Newbie - need electrical systems help please!

[kristylwalker1]

Hi all!
Our family recently purchased an '83 Scamp and we need to replace all systems. We don't know anything about RV electrical systems and need step-by-step assistance. Here is what we would like to do:

Battery/Solar (thinking Renogy 100w but open to recommendations!)
Run NovaKool refrigerator (or similar type refrigerator (open to recommendations!!))
LED lights
outlets (for phone charger only)
fantastic fan

Shore power
Refrigerator
LED lights
outlets
fantastic fan
air conditioner
be able to charge battery

Tow vehicle
be able to charge battery

What all would be needed to do that?
Type of battery?
Specific equipment to buy?
How to wire this brand new system (nothing at all currently exists in the Scamp)?

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for ANY and ALL assistance. We love this camper so much and can't wait to get it in camp mode!
Thanks!
--kristy

[Bob Miller]

Wait and be sure you are not biting off a lot more than you should even try to accomplish. Step--by-step assistance is not a good idea when you are rewiring a trailer. You need some basic background in wiring and electrical codes and techniques before even starting this project.


I would do the following two steps first.


1. Order a Progressive Dynamics PD-4045 Power Center. That's an all-in-one AC and DC power chassis, breaker panel, fuse panel and intelligent battery charger.
That's the heart of an RV's electrical system. They are less than $175.00 on-line.


2. Then find an electrician that does outside work in the evenings or weekends, put the PD-4045 in his/her hand and point him/her at the trailer with a list of what you want to do.


Wiring a trailer from scratch is often easier than a re-do, but any mistakes, ranging from a simple short circuit, to damaged appliances, to an electrical fire can be a result and, like landing an airplane with the wheels up, it can ruin an otherwise pretty good day.


Good Luck

[Darwin Maring]

Bob Miller has the answer. You will sleep well at night knowing that it is done right.

[gordon2]

Ditto.. this is no simple undertaking and the risks involved are substantial.
Anyway, your fully qualified people can can some assistance from the Scamp wiring diagram

But note that the diagram leaves a lot of information out, such as the required gauge of wire and jacket material, and there is no code related information there, but of course proper codes need to be followed.

[kristylwalker1]

Thank you so much! I should have included that my husband does have a basic background in wiring...but only for AC. It is the integration into the battery side of things where we are lacking knowledge. He thought if he had some pointers on what equipment is needed he may be able to figure it out. Definitely love your advice of trying to find an electrician that does weeknight/weekend work to help us out as we move forward. Thanks again!

[Bob Miller]

Look up the specifications for the Progressive Dynamics PD-4045, that will give a start to establish the AC wiring. Going with a state of the art integrated power chassis will be a lot simpler, more reliable and probably cheaper than trying to put together a system of separate components.
Here's the specs and a Video:
Mighty Mini All-In-One System AC/DC Power Distribution Panel and Inteli-Power Converter


Here's the installation instructions:
http://www.progressivedyn.com/pdfs/1...ish%20Only.pdf

[Darwin Maring]

DC, The bigger the wire from the converter to the battery the better because DC has a higher loss over distance. If I were doing it, I would use 8 or 10 Gauge. Note: 8 is larger than 10.

[steve dunham]

There is a chart in ART 310 of the NEC which shows the ampacity of both copper and aluminum conductors based on their AWG . type of insulation ,temperature rating and whether they are part of a cable assembly ,in a raceway or in free air.

[The Minimalist]

Go here: The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1) for a primer on 12v electricity and trailer wiring.

Go ahead and get yourself a decent digital volt ohm meter and learn to use it. They are invaluable to the TT owner and very handy to have around the house as well.

[tractors1]

I don't think aluminum wire has been available since the 80s, copper is available everywhere. If you have AC wiring knowledge you are good to go for DC. Most DC, aside from heavy loads like the fridge, are good on 16 gauge, and 12 on the fridge. Heavier (8-10 gauge wires) is better for the charge line from the tow vehicle.

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by tractors1

I don't think aluminum wire has been available since the 80s, copper is available everywhere. If you have AC wiring knowledge you are good to go for DC. Most DC, aside from heavy loads like the fridge, are good on 16 gauge, and 12 on the fridge. Heavier (8-10 gauge wires) is better for the charge line from the tow vehicle.

Aluminum wire is still available and listed in the code but now it is a specific aluminum alloy
and only in specific wire guages ( #12 and larger). I wired homes with aluminum romex in the 1970's . The problem with aluminum was in the terminating and splicing, since most of the devices we used back then were not rated for aluminum. The wire charts in ART 310 still
list aluminum / copperclad aluminum . Many products coming out of china use Aluminum wire. Try buying a set of jumper cables from China that is not made with copperclad aluminum conductors.
When sizing wire for DC circuits, ampacity and voltage drop are not the only issues . Mechanical strength of the conductor is also a consideration . Smaller conductors have a much greater tendancy of breaking at termination and splice points.
Aluminum makes great beer cans but lousy wire !

[kristylwalker1]

Originally Posted by Bob Miller

Look up the specifications for the Progressive Dynamics PD-4045, that will give a start to establish the AC wiring. Going with a state of the art integrated power chassis will be a lot simpler, more reliable and probably cheaper than trying to put together a system of separate components.
Here's the specs and a Video:
Mighty Mini All-In-One System AC/DC Power Distribution Panel and Inteli-Power Converter


Here's the installation instructions:
http://www.progressivedyn.com/pdfs/1...ish%20Only.pdf

Hi Bob. I just wanted to pop back in and say thank you so much for the links to the Progressive Dynamic panel. My husband installed it and the wiring recently and everything is working out perfectly. It was such a huge help to have a 'starting point'. Between your post, the help of others on this forum and various other searches....we just about have the Scamp powered up. Thank you!