Wow, thanks Scott....
troubleScottie wrote:I wanted to comment on the stage 1, stage 2 , stage 3 wiring plan.
The biggest issue with this is most people wire inside the walls/ceiling which means you have to fully commit early in the process. In addition, you have to design/guess what you need to make the next stage work. For example, if running AC wiring, you cannot easily add a few more inches if it does not quite reach the PDwhatever
A plan might be to put the last AC receptacle near where you distribution box will be. Then you only need to rewire from the receptacle to the PD.
One thing to keep in mind these are working sketches... I'm ironing out the shape, I haven't filled in the details yet, and it's still just pixels in a file.
That being said I truly appreciate the input and advice!
Looking at wiring needs for AC: I'm familiar with having a PD4045, along with a deep discharge battery & its requirements. I had a commercial built trailer 25 yrs ago.
For this unit, even at full on camper stage 3 it will need what... Two or three duplex outlets in the galley, plus another 2 -4 outlets in the cabin. And if I really splurge one outlet per side on the exterior. (Truthfully I can't see the last... It's only 12' long, I'll run an extensive from inside). No matter what I'll put a chase or conduits from the space below the galley to the 4 corners of the trailer, with wiring and enough to reach intended outlets and/or switches.
So AC stage 1. Put in the external line In plug on the left rear corner, with a grounded gfci fixture and a plug in the galley, another in the cabin for basic power needs. I'd also have the space laid out for the pd4045 and so forth. (See the basic electrical setup sticky in electrical secrets sub forum)
Stage 2 would be to add the full 6 outlets and the pd4045. I'd also put in the battery setup at this point.
Most people wire DC as home runs eg the wire goes from the distribution panel/fuse box/common bus all the way to the device. If you are going to change the end point later, you need to leave a fair amount of extra wire (1-3 feet??). Again, although possible to lengthen with splices, it is more prone to failure.
I'm in the make or install runs 'camp' . Ill probably go with a run along each wall ... (I'm brainstorming here by the way).
I'll be putting two general use LED fixtures as sconces so to speak in the cabin. The galley will get the same, with possibly one more light on the underside of the hatch.
There will be one 'porch' light on each side near the door, and one light on the tail.
The trailer marker lights and turn signals etc will all have wires run as needed. They will run separate from the 'house' systems.
Second, I do not see where you are going to put the battery, distribution box, bus bars, charger, inverter, etc. They take up some depth -- 6 to 12 inches. And, in the case of the battery, has some mass. On a more typical design, the bulkhead and space immediately behind it between the main sleeping area and the galley and/or the galley is utilized. For you, an obvious place is the left top in your current design drawing. And you do not want other things like clothes, etc piled on top of them. So they would have to be partitioned away. You might need or want to take out the battery at some time, so access is needed. Plus some place/hole for the external power feed. You need to charge the battery some time even if it is only when you are parked at home.
Alternatively, a tongue box could work with the obvious caveats for running wiring -- now from the main cabin, through the wall and into the tongue box.
Stage 1 for the DC is extremely simple: Wire runs and chases with appropriate wiring and spares for upgrades. Campable for stage 1 is going to be weather tight and road worthy. I am aiming at catching a few hours of sleep in rest areas or Wally World snoozes, nothing more. (About two nights a month or as needed in an emergency ) I'll use my phone for light and alarm . It will start out fully charged off the dash & last long enough for my needs.
As for the power entry, see stage 1 of AC.
The battery will live in the utility area beneath the galley. Vented battery box will be in place. The rest of the items will mount to panels that will go in the same area. I'll carefully lay out the runs & keep it easy access . I don't want a tongue box beyond the nose cone section of the trailer. Clothing etc will not be stored near the components. . Where exactly, well we'll see about that later.
Stage 2 DC will take things to having the battery, plus the various circuits live. Including a couple of USB charging ports, a couple of classic 12v ports, the lighting and the vent fan.
Finally, I find it really difficult to work in confined spaces doing detail work. Doing the electrical rework will fall into this category. Add lots of tiny screws, a hot soldering iron, reaching into small areas, working bent over on your knees with bad lightning, you might find it a bit daunting. Cutting a hole for the PD into an fully assembled wall/TT might be difficult. The better part of valor may be to design, decide, buy and install most of it up front.
Sound advice; my plan is to do detailed plans for the necessary components, put in what's needed as I go. I'm no small guy, so I'll do as much assembly on the bench that I'm able to manage.
Also while I would rather do it all up front, that simply isn't going to happen, not if I hope to keep a happy wife on board as it were.
Again thank you for your support & thoughtful advice! I'll keep it in mind going forward. :grin:
Re-read my post. I forgot stage 3 DC: solar panels, controller & another battery.
by Ned B » Wed Feb 17, 2016 11:17 pm 
( Reclining )
What started as a simple sleeper has now grown to full TD status ... with electrical system ... 
