circuit breaker

Question

Installing a new Lance camper plug on a new pickup. Lance plug is 8 gauge wire, what size circuit breaker do I use with the 8 gauge wire. The 40 amp I looked at called for 10 gauge wire. Any reason to run 6 gauge from the battery back to the plug, all wires after the plug are 8 gauge? The plug will be mounted in the front of the bed for the shortest wire run. The new truck has the 220amp alternator. I plan on running the refer on 12 volt when traveling, understanding that I can't run it but a short time when the truck is not running. Camper is a 2016 Lance 995, truck is a 2016 Ram Laramie 3500 Cummins.

enblethen · Answer

The larger wire is to prevent voltage drop.
Size of circuit breaker can be smaller then what the wire is rated.
#8 can be protected as high as 40 amps.
#10 wire is rated for only 30 amp.
I would stay with the 30 amp. as there could be smaller wire in the system.
I would not run the refer on 12 volts even while driving.

skipbee · Answer

Regarding fridge operation on 12 volt. After forgetting to switch the 12 volt off and killing the TC batteries, we began using the propane for road travel about 10 years ago. Our experience has been without any problems and it does not require any attention. Many here recommended using the propane for the fridge while underway or not on shorepower.

kd4upl · Answer

Run the largest wire you can. Voltage drop on a 12v system adds up quick. For #8 a 40A fuse would be appropriate.
12v fridge is fine if you want I guess. I wouldn't want to always be turning it on and off every time I stopped the truck for some reason. I've run propane while traveling in 3 different RVs over the last 17 years and never had a problem.

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