Running Lights Power Access

BrianZ

Can anyone tell me where would be the location closest to the ac roof vent on a T@B 320 with access to power from running lights?  I would like to install a backup camera on the roof that is powered when running lights are on.
Thanks.

Verna

@BrianZ, on a 320, there are no lights on the roof like on the 400. The closest place is going to be behind the bed, along the rear of the 320. You’ll have to wiggle around to gain access, but the wiring bundle will run from side to side, near the Alde convector in the rear wall area. You should be able to run the wiring up through the corner area along the roof line, into the rear cabinets. Then you are out in the open, and how to hide the wiring. Conceal the wiring under the corner molding at the edge of the wall and roof. Then maybe go from the wall cubbies across the ceiling to the roof fan panel? Possibly put the same molding trim on the other side of the ceiling so as not to bring attention to the molding hiding the wiring?

You will have to figure out how to reach the roof vent. Remember that the “ladder-type” of aluminum struts run side to side in the roof, and with the insulation between the struts, there is not any wiggle room. 

I’m trying to think of different types of available moldings you can purchase at the big box stores that would allow you to discretely hide the small wiring. Take a look at the “fake wood” (composite wood) selection in the big box store of your choice and imagine it hiding your wiring from the edge of the roof to the roof fan. Lowe’s has a good selection of fake wood moldings. They are my go-to big box store of choice.  They may not have as large a presence in your area. 

CrabTab

Two potential ideas for routing wires to power @BrianZ,

1. Tap where @Verna suggests and then run wiring under the driver side bench and up the plumbing wall. You will need to pierce the roof somewhere though.

2. Recently I added rooftop solar. I ran my cabling across the roof to the ABS molding and slipped it underneath at the joint. The cables run down inside the molding across to the tub. There is an opening in the bottom molding near the foot of the stabilizer. The cables rout out and to the battery box. If this sounds like a potential, I can supply more details.

Looking forward to seeing the finished product...

Verna

That’s good,@CrabTab. I was only thinking of inside. You thought outside of the box😂

BrianZ

Ok, thanks for all the great ideas, @Verna & @CrabTab.  I should have stated that I already have an antenna cable going up through the shower wall, through the ac cabinet and up through the roof air vent & over to the vent cover on the roof, so I can follow the same route from under the driver side bench seat.  I glued a piece of flat white plastic conduit on the roof between the ac air vent & fan vent cover to hide the wires - see it here: 
https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/cn/rx0kedtpk9v9.jpg

So, I guess my real question is which wire pair in the vicinity of the converter area can I tap into for power that will be on for the camera whenever running lights are on?  I thought most, if not all the wiring from the tongue goes through that compartment.  
Sorry for not being more specific, but all are great ideas for anyone to consider.
Thanks again.
(I do know that the taillights/running lights at the 7-pin distribution box on the tongue is a green colored wire, so was thinking I could tap into that & go straight up through the roof.  Maybe time to get out my live wire no-contact tester & poke around the wires under the seat with the running lights on.)

PS:  I did manage to get a license plate camera installed on the old (2005) Sienna yesterday.  Wasn't much more difficult than changing a license plate light bulb, which is more difficult than it should be.  I had to remove all 4 interior trim panels from inside the rear liftgate hatch (no tools required though, starting at top) to expose the wiring; then unbolt from the inside one exterior trim piece to run the cable & connect to license plate light cable.  Cameras and monitor/receiver are wireless, so relatively easy to install.

ScottG

Most RV pigtail wiring schemes show a green wire as powering the running lights. If that scheme holds true for the T@B, you could tap into that wire as it passes behind the converter.

(Other common schemes use a brown wire for the running lights. The reason for the variation is beyond me.)

BrianZ

Thank you, @ScottG, and it does look like running lights are green in our T@B too.  I found this photo of a green wire going past the black tank to our front driver side marker light.

It comes off of a tap on the main green wire that continues into the black conduit near the city water check valve and going to the rear compartment..

So, I'll tap into that.
Thanks again.