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Topic: Rodentproofing front to back raceway (Read 652 times) previous topic - next topic

Rodentproofing front to back raceway

Under the floor (and through the top of the basement bays) is a raceway where all of the large wiring...a/c hoses...etc. run from front to back of the coach.  This seems to be where the rodents entered the bays. I am looking for a way to seal these as to keep the rodents out...or at least slow them down. I know that eventually I will need to change a/c hoses and fuel lines, so I don't really want to make it so permanent that I will never be able to pull back through it. The way it is designed they have a free path down the wiring to a beautiful nesting area on top of the water tank and all of the basement areas.  Has any one done this?  Any suggestions?

 
Karl Shurtleff
Kingwood, TX
94 U280 Grand Villa 36'
Build #4487

Re: Rodentproofing front to back raceway

Reply #1 –
I have read (on this Forum) recommendations for using steel and brass "wool" products for this purpose.  Stuff it in all the gaps.  You might try a search on this subject for more details?  I am planning on using this method on our coach, in anticipation of future travel to places with a more "enthusiastic" rat and squirrel population.  Keep us posted if you come up with any better suggestions!
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Rodentproofing front to back raceway

Reply #2 –
Karl,

We use brass wool and stainless wool at every bulkhead penetration.  The reason being is hopefully if one of those little devils do get in they will be confined to just that one compartment.  We have tried spray foam and found that holding the can in proper position to get it to spray is difficult in some locations.  The foam is also hard to dig out when you have to pull a new cable in the cable tray.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Rodentproofing front to back raceway

Reply #3 –
You have identified, as we did 15 years ago, the one true problem of our Foretravel.  We traveled to, and camp-hosted in, a few "wild" places back then.  The audacity of the wildlife was amazing....  I found spray foam to be the final solution.  (Along with a redesigned utility door, the small one.)

Later I installed solar panels which presented no problem to the sealed raceway, as these connections came in from above and out to the batteries through the floor under the sofa.  I have replaced fuel lines to the generator--but only in the hot generator cabinet area--having spliced the lines just outside of the wall of the moving cabinet, easily accessible for a large guy as opposed to the space in the fuel tank area, and up to the pump and filter.  I have found no reason to dig into the foam or add anything to the raceway.

Life will become easier once these non-rent-paying-friends are kept out.  I did not trust the stuffed-in metal wool trick, as we over some rough roads, such as the road to Chaco, and I did not wish to leave a trail of metal wool behind us.  With that said, the suggested wool stuff could work just as well for you.  andy1
Carolyn and Lewis (Andy1) Anderson
1996 U270 36'

Re: Rodentproofing front to back raceway

Reply #4 –
 Hi Karl. I just went through the rodent problem myself. I packed the openings at the cable tray ends with steel wool. Then I tried to spray "rodent proof" spray foam to seal everything up. As mentioned, it is almost impossible to get the can in the right position in some spots. I attached a four foot piece of small metal tubing to the can nozzle with a piece of hose and clamps. Then I sprayed the spots that I couldn't get to before. If you do this wear goggles, gloves and old clothes. Just as I was finishing up my spray extension assembly blew apart and made a mess. If you have access to a pit or lift It would be alot easier. Mark
Mark Freeman 1995 grand villa, Brimson Mn
8.3 Cummins  G95 4709 40 WTBS U280 WE21

Re: Rodentproofing front to back raceway

Reply #5 –
Does anyone have a source for brass or stainless wool. I think one would a good bit to effectively plug up the holes in the cable trays
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Rodentproofing front to back raceway

Reply #6 –
Bruce,

We normally order both brass and stainless off the net.  Now you can get a package of stainless steel dish scrubbers from the $ store. They come 3 scrubbers to the pack. Not the same grade but should work for a lot less.

Pamela
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Rodentproofing front to back raceway

Reply #7 –
Quote from: bbeane –
Does anyone have a source for brass or stainless wool.
After looking at the "metal wool" offerings on Amazon, I think this copper mesh looks like a suitable product.  Seems like it would cut "cleaner" without leaving a lot of little pieces of metal, would never rust (unlike cheap steel wool), and could be cut to fit different sized gaps in one single piece (making it harder for critters to pull out).  JMHO

Amazon.com : Stuf-Fit Copper Mesh 100' Rats, Mice, Birds Control : Home Pest...
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Rodentproofing front to back raceway

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
After looking at the "metal wool" offerings on Amazon, I think this copper mesh looks like a suitable product.  Seems like it would cut "cleaner" without leaving a lot of little pieces of metal, would never rust (unlike cheap steel wool), and could be cut to fit different sized gaps in one single piece (making it harder for critters to pull out).  JMHO

Amazon.com : Stuf-Fit Copper Mesh 100' Rats, Mice, Birds Control : Home Pest...
I ordered that today. I t looks like the best option to keep the cable bays open for the future. I can always add the foam if the problem comes back.
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Karl Shurtleff
Kingwood, TX
94 U280 Grand Villa 36'
Build #4487

Re: Rodentproofing front to back raceway

Reply #9 –
Quote from: mark f –
Hi Karl. I just went through the rodent problem myself. I packed the openings at the cable tray ends with steel wool. Then I tried to spray "rodent proof" spray foam to seal everything up. As mentioned, it is almost impossible to get the can in the right position in some spots. I attached a four foot piece of small metal tubing to the can nozzle with a piece of hose and clamps. Then I sprayed the spots that I couldn't get to before. If you do this wear goggles, gloves and old clothes. Just as I was finishing up my spray extension assembly blew apart and made a mess. If you have access to a pit or lift It would be alot easier. Mark

Thanks Mark

I am going to try the wool first then add foam if it does not fix the problem.
Karl Shurtleff
Kingwood, TX
94 U280 Grand Villa 36'
Build #4487

Re: Rodentproofing front to back raceway

Reply #10 –
Thanks Pamela, I think I'm going to give them a try.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country