EMS in 3100RL

[MDL]

I've just purchased a 2014 Montana 3100RL Big Sky to be delivered in February. I also bought a Progressive Industries EMS system I intend on hard wiring into the vehicle. With no generator prewired, does anyone know if there is room in the rear cap near the power panel to mount an EMS system? I asked Montana and was advised they don't recommend any modifications (or maybe that's just advice). Thanks in advance!

[dieselguy]

If you take out the screws attaching the belly pan to the rear cap, then roll the belly pan back a bit ... I think you'll find nothing but air clear up to the bottom of the floor. There will be a bit of insulation batting hanging down from the rear cap, but not a whole lot. Your fresh water tank is back in that area as well ... just a bit forward ... FYI.

[MDL]

Ah, great, thank you! I'll check that out when it arrives!

[bncinwv]

The other more accepted alternative is to install the EMS close to the breaker panel depending on it's location. My preference would be indoors where there is not chance of water intrusion into the unit which obviously would not be a good situation.
Bingo

[NCFischers]

I agree with Bingo. It needs to be in a dry location.

[Irlpguy]

Not only a dry location but one that is much easier to access in the event of a problem. Also if you have or want the remote monitor, ease of running the wiring for that as well..

[dieselguy]

I will go with the suggested location in previous posts ... I'm not familiar with your floor plan and took your post as it was presented
quote "does anyone know if there is room in the rear cap near the power panel to mount an EMS system".Soooo ... is your breaker/converter box in the rear of your unit?

[Tom S.]

On both trailers I've installed an EMS unit, I removed the fuse/circuit breaker panel and found more than enough room behind it to place the ems box. You don't have to unwire the fuse panel as there should be more than enough excess wires to pull the panel out far enough to be out of your way to work behind it.

[MDL]

Great input, thank you. The odd thing about the 3100RL is that the circuit panel is in the rear wall below the picture window. I'm not sure there is another location to mount it without significant disassembly to run the main power lines to and from. Our previous 5th wheel had the panel inside and was very easy to get to and mount the unit directly behind it. I assume if Montana put the power panel in the rear cap it must somehow be weatherproof?
I also agree that access may be a challenge if something goes wrong, but I'm not sure what other option I have. Suggestions?