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Topic ClosedAttaching to walls

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wagnert View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Attaching to walls
    Posted: 05 Mar 2012 at 2:21pm
We have a 2012 R-177.
I am working on a minor mod that involves attaching 3/4 x 2" wood to the outside wall to create a wood slat partial cover for the window and blinds so that we can lean against the window/prop up in the bed and read or watch TV.
My question: what is the best way to attach wooden strips to the outside wall?
I gather the outside walls are about 1 1/4" thick.
Stud finder does not seem to find "studs" in the wall.
I've read through many postings and not found much on this topic.
Thanks,
Tom Wagner
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2012 R-Pod 177
2003 Toyota Sienna
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Mar 2012 at 4:33pm
You'll likely find verticle studs on each side of the window(s), at the widest points. 
This is not very scientific but, I found on morings when the dew/temperature is just right, the entire outside was covered in dew - except the studs.  One of these days, I'll take a picture of that. 
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Mar 2012 at 7:23pm
    I used very small molly bolts they were about 1/8" bolts and drilled a small 1/4" hole for the part that inserts into the wall for the bolt to screw into. But if you could locate the aluminum studs in the walls on each side of the window that would proably be better. There is a video of the forest river factory, showing the rpods being built. That is on the rpod nation forum, not sure where to look for it. But in that video it shows you the framing of the side walls before the fiberglass panels are attached. Hope this helps.       David     
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marwayne View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Mar 2012 at 7:42pm
     Welcome to the group:
The pics my help a little, the framing is not 16" on centre.
 

Edit: I have removed the pictures at the request of the picture's owner. - techntrek
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Mar 2012 at 8:37pm
From my experience, everything in the pod is screwed to the interior plywood walls using fairly short self tapping screws. That includes the framing for the dinette seats, the valences, the supports for the bed in our 171. Granted, not all the screwed in boards are weight supporting, but neither is the brace that you are creating. I would use sheet metal screws 1/2" longer that needed to penetrate the brace. Using the dew method or luck or the photos above, you might well hit a framing member. But again, if you are only leaning a board against the one-by, then several screws will be sufficient to hold it in place.   Walt
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marwayne View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Mar 2012 at 9:00pm
I used a studfinder (worked well for me) double checked by tapping on the wall.
If you want something done right, do it yourself.
2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd.


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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Mar 2012 at 9:51am

Outbound and I added shelves to our pods using molly bolts.  More info at the links below including the sizes we both used.  The first link is pics of my installation, the second link is his installation, read both pages of his.

 
 
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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wagnert View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Mar 2012 at 1:19pm
Thank you for the R-Pod photos. Very helpful! I will print and file them for future reference.
And thank you to ALL for the details on attachments, screws, etc.
All input and comments were appreciated.
Tom
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Mar 2012 at 9:59pm
Tom, as far as finding studs, just inspect the wall carefully.  You'll find the spots where the factory stapled the wall board to the studs (they're filled with a color-match putty).

Personally, I've gotten good use from 3/4" molly bolts

And, if you're trying to attach something light to the r-pod's interior walls, Scotch Outdoor Mounting Tape works really well.  I've found that it lasts for years and can be removed without damaging the walls.
Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150
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