Possible new fireplace location?

[Ron C]

Hi,
I have a 2011 Montana 2995RL Hickory ed to which I wanted to add a small Dimplex electric fireplace.
My unit is stored a few hundred miles away, so I don’t have easy access.
There is a hickory panel below the entertainment center (see photo) where I hope to install the fireplace. It will need 9 to 10 inches of depth and a space of 25 x 18 in front.
Does anyone know if there is some space behind that panel or is it filled with furnace, plumbing or other systems?
I have seen photos of built-in vacuums installed to the right side of the space, but not a FP.
Is there any member out there who is in the know?
I have seen photos of a FP unit in older Keystone models in a similar place and of there being lower cabinets in other models which can be adapted for a FP. However, not this year and model. (The rear living one with the En Center next to the stairs)
Any help is much appreciated,
RonC

[Eagleback]

I do not have that unit, but go outside and just in front of your slide where that panel is you will probably find the furnace or water heater. because its right across from the stairs. Remove the panel from the inside the basement and you will see if you have enough room for sure.

[Ron C]

Thx for your note. As mentioned, I don’t have the rv here, on site. However, a photograph of that side shows the furnace door & vent to be 20 or more inches beyond the dining area slide out.
If the space behind that panel is visible via that furnace hatch, it will definitely try your suggestion. Much better than cutting up that finished panel.
Thx
RonC

[BB_TX]

You may have seen pics of mine where I installed a fireplace. My 3075RL is similar to yours, but it did have a cabinet in that space. That cabinet was quite small and of very little use. Maybe they just decided to close it off instead.

[Ron C]

Boil
That is a beautiful job!
I was a little worried that with the smaller 2955, that bottom space may have been compromised for other use. There sure is lots of depth in the upper cupboards & TV area.
Your FP looks perfect!
RonC

[Carl n Susan]

I remember another member here (simonsrf) added a FP to their 2008 (or 2009) 2980 in that location. I know the 2005 2955 and a 2005 2950 all had the space there to add a FP. All the 29nn models have the same entertainment center design. The fireplaces are not very deep. I think BB_TX also installed an after-market unit.

I know they and others bought their FP at Lowes for substantially less than what Montana wanted for it. Try doing Google Search here for something like "Lowes" and "fireplace" or such and something should show up. Here are two I found:
http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ad.php?t=36416
http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ad.php?t=42324

[Ron C]

This is very encouraging . . .
I had been looking at these earlier posts. I have the Dimplex FP unit to install. The worry I have is this blank hickory wood lower panel in the 2011 & 2012 2995RL’s.

Unlike the larger or earlier Montana models which had full lower cupboards that showed the available depth, for some reason Keystone didn’t leave access. I wonder if the space was used up. Why was it blocked over & not left as open shelf space? I am hopeful, I’ll be able to squeeze the 10” of depth I need, without getting a nasty surprise when I cut open the panel.

It’d be wonderful to be able to put in place a FP unit that looks as good as the ones the members have posted.

Thx for your help,

R

[BB_TX]

I ordered the fireplace from electricfireplacesdirect.com. They had one that fit perfect in that space with no cabinet modifications. Just removed doors and set it in place. All trim, except “mantle”, is standard trim i bought at Lowe’s, cut to fit, and stained. Mantle is a 1”x2” oak board i routed the edge for a finished look. For the return air vent I cut a piece of aluminum rain gutter leaf guard to fit, painted it black, and stapled it to the back of that trim piece.

[mhs4771]

I didn't install a Fire Place, but on our '10 2955RL I made a DVD cabinet in that space, so yes it is blank behind that panel and deep enough for DVDs.

[Ron C]

M & A,

Thx for your post! Another useful bit of info.

Still in the cold of winter here, so we won’t be where the rv is stored for the off season for quite a while and having the FP, I was getting apprehensive. It is going to need about 25 x 18 x 10” deep. . . . Apprehensive but getting more hopeful that it will go well with a careful install.

BTW: Hope u r enjoying your 2995RL as much as we are . . . great rig.

All the best,
R

[RichR]

My 3400rl has a fireplace in that spot.

[Ron C]

I’m thinking that the reason for no shelves or factory installed FP in the 2995RL is that the propane furnace may intrude in that hidden space. The furnace hatch is a bit forward of the dining area slide out.
The 2995 has a length of 33’ but the 3400 is 38’. The extra 5’ gives room for flexibility in the placement of the furnace, which the 2995 may not have, although I do hope I can find a way to make it work.

Looks like it will be a problem to try to solve in a few months when the rv is setup and the FP is on site, unless another owner 2995 owner has had a good look at that full lower space.

Thx
R

[zeus130]

Originally Posted by BB_TX

You may have seen pics of mine where I installed a fireplace. My 3075RL is similar to yours, but it did have a cabinet in that space. That cabinet was quite small and of very little use. Maybe they just decided to close it off instead.

Thanks so much for posting. You did an amazing job..thanks for the inspiration on doing one in my 5th wheel. I would like to know what brand/model fireplace you purchased? Was it made for an RV and to be put into a cabinet...I'm concerned for air ventaltion. I would like to do this to my 345dbq which has a very similar cabinet to yours. You did an amazing job. Did you need to leave room underneath for air space?

[BB_TX]

Zeus130 - I had a previous post with multiple pics of the install. But the pics were stored on photobucket and no longer available. I will try to repost those pics directly thru this site.

[BB_TX]

Here are my fireplace pics. I ordered the fireplace from http://www.electricfireplacesdirect....ping=Fireplace that fit my opening perfectly for what I wanted to do. A ClassicFlame, but I don't remember the model number but it was the smallest available at the time.

The fireplace air entry is on top of the fireplace, but I wanted the air intake to be below (for some reason). So I built a platform to set the fireplace on and allow air to circulate thru the intake grill I made, under the platform, up the sides, and into the top of the fireplace.

The grill I made is nothing more than off the shelf decorative trim from Lowe's and some aluminum rain gutter leaf guard I trimmed to size, painted black, and stapled to the trim. All other wood is standard trim also from Lowe's except the mantle. I used a piece of 1"x3" oak board cut to length and routed a nice edge on it for appearances sake.

I dabbled with light coats of 3 different color stains to get something that matched the cabinet as best as possible.

1st pic shows opening with doors removed
2nd pic shows platform and some wood side spacers I made (painted black) to fill space at each side of the fireplace.
3rd pic is air grill
4th pic is finished project

[zeus130]

Thank you thank you soooo very much...I will certainly make this a summer project so my camper is ready and has a fireplace for my family for our fall camping trips...you truly did an amazing job. Thank you kindly for also taking the time to repost and also explain in detail of what you did...greatly appreciated. Have a great night! John