Overhead electrics

[jpau00]

I am ready to begin insulating the roof of my van. I’ll be using 3M acoustic insulation and refectix. I’ll be adding the headliner later, but would like to prewire all upper electric items now.

I am curious at what stage people have attached wiring. I would think affixing it directly to the fiberglass roof would be easiest, but it would be a pain later digging through the insulation if changes/repairs are needed. Affixing it to the bottom of the insulation would be more accessible but may show through the headliner. My roof is oddly shaped, so I’ll probably just go with a foam backed fabric.

Also if anyone has suggestions as to good things to wire up top I’d love to hear them. Right now I’m planning on LED lights, a couple of fans, speakers, and vent fan. Most other things will be wired throught the walls.

[Wanderer-RRORC]

What about putting some conduit running down both sides? That way you could pull wire in the future..

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[JWA]

Originally Posted by Wanderer-RRORC

What about putting some conduit running down both sides? That way you could pull wire in the future..

As I have a solid raised roof with a lot of open space above the original factory roof I ran 1.5" PVC pluming down each side tucked away close to the fiberglass top inside surface. Halfway back I inserted a Tee fitting pointing upwards in case I need or want something powered or controlled in the middle.

Keep in mind I'm creating an "electrical center" that'll house accessory power distribution, relays and fuse panels that can be added to as need arises. I've also ran a section of PVC from the right side to the left side midway back that will be above the headliner as another wire chase.

So far I've run my Whelen strobe emergency flashers and wiring for electronic dead bolt locks that'll be added when motivation kicks in. Next up will be a side-door (hinged) PDL switch that works in conjunction with factory PDL switches. Also a switch for controlling the overhead lighting where a front cabin, right side and rear door will have provisions for connecting to those overhead lights. That way they can be turned on or off from any location.

HTH

[jpau00]

Conduit is an interesting idea. I'll have to check it out when my van gets back from the shop.