As a perfectionist engineer who is redesigning his airstream I really respect and admire your videos. Detailed information is needed and you deliver in a clear concise manner. For example, I would never have thought about using the cable gland until I saw your video. Thank you for the time, attention, and detail you take on your videos. Thanks to your videos, I have been able to remove the refrigerator to install a self-retracting wire that is connected to my latest invention, a retractable TV antenna. Keep up the good work!!!!
This video paired with your “removing the fridge” video made the install of my antenna possible! Your tutorials are excellent! Thank you so very much for taking the time to produce them!
Thanks Sara! I'm glad it was helpful. I figured after having gained so much from TH-cam all these years it was my turn to give back, so I've tried to focus on topics/details that don't seem to be covered in other places. Glad I could help!
I would like to report that WE DID IT!! The eagle has landed. The We Boost is on the roof thanks to your expert guidance. We did not remove the refrigerator but fished a wire down from the vent. For the record I’m basically a groupie now bc I also bought your bins (thanks for the expert guidance) and your Amber gels for the lights. Wooo hoo!! THANK YOU!!!!
Not too bad. Took a few tries w the right size wire that had enough strength to stay somewhat straight but hopefully not break anything. Then I gorilla taped the coax to that and pulled it back up. My only fear is that the coax is sitting next to something that could get hot on the fridge and it could melt. Would you be worried about that?
One other comment, we bought the white plastic cb radio attachment thing you linked to (didn’t use the one from your video). It’s nice but the base it came with was not solid plastic so didn’t provide a good foundation to attach the foam tape. We ended up cutting two squares of an old plastic cutting board and attaching the mount to that by counter sinking bolts to those from the bottom. This gave us a nice solid base to attach to the roof.
@@alysprotzman9108 Nice solution. At times in the past when I've experienced that sort of thing, I've filled the hollow sections with epoxy. Takes a couple days t cure, but gives you a "factory" look.
Actually, question....is there any way to do this without removing refrigerator? Was looking at other types of cable glands that don’t require access to both sides. Could you just feed cable down and retrieve it at bottom? Never been in the back of our refrig access panel so wasn’t sure.
@@alysprotzman9108 I'm intrigued! No idea if it will work, but the easiest way to find out would be to drill a small hole--something just large enough to send an electrical fish tape down. If it doesn't work, just seal up the hole with caulk or a glued on plug or something. But if it DOES work then you will have revolutionized the entire RV industry! No pressure! I think you might be able to do it!
I saw your video on putting the cable down the fridge vent. Very informative!! Since it has been a year can you tell me how the cb antenna mount held up with the tape? Thanks.
Sorry for the slow reply! Antenna mount is holding up fine, but there have been a couple times I wished I'd installed one that tips downward when I needed it. I included a link to that sort of adjustable mount in the video description. I haven't swapped mine out, but someday I might :)
Excellent! I don't remember, have you said where you are mounting the WeBoost Drive? I think I'm going with the WeBoost Drive Reach using the antenna you used.
I installed the electronic bits under the dinette in my trailer. That way I can use the internal antenna right there at the table... but also I can pull it outside and use it while sitting under the awning too.
Thanks for the mini series! Is the reason you think the white antenna base is better in description section, the fact white color absorb less heat? Thanks!
More for the ability to fold it down, though the heat protection is a nice benefit too. The black antenna mount is flexible, but there have been a couple times when I needed to get the trailer through a low overhang and I would have preferred the ability to fold the antenna.
@@JustaJourneyman Thanks a lot! Looks like the black one has bigger contact area for VHB tape though. I only plan to mount it right above AC. Hopefully that would be ok.
@@tintinthepirate Even a little bit of VHB goes a long way. My solar panels are attached with VHB and they are quite large... but perhaps only about 9-10 square inches of tape on each one holds them firm. You do want the antenna to rest above metal--it helps with reception-so if you were thinking of putting it on top of the AC, you might consider putting it right on the roof instead. I hope that helps!
@@JustaJourneyman Just an FYI, I did my install with the fold-down one, it's great but I don't think it's practical to fold it down on a airstream roof, especially for airstreams with duct A/C - the roof is very soft - You'd have to get on the roof, pull with both hands REALLY HARD, like 50lb force at least, to move the base into rotating position. So if I need to rotate it, it's easier to unthread the top part and take the antenna off. One advantage of this model though, is that its base is higher, so I don't have to use the long extension rod to make the antenna above the A/C unit. Thanks again for recommending this and great tutorial!
@@tintinthepirate Hmm... seems strange that the fold down is so tough to operate. I agree about the softness of the roof though! I mounted mine on a rivet line (indicating a support rib underneath). You might align the force needed to fold with the rivet line... but I hear you loud and clear that unscrewing it might be just as easy. Mine sticks up to just below 11', which is still really low... so it has not been a problem with underpasses or anything like that.
As an Airstream Owner for 2+ years, I have been searching the inter webs constantly trying to locate decent, credible information on how to do a variety of DIY projects. I CANNOT BELIEVE the awesomeness of your videos and your knowledge base is just amazing!!! Thank you so much for your time and effort in putting these into the universe. One question I have is pertaining to the VHB tape, I'm planning on mounting a King Satellite Quick Release Roof Mount to the roof of my 2019 26U FC.. Will the VHB tape and caulk be sufficient to attach to the roof? or would you suggest screwing it down as well? If you think some kind of fastener is needed, what would you suggest. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you make have regarding the DIY project. Sincerely, James & Marcia
Thanks James! I'm not familiar with the roof mount you mention, but I suspect VHB will be way way way more than enough hold. My solar panels are held on by about maybe 8-10 square inches of VHB each, and even after years and miles there is no possible way I could pry them off the room. Make sure 1) you buy the right "number" of VHB tape for you material and 2) you clean the adhesion areas (both pieces) really well.... and you should be good to go!
Great video! Thanks for the information. Aren't you worried about it hitting any low bridges? How tall is the top of that antenna? That spring will do little to no good when traveling at 50+ mph. Or does it just look taller than it is? Either way? thanks again for the information. Be well.
It's not the best design, but it's worked well for us. Even with the "tall" antenna on, I'm only about 11" tall, which isn't very high. Many folks have used foldable marine-style antenna mounts that you raise or lower when you want (but you have to get up there to do it). Also, I would imagine most folks would opt for the shorter antenna pole just for aesthetics. For me, I like the tall one because MAX POWER!
This is very good at explaining 99% of what I need to know. I'm going to be installing a small Yagi antenna on my current antenna pole and I'm intending to do solar as well if I keep this particular rig (may be selling it). But I'v been looking for a good instructional video and this works. Thank you! The only piece of advice that comes from my Ham Radio experience is to put some connector sealant tape on the connection from your antenna to the wire going inside. Otherwise water will get into this connection and corrode it causing loss of signal. It can also get into the wire and cause you to have to replace your wire entirely. amzn.to/2V3RAef
As a perfectionist engineer who is redesigning his airstream I really respect and admire your videos. Detailed information is needed and you deliver in a clear concise manner. For example, I would never have thought about using the cable gland until I saw your video. Thank you for the time, attention, and detail you take on your videos. Thanks to your videos, I have been able to remove the refrigerator to install a self-retracting wire that is connected to my latest invention, a retractable TV antenna. Keep up the good work!!!!
Thanks for the kind words!
Oh and we bought the fan and am installing it tomorrow! Literally game changer!!! Thank you!!
Yup... it's awesome. I think it's especially great because it allows you to run with smaller batteries but still stay cool.
This video paired with your “removing the fridge” video made the install of my antenna possible! Your tutorials are excellent! Thank you so very much for taking the time to produce them!
Thanks Sara! I'm glad it was helpful. I figured after having gained so much from TH-cam all these years it was my turn to give back, so I've tried to focus on topics/details that don't seem to be covered in other places. Glad I could help!
I would like to report that WE DID IT!! The eagle has landed. The We Boost is on the roof thanks to your expert guidance. We did not remove the refrigerator but fished a wire down from the vent. For the record I’m basically a groupie now bc I also bought your bins (thanks for the expert guidance) and your Amber gels for the lights. Wooo hoo!! THANK YOU!!!!
That's great to hear. Was it difficult to fish the wire down?
Not too bad. Took a few tries w the right size wire that had enough strength to stay somewhat straight but hopefully not break anything. Then I gorilla taped the coax to that and pulled it back up. My only fear is that the coax is sitting next to something that could get hot on the fridge and it could melt. Would you be worried about that?
One other comment, we bought the white plastic cb radio attachment thing you linked to (didn’t use the one from your video). It’s nice but the base it came with was not solid plastic so didn’t provide a good foundation to attach the foam tape. We ended up cutting two squares of an old plastic cutting board and attaching the mount to that by counter sinking bolts to those from the bottom. This gave us a nice solid base to attach to the roof.
@@alysprotzman9108 Nice solution. At times in the past when I've experienced that sort of thing, I've filled the hollow sections with epoxy. Takes a couple days t cure, but gives you a "factory" look.
Nice job with the video, clear, understandable. I did essentially the same thing on my AS and I wish I would have seen your video first.
Thanks!
Great write up! Unfortunately I don't have the same vent but your vid helps give me a reference point. Can't wait to see your next mod!
Thanks. I guess every RV is different in some way, but hopefully there's something useful in there for you!
We’re going to try this this weekend! Excellent videos! Thanks!
Good luck. Take it stages!
Actually, question....is there any way to do this without removing refrigerator? Was looking at other types of cable glands that don’t require access to both sides. Could you just feed cable down and retrieve it at bottom? Never been in the back of our refrig access panel so wasn’t sure.
@@alysprotzman9108 I'm intrigued! No idea if it will work, but the easiest way to find out would be to drill a small hole--something just large enough to send an electrical fish tape down. If it doesn't work, just seal up the hole with caulk or a glued on plug or something. But if it DOES work then you will have revolutionized the entire RV industry! No pressure! I think you might be able to do it!
I saw your video on putting the cable down the fridge vent. Very informative!! Since it has been a year can you tell me how the cb antenna mount held up with the tape? Thanks.
Sorry for the slow reply! Antenna mount is holding up fine, but there have been a couple times I wished I'd installed one that tips downward when I needed it. I included a link to that sort of adjustable mount in the video description. I haven't swapped mine out, but someday I might :)
Excellent! I don't remember, have you said where you are mounting the WeBoost Drive?
I think I'm going with the WeBoost Drive Reach using the antenna you used.
I installed the electronic bits under the dinette in my trailer. That way I can use the internal antenna right there at the table... but also I can pull it outside and use it while sitting under the awning too.
Thanks for the mini series! Is the reason you think the white antenna base is better in description section, the fact white color absorb less heat? Thanks!
More for the ability to fold it down, though the heat protection is a nice benefit too. The black antenna mount is flexible, but there have been a couple times when I needed to get the trailer through a low overhang and I would have preferred the ability to fold the antenna.
@@JustaJourneyman Thanks a lot! Looks like the black one has bigger contact area for VHB tape though. I only plan to mount it right above AC. Hopefully that would be ok.
@@tintinthepirate Even a little bit of VHB goes a long way. My solar panels are attached with VHB and they are quite large... but perhaps only about 9-10 square inches of tape on each one holds them firm. You do want the antenna to rest above metal--it helps with reception-so if you were thinking of putting it on top of the AC, you might consider putting it right on the roof instead. I hope that helps!
@@JustaJourneyman Just an FYI, I did my install with the fold-down one, it's great but I don't think it's practical to fold it down on a airstream roof, especially for airstreams with duct A/C - the roof is very soft - You'd have to get on the roof, pull with both hands REALLY HARD, like 50lb force at least, to move the base into rotating position. So if I need to rotate it, it's easier to unthread the top part and take the antenna off. One advantage of this model though, is that its base is higher, so I don't have to use the long extension rod to make the antenna above the A/C unit. Thanks again for recommending this and great tutorial!
@@tintinthepirate Hmm... seems strange that the fold down is so tough to operate. I agree about the softness of the roof though! I mounted mine on a rivet line (indicating a support rib underneath). You might align the force needed to fold with the rivet line... but I hear you loud and clear that unscrewing it might be just as easy. Mine sticks up to just below 11', which is still really low... so it has not been a problem with underpasses or anything like that.
As an Airstream Owner for 2+ years, I have been searching the inter webs constantly trying to locate decent, credible information on how to do a variety of DIY projects. I CANNOT BELIEVE the awesomeness of your videos and your knowledge base is just amazing!!! Thank you so much for your time and effort in putting these into the universe.
One question I have is pertaining to the VHB tape, I'm planning on mounting a King Satellite Quick Release Roof Mount to the roof of my 2019 26U FC.. Will the VHB tape and caulk be sufficient to attach to the roof? or would you suggest screwing it down as well? If you think some kind of fastener is needed, what would you suggest. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you make have regarding the DIY project. Sincerely, James & Marcia
Thanks James! I'm not familiar with the roof mount you mention, but I suspect VHB will be way way way more than enough hold. My solar panels are held on by about maybe 8-10 square inches of VHB each, and even after years and miles there is no possible way I could pry them off the room. Make sure 1) you buy the right "number" of VHB tape for you material and 2) you clean the adhesion areas (both pieces) really well.... and you should be good to go!
Great video! Thanks for the information.
Aren't you worried about it hitting any low bridges? How tall is the top of that antenna?
That spring will do little to no good when traveling at 50+ mph. Or does it just look taller than it is?
Either way? thanks again for the information.
Be well.
It's not the best design, but it's worked well for us. Even with the "tall" antenna on, I'm only about 11" tall, which isn't very high. Many folks have used foldable marine-style antenna mounts that you raise or lower when you want (but you have to get up there to do it). Also, I would imagine most folks would opt for the shorter antenna pole just for aesthetics. For me, I like the tall one because MAX POWER!
You can knock off those wasp's nests in the vent lid while you're at it.
LOL I feel like for every one you knock off, two more appear!
This is very good at explaining 99% of what I need to know. I'm going to be installing a small Yagi antenna on my current antenna pole and I'm intending to do solar as well if I keep this particular rig (may be selling it). But I'v been looking for a good instructional video and this works. Thank you!
The only piece of advice that comes from my Ham Radio experience is to put some connector sealant tape on the connection from your antenna to the wire going inside. Otherwise water will get into this connection and corrode it causing loss of signal. It can also get into the wire and cause you to have to replace your wire entirely. amzn.to/2V3RAef
GREAT tip. Thanks!