How to attach wires to the exterior?

[Bruce and Jenna]

I've installed a backup camera on my trailer. [I'll post pics and explanation in the tech section in the next few days. But I can say here that I like it. ]

I considered running that wire on the roof from the back camera to the front transmitter, but then I'd have a wire visible somewhere down the side in front. So I chose to go under the trailer and up to the pin.





I slapped the wire up temporarily with pieces of Eternabond. Which is not holding up on the vertical run in front, probably due to turbulence when towing.

I've considered an adhesive zip tie mount like this: Amazon.com: Zip Tie Mount, 1/2 X 1/2, 25 Pack: Electronics
but doubt that the stickem will hold up to outdoor conditions. Don't want to drill holes, but I don't see another way. I could get the wire into the front storage area, but with the generator box in there, I have no access to the cable run forward to the pin.

Any suggestions from you wise guys here? Some better adhesive? If I gotta drill it, should I look for zip ties with the screw mounts on the end?

Thanks much as always.

[BSmith01]

Do you have a photo of how you got the wire into the cab of your tow truck?

[rgvtexan]

Look at your second photo, see the white strip just above the bottom of the over hang.
It can be pulled out and the wire placed behind it. Cut a small slit for the wire to enter and exit. A little silicon on the slit.

[Bruce and Jenna]

Thanks both for your quick response.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BSmith01 Do you have a photo of how you got the wire into the cab of your tow truck?

Clarification here: the wire runs up to the trailer pin box. Attaches to a wireless transmitter. Which broadcasts to the TV in the truck. I have an additional power wire from the transmitter down into the truck bed, connected to a 12v power outlet on the bed sidewall.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgvtexan Look at your second photo, see the white strip just above the bottom of the over hang. It can be pulled out and the wire placed behind it. Cut a small slit for the wire to enter and exit. A little silicon on the slit.

Do you mean the white molding on the side of the trailer? Hadn't thought about that. From the side, I would still have a long run to the pin box.

I had another scheme in mind a while back if I had to poke holes.
1 Run the wire up the overhang wall and mount the transmitter there.

2 Add an outdoor 12v switch on the power wire.
3 Drill a hole and run the power wires inside to the power and ground bar inside.
This would actually be more convenient than connecting and disconnecting the transmitter on the pin box each time.

Thoughts on this versus attaching wires to the exterior as I have now?

[Workshop]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce and Jenna Thanks both for your quick response. Clarification here: the wire runs up to the trailer pin box. Attaches to a wireless transmitter. Which broadcasts to the TV in the truck. I have an additional power wire from the transmitter down into the truck bed, connected to a 12v power outlet on the bed sidewall. I had another scheme in mind a while back if I had to poke holes. 1. Run the wire up the overhang wall and mount the transmitter there. 2 Add an outdoor 12v switch on the power wire. 3 Drill a hole and run the power wires inside to the power and ground bar inside. This would actually be more convenient than connecting and disconnecting the transmitter on the pin box each time. Thoughts on this versus attaching wires to the exterior as I have now?

Can you provide a LINK to the camera system that you have....?

Is the black square item at the end of the coax the transmitter?

If I was going to have it mounted near the front of the 5th wheel....it seems like that would be a good location or even higher. Most of the systems that I have looked at, not many, gave a fair range in the broadcast signal. Unless you mounted the transmitter in front of the pin box....seems like that might reduce/block some of the signal, but then you are close to the receiver.

I also have an unused generator box in the front and can drill holes in it all day long. Not that thick, at least on mine.

[Bruce and Jenna]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Workshop Can you provide a LINK to the camera system that you have....? Is the black square item at the end of the coax the transmitter? If I was going to have it mounted near the front of the 5th wheel....it seems like that would be a good location or even higher. Most of the systems that I have looked at, not many, gave a fair range in the broadcast signal. Unless you mounted the transmitter in front of the pin box....seems like that might reduce/block some of the signal, but then you are close to the receiver. I also have an unused generator box in the front and can drill holes in it all day long. Not that thick, at least on mine.

Yeah, I drew that box for the transmitter on the pic to explain the location. Here is a pic of the transmitter on the pin box.


As well as the transmitter on the wall


Here is the link for the camera system. Wireless car backup camera color monitor RV Truck Trailer Rear View Backup Wireless Camera RVCam Day & Night Vision. Despite assurances by the manufacturer, I doubt I can get a reliable signal from the back of the trailer, since I had some trouble with the license plate camera transmitter stowed in front of the truck bumper.

I dunno what to do about drilling thru the gen box. I can't see anything behind the box, i.e. in the overhang. So I can't tell if I could push a wire forward. Nor how big a hole to drill.

BTW, the wire is thinner than coax, probably 14 gauge.

[Dan Hen]

I would like to change the subject. I see in your 1st picture that you have your license plate on the ladder and do you have a lite for It?? How is it attached to the ladder??

I want to do some thing like this as I have a Gen that I will carry some times on the boat hitch and it will block the license plate.

thanks for any info.

Dan

[Squirrel]

Bruce and Jenna I have the same back-up camera and I ran it with no wires showing on the outside of the rig. I also cut the wire that came with it leaving enough to use up front and the right amount to use on the back up camera.

I used my telephone wire (four wires are in the jack)where it comes in the back wall of the rig right next to the stop light. I then fished it through the brake light on the back of the RV to the center of the rig using a coat hanger. I then went to the front of the rig where the jack comes in from the input plug and attached the left over wire and spliced in the sending unit. I then picked up 12 volts from the light in the bay to power the camera and sending unit. I also drilled a hole in the plastic lite (locate in the top of the bay) and put a toggle switch to turn on and off the camera when I travel, or turn off when I am parked. From there I ran the the left over wire to the very front where I used Velcro to stick it to the very front of the RV inside. I have a great picture with the camera. It only cost me $49.00 on the INTERNET to purchase. I am sure this is clear as mud. LOL Now remember you can't use the line for a telephone anymore, but with cell phones land lines are becoming obsolete. Good Luck

The Squirrel

[Bruce and Jenna]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squirrel Bruce and Jenna I have the same back-up camera and I ran it with no wires showing on the outside of the rig. I also cut the wire that came with it leaving enough to use up front and the right amount to use on the back up camera. I used my telephone wire (four wires are in the jack)where it comes in the back wall of the rig right next to the stop light. I then fished it through the brake light on the back of the RV to the center of the rig using a coat hanger. I then went to the front of the rig where the jack comes in from the input plug and attached the left over wire and spliced in the sending unit. I then picked up 12 volts from the light in the bay to power the camera and sending unit. I also drilled a hole in the plastic lite (locate in the top of the bay) and put a toggle switch to turn on and off the camera when I travel, or turn off when I am parked. From there I ran the the left over wire to the very front where I used Velcro to stick it to the very front of the RV inside. I have a great picture with the camera. It only cost me $49.00 on the INTERNET to purchase. I am sure this is clear as mud. LOL Now remember you can't use the line for a telephone anymore, but with cell phones land lines are becoming obsolete. Good Luck The Squirrel

Hmmmm...no, mud is clearer.

I'm using my phone line for DSL service five months per year. And have no phone line in the back anyway. I have run the cable outside and inside the bottom of the rig. I could get it into the front storage compartment and get power there. Then mount the transmitter inside the front storage, but I don't know if I would get good reception at that distance behind the steel gen box.

So, I'm looking for detail on your statement
From there I ran the the left over wire to the very front where I used Velcro to stick it to the very front of the RV inside.
Ran it outside, somehow thru the door? Or inside the overhang, my original question?

BTW - where did you mount the camera? Under the window like my pic? Or higher above the top of the window?

[Squirrel]

As I said, clear as MUD!!! LOL

I picked up the telephone line in my front bay. From there I ran the wire over head in the bay to the very front of my rig and placed it right above of my front door bay. The sending unit is inside the rig above the front door. My rig is in storage, but if you need pictures I can try to get some tomorrow.
I have enough wires on the outside of the rig with my carry-out satellite mounted on my ladder for HD TV. I ran three wires down the ladder and under the belly. I brought them in where the sewer line runs into the rig. That's why they call me the Squirrel!!! LOL

[NITEHAWK]

Stick your wire holders/clips on by using Shoe-Goo. It adheres to almost everything and can be removed without damaging the mounting surface. Shoe-Goo is clear adhesive and can be found in the shoe section at stores. It comes in a tube and will hold almost anything if allowed to cure overnite.

[Workshop]

After reviewing the camera specs and with Squirrel's transmitter mounted in the front compartment...I would try the mounting there first before trying to take it to the pin box. You should have the range from that point, have it protected and easy access to power.

As far as the camera location, not having one installed....I think I would prefer having it mounted above the window with a slight down angle. But would have to view both to know.

[wa8yxm]

I know centering the camera is traditional but if you moved it over a bit you could zip-tie it to the ladder mounts. That would also likely line up with a frame rail when you got under the trailer, and be a good all around way to run it.

Or you could run the wire horzontal over to the ladder (a small length of PVC would keep it solid by the way, and can be painted to match the trailer)

If you have the time an adheasive sealent, Polyurethane, Goop, even Dicor caulking, will stick it and hold it well.. Just do not use silicon, and again most of these take paint well.

I'd move it over to the ladder though as fast as you can, and zip tie to the ladder mounts.

[87_Fixr]

One guy installed his backup camera in his spare tire cover and ran the cable beneath the trailer, picking up power from his running lights. Here's his writeup- it also shows how he ran the cable inside of his truck cab thru a rubber plug in the floor pan.
2manytoyz - Backup Camera Installation