Community Forums

MikeGriffin · 01-02-2017, 09:10 AM

I'd like to run a coax cable from my over-the-driver electronics compartment to somewhere in the basement. It will be used to connect an external, tripod-mounted satellite dish.

A reputable dealer has quoted me about $600 to run it from the power bay to the cabinet. It seems like it wouldn't be that difficult to run it from (maybe) the fuze bay straight up the A column (main column to the driver's left) and into the cabinet.

Thoughts? Has anyone else done this?

docsdock · 01-02-2017, 09:21 AM

I had a Monaco knight - I ran from the front Gen. bay into the dash ( lots of holes already there) up the left piller post and into the top cabinets. I did remove the speaker mounted in the overhead dead space so I could reach to the corner. it was an easy run - have fun

BattChief · 01-02-2017, 09:24 AM

I did on mine. It's not that difficult. You will need to drill through the most forward bulkhead. Run the cable along the frame rail and use wire ties to tie it other cables in the area. Once you get the cable to the front cap, you will need to get through the expandable foam at the A post. I used a 1/4" wooden dowel rod, sharpened one end, and "drilled" through the foam by hand. With patience, it's not difficult, and you won't damage any other wiring in the area. Once you get it to the A post, I took mine out the top of the trim, and around the back of the cabinet. Make sure you seal the bulkhead where the cable comes out, and if the cable isn't snug through the foam, seal it as well.

Skip426 · 01-02-2017, 09:30 AM

I ran 2 coax cables from the power bay to the overhead ; through the basement ; along the left side frame rail , up the firewall and through the wall with the wiring harness , then behind the " A " pillar trim to the overhead.

Time consuming , but not complicated , it's been a number of years , but it probably took me 3>4 hours ; some of that was clearing the basement for access, to the frame. $600 would be out of line ( JMHO) if you can't do this yourself , call a mobile mechanic or an automotive radio install business for a quote.

Dutch Star Don · 01-02-2017, 09:38 AM

Mike, when you look under the hood of the Dutch Star, you'll see the wiring harness going through the firewall in the upper right corner (driver's side). The harness is encased in expanding foam. Take a wire hangar and push it through the foam at the edge of the harness. Once it pushes through, connect the other end to the coax. Tape the coax and wire together with some black electrical tap until it's bullet shaped. Put a little liquid soap on it and pull it through.

Once inside, under the dash, feed it up under the driver's side "A" pillar to the cabinet. The "A" pillar comes off with about 7-8 screws.

From under the hood, you can pass the coax down the frame rail on the passenger side. It goes all the way to the bays and is protected.

lass · 01-02-2017, 09:46 AM

Mike Can't you just use the cable coax input that is already run to the basement electrical compartment. My dealer used that connection to verify my sat. connections and reception.

YC1 · 01-02-2017, 03:12 PM

It can be very physically challenging to run cables in an RV. It could easily be a four hour or more job. Removing pillar covers, finding routes for the coax, not messing up the customers coach etc. Depends on the hourly rate of the shop.

I have spent countless hours running cables in my Coach and I am sure well over forty in the overhead cabinet. I have owned the RV for 8 years and have made many changes and replacements.

It is certainly a do it yourself project but can be very difficult if you are alone and do not have some handy tools to help.

Woodchopper · 01-02-2017, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeGriffin

I'd like to run a coax cable from my over-the-driver electronics compartment to somewhere in the basement. It will be used to connect an external, tripod-mounted satellite dish.
A reputable dealer has quoted me about $600 to run it from the power bay to the cabinet. It seems like it wouldn't be that difficult to run it from (maybe) the fuze bay straight up the A column (main column to the driver's left) and into the cabinet.
Thoughts? Has anyone else done this?

MikeGriffin
That's where I ran the coax for my portable satellite antenna in my Safari coach.

MikeGriffin · 01-02-2017, 05:13 PM

Thanks for all of the replies. It sounds like several options are available, and it doesn't sound so bad as a DIY if I want to dedicate the time. I'll take a look at some of these things tomorrow when I get back to the coach.

Don, thanks for the detail about getting up through the foam.

wa8yxm · 01-02-2017, 05:13 PM

Starting at the top. Down the "A" column is good. Then if it's a gasser (never looked close enough at a Diesel) out the fire wall under the dash and mount a Ground Block on the Brake Bell Crank Bracket by drilling taping and screwing it down (or bolt and nut)

OR, if you can slip out into the bays you can go hole to existing hole to wherever you need to go.. If you need to cross an axle you may need to come up and drill a hold later.. but I'd go with the Brake Bell Crank Bracket.

There is more but only if you also have a roof top antenna.

GlenStMary · 01-03-2017, 06:17 AM

I exited the back of the electrical cabinet with two coax cables, then went down the A column, then under the dash by way of removing the front panel where the parking brake switch is, then down through the plastic side panel next to the drivers seat, and into the fuse compartment. There I installed two coax boxes (one for the outside antenna, the other for a coax to the outside TV). Whenever I use an outside sat antenna I just go to the electrical cabinet and swap the coax from the roof antenna with the one I installed for the outside antenna and connect a coax from the temporary sat antenna to the coax box I installed in the fuse bay