After replacing the busted stabilizer jack, I decided to work on the 12v system on our '84
Scamp 13. When I bought it last year, it didn't really have much of a 12v system, other than a dead
battery and two 12v
lights. There was no charging system at all.
I didn't want the extra
weight on the tongue, so I did away with the
battery. I bought a power pack from Harbor Freight on sale the other day -- 12v outlets, 400w inverter, air compressor, work
light, and jump starter. It can charge from a 12v outlet or 120v AC.
I installed a 12v plug on the Scamp's wiring so I can plug it into thpe power pack under the dinette seat. I also installed a 12v receptacle near one of the AC outlets for charging cell phones, etc. Since the power pack doesn't have nearly the amp hours of a traditional RV
battery, I also upgraded the interior
lights with LED bulbs. At first they didn't work, but I found that both of the
light fixtures were wired backwards -- fine for an incandescent bulb, but not for a diode.
We don't do a lot of
dry camping... In fact, we never have! However, I plan on doing a few walmart stops in the future, so I would like to have the 12v system. Also, I can plug the Scamp's 120v plug into the into the power pack's inveterate outlet. Only 400w, but would work for small loads.
I'm excited to have
lights other than the florescent 120v fixture or my battery powered lamp!