Running a wire harness?

[Bruce B]

I am in the process of installing a battery monitor in our 2012 16' International.
I have decided that the best solution is to put the shunt near the battery on the front of the trailer frame. I can get my harness to the floor in the closet near the hot water heater very easily but that is the last of the easy part.

Having never seen one of these apart I have questions before I remove a whole pile of rivets! It appears as though I need to remove all kinds of things to access this area. Has anyone got any sage advice before I begin?

I have a question about rivets too. I asked my dealer and got a vague 3/16 in" rivet response, when asked what material the rivet should be he said stainless. I notice in the parts books that all of the rivets listed for this size trailer are 1/8" of various types, materials, grip range etc. I am thinking of just ordering some of each type listed so that I can do my best to reproduce the work done at the factory. Any thoughts?

Bruce

[Bruce B]

OK, upon a more detailed inspection (driven by the desire NOT to remove that belly pan....), I think that I can run the wires behind the galley to the area below the dinette. From there it is easy again. Answered my own question!
Bruce

[HiHoAgRV]

My solution was to route the wires on the interior, hiding them under lips, behind curtian tracks and through cabinets. If you do drill out rivets, use 1/8 all aluminum (core included). IMHO, through the walls or belly would be a tough way to go.

[Bruce B]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

.... IMHO, through the walls or belly would be a tough way to go.

No kidding! The more I look the more I don't want to get in there. I'm glad that I won't need to for awhile anyway....
Thanks,
Bruce

[Jammer]

Bruce

Please post back after you've used the battery monitor for a while and share your thoughts. Not very many people have them and I'm trying to determine how useful they are in practice.

The proper rivets and tools for installation and removal are available at Vintage Trailer Supply, should you again contemplate the removal of panels.

[Bruce B]

Jammer,
For what it is worth I have used battery monitors for about 20 years on our two sailboats. The first boat had an Ample Power monitor that is no longer made and the current boat uses a Xantrex. I find them invaluable for managing your battery bank. I personally like the ability to keep a count of amps used and to monitor battery voltage at various states of charge. Once you learn the nature of your battery and charging systems you can easily gauge their performance.
They certainly take the guess work out of battery bank management and when using a volt meter only you are guessing.
Bruce