Rearview camera wire through battery vent?

[iamunique127]

I currently have my rearview camera mounted inside my back window but the heavily tinted glass affects the brightness of the image I'm receiving.

To move the camera to the exterior of the trailer, can I run the wire for it through the battery vent hose? I would seal up the necessary hole in the hose, where the wire would go, with that sticky stuff that seals the cables for the power centre.

What is that sticky stuff and where would I get some?

Thanks

[iamunique127]

84 views but no comments?

Someone must know whether it's OK to run wires to the exterior through the battery box vent hose.

[Centex]

OK, comment: I have no idea if it's "OK" to route through the battery vent hose. Personally, if using other than LiFePO4 batteries, I would not run any electrical wire within a duct intended to carry potentially explosive hydrogen gas (the off-gas from lead-acid batteries).

Further comment: IMO it's an aesthetically unsuitable route because the wires would be visible on the back of the trailer from the vent to wherever the cam is mounted.

The pictured mounting location required 3 easily drilled holes, two for the cam bracket bolts and one for the wire pass through. The holes penetrate the wood framing ~1-1/4" above the bottom inside of the rear overhead cabinet which provides very secure bolt-through mounting and easy routing of the wires inside the cabinet. Perhaps your cam will lend to similar?

ProFlex RV is one of many sealants that can be used for ensuring watertight penetrations of the Escape fiberglass shell. ETI uses it for sealing various shell penetrations on our trailers.

Just for your consideration, Have Fun!

[iamunique127]

Your comments are much appreciated, Alan. I admire many of your mods so your input is always welcome.

I had thought of the wires through hydrogen caution and figured if there were no joints within or near the hose it would be ok but I see your point.

True, the wires would run up the exterior. I had thought of running the wires up the back of the spare tire holder and mounting my tiny camera with heavy duty velcro to the top of the exterior light under the window.

I guess I'm mainly averse to drilling holes yet because it's just a cheap camera and I'm not ready to commit to it being my final choice. I'm kinda still experimenting with the rearview camera idea. I want to be judicious making holes in the exterior but I have used Proflex once, when Reace sent a tube to do a mod to our solar panel, and it is holding up fine.

It's good to know there is a support there above the window. Thanks.

[Centex]

A longer route but if doing prototyping / mockup / trials pending a cam commitment, what about running the wires out the rooftop refrigerator vent and taping them back across the roof to a location above the window, still temporarily mounting the cam with your double-super-sticky-industrial-velcro (or just use gaffer's tape to mount)?

Again, just for your consideration.

[kernwig]

I ran my camera power through the vent to a backup camera mounted on the bumper. Works great.
I see no reason to make a new hole when they one is just right there. The vent still functions fine for my AGM batteries.

[iamunique127]

Originally Posted by kernwig

I ran my camera power through the vent to a backup camera mounted on the bumper. Works great.
I see no reason to make a new hole when they one is just right there. The vent still functions fine for my AGM batteries.

Thanks kernwig, if you've mentioned it in a post maybe you are where I got the idea.

Being lead-acid, AGMs still off-gas, don't they? Mine are old school dual 6v that require venting.

[kernwig]

Originally Posted by iamunique127

Thanks kernwig, if you've mentioned it in a post maybe you are where I got the idea.

Being lead-acid, AGMs still off-gas, don't they? Mine are old school dual 6v that require venting.

Yes, AGMs can still offgas, although not as much as lead-acid.

That little wire going through the vent doesn't block it, and the 12VDC on the insulated wire is less of a risk than the offgas being exposed to the batteries themselves.

* I am neither an electrician nor chemist. You need not listen to me.