Community Forums

ualdriver · 09-04-2017, 11:32 PM

Hello-

I bought a set of Boogie lights for my Fleetwood Excursion and plan on sticking them under the awning. I have easy access to an AC plug in the cabinetry inside my RV on the other side of the wall to power the LED strip and its controller, so I plan on sticking the LEDs to the exterior of the MH (red line in picture below), drilling a small hole through the outside wall to get the LED power wires inside the rig (one of the red circles in the picture below, probably the circle at the front of the RV), then running the wiring inside through the cabinetry to the plug.

My question is about drilling into the fiberglass body and making it look clean when completed. I haven't worked with fiberglass before. Does it splinter when you drill? What should I use to fill the hole to make it watertight when completed? Are there nice pieces of trim that I can use on the exterior or interior that you all use to hide the wire when it is visible?

Any advice appreciated.

ctpres · 09-05-2017, 08:06 PM

Did that years ago on previous coach. Lights sightly above bottom edge of rolled up awning. With lights on awning will block light so it does not bother neighbors. Measure numerous spots below awning track so lights are in a straight line. If possible drill hole right at end of light strip and no wire will show. Use new sharp bit and drill with modest pressure. As extra precaution you could put painters tape over drill location before drilling. I just ran wire thru hole and forced silicone into hole and when that dried used small amount around hole to seal.

ualdriver · 09-05-2017, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctpres

Did that years ago on previous coach. Lights sightly above bottom edge of rolled up awning. With lights on awning will block light so it does not bother neighbors. Measure numerous spots below awning track so lights are in a straight line. If possible drill hole right at end of light strip and no wire will show. Use new sharp bit and drill with modest pressure. As extra precaution you could put painters tape over drill location before drilling. I just ran wire thru hole and forced silicone into hole and when that dried used small amount around hole to seal.

Good info, thanks. I was wondering if I should use silicone or something else. I noticed on my roof there are small plastic "covers" (for lack of a better term) that cover the penetration of the antenna cable into the roof. I was wondering if they had something like that for the sides of the RV as well, to keep the install looking clean.

sandmotion · 09-05-2017, 08:55 PM

I pretty much did the same as ctpres. I'm happy with the boogie lights.

ualdriver · 09-05-2017, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandmotion

I pretty much did the same as ctpres. I'm happy with the boogie lights.

Cool. Thanks.

ctpres · 09-06-2017, 08:35 AM

This cap is a bit large maybe it could be trimmed to much smaller size
https://www.amazon.com/Winegard-CE10...le+entry+cover
This one might look better 316 Stainless Steel Clamshell Ventilator / Clam Shell Vent / Hose Wire Cover | eBay

MSHappyCampers · 09-06-2017, 09:12 AM

This is what we did!

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f84/got-m...ed-227755.html

powderman · 09-06-2017, 09:23 AM

I used a hot melt glue gun along with the 3M sticky back they came with. They held on well for the two years of use they got until I sold it.

Mr_D · 09-06-2017, 09:35 AM

I bought a set of 3 strips that hook together and has an IR remote from Costco yesterday. I have two slides and the ideal location would be along the top of the slides or on the outer edge of the awnings. Still considering the location, even under the lower edge of the body would give a nice glow for sitting around outside.

4x4van · 09-06-2017, 12:23 PM

A few tips:

Rather than gluing/attaching the LED strip to the side of the RV, I used this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I didn't use the supplied clips, but rather drilled through the aluminum channel and screwed directly to the RV. Yes, it introduced additional holes to seal up (with silicone) but resulted in a super clean installation.

I also drilled a hole (also through the housing) inside (under the lens) for the wiring; the result is a single, long, housing/lens with no visible wiring at all. Looks factory.

Finally, I recommend using 12vdc LED strips and wiring directly to the 12vdc system in your RV rather than an A/C outlet through a transformer. That way you can use them without hookups/generator.

Mr. Jeff · 09-06-2017, 04:58 PM

I agree with 4x4van - connect directly to your 12vdc system instead of using the power adapter. So much easier!

ualdriver · 09-06-2017, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctpres

This cap is a bit large maybe it could be trimmed to much smaller size
https://www.amazon.com/Winegard-CE10...le+entry+cover
This one might look better 316 Stainless Steel Clamshell Ventilator / Clam Shell Vent / Hose Wire Cover | eBay

Thanks for those links!

ualdriver · 09-06-2017, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

This is what we did!

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f84/got-m...ed-227755.html

Great info, thanks!

ualdriver · 09-06-2017, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powderman

I used a hot melt glue gun along with the 3M sticky back they came with. They held on well for the two years of use they got until I sold it.

I'm going to try initially with the primer and 3M tape the kit comes with, but I'll keep that in mind if the 3M fails. Supposedly if this strip is prepped properly it sticks well.

Thanks!