Code & safety requirements

myredracer wrote:
Thanks for that!

I'm an engineer by training and worked in the construction field a long time. I'm so used to building construction being highly regulated and inspected for compliance and the consequences if it's done wrong. I just have to wonder about some of the things owners do with their RVs in comparison to what you can and can't do in a house from a safety point of view.

But then, you can totally rebuild and restore an old car and then just get it licensed when done.

A mobile environment is extremely difficult if not impossible to "regulate".

Basically put, the rules put forth by NEC and even the DOT must be adhered by the manufacturers due to the fact they are in business to SELL their finished product.

For the most part in the States, there is no "watch dog" to check, inspect and stamp their regulations approvals on your handy man work on RVs. I personally don't mind this at all since typically most official stuff like permits and inspections for homes is more about collecting fees.

As far as I am concerned, if you simply follow a few basic rules you can't go wrong.

For electrical, pretty simple, fuse or breaker to the size of wire and wire 120V stuff following NEC rules and you will never have any issue with burning down your mobile castle.

Gas stuff, well follow a few simple rules such as using correct pipe and fittings there and you are good to go.

Motorhomes is a bit different since now you add in a lot of highly regulated stuff like emissions, brakes, tires, suspension, lights, frame and such which in most states will require some sort of annual DOT inspection.

It isn't rocket science but if you are not handy with electrical, plumbing, wood work, gas stuff then pay the piper and have a "pro" do the work...