Brake wire mysteries

Jakeman · 05-23-2021, 06:59 PM

Has anyone ever had animals chew through the brake wiring near the hub? Rig was isolated on the farm for 4 weeks then i hooked up and no brakes. Upon inspection wires to 3 of the hubs were chewed/cut or whatever. 2020 Eagle 317RLOK. Less than a year old. So darn strange.

Grumpy · 05-23-2021, 07:01 PM

The insulation on many wires is made using soy so critters love it. We had friend who had over $3,000 in damage to his wiring and plumbing after a squirrel got inside.

16WhiteColly · 05-23-2021, 07:02 PM

Pretty common problem with any exterior wiring, especially in cold climates.

Jakeman · 05-23-2021, 07:32 PM

Thanks for the quick replies. This just baffled my brain. Glad to know others have experienced this.

Jagiven · 05-23-2021, 08:55 PM

They also love black propane hoses.

Lake Huron · 05-24-2021, 04:49 AM

Mice LOVE wiring. In my line of work I deal with it every day. There is no nutritional value in the stuff we use, nothing in it to make it taste good, most is coated in slimy, nasty stuff,... so why? I've never figured it out.
Now, the other type of "wiring" we use IS made from soy and squirrels LOVE that!
Job security, baby! Lol!

Jakeman · 05-24-2021, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lake Huron

Mice LOVE wiring. In my line of work I deal with it every day. There is no nutritional value in the stuff we use, nothing in it to make it taste good, most is coated in slimy, nasty stuff,... so why? I've never figured it out.
Now, the other type of "wiring" we use IS made from soy and squirrels LOVE that!
Job security, baby! Lol!

So I feel better knowing that someone didn't go to the back of the farm and vandalize the rig. Is there anything we can spray exposed wires down with to make them less desirable?

Lake Huron · 05-24-2021, 06:21 AM

What works for us is a dryer sheets. Either the Downy or Bounce ones. We lay them all over inside the rig and haven't had an issue yet. It also helps to seal up the holes in the bottom of the rig where they can climb up and get into it.

Marine71-76 · 05-24-2021, 06:23 AM

Where we store our unit, there use to be feral cats in the lot that took care of the mice problem. Until one of the feral cats got stuck in the work building for a weekend and chewed/tore the crap out of the unit being worked on. No more. Earlier this year 13 units had their catalytic converts stolen. In one unit, the owner started it up and it literally caught on fire. After a closer inspection, apparently mice did the damage to cause the fire.

16WhiteColly · 05-24-2021, 06:55 AM

I have read many replies on other forums of squirrels eating wires and fuel lines, leaving nests behind, so you know they are roosting in a warm area.

You may also like: