2011 T5 Multivan: roof changes prevents DVD roof installation - help with plan B pls

[tennysonian]

Just thought I would provide an FYI re roof mounting DVD player in my new 2011 T5 Multivan Comfortline:

Had it in for installation and had a call from dealer to say that looks like the roof of current model has changed in last 4-5 months (they had a demonstrator in the yard at this time with DVD player roof mounted no problem). They had been mounting them on a cross bar in the middle of the roof, but this was absent on mine. They had not run into this before.

They thought about possibly using construction adhesive to mount a timber base plate to roof but were not keen to experiment (and neither was I at this point - still all too shiny and new)

So back to the drawing board on this one. A few plans Bs come to mind:

The are getting quotes for headrest mounted units but not sure how/if these could mount/ be wired in the removable (and swivelling) middle seats for the kids on the back row.

Not sure if some sort of wireless solution exists with ipads or something?

Buy two portable twin (head rest mounting) systems and use main unit from one and the two extra screens just run longer cords round the place for long trips (we have three kids).

Buy one portable twin system. Put multifunction table in between middle seats. Work out how to mount one screen from multifunction table for viewing from middle rows and one screen of back of multifunction table for back row.

Any other creative suggestions welcomed.

[Sunny43.5]

I hate to say it but the dealer sounds a bit lazy to me . The cross braces in the T5,s will not change until a completly new body is being supplied , that is about another 3 -5 years if my guess is right . Now I will admit I have not seen the inside roof trims on a Comfortline but the position of the cross braces will still be the same as bare bones base model, as all T5,s are built around the same shell and body . I would get a second opinion . One of the other members here has just fitted a roof mount DVD so have a look and see if yours is the same . If doing headrest DVD players you will still need a power and earth wire so if your seats are going to be removed then you could fit a proper style joining plug near the bottom of the seat frame these units should have built in infared transmitters for sound to IR headphonnes or even an FM modulator which will send an FM signal to your head unit [ that is if you wish to hear what the kids hear ] A roof mount would be your best option as there is nothing worse than heaps of wiring all over the shop especially if you want one unit to be the main player as you need to run RCA cables to each other unit and maybe even a signal booster . We have a DVD player head unit in the dash along with 4 additional screens in 3 head rest and 1 in the passengers sunvisor , this is a player as well . we found that if every one wanted to watch the same thing the main unit was not able to supply a strong constant signal so I fitted a signal booster which fixed it also I fitted an IR transmitter in the dash this sends a IR signal through out the van so every one can listen of headphones and the driver can still listen to another source works a treat . As for Ipads etc some other members have tried them and fed back suggests that this seems to cause car sickness as you have to look down at the screens . So good luck with your project and check out some car audio people for more intelligent information . Howard

[tennysonian]

Many thanks Sunny43.5.
Mitch

[Luke]

Can someone post pictures of a roof dvd in a late model van? I cant see how they fit with the air con ducts.

[buzuki]

there was a 2012 chassis multivan in my work with a clarion roof mounted dvd player, sturdy mount. Cant see why the bracing would of been removed. . . If they removed the bracing one would assume that they have fitted the bracing elsewhere?

[Luke]

I took a quick photo - a thousand words etc...


This is looking from front to back. Where I would like the dvd screen is between the two sets of lights/vents. The problem with this is the approx 10cm gap between the roof and the lining there.

[buzuki]

ah i see, all the ones ive seen fitted have been just behind the front seats, so well in front of the rear lights.

[Sunny43.5]

As I have fitted some roof mount DVD players I have not done one to your model as ours have been upgraded Transporters . If the roof trim is able to be removed I think you will find that there would need to be a bridging bracket fitted that would span the gap between the two braces , this would then allow you to mount the DVD player between the rows of lights /vents .Naturally you would have to see if there is any air ducting in the same area . Some installers I have seen only fit a metal plate behind the hood trim unfortunatly this is not always a stable mount and you will probably find the DVD player will bounce a bit on rough roads . As Buzuki has said may be the better option to fit it further forward to avoid the vent area . This is ashot of the internal showing just the second rear section but its the same right through to the front .

[Luke]

I took it into an installer and he barely wanted anything to do with it - he said he would have to start pulling bits off before he even knew if it was possible.

[Skoda VW]

I found the brace too far forward to use. Here are some pics of the install I did in my MY11. I made a wooden base and Stuck it to the Roof with Sikaflex.

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/861/031412150300.jpg

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/5469/031412150200.jpg

[Luke]

Great thanks. I guess that is where mine will have to go. I was thinking of using two pieces of 4x2 for spacing. You dont have a photo of the mount do you?

[Sunny43.5]

Nice job good placement , Did you have an option of different colour like the Chinese ones ?

[Skoda VW]

Sorry don't have any photos of the mount. Made from 12mm particle board. Large surface area to stick to the roof and 2 vertical pieces hanging down to meet with roof lining for mounting DVD bracket.

No choice of colours. Bought a JVC 10 inch unit which only comes in black. Doesn't really stand out to much with the dark grey plastics in the interior.