I hope this post isn't too long. I've added picture as suggested but have no idea how this is going to come out, so here it goes:
My kids bought me the insert for Christmas and I’ve been waiting to install it but Fiver has been in storage for the winter. Finally got it out of storage a couple of weeks ago and the first project was the Fireplace.
Below: Before doors removed
Next, framed the fireplace in the cavity. Framed the floor under the fireplace then made up a 2x2 frame to wrap around the rear of the unit to keep it from bouncing since it sits in the back of the fifth wheel. I also added a “L” bracket to each side which made it rock solid. I then sub-framed the front with ¾ in material as to attached the Mantel I constructed.
Drilled six 2” holes in the shelf above the fireplace for air circulation, then did an additional four above those behind the flat screen TV. There are also two more, one on each side of the unit, (the one on the right carries the fireplace cord through it) these circulate through the two holes in the formica tops (factory drilled for outlets inside each cabinet to the left and right side of the TV).
I built the mantel separately and painted it with a semi-satin black which matches all my window frames and the plastic which surrounds the refrigerator. I thought about staining it cherry like the rest of the cabinets but thought the Mantel would get lost with all the rest of the Cherry wood in the cabinetry.
Next was the electrical. I already have an outlet inside of each cabinet to the left and right of the fireplace which run off of the Fifth Wheel’s electrical circuits. The electrical outlet operated the unit fine as it’s only 1250 watts but I wanted a separate outlet which I could plug directly into the campgrounds post, (that’s if they offer a separate 15amp circuit) which most do. This way I have both options available.
Purchase an outside weather proof 15amp outlet made for RV’s. Drilled a hole in the back of the fifth wheel by the 50amp service and then ran a separate wire with a separate plug and 15amp circuit breaker. Now if I have a separate outlet available at the campsite, I can use that or if not, use the outlet on my Fiver’s circuits.
Well, that's my project hope you like it.