2017 Seneca - Large Uninsulated Space Behind Outside TV

[javamon]

Was poking around under the sink during our last camp and was amazed at the amount of heat that was coming from the back of the sink cabinet. After a closer peek I realized that there is a huge uninsulated cavity where the outside TV is installed. Pulled the outside service panel (the small metal panel on the larger metal panel the holds the TV mount) and discovered there is a significant area that is not insulated (temp or sound). Took the TV off the arm and removed the large black panel. Then I fully appreciated how large this space is (see pic). Just used some household insulation. Will evaluate on next trip but this obviously will be an improvement for temp and sound. Also found two "noise makers" during this process. The 2017 has a pull-out faucet which has a weight attached to the hose under the cabinet to aid in retraction. We are certain this weight was banging against the back cabinet wall and was one of those noises we could not track down. Solved that problem with some bubble wrap. The other noise maker is the smaller service panel I mentioned earlier. Once I secured it, it still created a rattle when I tapped on it. Did not want to drive any more screws because of the water lines so I just took it off and Gorilla taped the back and re-secured it. Did the trick. Overall, very easy fix...took me an hour. Not sure if this space exists in the other Seneca models, but it's a quick and inexpensive fix on the FS.

[norty1]

Those strange sounds can drive you nuts.

Once we kept hearing a squeak and I finally found it by having my wife jump up and down till I squirted a shot of silicone on the right place on one of the springs underneath.

[AGGIE00]

Wow. Do you think air is getting in there with the tv door closed? I just figured that the door is weatherstripped and sealed so no need. My wife does complain about a lot of warm air coming in around the kitchen area. Though it was from the vent area under the fridge.

[javamon]

Originally Posted by AGGIE00

Wow. Do you think air is getting in there with the tv door closed? I just figured that the door is weatherstripped and sealed so no need. My wife does complain about a lot of warm air coming in around the kitchen area. Though it was from the vent area under the fridge.

Doesn't seem to be a problem with the weather getting in (it seals good) but there is virtually no insulation even when the TV door is closed...it was very warm. Wife also said that when the outside TV was on, it was very loud in the cabin. Just another one of those areas that make it hard to keep the place cool in the summer. It's easy to get to and the open space serves no purpose so why not insulate?

[rgolding]

Originally Posted by norty1

Those strange sounds can drive you nuts.

Once we kept hearing a squeak and I finally found it by having my wife jump up and down till I squirted a shot of silicone on the right place on one of the springs underneath.

Imagine the next campsite over trying to figure this one out. "Hey Honey, come here. What do you think they're doing?"

People watching, an enjoyable part of camping.

[memphis02]

Originally Posted by norty1

Those strange sounds can drive you nuts.

Once we kept hearing a squeak and I finally found it by having my wife jump up and down till I squirted a shot of silicone on the right place on one of the springs underneath.

I about had soup come out my nose when I read this! Thank you!!!! LOL
-It's especially funny because it's something I'd make my wife do as the squeaks drive me insane as well!!!

-I have been known to set the cruise and shout "Your Wheel!!!" to get up and go find them...

[Crossingover]

Looks like adding the insulation could also be done from the sink-side rather than removing the TV mount etc.?

[javamon]

Possibly, but it seemed difficult unless you cut out more of the sink cabinet back. The opening extends considerably to the left and right of the opening in the photo.

[memphis02]

There's also a large area under the fridge (on my 37FS) where the furnace sits that is also largely open and un-insulated, too. Would recommend roxule wool as it has both sound and temp insulation properties and doesn't cause the itches!

[javamon]

Originally Posted by memphis02

There's also a large area under the fridge (on my 37FS) where the furnace sits that is also largely open and un-insulated, too. Would recommend roxule wool as it has both sound and temp insulation properties and doesn't cause the itches!

I'll have to take a look. If it's safe to insulate, I will probably do so.

[senecaowner]

We found the big opening behind the TV after leaving the lights on after dark in the coach while outside watching TV. The coach was filled the bugs! We had an insulated box built behind the TV. Fixed that problem!

[AGGIE00]

I'm trying to do the same thing as mentioned here. Super hot under the sink. What I need to know is what type and size of wrench is needed for the screws?

[javamon]

Originally Posted by AGGIE00

I'm trying to do the same thing as mentioned here. Super hot under the sink. What I need to know is what type and size of wrench is needed for the screws?

Mine were 8-point stars, so a TORX bit (6-point) will not work. A #2 square bit (Robertson) worked great for me.