What's next? Moving inside.

Sounds like a fun project. Getting excited I bet.

Make sure you prep it for solar. You definitely will want solar.

If you haven't already done so, read "The 12 Volt Side Of Life".

You might consider installing an automotive stereo system, making sure it has a good AM radio; When camping in the mountains, you can't always receive FM radio stations.

camperpaul wrote:
If you haven't already done so, read "The 12 Volt Side Of Life".

You might consider installing an automotive stereo system, making sure it has a good AM radio; When camping in the mountains, you can't always receive FM radio stations.

thanks... great link.

I plan on putting AM/FM and satellite ready stereo...blue tooth with surround sound. 2 flat screens TV's and 2 DVD players. For me, it has always been about the "sound" of music. It has to be "rocking" ready. I just need an electrical system that can handle everything I want to have. LOL

camperpaul wrote:


I plan on putting AM/FM and satellite ready stereo...blue tooth with surround sound. 2 flat screens TV's and 2 DVD players. For me, it has always been about the "sound" of music. It has to be "rocking" ready. I just need an electrical system that can handle everything I want to have. LOL

Put speakers outside! Back and side if possible. I love sitting outside by the fire with some nice tunes playing :)

Oh and you need to post pictures! This post is useless without pictures ;)

I have loads of pics on the Amerigo rebuild site, but I will head out now to take a couple of hubby putting in some LED's. Today is 30 degrees out (feels warm) Tomorrow it goes to 30 below (with windchill). Yikes!

Here we are today. No rain, no snow...but still cold.

Pay attention to battery charging and maintenance - so I would look at getting solar with a good charge controller - ideally a Max Power Point Tracker (MPPT). This will maintain your battery all year around as well as providing extra charge when camping.

Make sure you use a good thickness of wire from the alternator to the camper battery to avoid voltage drop due to resistance. We have fitted a DC-to-DC charger (trades off amps versus volts to give the optimal charging voltage at any time for the battery) - though for most people that is overkill.

Similarly when wiring for fridge make sure you use much thicker wire than the current alone would require - if you move to a compressor fridge you might need that - we did (start-up current was higher than expected).

I would also look at an accurate battery monitor - you can then optimise your battery life by ensuring you don't allow the charge to go too low.

Use LED lights to reduce battery load.

Pay attention to the battery charging from 110v hook-up. I believe many converters are just for powering 12v electrics, not for properly charging a battery. Look at a multi-stage intelligent battery charger (or a converter that includes one).

I'm currently replacing my converter with a custom built control panel. One thing I am including is a couple of battery isolators so that I can easily isolate both solar and battery power if I have a problem or need to perform maintenance.

Include plenty of both 110v and 12v sockets at various places around the interior of the camper so you can easily plug things in in convenient places rather than trailing wires around the place.

Good luck on the rebuild.

Steve.

If you are at all serious about solar or even large battery systems, you should read: Handy Bob

Plow through the rants and understand the differences between a mobile system (e.g. Truck camper) and a fixed system (e.g. Fifth wheel trailer).

His points about the interplay between charging voltage and current are essential and lead to is warnings about wire gauges.

If this was something I was doing myself, I would put in a PVC Pipe (Home Run) from the sleeper to the back. Of course this would be through cabinets. I would run a PVC pipe with "T" connectors in different cabinets, for using later, and a direct PVC down to your location for your convertor, electrical hub. This will allow you future, unknown projects to service with wire and cable runs. I have done this for years in my construction remodels, like for garage additions, home theaters and basement finishes. I have often found this is something I would have loved to have had included in the build of my LANCE Truck Camper. I have finished a number of "home run" runs in my LANCE over the last few years and it would have made the upgrades so much easier if it had been done at the onset.

Have fun and return often, with updates and of course; PICTURES!

b