My really bad AC install!

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Okay, I got the photos, after the window of editing expired.

Nice job Terry!

[perryg114]

You could put stainless screws in the holes or pop rivets. Seal them with Trempro-635 or something similar. No reason to use Olympic rivets just to fill a hole. Did they put in something between the skins around the vent opening to strengthen it? Most folks use wood to strengthen the box area. Airstream used some sort of channel to stiffen the box around the vent hole.

Perry

[ViewRVs]

Today I started cleaning the old Vulkem and caulking around the AC. I removed the old antenna post, antenna stand, and the old roof vent.

I forgot the stripper gloves so I still need to finish cleaning the surface when it is cooler.

There is not any support around the AC opening. I do have some 2x2 boards and some wood shims. I am going to frame the box around the hole before putting the AC unit back up.

[ViewRVs]

I am pleased to report that I finished my roof repairs and I have NO LEAKS after a solid day of rain!

I put the whole story and more pictures on my blog. The source of the leaks was the AC install and the old rivets that were left open or partially removed.

I really like the way the roof looks and the new Fan Tastic (A6000) fan will be a great addition.

I ended up using almost 100 Olympic rivets so I am glad I purchased the rivet shaver. The shaver was very expensive but I figured I saved a bunch by doing this job myself.

[dadstoy]

Tell us a bit about your TV antenna!

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by 1985air345

The unit sits between the spans and compresses the roof panels. The compression causes a big gap which lets in tons of water! The other issue is that the unit is flat and my roof is curved.

Fred,

I haven't looked but I'm guessing my 20' Argosy MH has the same issue you found with the original air conditioner install. I think I need to salvage some ceiling rib spacers from the 345 before the remains get hauled off.

Thanks for posting your findings.

Brad

[jm2]

Originally Posted by dadstoy

Tell us a bit about your TV antenna!

ditto that, Fred?

[ViewRVs]

Originally Posted by dadstoy

Tell us a bit about your TV antenna!

The antenna is the Jack antenna by King Controls (thread).

It is designed for the digital TV signals. It has a signal meter and a rotating knob on the inside ceiling so there is no guessing about the signal strength. The wall outlet has a signal booster. I have heard very good things about the antenna. I also like the futuristic look!

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by 1985air345

The antenna is the Jack antenna by King Controls (thread).

It is designed for the digital TV signals. It has a signal meter and a rotating knob on the inside ceiling so there is no guessing about the signal strength. The wall outlet has a signal booster. I have heard very good things about the antenna. I also like the futuristic look!

Have you had a chance to use/test the JACK antenna? I've been looking at that one, since the PO of my trailer removed the antenna altogether so I'm starting from scratch I figured I'd go modern with that if it performs well.

[ViewRVs]

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

Have you had a chance to use/test the JACK antenna? I've been looking at that one, since the PO of my trailer removed the antenna altogether so I'm starting from scratch I figured I'd go modern with that if it performs well.

I have not used it in the field yet. I just used it from my home parking spot. I was able to get four local stations with max signal strength. I use a USB TV tuner and my laptop for TV viewing. The picture looked really good.

I first saw the Jack antenna at Camping World but what sold me was seeing it on Jim Bound's Argosy 20 in Orlando. Jim runs the Cooperative Motorworks in Orlando. He has heard good things about the antenna from GMC owners.

I will be "field testing" it in October (2012)!

[Silver Goose]

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

Have you had a chance to use/test the JACK antenna? I've been looking at that one, since the PO of my trailer removed the antenna altogether so I'm starting from scratch I figured I'd go modern with that if it performs well.

The JACK antenna comes in 2 flavors. The one like Fred has is simple, nothing to crank up or down, it rotates with a knob on the ceiling base which also includes a built in signal meter which is helpful in getting the antenna pointed towards stations before running a scan on the TV.

The other is designed to be a replacement for the antenna element such as the Winegard Sensar. A separate signal meter is optional and the head uses the existing Winegard power supply. A pole bracket and 110 wall wart is included so this model can be used as a residential antenna.

A vendor was selling the JACK at the spring Samboree in Waco. A fellow chapter member bought one to replace his non functional Sensar and had excellent results. Installation of the replacement was a snap as he had ready ladder access to the roof of his 5th wheel.

Another member later bought one from Amazon and claimed he was getting twice as many watchable channels after replacing his Sensar.

I borrowed his JACK for a test.

Test 1: Winegard Sensar III with Wingman, antenna pointed towards most distant stations. Ran scan, 21 watchable channels.

Test 2: Swapped Sensar with JACK, pointed in the same direction and reran scan, received the same 21 watchable channels.

My assumption is that his noted improvement was due to either a dirty coax connector at the head that was unknowingly corrected by reseating the connection or he had a weak amplifier in the Sensar head. I did note that the JACK seemed to have a wider field of view than the Sensar. That is, I was able to turn the antenna further left or right before the channels started to freeze and pixelate.

I don't know how this would compare to the model Fred has as his sits closer to the roof. My conclusion is that either would be a good choice as a replacement for a missing or non functional antenna. The integrated signal meter on the model Fred bought is a real plus and with nothing to crank up or down there's less concern with low hanging branches or forgetting to lower the antenna before pulling out.

[DKB_SATX]

Silver Goose: Thanks! That's the most believable test I've seen on the JACK. "As good as Sensar" is a good sign. I'm planning to mount it on the JACK mount since I don't have a Sensar to modify, and like the no-retract-necessary aspect.