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Old 12-15-2021, 09:54 AM   #1
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How to remove the plastic underbelly?

I need to run some wires from the battery compartment to the inside of the 24BH. The underside has a "hard"-ish plastic underbelly. It is pretty rigid. I have removed the screws but it does not flex well and I've cracked it already in one spot.

Is there a trick to removing the plastic underbelly to expose the wiring and pipes?
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Old 12-15-2021, 11:30 AM   #2
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As you have found, it's difficult trying to remove (or drop) a full section of the corrugated plastic underbelly 'intact'.

I use a razor knife and carefully cut 'flap' openings (3 cuts) where I need access......, and use Gorilla tape to reseal the same 'flap' shut.

Bob
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Old 12-16-2021, 06:40 AM   #3
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What he said
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Old 12-16-2021, 06:42 AM   #4
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Dang. Okay. I already have the black Gorilla tape in hand. Guess I'll get to cutting.
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Old 12-16-2021, 07:29 AM   #5
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Also clean the area with denatured alcohol before you tape it up.
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Old 12-16-2021, 07:54 AM   #6
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I have seen on other posts where people have cut into the underbelly. The tip that sticks out to me is to cut the hole on three sides and keeping the hinge of the flap
on the side closest to the front of the trailer. Cutting it that way will prevent the flap from getting caught by the wind and opening up while traveling. I hope this makes sense. Good luck!
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Old 12-16-2021, 08:10 AM   #7
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snip...... Guess I'll get to cutting.
Sometimes the underbelly can be close to plumbing, wiring, tanks, etc., so cut with caution. After making your first flap opening, use a flashlight to get a visual of the area of your next flap opening (if required).

Also, since your TT has a through-frame slide, there should be a screwed underbelly panel accessing the slide motor (across from slide near TT entry side)....., removing this panel will give you a good view of tank locations, plumbing, etc., before you start cutting.

Bob
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Old 12-17-2021, 07:14 AM   #8
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When you're done make sure you seal it well to prevent rodent intrusion. I spent hours sealing my entire underside with rodent-resistant spray foam but since then, not one mouse has got inside.
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Old 12-17-2021, 05:27 PM   #9
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An inexpensive inspection camera ($25 to $75) from Amazon will also help. Push it through the hole and start snaking it around to see any potential issues with the path. I try to cut the hole less than the width of tape.
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Old 12-20-2021, 05:35 AM   #10
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An inexpensive inspection camera ($25 to $75) from Amazon will also help. Push it through the hole and start snaking it around to see any potential issues with the path. I try to cut the hole less than the width of tape.
Yes it did! I snagged one from Amazon and it helped me determine where I wanted to make the cut. Thanks!
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Old 12-20-2021, 05:37 AM   #11
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Thanks to all the replies. I used a small camera snake to figure out where I wanted to go. Will be pulling about 30' of control cable this week for the battery monitoring system. My original spot, prior to the camera, would have had me going into the top of a tank so this thing was invaluable.
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Old 12-20-2021, 06:12 AM   #12
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Yes it did! I snagged one from Amazon and it helped me determine where I wanted to make the cut. Thanks!
I'm glad it helped. Running the wires for any project was always the point that I puckered and ultimately procrastinated the project away.

I remember thinking I needed to remove my entire underbelly and delayed solar for years. Lol. Then I read a post here and realized how easy it was going to be.
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Old 12-22-2021, 12:58 PM   #13
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I'm glad it helped. Running the wires for any project was always the point that I puckered and ultimately procrastinated the project away.

I remember thinking I needed to remove my entire underbelly and delayed solar for years. Lol. Then I read a post here and realized how easy it was going to be.
Hi TaftCoach, I'd like to add solar to my rig next year. What was the post you read here that helped with your wiring concerns. I could always benefit from some solid advice : )
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Old 12-22-2021, 01:53 PM   #14
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Hi TaftCoach, I'd like to add solar to my rig next year. What was the post you read here that helped with your wiring concerns. I could always benefit from some solid advice : )
It was multiple posts.

The first was getting past the idea of putting a hole anywhere that is suppose to keep water out. Eventually I realized sealant under and over would be fine. Then realizing I didn't have to remove the underbelly. That was huge. Finally that the system is actually simple and really follows the same logic as any other battery charging. The panels are the power source, the controller works like my battery charger, and the battery is the battery. It's really not complicated.
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Old 12-22-2021, 02:12 PM   #15
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The inspection camera sounds like it might come in handy for a few projects I hope to tackle next year. Would you guys mind posting a link to what you found on amazon?

The longest one I found was 16.5'. I need to run the full length of my trailer, which is about 35'. Do you attach the wire you're running to the snake if it's long enough? Or is the camera snake best used for planning your path? Then use a fish wire of the appropriate length to make the actual run.

Just wondering what has worked well for others. Thanks : )
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Old 12-22-2021, 06:23 PM   #16
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Let me add this. Someone posted about cutting so the opening is hinged at the front so if tape fails u will not rip out the flap. But when u cut go on the biggest angle u can. That way when u push the flap up it has a surface to catch to. Some have screwed or glued a wooden piece to the sections not cut and than screwed the flap to that. I have learned a bunch from this site and my mistakes.
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Old 12-22-2021, 06:41 PM   #17
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before slicing try this - pick up a couple quality rare earth magnets. wrap the wires around a nut and insert into your hole use the magnets to drag the wire to the destination. you will be able to steer around obstacles. also works on walls
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Old 12-22-2021, 09:20 PM   #18
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I like that magnet idea
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Old 12-22-2021, 11:20 PM   #19
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Zip ties work also for closing back up.
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Old 12-23-2021, 07:18 AM   #20
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Here is a camera that I got, unfortunately it appears it is out of stock. This one has a learning curve in trying to keep the camera oriented in the right direction, but the video quality is good and you can capture images as well.

There are similar ones out there that likely work well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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