Replacing A/V Cabling

[skyshark]

I'm diving into re-working the TV system in my RV to a more current set-up. It looks like the cabling from the antenna/satellite dish (and maybe the cable inlet for park hook-up and the cable to the rear TV) needs replacing. I'm clueless about how to remove the old cable and replace it with new stuff. My best guess at this point is to screw the new to the old and pull it through, if that's actually do-able. I'm not sure if the insulation is going to cause some issues. The work is on a 98 Winnebago Chieftain. I replaced the tube-type TV up front and installed in the back LCD flat screens. I'm also going to be using a DishTV qube to bring in that satellite programming as I already have service at home. I throw this little bit in in case it helps the advisors. I stand by waiting for help...

[Wanabee FTer]

Hello skyshark and welcome to irv2!

I was in the same dilemma when I set up my HDTV in my coach. I soon figured out the old cabling would not come out. I suspect it was stapled to the roof supports.

I remedied this by running coax cable underneath the coach. I attached it to the frame rails with zip ties and drilled small holes at the basement storage area for the new cabling. I used silicone sealant on the storage bays and Dicor roof sealant on the roof for the antenna cable.

I suppose you could try and see if your existing cabling is removable, but I wouldn't count on it.

Good luck and keep us posted on your results.

[John Hilley]

Are you planning on using the regular VuCube or the VuCube Tailgater? how are you planning on getting the VuCube connection into the motor home and where were you going to put the receiver?

[skyshark]

This will be a Dish Tailgater. My brain works a little weird and cube was all I could think of while typing. The receiver will be up front and the tailgater will preferably connect at the coax input on drivers side rear at water/sewer/coax/phone junction area. I'm beginning to see how it would be relatively easy to run new RG6 under the rig for that coax outlet from out to in and probably from front to rear to TV2. The one I'm gonna' struggle with is trying to keep the cabling from the roof Winegard satellite area to inside front so that I can run an OTA antenna.

[John Hilley]

You shouldn't have to mess with the OTA Winegard antenna, every thing should be fine just the way it is. Are you going to use one of the VuCube mounts or just use it as a portable? Some of the older Winnebagos used RG6, my 1999 Brave did, for the cable connection in the electrical compartment to the entertainment center over the passenger seat. I was able to put a diplexer there to add the satelite dish. Your Chieftan might have RG6 also.

[RickO]

Welcome to the forum!

I sure wouldn't mess with trying to get the old cable out. Just run new stuff under the coach. I haven't replaced coax but did run HDMI cables from my mid ship receiver to the TVs in the bedroom and outside entertainment center. You learn a lot about your coach when doing this.

good luck

Rick

[skyshark]

My intent with the Winegard is just really to use it as a high place to mount an OTA antenna. I'm not going to use the dish (at least not for satellite, maybe for a WIFI boost but that's a whole separate issue...). I really understand and appreciate all the advice about avoiding cable replacement and going with re-routing under the body but that high spot on the sat dish mount is so available and well suited and there's already a live 12v to feed an antenna amplifier. All that being said, does anyone know whether the cables run straight from the satellite and antenna roof mounts to the front of the inside of the cab or are there connectors on the base of the satellite dish mount that would allow me to cheat and just replace the short run from roof line to antenna? Those external cables are pretty dry rotted and I can't imagine that they'll maintain a good signal. I'll keep my fingers crossed for a little while (hopefully that'll keep me from using them to pry out lap sealant and see for myself!).

[DBeauchamp]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickO Welcome to the forum! I sure wouldn't mess with trying to get the old cable out. Just run new stuff under the coach. I haven't replaced coax but did run HDMI cables from my mid ship receiver to the TVs in the bedroom and outside entertainment center. You learn a lot about your coach when doing this.

a 40 FD is 4 slides, and your mid ship TV/Receiver is in the slide, right? How difficult is it to run HDMI (or any other cable) in and out the slide? I am going to do this over the winter, have not really looked yet, just wondering... any tips?

[Clay L]

Before the roof and walls are laminated together, Winnebago routs channels in the foam for cables and wires. It is usually not a straight run and I know of no one that has been able to pull the existing cables and pull in new ones.

The existing cables should work fine except maybe the coax going to the back bedroom since many newer satellite receivers don't have coax outputs. If you get one of those receivers you would have to run HDMI or component cables.