Waterproof entry port

[burlesot]

Hey everybody I'm trying to figure out a way to bring my marker lights In from underneath the trailer right now I have my electrical system set up and on the left side in the galley and all my marker lights terminate right there where the electrical center is. What I want to do is to bring the marker lights in through the wheel well and I'm looking for some sort of waterproof way to do that. Basically I need to put a hole in the wheel well and remember mine is a tour at so the wheel well is over the frame. So I'm wondering if you guys can give me any advice on how to safely bring the wires through the wheel well into the power center

[48Rob]

I would try very hard to find a better location.
The wheel well is one of the worst/hardest places to maintain a seal because of all the grit and road spray...unless it never rains where you are.

You can run the wires through a short piece of conduit, and seal the ends with caulking, or do the same with wire loom, again sealed in and out, or get a fancy marine fitting.
'The how is pretty easy, the where is more important.
I always try to make penetrations directly behind crossmembers, to shield them from wind and water.

Rob

[burlesot]

Rob,
I hear you. I set up my electrical 'control center' in a lower cabinet on the left side that bumps up against the wheel well. I have a cross member of the frame there that I could tuck it behind. Was planning to have a piece of conduit, sealed with putty like you recommended. How about running it through the floor, just past the wheel well? Also, can you tell me a little more about the marine fitting? I don't own a boat, but the idea of the marine fitting might be a good one to explore; just need a little more info.

Thank you for your help.

Todd

[48Rob]

Todd,

This is designed more for a single cable, but there are many types available.




http://store.hamiltonmarine.com/browse. ... 20819.html

"through hull fittings" will get you started on a search.

Rob

[Shadow Catcher]

We have marker lights on the front of the wheel well/fenders because one of things I discovered was that at night it was very difficult to see exactly where the wheels were (not handy if you are pulling up next to to something). The wires are protected with the plastic conduit and wire ends in heat shrink crimp connectors. When heated they shrink and release a glue that give a water tight connection. So far we have not had a problem.

[Bogo]

We have marker lights on the front of the wheel well/fenders because one of things I discovered was that at night it was very difficult to see exactly where the wheels were (not handy if you are pulling up next to to something). The wires are protected with the plastic conduit and wire ends in heat shrink crimp connectors. When heated they shrink and release a glue that give a water tight connection. So far we have not had a problem.

Fenders that extend out from the side are required to have marker lights on the front and rear of them, yellow front, and red rear. For the ones on my cattle trailer, I've wanted a white light pointing down to illuminate the road in front of the tires on the passenger side. It's a full 8' wide wheel track and on some of the narrow Iowa roads it gets fun keeping it on the pavement, especially at night. One road I commonly travel has 8' 6" lanes and I often meet semis on it... Someday I hope they widen US-63 through a few towns, Malcom in particular.

[48Rob]

A light on/in the fender to "light the way" is a good idea!
I like backup lights on trailers too, not just the one that may be in the tail light assembly, but separate dedicated lamps to help at campgrounds.

There is no question that lights and wires are run on/in fenders all the time, and that you can do "anything" if you try hard enough, but in general, to run all your exterior light wires up through the floor in the wheel well is something that would be better to avoid if possible.

Rob