Community Forums

paul65k · 11-29-2018, 04:13 PM

Hi Guys,

I have looked and looked and can't find a thread that covers this subject.

So I will be installing a Battery Monitor (Victron 712) sometime next week which includes installing a Shunt and then a monitor cable to both House and Chassis banks........got this handled

As part of the installation I'll also need to run a cable up to the monitor location......which I would like to place in the cabinet with the current set of monitor lights in the upper cabinet next to the refrigerator in my 36 FDDS.

The question is.............is there an easy way to get a wire up to this location, or drop down as the case may be when running wires to this location??

Also will be installing a Progressive industries EMS-50 so I'll probably pull both wires at the same time.

Thanks in advance for the help

.......Cheers and looking forward to meeting many of you in Quartzite

RVPioneer · 11-29-2018, 09:20 PM

If your 36 is like mine (2005) the bay door just forward of the rear wheels on the passenger side can be opened by removing 2 self tapping screws from the bottom. It will swing up like all the other basement doors, it just doesn't have the latch and gas shocks to hold it open. Those can be installed. This is where the holding tanks are located.

It will be pretty straight forward to run wires from the battery compartment, along the chassis rails, over the tanks and into the space behind the refrigerator. This will lead to the cabinet next to the refrigerator. I ran wires this way for a solar trickle charger and at the same time ran wires for a future solar installation.

I installed the PE EMS-50 between the cable at the end of the cable reel and the ATS. Perhaps you are talking about running the wire for the remote display up inside the coach? For now, I opted to leave the display in the basement near the power cord reel. I figured once we're powered up and everything checks out, there's no need to monitor the voltage and amperage.

Old Scout · 11-30-2018, 04:53 AM

...yup, RVPioneer nailed it--wiring routes vary a bit by model and floor plan config. but generally speaking, there are several "opportunities" to get thru the floor behind the fridge. Challenge is getting in behind the fridge to complete the wire run--RR fridges are fairly easy to move out, RV fridges not so much. Rear bedroom closet[or washer/ dryer space] is another opportunity for access between basement and roof.....

paul65k · 11-30-2018, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Scout

...yup, RVPioneer nailed it--wiring routes vary a bit by model and floor plan config. but generally speaking, there are several "opportunities" to get thru the floor behind the fridge. Challenge is getting in behind the fridge to complete the wire run--RR fridges are fairly easy to move out, RV fridges not so much. Rear bedroom closet[or washer/ dryer space] is another opportunity for access between basement and roof.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVPioneer

If your 36 is like mine (2005) the bay door just forward of the rear wheels on the passenger side can be opened by removing 2 self tapping screws from the bottom. It will swing up like all the other basement doors, it just doesn't have the latch and gas shocks to hold it open. Those can be installed. This is where the holding tanks are located.

It will be pretty straight forward to run wires from the battery compartment, along the chassis rails, over the tanks and into the space behind the refrigerator. This will lead to the cabinet next to the refrigerator. I ran wires this way for a solar trickle charger and at the same time ran wires for a future solar installation.

I installed the PE EMS-50 between the cable at the end of the cable reel and the ATS. Perhaps you are talking about running the wire for the remote display up inside the coach? For now, I opted to leave the display in the basement near the power cord reel. I figured once we're powered up and everything checks out, there's no need to monitor the voltage and amperage.

Thanks Guys

......I'll get in there and take a look. I was thinking it must be close to the fridge

On the EMS front I bought the optional second display and plan to have one in service bay to monitor on hook-up and will run the second one to the cabinet so I can monitor usage and voltage (by leg) from inside the coach.

I'll post up some pics when I get in there.

Cheers!!

Jeep401 · 11-30-2018, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul65k

Thanks Guys[emoji144]......I'll get in there and take a look. I was thinking it must be close to the fridge

On the EMS front I bought the optional second display and plan to have one in service bay to monitor on hook-up and will run the second one to the cabinet so I can monitor usage and voltage (by leg) from inside the coach.

I'll post up some pics when I get in there.

Cheers!!

I'm planning about the same install for the EMS on a 05, looking forward to your updates.

RVPioneer · 11-30-2018, 01:59 PM

If you start by feeding the wires through the cabinet next to the refrigerator they should drop down behind the refrigerator where you can grab them and send them to their final destination.

If you happen to be 5' 10", 145lbs and moderately flexible, or have a small grandchild who may want some ice cream later, it is possible to get behind the refrigerator through the exterior vent door. You'll need to slide the refrigerator into the coach 4-6" depending on the size of your assistant. Be mindful mindful of electrical and plumbing connections. I pulled wires down from the roof, so you probably won't need to send the youngster in as far as I had to go.

paul65k · 11-30-2018, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVPioneer

If you start by feeding the wires through the cabinet next to the refrigerator they should drop down behind the refrigerator where you can grab them and send them to their final destination.

If you happen to be 5' 10", 145lbs and moderately flexible, or have a small grandchild who may want some ice cream later, it is possible to get behind the refrigerator through the exterior vent door. You'll need to slide the refrigerator into the coach 4-6" depending on the size of your assistant. Be mindful mindful of electrical and plumbing connections. I pulled wires down from the roof, so you probably won't need to send the youngster in as far as I had to go.

This really helps!!!

Thanks so much!

whalepirot · 11-30-2018, 07:27 PM

Suggest you view how to fish wires if you're not familiar. Remember, the tape that covers the 'hooks' eases the pull, which may need a reversal. I found it much easier than some home 'fishing'!

paul65k · 12-03-2018, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whalepirot

Suggest you view how to fish wires if you're not familiar. Remember, the tape that covers the 'hooks' eases the pull, which may need a reversal. I found it much easier than some home 'fishing'!

Thanks....familiar with fishing wires just looking for the correct path.......thanks everyone!

EngineerMike · 12-05-2018, 01:14 PM

An '08 owner recently ran a few wires to front of coach, but wanted to leave option to run a buncha wires. Using a hole saw, he cut a hole in the batt/wheel well bulkhead as near to the upper side of frame as his drill rig allowed; did same on the wheel/tank compartment bulkhead. Then he installed a 1" conduit.
Did same out of the forward basement compartment forward toward front of coach.

Now he can get wire anywhere to anywhere pulling thru that 1" pipe.

RVPioneer · 12-05-2018, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EngineerMike

An '08 owner recently ran a few wires to front of coach, but wanted to leave option to run a buncha wires. Using a hole saw, he cut a hole in the batt/wheel well bulkhead as near to the upper side of frame as his drill rig allowed; did same on the wheel/tank compartment bulkhead. Then he installed a 1" conduit.
Did same out of the forward basement compartment forward toward front of coach.

Now he can get wire anywhere to anywhere pulling thru that 1" pipe.

Good idea. Maybe add a J-Box in a few spots to make a run up behind the refrigerator or cross over to the driver side. Suck a string through with a vacuum for future runs and you’re all set.

paul65k · 12-06-2018, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EngineerMike

An '08 owner recently ran a few wires to front of coach, but wanted to leave option to run a buncha wires. Using a hole saw, he cut a hole in the batt/wheel well bulkhead as near to the upper side of frame as his drill rig allowed; did same on the wheel/tank compartment bulkhead. Then he installed a 1" conduit.
Did same out of the forward basement compartment forward toward front of coach.

Now he can get wire anywhere to anywhere pulling thru that 1" pipe.

Thanks Mike....great idea!!