Wires Through Attic Space - Montana Owners Club

JimKrieger · 02-07-2021, 04:49 PM

Does anyone know if wires, one video and one 12 volt in my case, can be threaded through the space between the roof and ceiling from very front to very rear? If this is possible, some instructions would be welcomed. I need to connect a backup camera in the rear to its transmitter in the front. Yes, I need a crutch for backups when the extra eyes out back are not available. Didn't find an answer in the archives.

DadsHemi · 02-07-2021, 05:09 PM

Not with out cutting holes in your ceiling, have you thought about going underneath the coach.

**Carl n Susan** · 02-07-2021, 05:20 PM

Conceivably it can be done. I know a couple of members who did it for short distances. It involved taking out the overhead light fixtures and fishing wires from hole to hole. But for a backup camera, most of us fish the wire down the rear cap and along the bottom (under the coroplast or tie wrapped to the gas line), up through the battery compartment, and out through the pin box.

mlh · 02-07-2021, 05:38 PM

It could be done. Nothing is impossible but you will think it is before to the front of your camper. I’ve never looked but could a wire be run through the AC duct?
Lynwood

JimKrieger · 02-10-2021, 02:23 PM

Thanks to all. You've given me the options and instructions I was seeking. Think I'll try the easiest route - under the coach. Less elegant, but more practical. I did like to learn, however, that the roof space is possible.

Daryles · 02-10-2021, 02:45 PM

A good IT wire installer could do it.

mlh · 02-10-2021, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimKrieger

Thanks to all. You've given me the options and instructions I was seeking. Think I'll try the easiest route - under the coach. Less elegant, but more practical. I did like to learn, however, that the roof space is possible.

Pretty is as pretty does.
Lynwood

**AZ Traveler** · 02-10-2021, 05:05 PM

There are some decent wireless units available that only need wiring for power. Power wiring can be a short run from lights.

prndl · 02-10-2021, 05:05 PM

I ran a thermostat wire from the front A/C to the stairs wall and I can tell you there is a ton of fiberglass insulation between the rafters and it was not easy.

JimKrieger · 02-13-2021, 08:42 AM

Yes, my rig has the Arctic Insulaton, so I expect it has the roof insulation, and yes, I am looking at the wireless units. Don't care to put more screws into the outside walls, but that seems the only way to get sufficient radio wave reception. Looks like maybe the Haloview will work. I like that it comes with the option of a signal repeater and that apparently the infrared lights (not sure how they work) apparently won't blind following drivers should I use it while on the road, as well as for backup. The helpfulness of this forum reduces some of the inevitable trial and error portion of RVing and for that I am grateful.

Montana Man · 02-14-2021, 07:24 AM

There is already 12v in the rear cap. Tail lights, clearance lights, etc. Can you tie into one of those?

CADman_KS · 02-14-2021, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Montana Man

There is already 12v in the rear cap. Tail lights, clearance lights, etc. Can you tie into one of those?

The source of power for the factory installs comes from the clearance lights. So , you have to have your lights on (at least park lights) in order for the camera to work...

Montana Man · 02-14-2021, 07:57 AM

My running lights are always on. Perhaps that's why my camera is always working. Personally, I would prefer to have backup lights and tie into them but actually, I don't even use the camera.

CADman_KS · 02-14-2021, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Montana Man

My running lights are always on. Perhaps that's why my camera is always working. Personally, I would prefer to have backup lights and tie into them but actually, I don't even use the camera.

So your running lights are ALWAYS on even when you're disconneted from the trailer? I've never noticed that running lights are on on Rams in the daylight. Just DRL's.

I have to turn our running lights on to see the camera in the daylight...

prndl · 02-14-2021, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Montana Man

There is already 12v in the rear cap. Tail lights, clearance lights, etc. Can you tie into one of those?

Good idea. If you do not use the backup lights on the Montana you could use that wire for power with a switch up front.

azwiz · 02-14-2021, 08:59 AM

Run them on roof

Montana Man · 02-14-2021, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CADman_KS

So your running lights are ALWAYS on even when you're disconneted from the trailer? I've never noticed that running lights are on on Rams in the daylight. Just DRL's.

I have to turn our running lights on to see the camera in the daylight...

I assumed that we are talking about a running vehicle using a camera. No the lights are not always on when disconnected. Actually, my camera is always on if the power is on. Factory wired to 12 volt somewhere.

MARK A · 02-17-2021, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CADman_KS

The source of power for the factory installs comes from the clearance lights. So , you have to have your lights on (at least park lights) in order for the camera to work...

Not mine. My Furrion factory installed camera must use the wired 12v from the coach lighting. Because I can turn the monitor on and drive away and it still works 7-800 feet away.
Mark

bcrvman · 02-17-2021, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimKrieger

Does anyone know if wires, one video and one 12 volt in my case, can be threaded through the space between the roof and ceiling from very front to very rear? If this is possible, some instructions would be welcomed. I need to connect a backup camera in the rear to its transmitter in the front. Yes, I need a crutch for backups when the extra eyes out back are not available. Didn't find an answer in the archives.

Easiest is to use the cooling ducts to get them close. Just make sure you seal the entry/exit holes so you don't get condensation problems in the roof. However, why not get a wireless camera and place the repeater in the front basement bay. That is what I have and most others with rear cameras. Now you just need to fish 12V either always on or backup only from maybe 2 or 3 ft away. In my case always on was a few inches away.

rgcanoe · 02-17-2021, 03:04 PM

You can run wires in most Attics. It is not easy.
You will need to remove some lights and open the hole up a bit. TURN OFF THE POWER FIRST!!! Get a fish tape and work from light to light. Start at the second light fixture and sent the fish tape to the first or beginning opening. Hook on the wires and pull them to hole two. Then go to hole 3 and send the fish to hole two, tie the wire on to the tape and pull it to #3. Go to hole 4 and do it again, until you reach the end. Pull a loop out at each hole long enough to reach the end, leave enough to do the hookup. So your only pulling a small run each time. Good luck.

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