Running cables for a SAT or solar setup

[hogdriver]

I was installing some odor free vents yesterday on my 13 Aspire DEQ when I discovered that not all of the vents on the roof are what they seem. Evidently Entegra uses regular RV plumbing vents to run wires or cables to the roof and fills them full of foam. If somebody is going to install a solar setup or maybe a Winegard Travlr antenna you might look into this. I did not investigate where the wires or cabling are run inside the coach.

The first pic shows what looks like a regular vent cap near the solar battery charger.

The second pic shows whats inside.

The third pic shows a "real" vent for the plumbing.

The fourth pic is of the forward pseudo vent for the sat dish

The last pic is what I installed, the 360Products vents.


Sorry but I can't figure out how to caption my pics in order as I write the thread.

[bruceisla]

Thanks!! Good to know!!

[alfetch]

And....from the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it department", Entegra continues to build the same way Travel Supreme did. I have the exact same cable runs on my 2004 TS Select.

[voltdoc]

Good info! Thanks!

[MRUSA14]

How are your 360 vents attached?

[hogdriver]

The 360Products vents shown are first sealed with butyl sticky putty tape then I used stainless #6 x 3/4 screws. I sealed the installation with Dicor Lap Sealant. Each vent took about 30-45 mins to install because you have to clean the old black lap sealant before installing the new vent. I will test the "smell factor" next week.

[voltdoc]

Originally Posted by hogdriver

The 360Products vents shown are first sealed with butyl sticky putty tape then I used stainless #6 x 3/4 screws. I sealed the installation with Dicor Lap Sealant. Each vent took about 30-45 mins to install because you have to clean the old black lap sealant before installing the new vent. I will test the "smell factor" next week.

Any particular reason for using the Dicor lap sealant instead of something more durable? Such as a marine sealant? You are bonding plastic to fiberglass correct? I thought the Dicor was for use on EDPM and TPO and in my experience it doesn't hold up for very long. Just wonderin'. Do you know what Entegra uses for sealant up there? Thanks!

[hogdriver]

The roof is aluminum. The vent instructions specified the Dicor sealant.

[voltdoc]

Originally Posted by hogdriver

The roof is aluminum. The vent instructions specified the Dicor sealant.

Wow. We were told on our recent factory tour that the roof was skinned with roll fiberglass over 3/8" plywood - ???

Sure you're not thinking of the underlying framing being aluminum? Check this link and select "Construction Features" - says "One piece fiberglass roof". If the roof is skinned with aluminum too, that is way off from what we were led to believe about the construction.

[hogdriver]

I didn't lick it, but it looked like a crinkle finish white aluminum. It looked like it had sharp edges so I didn't want to run my finger along it. The old screw holes appeared to be aluminum color. There's a chance it was fiberglass with aluminum or if it was fiberglass it some metal content.

The only picture I have is crappy and shows where the factory used a router to cut the roof hole. It's not real sharp as it was taken w my iPhone in a garage.

I don't know if all Entegras have the same roof material.

[voltdoc]

Originally Posted by hogdriver

I didn't lick it, but it looked like a crinkle finish white aluminum. It looked like it had sharp edges so I didn't want to run my finger along it. The old screw holes appeared to be aluminum color. There's a chance it was fiberglass with aluminum or if it was fiberglass it some metal content.

The only picture I have is crappy and shows where the factory used a router to cut the roof hole. It's not real sharp as it was taken w my iPhone in a garage.

I don't know if all Entegras have the same roof material.

Thanks for the additional detail, to me it kinda looks like textured fiberglass in your pics - similar to the skin they use on the inside of the wet bay.

I will be exploring this further - let you know...

[hogdriver]

I will say this. That roof is waaaaay strong. There's a thick piece of plywood under the skin. It does not flex when my fat *** is up walking on it. My old Monaco roof was aluminum and it was as slick as a hockey rink if I had to walk on it when wet and it sort of deflected when I walked on it.

[voltdoc]

Originally Posted by voltdoc

Thanks for the additional detail, to me it kinda looks like textured fiberglass in your pics - similar to the skin they use on the inside of the wet bay.

I will be exploring this further - let you know...

FWIW, I just emailed Chuck Lasley at Entegra asking about the roof skin on the Aspire - his very quick response was;

"It is absolutely 100% rolled fiberglass. I hope that helps."

[hogdriver]

Thanks for the info. Fiberglass is fine with me if it's thick like mine seemed.