Newbie looking for knowledge *1st set of pictures*

Dreamchasers2018 wrote:


I can see where your coming from. When i started my search to buy a camper I already knew I wanted to make it my own with some diying.
The previous owners moved and got busy so said the hell with it and posted it online.

I am 25 years old and already have a car loan, so I knew it wouldn't be in my best interest to ask for another loan for a camper (wouldn't be approved anyway, i'm sure)

The previous owners fixed any water damage that there may have been, I am now sealing up the seams since there is a small gap in areas, luckily they kept the corner covers or whatever you call them so I just need to stuff some putty in there and get them covered!

The scariest part of it for me is the plumbing and electrical. I know nothing about either subjects.

I have already emailed the manufacturer of the company to see if i can get a manual and floor plan. So far the internet hasn't found the same make and year that I have.

Electrical system can look scary, but in reality it is a bit easier than you think.

For shore power (AKA 120V AC or Grid power), you can get a basic electrical hand book at most Lowes or Home Depots which should get you the basics of safely dealing with that part.

For 12V stuff, there is a great resource called The 12V Side of life

And The 12V side of of life part 2

which should be extremely helpful to you.

Plumbing, you can also find some basic plumbing books at Lowes or Home Depot, some of the basics in those books can be applied to RVs.

Couple of things I would recommend, scrap the existing wiring, RV manufacturers tend to skimp on the wiring. Often barely good enough.

120V shore power side, I would recommend just running all new 12Ga wire from the breakers to the outlets, skip the cheap 14ga wire. This is a upgrade you will not regret.

For 120V wiring all junctions must be in an electrical box, due to the thin walls this can present some challenges.. They do make low profile outlet boxes with a "side car" which gives you room for the wiring..

Looks like this..



Can get at Lowes..

HERE

Then buy the better quality duplex outlets they just work better..

I like the quality of the Pass&Seymour..

HERE

Website only shows black but they do offer other colors..

Upgrade the 12V wiring, RV manufacturers tend to choose the lightest ga they need for each circuit, not taking in account small voltage losses at 12V can be huge.

Pretty much throughout my TT I used 12G wire for most any 12V circuit of 20A or less.. I saved money since I did not have to buy 18 ga, 16 ga or 14 ga wire..

Good luck and hope you don't get discouraged!