Sabre aluminum frame

[tinkerreknit]

Is the roof access ladder fastened directly to the aluminum cage or frame? I'm needing a grounding bond for a ham antenna at the ladder, and I thought someone else might know about the construction methods.

[bob caldwell]

Originally Posted by tinkerreknit

Is the roof access ladder fastened directly to the aluminum cage or frame? I'm needing a grounding bond for a ham antenna at the ladder, and I thought someone else might know about the construction methods.

Can you remove a screw/bolt and using a thin object to probe and listen for a metallic sound?

[TURBS]

I've sent an email to find out if it in fact is mounted to the "sabre cage"

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[TURBS]

I received a response back and in fact the ladder is "NOT" mounted to the aluminum superstructure.
It is mounted to wood backers.

Back to the drawing board.

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[tinkerreknit]

Thanks for the blazing fast help, Bob and TURBS. I'm a little surprised though. I can bond it myself but it'll involve some kind of wall or roof access somewhere. I can see the roof frame at the nearby bath roof vent so that might help.

[TURBS]

The aluminum roof structure is on at least two sides of the roof vent.

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[TURBS]

Can you not still mount it to the ladder and run a bonding cable to the frame?

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[ependydad]

There has to be fairly accessible aluminum framing back there:

Learn To RV: Palomino Sabre Factory Tour Photos

[tinkerreknit]

I can prettily easily and cleanly bond the ladder to the chassis. But does anyone know if the aluminum wall "cage" is connected electrically to the chassis? I mean would you think the 2 are bolted together? I want to rely on the ceiling framing as a ground plane for the vertical antenna. I truly appreciate all the interest as it helps me think before breaking out the cutting torch and chainsaw! It's great that DW let's me do anything I want to.

[TURBS]

Yes it is.
The electrical devices in the ceiling are grounded to it.

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[tinkerreknit]

Ah you make the job much easier! I always over-think my projects. I have some good looking tinned braid that I can use from the ladder to the bumper. It'll be OK to the critical eye and should hold up well.

[tinkerreknit]

My first attempt at operating the new rig had some problems. I did operate on VHF, but on HF I had standing wave problems on most bands. But I can't be sure yet if the transceiver communicates with the antenna as it should. Yaesu FT-857 and ATAS120A screwdriver antenna. It'll take some time to pin down the problem.

[tinkerreknit]

Update; all is working fine now and I can tune on several bands. My problem was a cold solder connection! I ran the coax through the ladder tubing so I then had to solder the terminal up top on a cold day. I checked the coax for continuity or shorts afterwards and thought all was OK. But I later found out the meter had a bad battery which gave erratic readings. I was stunned! I re-soldered and have had no more trouble. I do use the optional ground radial system, but I suspect I could discontinue that. I only use it because I deploy the antenna as I'm setting up at camp, rather than swivel it upside down or sideways and leave it mounted. I did bond all the ground components together.