Upgraded my new-to-me 2007 Essex

[4x4]

A couple of the promised photos.

The new desk replaced a pretty uncomfortable and seldom used J-couch. The desk provided a much needed place for my laptop and external monitor. The laptop sits in the top desk drawer. I bought an inexpensive Euro Recliner and ottoman to serve as a comfortable desk chair and can rotate around for TV viewing. In the first photo you can see the added ceiling speakers that were installed for the 7.2 surround sound stereo. The 2 small ones in the front are for the front dash stereo while the other 4 large ones are for the main stereo. The center pair are actually hooked together for use as the center channel because a single speaker would have had to been put to one side or the other. The TV surround/Stereo is a major upgrade from the 9 year old factory system.

The 2nd photo shows a closeup of the 43" Phillips computer monitor. I had a piece of the Corian cut to fit the gap under the TV while in the up position for a cleaner look. A suction cup makes it easily removable without the need for an ugly handle on it.

The 3rd photo is the new Sony 43" monitor that replaced the original 32" screen. It fit perfectly into the original gap between the control panels and the old speaker cabinet.

The 4th photo shows the computer desk with the monitor in the down position. The desk has removable kick panels on all three sides under the desk to facilitate running computer wires and having access to the back of the desk AC connections.
The desk was made with two wire holes on either end, an AC outlet on the side rear right hand corner and finally the switch for the overhead lights was relocated to a very convenient location in the front left of the desk under the countertop.

[4x4]

The Magnum PT-100 solar charge controller was mounted in the rear bedroom closet for a short run of battery cables from the panels to the battery bank which is located in the rear on my Essex. The long shelf was removed and repurposed to a vertical separator. Since it is set back there is no problem with ventilation or heat as the internal fan has never come on to cool it off even in 85º temperatures.

[enjoyrv]

4x4. Nice job on desk and new TV

[tizzyfit]

4X4 the pictures look fantastic! Excellent job!

[Dave.O]

4X4,

I am working on replacing the front TV. Did you use same mount or a replacement?

I am just finishing up replacing the outside TV with a 43". I removed the stereo system and had to modify (offset) the round spreader cross bar for the door hardware. I then framed out a support frame with aluminum angle and c channel. My plan is to add removable panels so I can have access the tanks.

All good stuff.

Dave

[4x4]

Originally Posted by Dave.O

4X4,

I am working on replacing the front TV. Did you use same mount or a replacement?

I am just finishing up replacing the outside TV with a 43". I removed the stereo system and had to modify (offset) the round spreader cross bar for the door hardware. I then framed out a support frame with aluminum angle and c channel. My plan is to add removable panels so I can have access the tanks.

All good stuff.

Dave

Part of the mount was reused and some stuff was added to it.

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by Dave.O

4X4,

I am working on replacing the front TV. Did you use same mount or a replacement?

I am just finishing up replacing the outside TV with a 43". I removed the stereo system and had to modify (offset) the round spreader cross bar for the door hardware. I then framed out a support frame with aluminum angle and c channel. My plan is to add removable panels so I can have access the tanks.

All good stuff.

Dave

Any pics of the door hardware change??

[Dave.O]

Sure.I will take some pics this weekend.

By doing the offset support/sway bar, I am not restricted to the size (height) of the tv.

Dave

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by Dave.O

Sure.I will take some pics this weekend.

By doing the offset support/sway bar, I am not restricted to the size (height) of the tv.

Dave

Yup ... mine has a crossover bar in the way. Do you have a "parallel" door like mine that that moves upward parallel to the coach body? I'm considering converting to a top hinge to allow the door to act as a canopy (shade the screen).

[Dave.O]

Yes. I removed (cut off) the cross bar and replaced with an offset angle & flat stock (aluminum). You want to add offset before you cut the cross bar. Works perfect and I was able to install a larger tv. I have the panels off so you can see the frame that I built to support the TV bracket. I also like the accessibility to the tanks that I did not have before.







Dave

[Trapper2022]

Dave

Why the crossbar in last picture on the door?

[Dave.O]

I removed (cut) the original 3/4" diameter cross/spreader bar and replaced with a repositioned (slid closer to the door) one that I made with aluminum angle and flat stock. The reason for the offset and sliding it a few inches closer to the door is to provide clearance for a taller/larger TV when the door is closed. You need the cross/sway bar to maintain the rigidity of the door when raising and lowering.

If you watch closely when raising and lowering the door you will see how the round cross/sway bar limits the height of the TV.

I hope this helps.

Dave

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by Dave.O

I removed (cut) the original 3/4" diameter cross/spreader bar and replaced with a repositioned (slid closer to the door) one that I made with aluminum angle and flat stock. The reason for the offset and sliding it a few inches closer to the door is to provide clearance for a taller/larger TV when the door is closed. You need the cross/sway bar to maintain the rigidity of the door when raising and lowering.

If you watch closely when raising and lowering the door you will see how the round cross/sway bar limits the height of the TV.

I hope this helps.

Dave

Thanks Dave! ....nice job!

[BTL550]

When I replaced the outdoor TV last year, I ended up kinda in the middle of what you guys did. I left the stereo and speakers, but took out the vertical pieces of trim. I removed the round bar, welded in nuts in the ends and moved the bar roughly an inch back. I drilled a new hole in the center of bar and bolted bar in the new position. I was able to get a 39" LED to fit, while still being able to swing out and swivel on the bracket. I actually reused the old brack, with a little bit of modification.

Just another idea if you want to keep stereo and speakers, for the actual radio, or connecting to the TV for better sound.