Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - LCD TV wall mounting question

Hi folks - new user here...
I need some advice on wall mounting an LCD TV. The problem I have is that the wall this is to be mounted on seems to be a load bearing wall/firebreak. It has 2 layers of 5/8"{ thick drywall and a layer of shear wall behind that (I guess for seismic safety - after all, this is the SF Bay Area...:) ). The instructions for my wall mount say that it must not be fixed to drywall thicker than 5/8". Any suggestions on what I should do?Can I just use longer lag bolts to install it?
The Wall Mount is a Sanus MT25B (recommended for my TV model; the TV is a 37" Viewsonic N3752 LCD).

I'm wondering if those instructions are referring to the use of drywall anchors?

Although it is possible to hang a TV with drywall anchors, it's always better to lag the mount directly into the studs.

Im inclinded to agree with Rick.
Never use just anchors thru drywall to hang anything of substantial weight.
Longer lags into the studs would be the way to go. Its the lag in the stud that holds the unit up...not the drywall.
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That unit weighs 56 lbs. Thats pretty heavy.

I'm wondering if those instructions are referring to the use of drywall anchors?

Although it is possible to hang a TV with drywall anchors, it's always better to lag the mount directly into the studs.

Thanks, Rick.I don't think it does, since the instructions stress the need for using wall studs for secure placement. I looked at the lag bolts that come with the mount - they don't seem to be long enough to hold the load securely.
Quoted from instructions:
"... Wood Stud Mounting: CAUTION - To prevent property damage or personal injury tighten the Lag Bolts only until the Lag Bolt Washer is pulled firmly against the wall plate. The drywall or other material must not exceed 16mm (5/8 in.) in thickness..."

Any thoughts? - I don't seem to be able to get a reply from Sanus...

Thanks!
Roger

...use longer lags

Just being paranoid here...but try to have an educated guess of what is in the wall...you wouldn't want to drill into wiring or plumbing.

...What is in the wall, and/or around the studds, IS anyones guess.!! (sorry to sound pesimistic...). - but I sincerely doubt you'd encounter any Hot wiring @ the studds, when driving your new/longer lag bolts thru the studds. Plumbing lines shouldnt be in/or around that area... (unlikely - any water lines/feeds in that area...- I doubt it).
Odds are in your favour...(?!?!?). NO guarantees...but unlikely you'd hit something short of 'disaster'.
In many cases, driving a lag thru a studd, if or near approaching any 'wiring', my guess is the lag will scrowl thru and pass the wiring.. hitting solid ground/wood in the studd.
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Stud finder is helpfull (of course) but it may not pick up any wiring...
You should still be OK with new, longer lags....
Go for it...!!
You'll be ok....!!
(but I do, appreciate your concerns...)

Thanks for the advice guys! I went to Home Depot and got some 4" and 4 1/2" bolts today (as opposed to the 2 1/2" that come supplied with the mount). That will hopefully do the trick.
As for anything in the wall - I know pretty much what's in there since I had to relocate the thermostat for the radiant heat before I could even think of wall mounting the TV. That thernmostat was in an absolutely stupid place almost in the middle of the wall... There won't be any wires or plumbing, and I know where a suitable stud is, have also verified this with a sensor.

It'll have to wait until next weekend, but I'll report back...

Thanks,
Roger

Maybe you can use the extra 2 1/2 inch lag bolts that you won't be using to re-mount that heavy thermostat! hehehehe:rolleyes:

Sorry about my tales of caution...just a little nervous over my own project. I installed an over-the-range microwave today. It took a few lag bolts. I knew that one of the studs had a huge cable for the range running down it (saw it when pulling a circuit for the microwave). Wouldn't want to drill through that!

Quoted from instructions:
"... Wood Stud Mounting: CAUTION - To prevent property damage or personal injury tighten the Lag Bolts only until the Lag Bolt Washer is pulled firmly against the wall plate. The drywall or other material must not exceed 16mm (5/8 in.) in thickness..."
This is about crushing the drywall between stud and plate. Therefore just using longer screws does not address the issue. I would sink some drywall screws, in studs, behind where the lower portion of the plate will go, set flush in the drywall. The plate may press on those, they won't crush.

That's a good idea Kobuchi - for added measure.
Im pretty sure the weight/pressure of the 55lb unit will be spread over the width/height of the mounting unit..and along with your suggestion will give it some extra 'backing' support.
Good call...!!