Segmenting my Underbelly project

[RockDr896]

So I have segmented my underbelly in the easiest section, which is front area. I have run it for 1 year and the 1/16" aluminum angle is doing just fine. Now I am tackling the tough section. The chloroplast is some strong and tough stuff, but just look at the cable mess, just laying on the chloroplast. I am hoping Alliance fixes this, so it isn't one more thing a person has to get out of their way, should they have to drop the underbelly for a problem.

The 2nd picture shows the angle piece and how I mounted it. I will now butt another angle piece to it and marry the chloroplast. So the angle will be 2 angles butt together for a total of 1/8" thick. I am most likely going to thru bolt the center, so it can act as a puller between the two angles when reinstalling.

This section of frame has some convenient I-Beam on both sides and tomorrow I am going to frame it out to support and zip tie the wire too. The bundles of wire are taped together along the way, with electrical tape. I am hoping I can separate the wire runs, but not expecting it to work out. A guy has to try though.

Now that I am staring at the tanks and wires, I am glad I am doing this. I was not liking the idea of cutting underbelly in the blind and patching or taping it all back together. This is my first 5th wheel, so I am glad to fix it when there isn't an issue and I can make a future repair go a bit easier.

FYI--My width in this area is only 75 1/5" wide, so Lowes & Home depot stock this length angle.

 

[Bozo]

So I have segmented my underbelly in the easiest section, which is front area. I have run it for 1 year and the 1/16" aluminum angle is doing just fine. Now I am tackling the tough section. The chloroplast is some strong and tough stuff, but just look at the cable mess, just laying on the chloroplast. I am hoping Alliance fixes this, so it isn't one more thing a person has to get out of their way, should they have to drop the underbelly for a problem.

The 2nd picture shows the angle piece and how I mounted it. I will now butt another angle piece to it and marry the chloroplast. So the angle will be 2 angles butt together for a total of 1/8" thick. I am most likely going to thru bolt the center, so it can act as a puller between the two angles when reinstalling.

This section of frame has some convenient I-Beam on both sides and tomorrow I am going to frame it out to support and zip tie the wire too. The bundles of wire are taped together along the way, with electrical tape. I am hoping I can separate the wire runs, but not expecting it to work out. A guy has to try though.

Now that I am staring at the tanks and wires, I am glad I am doing this. I was not liking the idea of cutting underbelly in the blind and patching or taping it all back together. This is my first 5th wheel, so I am glad to fix it when there isn't an issue and I can make a future repair go a bit easier.

FYI--My width in this area is only 75 1/5" wide, so Lowes & Home depot stock this length angle.

I am going to do this this spring. I have to replace waste valves and a leaking/blistered hydraulic line to my driver side middle jack. That mess of wiring….Typical, I guess.

 

[RockDr896]

Finished up today. The 370FB doesn't have anything in this area to hang or support the excess wire. If I was removing the plumbing, I could have dealt with the tank sensor wires better. I ended up cutting and installing 3 cross members to support and zip tie the wire bundles. This at least gets them out of the way. Everything behind the tires, I am going to leave alone. That area is manageable, due to the spare tire and very little in that area of concern.

So basically, my underbelly area is divided into 3 separate areas and very manageable to remove and put back in place. What sucks is working on my back at 60 and wearing reading glasses..LOL!! I did end up using underbelly tape to seal the chloroplast connection to the angle. Now I can basically remove the bolts along the sides and pull back a section if needed. I hope this helps others prepare for future repair headaches!