Forum Discussion

bryan2's avatar
bryan2
Explorer
Jul 23, 2018

rv new to me....three questions please

I'm beginning the reconditioning of a '95 30' Itasca and would like any hints on:

how to run wires for mounting backup cameras - do they need to be in the walls or can I somehow run them externally?

best way to fix broken compartment clips that hold the access doors open - mine are breaking out of the fiberglass and can't see how to access them...are there recommended replacements or methods?

similar question as above.....to install solar panels and bike rack to the top or back externally how do I access the holes from the inside to put in backing plates or similar?

any suggestions or references would be much appreciated....thanks.
  • Also you can go to the Winnebagowebsite and in the lower right corner you can pull up the manuals and diagrams for your RV.
  • My backup back camera is located inside of the rear window. I ran my wires along the corner of the wall and floor and inside of the cabinets. It's been there for 15 years, no problems.
  • I have run wires for a back up camera in pvc conduit which I laid along the frame and wired it up to the frame. Then you cand run back up camera and have room for other wires if you need them.If you use this idea put some extra wires in the mix then you can make 1 pull using a fish tape. The extra wires can be standby for future use.
  • Backup camera wires could be run externally, if that's more convenient, but it would not be a terrible idea to provide some protection from the elements (split loom tubing, for instance) and especially avoid junctions/splices in the external length if possible. All Electronics is one place that has pretty good prices on split loom tubing in bulk, though if that's the only thing you get the shipping and handling may be too much.

    If your compartment clips are like mine, little spring-loaded hinged claw things, then they are simply attached with a couple of screws under the hinged clip part. Replacement is just removing those screws, cleaning the outside surface of the RV up, and screwing in a new one with appropriate sealant applied. I've used plumber's putty for this (and other similar sorts of externally mounted little doo-dads) and it's worked just fine so far, though that's not the most common or traditional sealant.

    Most solar installs are done without a backing plate as such; the roof structure provides plenty of support strength in itself in general. If you locate the roof rafters/trusses, you can attach the mounting brackets directly into them through the skin and base for extra strength.

    For a bike rack, I've only used a hitch-mounted rack (one listed for RV applications).

    More generally, you'd have to either take the interior wall apart or go through the whole wall structure to get a backing plate in from the inside. Typical wall construction would be a sheet of luan on the inside (with vinyl or whatever interior finish), maybe an inch of rigid foam insulation, a sheet of luan on the outside, and the filon outer skin, all glued together. There are studs and other framing interspersed through the foam part, made of either wood or metal. It's not really designed to be disassembled and put back together again.
  • You can run the wires under the RV and run them up the channel (if it has one) for the marker lights.
    Replace the door clips with the new style magnetic ones, they are self stick.