Frame modifications?

[Workshop]

For those who don't know and to those where it may apply.

While discussing a shock problem with PI, they informed my that my units 50amp service wires are routed through the interior of my frame (road side) and caution should be used when welding the new brackets to the frame as the heat from the weld could damage the insulation of the wires inside. They also said that they enter the frame at the rear of the unit, there is, should be, and access panel beneath the unit near the power connection. On my unit, exits the frame about the point where the frame rises, at the living area and bath elevation changes. I varified that yesterday to be correct.

The reason I looked? There had been and I have drilled holes into the frame area forward of the rear wheels to mount the usual "4 inch PVC pipe" to store extra sewer hoses and supports. The pipes that came on the unit, prior owner installed, were mounted "within the zone". I replaced them with newer pipe and better mounting closer to the rear wheels ("within the zone"). After veiwing my work, decided they might be to close to the rear tires and the possibility they could, might etc get damaged if the tire blew and could give me one more thing to worry about besides the tire. Never make a placement decission while laying on your back. Ended up moving them 'bout even with the cap on the Pivot-EZ, better area but also "outside the zone".

I didn't know about the wire routing till the other day and after my drilling, never thought about it. As a remodeler I never cut into a wall with a power saw if I don't know whats inside. Likewise, I would have been hesitate to drill into the frame, in that area, if I knew the wires were there. I don't know where everyones wires are routed, but would guess 'bout the same.

Don't know what PI thinks about us drilling those darn holes, sure they would say don't do it. Dexter asks us to jack up our unit on the frame?!? Knowing where my "zone" is, I would have drilled the holes for mounting the pipe knowing it was safe. This is just a post to let those fellow drillers out there to be SAFE and be outside the "zone".

Hope something helped.
Chris

[Workshop]

For those who don't know and to those where it may apply.

While discussing a shock problem with PI, they informed my that my units 50amp service wires are routed through the interior of my frame (road side) and caution should be used when welding the new brackets to the frame as the heat from the weld could damage the insulation of the wires inside. They also said that they enter the frame at the rear of the unit, there is, should be, and access panel beneath the unit near the power connection. On my unit, exits the frame about the point where the frame rises, at the living area and bath elevation changes. I varified that yesterday to be correct.

The reason I looked? There had been and I have drilled holes into the frame area forward of the rear wheels to mount the usual "4 inch PVC pipe" to store extra sewer hoses and supports. The pipes that came on the unit, prior owner installed, were mounted "within the zone". I replaced them with newer pipe and better mounting closer to the rear wheels ("within the zone"). After veiwing my work, decided they might be to close to the rear tires and the possibility they could, might etc get damaged if the tire blew and could give me one more thing to worry about besides the tire. Never make a placement decission while laying on your back. Ended up moving them 'bout even with the cap on the Pivot-EZ, better area but also "outside the zone".

I didn't know about the wire routing till the other day and after my drilling, never thought about it. As a remodeler I never cut into a wall with a power saw if I don't know whats inside. Likewise, I would have been hesitate to drill into the frame, in that area, if I knew the wires were there. I don't know where everyones wires are routed, but would guess 'bout the same.

Don't know what PI thinks about us drilling those darn holes, sure they would say don't do it. Dexter asks us to jack up our unit on the frame?!? Knowing where my "zone" is, I would have drilled the holes for mounting the pipe knowing it was safe. This is just a post to let those fellow drillers out there to be SAFE and be outside the "zone".

Hope something helped.
Chris

[rockintom]

Chris,

Thanks for sharing...we sure can learn from one anothers experience if we share!

Now go back to work....your not retired yet!

Tom

[Highgturn]

Chris,

OK, what's the "Zone"?

Bob

[Workshop]

Bob,

What I refer to as "within the zone", is the area between the rear of the trailer at the point where the 50amp service wires (4 individual wire covered by an additional insulator) enter the frame and a point about 5 ft forward of my front wheel. "Outside the zone" is forward of that point and no wires are located within the frame channel.

If you haven't read the topic Shock rub, that's what got this started. You know how it is, one thing leads to another? LOL

After talking with PI, it was my understanding that the service wires enter the rear of the frame where the access panel is located under the unit, near the power cord connection. I have varified that it does on my unit.

It was also my understanding that the wires exit the frame where the next level begins (my phrase). That area being the point where the living and bath areas meet. I have also varified that on my unit.

Looking in the "belly of the beast", the wires are routed and stapled to the vertical riser that forms the wall between the two areas (living/bath) and attached to the floor, along with a pant load of other wires, beneath the bath floor/wall on there way to/from the service panel.

On MY UNIT, the "zone" change is in the area between the storage compartment and the utility compartment. Yours might be different. If your breaker panel is located road side, near the front it is a good chance there the same or close.

I'm not much of a frame driller, but I have been know to do it and know others have to. So, from a safety standpoint thought others might need to know to be safe out there. I've pulled wire that size, and there is no telling where it might lay once its uncoiled.

It was my understanding that this only applies to the roadside frame and the service wires were the only ones routed within the frame. IMO

Hope this helped. "The belly of the beast" sounds like a good Topic. LOL Coming soon!

Chris

[Bruce and Jenna]

I noticed you tried a mod I've considered, i.e. a PVC pipe to store extra septic hoses (in addition to my wonderful Pivot-EZ Sewer Hose). Is there another way to mount it without drilling, perhaps adhesive or plastic ties? Or do you really need the security of a screw mount for something hanging down like that?

You finally and safely drilled and mounted even with the cap on the Pivot-EZ?

[Workshop]

I have always used straps and self tapping lag screws to mount the pipes/holders in place. Don't know what type of adhesive could be used and if you could find a place to route the ties they might work. Would worry about the weight and vibration though. Once ran over a large section of rubber in the road, black marks every where, but they stayed on!

Ended up installing two pipes, one for 2 ten foot sections of hose and one for PVC supports I made. I wanted to limit the visual effects of the pipes as much as possible....So if you are looking at the Pivot from the side, the first pipe assy is mounted to the frame near the Pivot cap and the 2nd pipe just aft of it. This way the pipes are somewhat hidden but are accessible when the Pivot is in use. Best of all its safe to drill that area on my unit. Ha!

Let me know, will be glad to share the design with you.