1993 Scamp 16' repair and remodel

[TheWanderers]

Ok, time for the next part of the project but we'll be moving in about six different directions at once over the next three/four weeks so y'all better pay close attention if you want to see what happens. It's gonna get nuts, I'm tellin' ya...

[TheWanderers]

At the recommendation of several people on here I have selected and purchased the subject "Mighty Mini" All In One Charge Controller for AC/DC distribution panel.

I have pulled the kitchen cabinet out, including the sink as well as all the wiring for the water pump. We'll be rewiring those right now here in a minute. Also, we'll be rewiring all the interior lights as well as the porch light.

However, I need a little advice from you wiring wizards, please. From what I can tell, using my very limited understanding of 12v wiring and the little information that I can find online using various resources, all the 12v DC systems are only two wires (black/white) unlike the three wires of AC. Is this right?

If I have properly decoded the existing wiring inside Ziggy, we have one run of 12v DC power direct from the battery all around the perimeter of the cabin for all the interior elements of the 12v system.

To properly install the subject charge controller, I need to run larger gauge leads from the batter to the charge controller and then use the 12v wires provided from inside the controller to feed the various legs of the system.

To begin, I figure on using the existing wiring harness to connect to the lights. Once I have everything back up and running, I can use the old wires as "fish tape" to pull the new wires through behind the elephant skin.

Whadyathink?

[TheWanderers]

We've pulled the cabinet from the kitchen and I am planning on replacing the plumbing lines including the kitchen faucet because the existing facet won't allow you to get a pot/pan of any size under the facet. I have already purchased a new facet set as well as the new water lines that will be used to re-plumb the kitchen.

Of course, we're going to loose the water heater for the immediate future, but most of you said that you don't use the shower, that would require hot water, anyway and we can always get hot water from the camp fire or our Sunbeam Hot Shot for small jobs.

[TheWanderers]

We'll be using a light duty buffer to remove the hazing and oxidation as part of the Meguiar's Fiberglass Restoration System that should put the shine back on Ziggy! This is gonna be a big job on a tiny trailer/RV.

[TheWanderers]

After we finish the wash and wax we'll install the new Shady Boy Awning. I unboxed the new awning and I can tell right away that this is a quality product. We're looking forward to getting to use this!

[TheWanderers]

Our new sliding rear window is on order but we're not looking for that to arrive four at least four more weeks, according to Scamp. That'll fit good with our work schedule because we'll be finishing all the other renovations about that time and maybe even have the garden beds cleaned and planted.

Laura has already cleaned and repainted the steel wheels from both side of the trailer/RV so we're moving forward with determination!

[TheWanderers]

We spent over ten hours working on replacing the electrical breaker box installing the Progressive Dynamics 4045 smart charger this weekend and it was a harrowing experience; still not completed.

This unit is notorious for terrible installation instructions and I can confirm that issue. There is one line for the total installation instructions that tells you to basically "install using proper connections." Well, no kidding...

After examining the interior of Ziggy for almost and hour and discussing different potential locations for the new box we decided to mount the smart charger under the front sofa in the center section of the storage area, sacrificing that storage area with the hope of better battery management. I built a installation frame from 2X4s and screwed this new framing to the flooring behind the center access door of the sofa. Well, actually, we removed the sofa for the job to clean the area as well as afford better access to the wiring job that would be required. I've decided to retain the old break box as a junction box under the sink that will feed the A/C as well as the 110 outlet on that side of the cabin.

This job is taking a lot longer that I had anticipated but the results should be excellent. We're updating the plumbing under the sink while we have that cabinet removed as well.

We'll post up picture of the progress of this upgrade as soon as I get the images sorted and resized for online viewing. Spring is in the air and we're gonna be ready to go camping in less that two weeks!

[TheWanderers]

Well, I've finished most of the PD4045 installation. The problems we were having were directly relating to my lack of common sense understanding of the missing components of the box as shipped from the manufacturer. This afternoon, at lunch, I went back to Lowe's and bought three more 15amp breakers for the circuits inside the box for the shore power legs of the system.

I have wired the 12v DC circuits and half the cabin lights are working now. I have some 12v wiring issues to complete when I re-install the water pump for the kitchenette and that should complete the 12v system for lights on both sides of the cabin.

I have one circuit installed for the 110v outlets in the cabin and I intend to install another separate circuit for the A/C but I've run out of daylight today so I'll be getting at that step of the project tomorrow. I'll also replace the yellow wire ties with black ties to dress up the installation because the yellow ties look stupid, even if they do the job of holding the wires up & out of the way.

I'm feeling pretty good about this project because I've figured out how to read a multi-meter and have figured out where the problems were with my initial installation, and Laura was instrumental in helping solve he major part of the problem with how I had wired the output of the circuits.

Onward!

[DeanCHS1980]

Bill and Laura,

Wow! I felt good about my electrical work on our Casita that involved replacing the propane gas detector, a crimping tool, and connectors! VERY IMPRESSIVE work that you are doing. Looks like Ziggy will be ready to camp soon!

Take care,

Dean

[Sheryl M]

I'm following along -- I'm especially interested in how your ShadyBoy works out, and how you decide to mount it. I've been eyeing one for our Scamp 16.

[Borrego Dave]

Originally Posted by TheWanderers

Well, I've finished most of the PD4045 installation. The problems we were having were directly relating to my lack of common sense understanding of the missing components of the box as shipped from the manufacturer. This afternoon, at lunch, I went back to Lowe's and bought three more 15amp breakers for the circuits inside the box for the shore power legs of the system.

Glad you're working the install out. Bob Miller would have had you squared away in no time...he was the PD4045 king.

[TheWanderers]

We appreciate your kind comments. Thanks for stopping by and checking on our progress. Dave, Bob Miller was and continues to be instrumental in resolving our issues. I have researched the help he provided others to wrestle this problem to the ground and I credit both Bob and my wife for clarifying the issues that allowed me to complete this task.

I installed the third circuit for the A/C last night and now we're looking at swapping the four pin connector for the seven pin to enable our trailer brakes. I'll be shopping at Keller's RV Supply in Somerset, KY this Saturday to find out if they have the connector in stock.

This electrical job is about half done but I won't be replacing all of the wiring right now. That'll be relegated to the list of ongoing projects. We just want to be ready for camping, SOON.

[TheWanderers]

Finished most of the electrical systems and re-connecting the old water pump. Leak check this afternoon was a disaster and we had water everywhere. Seems like the main seals on the pump are shot so we'll be replacing that pump, probably the original from 1991 with a new one. Cleaned that mess up and discussed a new pump as well as the connector to the tow vehicle. We'll need to make another trip to Keller's in Somerset for additional parts. Onward!

[TheWanderers]

New pump in hand; I'll be installing the new water pump tonight unless we have some major storms. I also have the new 7 pin pig-tail to wire into the main harness and will be connecting that as well.


Next will the Shady Boy, scheduled for later this week...stay tuned.

[TheWanderers]

Well, the new pump is installed but I almost ruined the fittings by cross threading the water lines when I tried to connect the fresh water inlet to the pump. Almost, but not quite. We haven't pressure tested the new fittings but I am optimistic.

I have also installed the new 7 pin plug to attach to the tow vehicle and all the lights are working to the new smart charger. I still have to install the 7 pin female plug on the Jeep as our tow vehicle and then add the brake controller but I don't think that'll be too tough considering what we've already gone through to complete the other parts of this electric rework.

I still hope to get the Shady Boy this week.

[DeanCHS1980]

Bill & Laura,

WOW. You two are amazing!

Dean

[TheWanderers]

Dean, I've been redirected from the A/C unit to the sliding back window. I'm planning on cutting the lawn tonight and then unboxing the new slider to take a look at the complexity of installing the new window.

I've been studying the A/C install for some time and it seems to be "a little" complicated. My plans are to construct a wooden frame to carry the weight of the A/C unit and use foam panels for insulation in the closet to build the ducting for ventilation.

I also want to get the Shady Boy Awning installed this week because I'm anxious to see that one completed. I'm feeling real good about the electrical stuff that has finally been finished. Watch, now that I've said that, something terrible will happen to smack me back down.

[TheWanderers]

Ok, just chatting with Laura and we have the newest idea from the expert source on our work crew: why not mount the A/C unit on drawer slides and slide the entire A/C unit outside to stop against the outer shell of the Scamp while in use and slide back inside while traveling? Then all the exhaust as well as the cool air intake is outside while functioning as it was intended...just seems like a simple solution to the plenum issue. What do you think?

[Jon in AZ]

I believe I've seen that solution on a soft-top tent trailer- I looked at the Quicksilver line from Livin Lite before I landed my Scamp. Aliner and other A-frame folding trailers might do that too, as they lack a flat roof to mount a roof AC.

[TheWanderers]

I popped the old plexiglass window out and screwed the new rear slider into place using butyl tape and it fit like a glove. A single strip of tape and the screws seem to set real well with just the smallest amount of tape squeezed out pretty evenly all the way around.

I don't give you a nickle for that old plexiglass window, despite it being almost new. That thing was flimsy and pretty light weight.