Installing a 12 volt lighting system in 73 Trillium

[idlebabyboomer]

I just purchased a 1973 Trillium 1300 with no 12 volt lighting. I want to install a battery powered 12 volt system..Any suggestions? This trailer is all original and has a 110 volt plug in and it appears to have had 12 volt lighting at one time.

[ckayaker]

My '77 had no battery when I bought it. The PO always used 120 when camping. I got a battery, hooked it up through the old converter and voila, 12 volt lighting! Your experience might be similar. I have since removed the old converter and added solar power, but I suspect the original 12 volt wiring etc is still in your Trillium, so give my idea a try.

[David Tilston]

There is a Trillium wiring diagram in the document center. That should help. You will need a converter / battery charger. Progressive Dynamics makes a good one, but finding a spot in a Trillium for it might prove challenging.

They also make a conversion kit for other converters. In this thread this conversion kit was used by itself. It fits in the space the original converter, that Trillium used. I like it:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ter-48962.html

[Patrick M]

Hello - I installed this converter (WFCO WF-8735) in the space under the furnace. I also added an AC outlet and a DC accessory outlet at the same time.

[Steve L.]

Originally Posted by idlebabyboomer

...and it appears to have had 12 volt lighting at one time.

Does that mean the 12v fixtures have been removed? I wouldn't have thought the previous owner would have pulled all wires even if he removed the fixtures.

Random thoughts:

Where does a normal Trillium that size store its battery? Maybe the picture gallery at the front of the site has a picture showing it if none of the members volunteer the information. Under a bench, on the tongue somewhere?

'm guessing there are no taped up battery cables somewhere on or in the trailer. Inside the trailer and it's going to need a battery box that vents to the outside and not the inside. Even AGMs should be vented "overboard".

I'm also wondering where the battery charge wire is terminated at the trailer end of the tow connection cord. That might be another indicator of where the battery was.

Probably going to need at least a 4-6 fuse DC distribution block. One with a cover is a good idea. A converter is nice but in a pinch you could carry a charger for mid-trip replenishing the battery. Going to need a deep cycle battery that fits wherever you decide to put it.

[idlebabyboomer]

Thank you for the info. This Trillium has no wiring or converter so I am starting from scratch

Gerry

[idlebabyboomer]

Thanks Steve..I am going to get a converter and battery and start from scratch

Gerry

[Borden]

New converter may have new features let us know how it goes.

[David Tilston]

I have seen the battery mounted in the gaucho, a dinette seat, and on the tongue. I have reviewed all info in the document center. There is only one angle of the tongue, and it only has a propane tank.
Truth is, I am not sure that Trillium had a standard. On the trailers that I have had a good look at, There is a pair of larger gauge wires that run from the drivers side of the gaucho to the converter. This would make it convenient to put the battery on the tongue, or in the gaucho. The correct place would be on the tongue.

[Byron Kinnaman]

Originally Posted by idlebabyboomer

I just purchased a 1973 Trillium 1300 with no 12 volt lighting. I want to install a battery powered 12 volt system..Any suggestions? This trailer is all original and has a 110 volt plug in and it appears to have had 12 volt lighting at one time.

I suggest you take to trailer to a electrician and have them inspect and install what ever you want. Just because 12volts won't shock you doesn't mean it's not dangerous is mishandled.