Getting Behind RV Paneling

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Getting Behind RV Paneling

(Russ asks...)

If I wanted to run a new tank sensor line to my monitor on the wall, how do I run it behind the paneled wall? Will I have to rip the panel to run the wire? Same for the ceiling. Can I replace the seam strip and not damage it?

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Getting Behind RV Paneling

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Accessing Tank Monitor Wires
by: Coleen, the RVing editor

Bob's the handyman and mechanic in our household, so I asked him what he'd do if he was replacing the sensor line.

It depends on the wall construction and how the wires are run. This isn't a sure thing, just some comments he had about how he might try doing it if he needed to.

He said he'd try gently removing the seam batten strips. Then, gently pry the paneling up. He also said it may be better to sacrifice the batten strips and concentrate on saving the paneling because it may be impossible to save both.

If you do reuse the batten strips, it may be necessary to put the nails in different places. You could fill the old nail holes with some nail putty.

When the cover of the monitor unit is off, there's probably a small hole about the size of a dime with the wires. Bob said if he was doing it, he'd probably cut a bigger hole (about 2 ½ inch diameter) in the wall in a cabinet below the monitor. Then, he'd try to pull the wire down to the bigger hole and work on it there. He said it may be possible to attach the new wire to the old and pull it through. Finally, he'd patch that hidden hole.

As a side note, RV tank sensors are notorious for not working. It's my understanding that the wires leading to the monitor box are seldom the problem. It is more likely a problem with the probes.

Tank Wiring
by: RVwarrior

I agree that the wiring rarely goes bad, unless a mouse got to them! Most likely the monitor or the sensors.

The wiring might be easy to get to, mine is behind the cabinets! Pulled out all the drawers and there they were, not pulled through the walls as I feared.

The sensors are most likely the problem, and easy to replace. The good aftermarket ones are stainless steel bolts and coated to resist "stuff" sticking to them, and they are mounted in 3/8" round rubber plugs. Just drill new 3/8" holes next to the old sensors in the tanks, install the new ones, tighten to seal, and move the wires from the old to the new. Done.

Check ebay for these "tank level sensors", several businesses have them listed.

Very easy! Good luck!

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Getting Behind RV Paneling

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Getting Behind RV Paneling