RV-8 gear tower wire holes.

[laz]

I have searched the forum. I have called Van's support ( not a real definitive answer).
Soo I need some help.

I am running a lot of wires down the inside of my left gear tower. I need to exit them near the bottom in the same area that already has holes for fuel lines. ( there are two and both are used). The Right Gear tower has a huge hole (at least an inch). Form many reasons I cannot run all my wires on that side.

1. Can I drill an addition two 3/4 inch holes in that area?

2. Has anyone else done this?

3. What should the spacing be?

I can easily keep 3/4 " spacing between the edges of all holes if that info helps.

[laz]

Maybe I should ask this in different way. Does anyone have photos of wire holes on the bottom of the left rv8 tower. Anything at this point would help.

[Jeff Hagg]

Yes, I have several extra holes in my RV8 landing gear towers. No Issues. I also have Aluminum Gear and a 0540 on the front. Good spacing would be important

[Kahuna]

How about a 2" scat tube hole and some other holes.

[laz]

That helps, but where I need the extra holes is below that area probably winning 2"s of the floor.

[sf3543]

Just another information point.
A few years back, I asked VAN's about drilling holes in the center section spar web on an RV8 build, inside the fuselage. They responded saying I could basically drill as many 5/8" holes as I needed but make sure to stagger them, not putting them in a straight line either horiz or vert.
I have seen a lot of holes drilled in the gear towers on different RV8s, but that doesn't necessarily make it right, or safe; however, I haven't heard of anyone collapsing a gear tower on the RV8, either.

[laz]

I agree. I ave steadfastly tried to avoid any new holes in structure. When I called vans all they person I spoke to said was not too large a hole and offered no real guidance. That was not what I am after. I am assuming since they put holes in the towers in different places there must be some guidelines. The right tower has two Large Holes in it. I sent Van's an E-mail but have not yer received a response.

I will keep trying

thanks for your Input.

[laz]

I contacted support at Vans and their initial reply was adding extra holes in the bottom of the Rv8 Gear tower " was a complete unknown" and that I was on my own but recommend if I did add oles I should keep the proper "edge distance".

I was not satisfied with that response so I asked the question in a different way. I did receive a more helpful response this time. Van's indicated the new fuel pump they ship with the RV8 kits no longer has a return line so I could use the existing hole that was put there for the return line ( it is in the same approximate position as the 1" hole on the right Tower base) to run my wires. They also indicated I should use a 2D edge difference for any new holes I intend to add.

This new pump with no return line was news to me and help.

What I plan to do is use the existing hole that was used for the return line to run my wires. I will enlarge it to match the same hole that is on the right side. I am making the assumption that if it is Ok on the right is should be the same for the left.

If anyone has thoughts on this idea all are welcome.

Thanks