Trailer Electrical Systems How To Document

[John Jesse]

Hi Everyone,

After installing a new converter in my 1973 Boler and really appreciating the new system in my trailer I have been keen to participate in threads about the electrical systems and converter issues and I find that a lot of the same topics keep coming up and a lot of people are nervous or afraid to do the electrical work on thier own.

I would like to write a detailed document addressing all the aspects of the small, limited electrical systems we have in our trailers. I beleive that projects such as replacing a converter or adding a 12 volt system to a trailer are well within the reach of the average trailer owner and such a document would be a good resource to enable them to do these types of projects on thier own.

I understand the concepts well and am experienced in this type of work but I would like to see a collaboration of members here from both sides of the project; those that have expertise and would like to help with the document and its contents, as well as other members who have questions or concepts that they would like addressed for the benefit of everyone.

Pictures and videos should be included to aid with understanding of the concepts and skills.

If anyone is interested or thinks this is a good idea please chime in. It would be a fair ammount of work but if there is a group willing to help write it and a group that would appreciate reading it I think it would be well worth it.

[cpaharley2008]

I'd like to contribute, I have done a lot of electrical mod's, both 120v and 12v but have not replaced my converter yet. I just installed dual group 27 in my 2007 "NestEgg" and now started to change the hookup from the original unattached cord to the detachable type.

[Sam and Jess]

John,

As you are aware, I am in the latter category of the people who need help. I would greatly appreciate any help available. I don't know if I would be able to contribute much as I am just figuring out this whole RV electrical stuff. One of the main problems when I was trying to figure things out was the information was very vague, or on the flip side, very specific to a certain problem or model of trailer.

I know most people buy these trailers to make their own, just like we have. I would hate to hook up something wrong and burn my trailer up. I created a thread a few weeks back regarding the electrics in my Boler and received many messages from several different users stating they were in the same boat (er... trailer) regarding the electrics. There is definitely a large group of people who need help in this area. Thank you in advance.

--Sam

[Bill Reilly]

John:
I am interested in your project. I have some experience both from my boat building days and now as an owner of a Trillium Jubilee. I have built two homes so the 110 volt stuff is easy for me as well.
How can I be of assistance ?

Bill Reilly

[Vickie B.]

I'm one of those who would like to learn from it! I just wanted to add an extra plug in or two.

[John Jesse]

Im glad there is interest from both sides. I would like to proceed with this and I think we can make something quite good. There is a lot of good info out there and I think we should start by compiling a list of good resources that we can use to write something up. I would like to see us avoid rewriting good material, instead we can reference good material and spend most of our effort writing stuff specific to trailers and our applications.

If we can all find some useful information and bring it back here we can start getting a draft going.

Thanks everyone.

[brian in maritimes]

Originally Posted by John Jesse

Hi Everyone,

After installing a new converter in my 1973 Boler and really appreciating the new system in my trailer I have been keen to participate in threads about the electrical systems and converter issues and I find that a lot of the same topics keep coming up and a lot of people are nervous or afraid to do the electrical work on thier own.

I would like to write a detailed document addressing all the aspects of the small, limited electrical systems we have in our trailers. I beleive that projects such as replacing a converter or adding a 12 volt system to a trailer are well within the reach of the average trailer owner and such a document would be a good resource to enable them to do these types of projects on thier own.

I understand the concepts well and am experienced in this type of work but I would like to see a collaboration of members here from both sides of the project; those that have expertise and would like to help with the document and its contents, as well as other members who have questions or concepts that they would like addressed for the benefit of everyone.

Pictures and videos should be included to aid with understanding of the concepts and skills.

If anyone is interested or thinks this is a good idea please chime in. It would be a fair ammount of work but if there is a group willing to help write it and a group that would appreciate reading it I think it would be well worth it.

This is a wonderful idea. I'm one of those people who has some mechanical aptitude but knows nothing about wiring. Your project would be a huge benefit to someone like me. I wish I knew something about it so I could help.

[Libby F.]

I also am at the point with my '72 Boler that I would like to add a battery to it this summer. I am sort of a Jill of all trades, master of none. The one area I have very little experience with is electrical. It would be great to have one place to go to & get the information we need to do it ourselves!

[Darrel Smith]

I can help if you need.

[Donna D.]

This is going to be a fantastic help to people like me! The only thing I really know about electrics is how to pay the bill.. and when. Plus, you take the cord and push the little prongy things into the slots... if it doesn't go in ... turn it upside down and try again! Seriously.

Great! Just be sure to write and use language for "Dummies."

[astroboy]

Good day John,

I have saved the hydro section of my reno for this winter. I would really benefit from any documentation you may generate. I have some pieces and I'm creating a plan, but I fall into the category you are targeting. What I have discovered here is a topic can generate 1000 opinions, but the best service is when people offer their experience and knowledge. thanks in advance.

[John Jesse]

Good to hear there is interest in such a project. I started a new job just after I posted this idea long ago in the spring and I have had very little spare time since then. I hope to get working on it later this fall when things settle down a bit.

[jalanjen]

Originally Posted by Vickie B.

I'm one of those who would like to learn from it! I just wanted to add an extra plug in or two.

[tjyoder]

I have a 1984 Casita and once I finish replacing the floor I'm going to the electrical system next. I've already bought a new converter/charger and printed up all 110v, 12v, gas and water diagrams I can find on the internet - as well as 7 pin trailer wiring. Would love to have a heads up for the pitfalls before I experience them myself. I bought a WFCO Ultra III power center WF-8725P. Hope I at least started on the right foot....l

[cpaharley2008]

have you read the 12 volt side of life part one and two located here The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)
remember negative is sometimes white and sometimes black , write it down when working

[joekitsch]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

have you read the 12 volt side of life part one and two located here The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)
remember negative is sometimes white and sometimes black , write it down when working

Wow! exactly what I need.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[freddo411]

Reviving this old thread.

Did a document or videos every get produced out of this effort?

I will be rewiring my trillium in the next month. I can document the process, in particular with video if that is of interest.

[RogerDat]

It would be great to have a break down of common tasks. Adding a vent fan, or outlet, to adding a converter or inverter. Basic solar install would be nice too.

Biggest headache is diagrams. Pictures of wiring projects don't generally show both detail and overview. Those 12v side of life diagrams are pretty nice but not sure how they are made.

[Nate M]

Folks - I'm in the same place as most on this post. I just stumbled across this link on Vintage Trailer Supply that really made sense to me:

http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/...ingdiagram.jpg

12V RV Fuse Box

Good luck,
Nate

[Scouter Dave]

When I finish any electrical work I usually ask someone else to plug it in. I just stand by with the fire extinguisher. I've been lucky so far. I have re-wired a couple of Trilliums but only after making a detailed, colour diagram before anything was unscrewed, removed or cut.
Your project will be of great value to many of us. If I can help with typing, formatting or anything not too technical let me know. D.