Installing MIFI - finding roof framework?

[heliart]

MIFI is on the list of things for the next 6 months.
I had a thought on how you would find the root framework when drilling the hole?
It would be very painful to drill a hole and go right through the framework (it's aluminium, right)?

Thanks,

Steve

 

[Manic]

Are you talking about fitting an antenna for the MIFI , the roof wouldn’t have a framework inside, it would be a sandwich of aluminium insulation and then ply or aluminium inside all bonded together.

 

[Lenny HB]

Fairly certain your van has a bonded roof no timber to worry about.

 

[heliart]

Are you talking about fitting an antenna for the MIFI , the roof wouldn’t have a framework inside, it would be a sandwich of aluminium insulation and then ply or aluminium inside all bonded together.

Hmm, OK. I did'nt know that. I assumed it was an Aluminium framework skeleton. No worries then. Maybe that's why I could'nt find any others asking the same question

 

[Keypresser]

If you are thinking about fixing the antenna securely the best bet is to fix a stainless steel or aluminium plate on the roof with stainless steel screws and sicaflex then fix your antenna to the plate thus spreading any load. There might be the odd wooden beam but normally they are only fitted around roof vents to take the compressive load.

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[63720]

If you are thinking about fixing the antenna securely the best bet is to fix a stainless steel or aluminium plate on the roof with stainless steel screws and sicaflex then fix your antenna to the plate thus spreading any load. There might be the odd wooden beam but normally they are only fitted around roof vents to take the compressive load.

Hmm, I personally wouldn't do that. Depending on which antenna you choose this is a guide to fitting. Ours is fitted flat to the roof. Each to their own.

4G Smart Antenna - Motorhome WiFi

4G Smart Antenna 4G Smart Antenna Fully certified LTE 2G/3G/4G Aerodynamic and low profile Rated to IP66 water ingress protection Ground plane independent

www.motorhomewifi.com

 

[GMLS]

Might not be wood but potentially cables, see this


Around 12min in

 

[Lenny HB]

In a German van if there are any cable they will be in conduit. Normally will only be any if are laghts around the roof light or a fans in them.

 

[GMLS]

In a German van if there are any cable they will be in conduit. Normally will only be any if are laghts around the roof light or a fans in them.

That was in a Burstner. I was surprised to see it wasn't in conduit

 

[Lenny HB]

That was in a Burstner. I was surprised to see it wasn't in conduit

Now that does surprise me.

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[Kannon Fodda]

You know that if something shouldn't be there then you will hit it.

 

[Bart]

That was in a Burstner. I was surprised to see it wasn't in conduit

Now that does surprise me.

Yip watched this video last night , mind you the wires were "sort" of protected by a flimsy aluminium strip below the wires.

 

[GMLS]

Now that does surprise me.

Yup gotta feel for him but decent recovery

 

[heliart]

Just to close this up. Was dead easy. Pilot hole from the inside out, then 22mm hole saw down through the fibreglass/insuation.
Everything totally cleaned and stuck/sealed, and works a treat.