.
    @bobndot
    Thank you for this! I will check this out, and pay a bit more attention to my search criteria in you tube. Of all the searching I have done, I am surprised I didn't run across this video. I appreciate you taking the time to find this!
    I thought I had read Coachmen used aluminum studs in the walls, with azdel on the outside wall, and the typical luan on the inside wall.
    When I installed a new vent fan, I saw that same luan on top of the closed cell foam of the roof insulation, then the epdm on top of that. But did not see any "studs" of the ceiling structure.

    Anyways, appreciate the feedback, I have a few things to look into/watch, and CALL Coachmen :)

    -DR
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer II
    Jun 28, 2023
    As said, im not 100% sure about the roof structure in 2015.
  • DustyRooster's avatar
    DustyRooster
    Explorer
    Jun 29, 2023
    Afternoon!

    Just a quick update!

    It almost feels as thought somebody from Coachmen was perusing these forums. Just today I received the CAD drawings of the roof construction via Email from my past request(s). Drawings show exactly where the aluminum studs are so I can get a good grip when I mount those panels!

    Thanks everyone for taking the time to read and provide feedback!

    Happy Travels!

    DR
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer II
    Jun 29, 2023
    Aluminum roof not wood, thank u for the update.

    Good thing you are drilling into the ply top layer, bc the thin wall of an aluminum frame might not have enough bite for screws that sustain 60-70 mph winds on a regular basis. Especially with an rvs hard suspension.
    Keep an eye on the panels, check the caulk covering the screws regularly.

    Good luck with the install DR.

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