Best method to seal hole around camera cable

[joe4515]

I want to install a backup camera on my fiberglass TT and am looking for recommendations on the best method to seal the hole around the camera's cable. The hole will need to be 1/2" to allow the connector through, but the cable itself is only 3/16". Is simply filling the hole with silicone adhesive or marine sealant sufficient? Would cutting a grommet so that it fits around the cable and then sealing be better? Is there a better method?

[nomad297]

I would go with the grommet, then cover the heck out of it with Dicor. I wouldn’t use silicone.

Bruce

[A32Deuce]

Any holes I made in mine, I used Dicor to seal them.

[joe4515]

Okay, that's two votes for Dicor. I am not familiar with the product, so I looked it up. There appear to be various types. Which type do you guys recommend?

[A32Deuce]

I use self leveling with making a small opening in the end. I use it like a glue first then over screw heads and around the edges. Window awning brackets, fresh water opening with a door rather then what came on it, city water inlet with built in pressure regulator, solar panels on the roof and 2 wall mounts for Sat. coax wire to connect to dish boxes.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by A32Deuce

I use self leveling with making a small opening in the end. I use it like a glue first then over screw heads and around the edges. Window awning brackets, fresh water opening with a door rather then what came on it, city water inlet with built in pressure regulator, solar panels on the roof and 2 wall mounts for Sat. coax wire to connect to dish boxes.

Dicor Self-leveling (lap sealant) is for horizontal surfaces like roof openings. It flows before it sets.

The Dicor non-sag (for vertical surfaces) types would probably be better for this application (assuming the cable enters through the rear (vertical) wall.

Larry

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by Larry-NC

Dicor Self-leveling (lap sealant) is for horizontal surfaces like roof openings. It flows before it sets.

The Dicor non-sag (for vertical surfaces) types would probably be better for this application (assuming the cable enters through the rear (vertical) wall.

Larry

Yup....what Larry said.

[RiderBloke]

I am using Lexel for that sort of sealing and around windows etc. I like it better than Dicor so far.

[A32Deuce]

Originally Posted by Larry-NC

Dicor Self-leveling (lap sealant) is for horizontal surfaces like roof openings. It flows before it sets.

The Dicor non-sag (for vertical surfaces) types would probably be better for this application (assuming the cable enters through the rear (vertical) wall.

Larry

Small hole in the end and it works just fine!

[david_reaves]

I'd probably use butyl tape and stuff it in to tightly seal. The thing I like about using butyl is that it is reversible if necessary, and it stays flexible to keep things sealed even if there is a little movement or flex.

[TheWolfPaq82]

I agree with the "Grommet" and then a good sealant.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by david_reaves

I'd probably use butyl tape and stuff it in to tightly seal. The thing I like about using butyl is that it is reversible if necessary, and it stays flexible to keep things sealed even if there is a little movement or flex.

Yes, butyl tape stays tacky forever. It's a dirt-catcher. After a couple of months it would be a dirt-ball. When the pros use butyl tape, e.g., behind an outlet cover, range-hood, furnace vent, marker light, rain gutter, etc., they always put a narrow bead of non-sag Dicor around the tacky butyl edge, to cover it.

Larry

[shadows4]

The OP'er hasn't said, where are you putting the hole? Roof or rear wall? If rear wall anyway to come out behind and below a clearance light? A bit more info might help us to help you.

[joe4515]

Originally Posted by shadows4

The OP'er hasn't said, where are you putting the hole? Roof or rear wall? If rear wall anyway to come out behind and below a clearance light? A bit more info might help us to help you.

I am putting the camera on the rear wall. I plan to tie into the center running light but I don't know yet if it will be above or below the light. That will depend on whether there is a structural support next to the light. I think I would prefer to have it below the light since I have seen where some people have complained about the light interfering with night vision.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by joe4515

I am putting the camera on the rear wall. I plan to tie into the center running light but I don't know yet if it will be above or below the light. That will depend on whether there is a structural support next to the light. I think I would prefer to have it below the light since I have seen where some people have complained about the light interfering with night vision.

Before you go too far, look around, at the camera manufacturer's website and the marker light websites. Others have written about mounting plates that fit under the center marker light and have an escape for the camera cable. You may find a bracket that makes for a more elegant solution.

Larry

[CincyGus]

Originally Posted by Larry-NC

Before you go too far, look around, at the camera manufacturer's website and the marker light websites. Others have written about mounting plates that fit under the center marker light and have an escape for the camera cable. You may find a bracket that makes for a more elegant solution.

Larry

Excellent point. Have you decided on a camera yet? I highly recommend the Haloview 7180 https://www.haloview.com/

[joe4515]

Thanks for all the replies and advice. I have been a little busy, and it has been raining a lot, so I haven't done the installation yet but I have purchased a camera (Xeroxclub which I caught on sale) and the Dicor sealant. I will also look around for a grommet. I will update when installation is complete.