Electrical From Scratch
I'm converting a large cargo trailer into a toy hauler. Tons of questions to come. To start with. I have a spray foam insulator coming tomorrow. Once it is insulated I will run my electrical. ...
Forum Discussion
Craneman, Rvs are either wired for 30A or 50A. On a 30A set uo, the cord is #10 with a 3 prong 125v/30a plug. The main plug goes into a load center that has a main breaker at 30a and then branch circuits just like your home.
If you go 50 amp, then the incoming wire is #6 and the plug is 4 prong 220V and the load center is more like your home, where you have 2 120v hot legs.
Typically the shore cord connects to the trailer with a Marinco or similar connector, then that junction is wired with the same size NM cable to the load center.
Consider where you want outlets, you will want more than 4. Think bedside, outside, kitchen counter, bath, TV, etc. Everyplace you are planning to put a countertop should have an outlet.
Also consider additional loads. If you are planning to have a gas/electric hot water heater, A/C, microwave, 2-way fridge, all these need to be wired.
Also consider wiring in a transfer switch at the load center for generator power. Are you planning to have an inverter also?
In my RV we have 2 outlets in the bath, 3 on the kitchen counter, two convenience in the living area, one by each TV, one outside, one for the fridge, one for the micro, and one on each nightstand.
This would be a good time to draw out the floorplan and pencil in the electric if you haven't done so. Good design now will pay off later.
On the 12v side, you'll need to wire lights, stereo, fridge, water pump, furnace (if you want heat LOL), HW heater, a 12v load center with fuses, and connections to the converter and batteries.
Point is, it's more than the number of plugs, and you haven't given us any info about the size of the trailer and what amenities you are including.
If you go 50 amp, then the incoming wire is #6 and the plug is 4 prong 220V and the load center is more like your home, where you have 2 120v hot legs.
Typically the shore cord connects to the trailer with a Marinco or similar connector, then that junction is wired with the same size NM cable to the load center.
Consider where you want outlets, you will want more than 4. Think bedside, outside, kitchen counter, bath, TV, etc. Everyplace you are planning to put a countertop should have an outlet.
Also consider additional loads. If you are planning to have a gas/electric hot water heater, A/C, microwave, 2-way fridge, all these need to be wired.
Also consider wiring in a transfer switch at the load center for generator power. Are you planning to have an inverter also?
In my RV we have 2 outlets in the bath, 3 on the kitchen counter, two convenience in the living area, one by each TV, one outside, one for the fridge, one for the micro, and one on each nightstand.
This would be a good time to draw out the floorplan and pencil in the electric if you haven't done so. Good design now will pay off later.
On the 12v side, you'll need to wire lights, stereo, fridge, water pump, furnace (if you want heat LOL), HW heater, a 12v load center with fuses, and connections to the converter and batteries.
Point is, it's more than the number of plugs, and you haven't given us any info about the size of the trailer and what amenities you are including.
