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04-25-2024, 05:12 PM
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#1
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Ellensburg
Posts: 79
M.O.C. #26580
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Question Montana HC 377FL
Is anyone aware of a possible raceway from the roof to the passthrough or underbelly of my rig?
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2020 376 FL HC
2018 F350 Platinum, Firestone ride-right airbags
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04-25-2024, 05:59 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,686
M.O.C. #4831
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Any of the vent stacks will work.
__________________
Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB
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04-25-2024, 06:23 PM
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#3
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Ellensburg
Posts: 79
M.O.C. #26580
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vent stack
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carl n Susan
Any of the vent stacks will work.
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which are the vent stacks and where do they terminate?
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04-25-2024, 06:54 PM
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#4
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: Wasilla
Posts: 92
M.O.C. #31898
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In to the tanks I think.
What are you trying to do? Run a cable from roof to belly?
__________________
2022 CC LB F350 SRW--Diesel; 50 Gallon Titan Aux Pack Tank; Airbags with onboard Air
2022 Montana 3231 CK (Lower 48 Winter Rig)
2007 28' Desert Fox Toy Hauler (Alaska Summer Rig)
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04-26-2024, 06:05 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Alton
Posts: 2,892
M.O.C. #24086
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As Carl said, a vent would be easiest.
You could go in-between the vents and aim for the wall cavity that goes behind the control panel.
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04-26-2024, 09:14 AM
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#6
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Ellensburg
Posts: 79
M.O.C. #26580
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Pardon my ignorance here.
I am wanting to mount a WeBoost RV X antenna on the roof and connect to the satellite plug in the pass through.
I intend to mount the amplifier in the "tele-vator" cabinet behind the TV.
Using a roof vent (likely the kitchen sink vent) might get me to a good spot in the basement to run the coaxial to the pass through...
Do I drill into the PVC in the basement to catch the cable as it comes down the pipe? I assume I would fill that hole with caulk or some sealant.
Guidance here is appreciated.
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2020 376 FL HC
2018 F350 Platinum, Firestone ride-right airbags
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04-26-2024, 09:40 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Anderson
Posts: 2,782
M.O.C. #22835
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Before going through all that work, make sure the WeBoost will still work well if you go through the coax cable in your camper. And then, you'll need adapters to switch from the very thin coax cable supplied with your WeBoost to the fatter normal coax running through your camper, and then connect again at red power box.
Hopefully, you have already tested it all out. The coax wire supplied with the WeBoost is only "so long". Will it reach the entire length you need? To reach the Satellite connection in the pass-through?
Try connecting there first (before running any wires) and set the thing up. Make sure it's actually going to work.
I have a WeBoost and built a very solid outside antenna stand that simply sits on the roof of my camper. I run the wire down the side of the camper and in through a window closest to where the red WeBoost power supply is located. The other (inside) antenna has a very long, very thin, Coax cable, so the inside antenna can be located anywhere.
Anyway, I hope you did some trial testing first and are just not assuming the system will work using your camper's existing Coax cable before you start surgery on your camper.
And just for an FYI... our WeBoost works great! It might have had a hefty up-front cost to purchase the thing, but it sure does the job when phone signals are weak.
__________________
History is not about the past, it's an explanation of the present.
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Silverado Duramax, 6.6L Dually
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04-26-2024, 09:51 AM
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#8
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,686
M.O.C. #4831
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 214skier
.....Do I drill into the PVC in the basement to catch the cable as it comes down the pipe? I assume I would fill that hole with caulk or some sealant..........
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That is exactly what I did. I first tried going down along side the vent but ran into something solid that prevented the cable from going all the way down.
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Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB
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04-26-2024, 10:26 AM
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#9
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Ellensburg
Posts: 79
M.O.C. #26580
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Dutchmen,
Thank you for the excellent comments. I haven't received the WeBoost yet (coming from Amazon shortly). I am just in planning stages.
Very interesting comment about the Coaxial being different Weboost vs. standard television. If the two are not compatible --this will be very frustrating.
Assuming the two coaxial ARE compatible. I had another idea I had is to mount the WeBoost antenna on the side of the Winegard Air gateway (we don't use it) and tap into that coaxial connection for the tV antenna... mount the booster near the TV, antenna etc.
__________________
2020 376 FL HC
2018 F350 Platinum, Firestone ride-right airbags
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04-26-2024, 10:33 AM
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#10
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Ellensburg
Posts: 79
M.O.C. #26580
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It looks like the Winegard 360 on my roof uses RG 6 coax. The cable that connects the antenna to amplifier on the Drive X RV is also RG 6 coax. That would indicate the two are compatible? thoughts?
__________________
2020 376 FL HC
2018 F350 Platinum, Firestone ride-right airbags
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04-26-2024, 10:41 AM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Anderson
Posts: 2,782
M.O.C. #22835
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 214skier
Dutchmen,
... I haven't received the WeBoost yet (coming from Amazon shortly). I am just in planning stages.
....
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When we first got our WeBoost, I actually took it to some of the different state parks in Indiana where we had very poor or no phone signals for our cell phones. And also some parks that had very spotty service. So, we loaded up everything, and because we have the annual Indiana DNR pass, there's no charge for entering the state parks. We picked a Sunday afternoon when campgrounds were thinning out after the week-enders left.
Here's how we did it. The first photo shows the base I made for the antenna. The pipe is just a section of PVC I had laying around. I can move the actual antenna clamp higher or lower if need be. I made that block stand out of treated 2x's. I put the 2 uprights close together so the PVC pipe has to be forced into the joint, but stays firm and can be removed.
The block actually goes on the roof of the camper and it actually catches under my air conditioner shroud. I did spray paint the block, so it's now black and then I used a spray on rubber on the bottom to make the bottom a little less slick, and won't slide around. It's heavy for sure, but it works great. When traveling, everything comes off the roof of the camper.
The second photo is how we tested it at one of the Indiana State Parks. We commandeered an open campsite for about an hour and set everything up, including lap top computers, my wife's works computer, cell phones, everything. It worked very well.
__________________
History is not about the past, it's an explanation of the present.
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Silverado Duramax, 6.6L Dually
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04-26-2024, 10:45 AM
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#12
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Ellensburg
Posts: 79
M.O.C. #26580
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Dutchmen, very cool set up.
I have been contemplating both a permanent installation (via Winegard).. and something like you did that can be taken down when we move.
Out of curiosity, why did you choose Drive X vs. Destination (with the telescoping pole)?
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2020 376 FL HC
2018 F350 Platinum, Firestone ride-right airbags
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04-26-2024, 10:56 AM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Anderson
Posts: 2,782
M.O.C. #22835
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 214skier
...
Out of curiosity, why did you choose Drive X vs. Destination (with the telescoping pole)?
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I got the "Drive Reach". It was the one that had RV all over the advertising. Plus, it's designed to be mounted used while actually traveling. It just seemed like the right choice.
This one, click here.
The telescoping pole, is not really "telescoping". I used a section of PVC pipe and used the clamp that came with the WeBoost. I debated about using a metal pipe, but figured the PVC would probably do just as good and be a little more light weight. The actual antenna mount can be affixed to a pole, a ladder on the back of your camper, or it can be flush mounted on the roof or side of the camper permanently. If I needed to, I could mount the antenna on my 10 foot "telescoping" painter's pole I keep in the camper. It's used with the soft RV brush for washing the camper. I could attach the clamp to it and get that thing ..... way, way "up there" if I wanted to. Being right above the window where the cable goes into the camper, I have lots of length of cable to reach. I "could" go about 10 feet higher than the camper roof if I wanted to.
__________________
History is not about the past, it's an explanation of the present.
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Silverado Duramax, 6.6L Dually
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04-26-2024, 01:23 PM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Alton
Posts: 2,892
M.O.C. #24086
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I installed Flag Ploe Buddy's and two Furrion coax ports on the back of the rig.
One for the Dish TV one for the WeBoost antenna.
As mentioned above the internal Montana coax wiring may not work for WeBoost (it doesn't work for Dish). Try it first.
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04-26-2024, 02:26 PM
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#15
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Established Member
Join Date: Jan 2024
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 40
M.O.C. #33894
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Daryles
I installed Flag Ploe Buddy's and two Furrion coax ports on the back of the rig.
One for the Dish TV one for the WeBoost antenna.
As mentioned above the internal Montana coax wiring may not work for WeBoost (it doesn't work for Dish). Try it first.
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I need that mount for my Dish!! Some times I cant get above the trees. Where can I find it please Sir?
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JoeNJenn 2023 Montana 3231CK
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04-26-2024, 06:04 PM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Alton
Posts: 2,892
M.O.C. #24086
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Believe it or not, the 3" 25' Telescoping pole is the one that came with the skinny white WeBoost Destination RV.
I used a 2" PVC pipe coupler over the end of the pole screwed to 1/4" plywood. The plywood is cut to fit the bottom of the Dish. There are holes in the Dish to put the screws through into the plywood. It is secured to the pole with a square trailer pin. At the bottom, a 3" PVC pipe 90⁰ elbow fastened to the ladder and another pin.
For the WeBoost antenna, I clamped it to a 25' Telescoping pole. Again a 90⁰ PVC pipe elbow mounted to the ladder at the bottom.
__________________
Daryl and Marianne,
2019 3130re 20th Anniversary Edition
2016 F350 Lariat
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05-01-2024, 02:23 PM
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#17
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Sun City
Posts: 55
M.O.C. #22428
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Raceway from roof to thunderbelly
Quote:
Originally Posted by 214skier
Is anyone aware of a possible raceway from the roof to the passthrough or underbelly of my rig?
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It's easy, follow along.
In the cabinet between the kitchen area and the recliners in the front room, look over to the driver's side of the RV, there's a wooden box that goes from the top of the cabinet all the way up to the roof. First take off the light assembly from the roof, you will need a square drive bit on your driver. Then remove any screws holding either your generator control panel or thermostat or whatever onto that vertical box. This will allow you to peek inside with your fingers and see the size of the raceway. Now get a 1-in hole saw or paddle bit and drill a hole up where near the light fixture was on the roof but into the side of the raceway. Do it in such a way that when you replace the light fixture, your 1-in hole will be covered with the end grain of the light fixture. After you have a hole drill then take another long bit at an angle and drill a 45° angle up through that hole into the roof, this will allow you to accurately locate the raceway. Now move on to the roof where that bit came through and drill the appropriately sized hole vertical downwards into that raceway. now you can fish all of your wires from the roof down the raceway into the cabinet and then downward into the belly and up front wherever you want to go. Replace the light on the roof and it will cover the hole that you drilled sideways and you will be done.
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05-01-2024, 07:52 PM
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#18
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Gassville
Posts: 59
M.O.C. #22218
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WeBoost does not recommend adding any cable to what comes with the antenna. You lose signal with each foot of wire and they have maximized it with what ships. If you absolutely have to have more length, it has to be the exact same wire. They do sell an extension, but warn against using it.
Coax isn't a generic answer, it is supposed to be specified depending on the application and any time you mix wires there can be huge amounts of signal loss. It can also cause feedback if you leave excess coiled up and your signal can drop off....learned the hard way.
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2018 Montana High Country 331RL,
2011 Dodge Ram 3500 dually, Firestone air bags, Anderson Ultimate Hitch
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05-06-2024, 09:39 AM
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#19
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Ellensburg
Posts: 79
M.O.C. #26580
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Update and finale: The cable that connected the TV antenna in the Winegard 360 works great as the connection between the Weboost antenna (mounted on roof) and routing to the TV cabinet in the living room. I did need adapters to go from R11 to R6 size cable, but this was not an issue.
The performance of the Weboost is not meeting our expectations. We are camping now and have a single bar of signal with our phones alone—Weboost does increase this to 3 - 4 bars and clearly enables some enhanced performance—but not enough. You can download (slow) email and do some basic web surfing; however, it is a five minute wait to access any video content or pages with more content. We intend to return Weboost when we get back from our trip and purchase Starlink..less the monthly subscription the equipment cost is relatively the same. Will report back on that adventure.
__________________
2020 376 FL HC
2018 F350 Platinum, Firestone ride-right airbags
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05-06-2024, 11:27 AM
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#20
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: Wasilla
Posts: 92
M.O.C. #31898
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For the starlink I simply run cable in thru we bay and leave router in the storage bay. Outstanding coverage throughout the unit.
__________________
2022 CC LB F350 SRW--Diesel; 50 Gallon Titan Aux Pack Tank; Airbags with onboard Air
2022 Montana 3231 CK (Lower 48 Winter Rig)
2007 28' Desert Fox Toy Hauler (Alaska Summer Rig)
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