2995RL What's behind this wooden panel?

[Ron C]

We have a 2011 2995RL with the wooden panel below the TV entertainment similar to the photo below. I’m posting to see if there is anyone in the MOC who may have accessed the area behind it.

I know there is the furnace access hatch some distance further forward on the exterior wall, which may be a factor with this area. (See 2nd photo)

I made an earlier post re installing a FP there and had the much appreciated help of members who installed their fireplace in larger Montana’s or early ones with cupboards in that place. Not sure if there is space in the shorter 2995RL 2010 & 2011.

It is in storage a few hundred miles away until June. Is there any member or repair tech out there who has accessed this space for any reason? I will need a block of space about 24” x 18” x 9.5”. What do you think? Might there be enough free space there?

Appreciate your input,
RonC

[h2ojocky]

I am not sure if you meant 2995 or 2955. I have a 2005 2955RL. I have double doors down low, and above that two cabinet doors that open up with a fold down desk. Above that is the TV and above that is another set of double doors. My TV opening is 25-3/4” wide. My lower cabinet is shallow, maybe only 6-7" deep. My water heater is behind the back side of the lower cabinet. I am not sure if any of this info helps. Maybe someone else may chime in.

[Ron C]

Thank you for your reply. The floor plans are a bit different between our models. In the 2010 2011 2995RL the water heater is on the entrance side of the rv.

As Keystone put a panel in my model rather than the cupboards, I suspect that there is something there. Also, in my unit the stairs start close to the front of the cabinet, in others the stairs are back a bit further, giving more utility space.

Keystone is great in providing cabinet space in their RV’s, but none here in this unit. From looking at the ext photo, there looks like some room to the rear of the furnace panel. If I am lucky, there may be a flex duct or two that I may be able to re-route or get around, but I really don’t know. It’d be nice to know what’s there to ease the mind, but probably won’t know until after I take the saw to the panel come June.

All the best,

RonC

[kdeiss]

Our 03 2955 RL the hot water tank is next to the entrance door, access is under the Galley Sink.I have removed the panel below the TV that you are questioning it is open space

[WeBeFulltime]

Space for optional fireplace?

[kdeiss]

Originally Posted by kdeiss

Our 03 2955 RL the hot water tank is next to the entrance door, access is under the Galley Sink.I have removed the panel below the TV that you are questioning it is open space

Sorry please disregard post my comments are for model 2955 RL not 2995RL Sorry

[Elikabeth]

I am also curious about this! We just purchased a 2011 2995RL, but it’s being stored at my in-laws’ until May.

Ours does have a central vac installed in the bottom right panel in your picture, however I don’t think these go as deep as what you are looking for.

[mhs4771]

We had a 2010 Montana 2955RL, and I accessed that space and built a CD/DVD Cabinet in there, but it wasn't very deep, just enough for DVDs (approx 6").

[Ron C]

Great input, all.

Know the vacuum unit is 6” in depth and the DVD holder would be about the same. Unfortunately not enough for the FP, but as was mentioned, I does look like it was made for a future FP install. Although, it may be “interesting” trying to make it fit.

The 2995RL model only lasted a few years, being replaced by models all several feet longer. That was why I was anxious.

I know there are a lot of members out there who have done beautiful FP install jobs in units with different floor plans or in longer RV’s, but i’ve never seen one installed in that location in that model, despite the panel looking like the perfect spot. (2995RL has max length of 32’)

If I find any flexible space there, I am going to give it a try, even if I have to build out the surface an inch or so.

All the best!

[BuilderBob]

You should be able to pull the back wall out in the garage and see back there to see how much room you have watch out for the mess!

Bob & Carol
Washington St
2017 352RL 2008 Dodge 3500 DRW CC LB 4x4
Happy Trails

[adams7806]

We don't have a model like yours, so unfortunately can't help. But, wanted to encourage you to continue your quest towards getting the FP! We bought our newest rig in 16 and my husband was NOT a fan of the FP. He thought we would never use it and that it was a waste of space. WRONG! It is wonderful! Just enough heat to warm the keep the rig toasty and we truly enjoy the "ambiance" it offers. We use it a lot!

Hope your project works out. You won't regret it!

[scattershot]

On our 2006 2955 RL, that space is cabinets.

[prndl]

I have the same 2955RL as you do. Same year also 2011, even though Montana did not make a 2955RL in 2011 the dealer just rolled over the leftover 2010's to 2011.

If you go to the photos section and look in my folder, prndl's picts, or whatever its called, you can check photo's 9 and 10. They show the heater connection that is in that area(now properly connected) and also the many water lines that go in that space. I don't think there is much room in there. Maybe 6" at most.

[Ron C]

Prndl

Excellent to have you post. The pic with the flex heating tube is very telling. I assume the wall behind it may be the back of the hickory panel we were looking at.

The aluminium vertical on the left supports the top of the stairs. There are 2 stair widths in behind it to reach the front of the entertainment cabinet.

It is a tight space and it gives a lot of info to think about.

Knew there had to be some one out there who’s worked on that model.

Thanks again for the pic.

RonC