Drilling through the exterior for a backup camera

[Lynkage]

What is the best way to go about mounting a wired backup camera and running the wire through the exterior and get a good seal so I do not experience a delamination problem?

I have already run a coax from the kingpin to the rear inside the cabinets on the back wall so the inside wiring is almost done no problem there.

[Lynkage]

A few pics of the wire run.

[Lynkage]

One more of the inspector Turbo!!

[RodeoGeorge]

Yes, that does look a lot like Turbo!

RodeoGeorge

[Lynkage]

Nobody has drilled through their fiberglass exterior?

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by Lynkage

One more of the inspector Turbo!!

He's on it!

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by Lynkage

Nobody has drilled through their fiberglass exterior?

I have not but slow and easy and plenty of sealer!

A dremel and a deburring bit I believe would be better than a twist bit.

[JoeMazz]

I'm curious myself. Getting ready to do this on my 8282ws. Where are you mounting the camera? I have a spare tire on the rear bumper, as well as a large rear window, so I'm going to have to mount it high.

[Lynkage]

I guess my main question would be, Should I sand/scotchbrite the area and then mount the bracket with sealant so it sticks better?

I am going to cover the big hole for the wire as much as possible with the mounting bracket as well as put the bracket above the hole.

I will get a picture of what I think I will do.

[Lynkage]

Originally Posted by JoeMazz

I'm curious myself. Getting ready to do this on my 8282ws. Where are you mounting the camera? I have a spare tire on the rear bumper, as well as a large rear window, so I'm going to have to mount it high.

I have a large window as well. I want it just below the middle marker light on the back.

[Herk7769]

To avoid cracking the exterior, use a small pilot hole and step up slowly to the size bit you need. Seal wire filled hole completely with "Silaprene" sealant.

[BarryD0706]

One more important thing (learned from boat fiberglass): After drilling the hole, use a countersink bit to angle the edges. If you don't, you'll start a crack in the fiberglass from the hole outward.

[gooiebob]

My first camera install on our other trailer that burned was easier than out new one.
I mounted the camera above the middle marker and used the stick on cable hide system from Lowes. Held on great and matched the exterior white. Couldn't hardly see it if you weren't looking.
On our new 2703 I had the ladder mounted in the middle and attached the camera to the top of the ladder just beneath the marker light. Ran the wires behind the ladder rail and ran the wires between the coroplast and the floor. Would have used the cable hide system but couldn't find any black to match the rear end corner molding.
Bob

[Lynkage]

Thanks Guys!!

I was planning on using my uni-bit and it will chamfer the edge. I need a 1/2" hole for the wire to go through.

Let me go take some pics............

[rlreed]

I would go to a boat store and get some 3M 5200 to seal the hole. We use it in marine applications all the time, even below the water line.....

[Lynkage]

Here are some pics of the mounting location.

A thought occurred to me that I may be able to go through the bottom of the marker light and into the trailer that way. I will have a look in a bit.

[BarryD0706]

5200 can never be removed. I would suggest something less permanent.

[AquaMan]

I've actually done more than just drill through the outside. Piece of cake. Drill it like its wood. Factory told me to simply use jigsaw with normal blade. That's how they do it.

[Lynkage]

Thanks TT!!

[Lynkage]

OK!

So I removed the center marker light and found this will be a great way to run the wire.

More pics........