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Mako_Kupo's avatar
Mako_Kupo
Explorer
Sep 22, 2017

total rewire/rebuild of 1979

hey guys! I have another post going in another section about removing caulk, and since im tackling multiple things at once and also a 100% novice in 12v wiring, I find myself a little... overhwhelmed. right now in my driveway is a 20 foot 1979 ford custom camper coachman cadet. long title, short camper. it is stripped to the wood frame, still on the truck. all wiring pulled out, because it was corroding and brittle, thin wire.

anyway, I'm redoing the whole thing with new appliances/wood/caulk including but not limited to - natured head compost toilet, wave 8 catalytic heater, hot water heater, and stove. I also have 2x fantastic fans, and my compost toilet uses .05amps - .1 amps. so there is much less wiring now than before, I suppose, since there won't be any black tank, or furnace with thermostat/vents.

I will replace what I need to electronics wise, and am looking at converters now. mine was not working at all, when plugged in only the outlets and AC worked. I have the thing that looks like a circuit panel, it has breakers in it and all connections are solid with no corrosion. there don't appear to b e any parts there that could break, besides breakers which I will replace.

anyway, I'm unsure of buying a new converter, or a power center, because nom not 100% sure on what does what. I know they both convert 110 to 12v, and charge batteries. with a power center you seemingly get everything in one place, and if I were to get one, id grab the PD 90 amp. it is in the budget. however, they seem to not work as great as having all components separate.

does it make a difference which I get? the all in ones look nice and appear to save a lot of space/headache, not to mention I need to learn to wire everything here as I buy and install it. no idea what to do next. please help!

13 Replies

  • Before starting any wiring, make a plan mark exactly where you want each switch, each light, each fan. Then it is a really simple matter to run the wires. Most lights are on one fuse, so it should be pretty simple. Things like water pump, refer, furnace are usually individually fused.
  • wow, what a great idea! I am totally in over my head, since I've only ever dealt with 110/240v. I did a complete install from scratch on a 240v air conditioner, including adding the breaker to the panel and staying up to code. they could probably do it for some kind of credit or grade, and help me a ton in the process. what do I need for electronics though? whats the biggest difference between converters and power centers? thank you so much!
  • I would think about contacting a high school auto shop (The teacher first). You can find talented students if you know what to look for. After school and weekend work would appeal to a lot of 17-year olds.

    The teacher would intuitively know which student would have aptitude for electrical work. The student must be guided by you who in turn should be guided by knowledgeable advice and tips. This forum could provide a lot of assistance.

    A great reference book. It's for marine but easy to decipher

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-12-Volt-Bible-for-Boats-Paperback-or-Softback-/263223761053?epid=2371633&hash=item3d495bd89d:g:VBgAAOSwcUBYKoQs

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