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Topic: Wire Pathways for 31' Island Bed (Read 223 times) previous topic - next topic
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Wire Pathways for 31' Island Bed
Hello All,

  I'm in the process of installing a rooftop mounted cellular antenna which involves making a roof penetration. I'm planning on making this penetration inside the overhead cabinet directly behind the drivers seat. I'm trying to keep it as far back from the front of the LD as possible to keep it out of Lake Newton. Checking the wiring before drilling, I see that coming out of the front 18"  fluorescent ceiling fixture is a wire bundle that heads towards the drivers exterior side attached to the framing and  3" from where I want to drill my 1" hole. If the wire bundle goes straight to the outside of the LD and turns down the exterior wall, I'm good, but if it turns before getting to the outside wall where I'm drilling (9" in from the outside wall) I could get into trouble! Yes, I could move further away perpendicularly, but I can't tell what's running 9'' parallel to the wall. The ceiling panel has some give to it there so I'm assuming no framing in that spot.

 Is anyone here familiar with the wire pathways in the 31' of have any construction photos of the LD model or have other advise?

 Thanks,
Ron Y
2009 31' IB "BoonDoggle"
2014 Honda CRV Towed
Re: Wire Pathways for 31' Island Bed
Reply #1 –
Try drilling a small hole inside the cabinet where you want the coax to enter. Before drilling, tape the tip of the drill so it only penetrates a 1/2", so it will not cut or clip any wires. 
Use a stiff piece of wire to explore the inside of the roof, feeling for wires. The wire can be used to move any loose obstructions out of the way.
If the penetration is forward of the fluorescent ceiling fixture, the area should be free of wires.

Over the years, I have made dozens of rooftop penetrations for various wires and antenna cables using waterproof marine thru-fittings without failures.
Cable Clam, Medium, 0.83" (21.08mm) Max Conn Dia., 0.44"(11.18mm) Max Cable...

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Wire Pathways for 31' Island Bed
Reply #2 –
Larry,

 Thank you for the tip, it sounds like a good plan. I have rigid foam in my LD, but maybe a 1/2" hole would work and I could probe with that wire or even a screwdriver removing the foam as I go.

 That said, I now have the bottom paneling in the overhead bin partially removed, as well as the speaker, microwave, and some paneling in the entertainment center above the driver's side. A lot of head scratching for sure! I don't know exactly how the ceiling lights are fed, but I have a good idea on everything else on that side of the RV.

Thanks again,
Ron
2009 31' IB "BoonDoggle"
2014 Honda CRV Towed
Re: Wire Pathways for 31' Island Bed
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Try drilling a small hole inside the cabinet where you want the coax to enter. Before drilling, tape the tip of the drill so it only penetrates a 1/2", so it will not cut or clip any wires. 
Use a stiff piece of wire to explore the inside of the roof, feeling for wires. The wire can be used to move any loose obstructions out of the way.
If the penetration is forward of the fluorescent ceiling fixture, the area should be free of wires.

Over the years, I have made dozens of rooftop penetrations for various wires and antenna cables using waterproof marine thru-fittings without failures.
Cable Clam, Medium, 0.83" (21.08mm) Max Conn Dia., 0.44"(11.18mm) Max Cable...

Larry



Larry,

 It worked like a charm. I have foam insulation in my roof, so I used some bamboo shish-kabob skewers that I had available and just kept poking around at different angles and found no wires. Drilled a pilot hole from the inside then to the roof and drilled down. Pretty much all of the styrofoam insulation was gone from my probing.

 This one is a keeper!

Thanks,
Ron
2009 31' IB "BoonDoggle"
2014 Honda CRV Towed
Re: Wire Pathways for 31' Island Bed
Reply #4 –
Glad it worked well for you, this method is suitable for drilling holes anywhere in the ceiling or walls.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze