jannica
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Post by jannica on Aug 16, 2014 7:31:10 GMT -8
Ok, I'm finally ready to finish my electrical set up this weekend. All the new wires are run and just waiting for me to connect everything to the new breaker box.
Two More Questions: 1. What gauge wire should I use for the jump wire inside the breaker box? I was thinking I could use a 12 gauge, is that ok? 2. Should I use a 12 gauge wire for the ground? My trailer still had the 14 gauge ground in it, so before I installed the skin, I went ahead and ran it through the wall near where my new breaker box will go and attached it to the frame underneath. I could fish a new wire through the same location if I need to upgrade to 12 or even 10 gauge, but I thought I would ask all of you to see if it matters.
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Post by vikx on Aug 16, 2014 21:33:46 GMT -8
If your system is 15 amps, 12 is OK for the jumper. I would use 10, just in case there might be an upgrade in the future.
12 is OK for the ground, again 15 amp system. I usually go with 10 or even 8 for the main ground to the frame.
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jannica
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Post by jannica on Aug 17, 2014 7:33:15 GMT -8
I'm upgrading my system to 30 amp so it sounds like I need to use 10 for the jumper and 8 for the ground, just to be safe.
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Post by bigbill on Aug 17, 2014 13:30:06 GMT -8
I'm upgrading my system to 30 amp so it sounds like I need to use 10 for the jumper and 8 for the ground, just to be safe. Yes
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Post by vikx on Aug 17, 2014 21:37:30 GMT -8
Absolutely.
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pathfinder3081
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Post by pathfinder3081 on Aug 18, 2014 4:23:36 GMT -8
Hello there, I used 10 for the jumper and 10 for the ground wire. As well as some 10 ga. coming from my shore power cable to the load box. Sorry that I just chimed in as I have been away. Unless I did something wrong I would not go out and buy a roll of 8 ga for a ground. If you have it laying around I'd use it. Bill and Vikx do you think that she needs the 8 ga ground? Perhaps a need to install some 8 ga for my ground.. I was just following some other standard templates for my install... And good job on doing it yourself Jannica
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Post by vikx on Aug 18, 2014 22:20:02 GMT -8
I think 10 is fine. The larger wire will last longer but heck, I've seen 14 last 60+ years...
And, LOL, I did have the 8 laying around...
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Post by bigbill on Aug 19, 2014 5:09:28 GMT -8
If going to 30 amp 14 gauge is way to small, use it for nothing over 15 amps. But it is better than nothing.
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jannica
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Post by jannica on Aug 22, 2014 7:14:19 GMT -8
Well, I went ahead and bought some 8 gauge for the ground. I can buy it by the foot at Lowe's, so it wasn't expensive since I didn't have to buy a whole roll. I figured I might as well! I still have some other things to get done today, then I'm going to tackle the electrical starting tomorrow probably. I'm nervous but also excited to think my camper will have electricity again soon! I'll keep you guys posted on my progress. If you don't hear from me, that may mean I electrocuted myself...
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Aug 22, 2014 9:50:31 GMT -8
Well, I went ahead and bought some 8 gauge for the ground. I can buy it by the foot at Lowe's, so it wasn't expensive since I didn't have to buy a whole roll. I figured I might as well! I still have some other things to get done today, then I'm going to tackle the electrical starting tomorrow probably. I'm nervous but also excited to think my camper will have electricity again soon! I'll keep you guys posted on my progress. If you don't hear from me, that may mean I electrocuted myself... I bought 8 gauge from Lowe's, as well, for my battery and my ground. It think we are on the right track. Just won't stop raining here.
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Post by vikx on Aug 22, 2014 9:51:10 GMT -8
Jannica, a couple of quick tips:
Keep the wiring neat and straight. Avoid twists and tight turns, as well as allowing some slack in your runs. It shouldn't flop, but the wire shouldn't be taunt, either. Gentle on the wire staples, snug, not mashing the wire.
Always wind the wire around the screws clockwise. This helps pull the wire into the screw body.
Leave plenty of wire in your boxes, about 6". You can always trim a bit and do want to have some extra coiled in the box after fixture connections. This allows for future repairs.
And lastly: HAVE FUN.
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jannica
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Post by jannica on Aug 23, 2014 10:02:29 GMT -8
Thanks for all of the advice everyone!
On another subject, I just got back from my welder's shop. He finished welding the new bumper and spare tire mount on, and it looks great, just needs a little paint. Unfortunately, because I put the spare tire on the back and to the side a little to avoid covering the license plate, I noticed the trailer sways a little now. It didn't do this before, so I'm sure it's a weight distribution issue. Any advice on that? I don't have the propane tank on the tongue yet, so I'm hoping that will help since it's definitely rear-heavy at the moment. I don't have a sway bar because my Compact is only 13 ft long with the tongue, so I don't really think it needs it, but am open to getting one if I need one. Any other thoughts?
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Post by bigbill on Aug 23, 2014 10:21:12 GMT -8
A sway bar is a band-aid to correct for a improperly set up trailer. They were sold to help a properly set up trailer tow better in cross winds and when passed by a large truck. You need approximately 125 lb on the tongue figuring the trailer has a gross weight of 1250 lb. Do you have batteries, water, propane, and the kitchen cabinets loaded? All of the above will affect the total balance of your trailer, A mount and a spare tire is a fairly heavy weight to hang on the rear, plus the farther behind the axle center it is the more leverage it has to remove weight from the tongue so you now have it as far back as possible. I would load the trailer with all of the normal things that it will contain then check my tongue weight (use a set of bathroom scales but put a piece of 2x4 on top to keep trailer jack from bending scales). Remember as you camp and use propane or water this will affect the balance so make proper allowances.
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jannica
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Post by jannica on Aug 23, 2014 17:28:55 GMT -8
Thanks bigbill, I will try that. I don't have anything extra in it at the moment, I'm still working on the interior. I also haven't secured the propane tank yet. I'm thinking with the propane tank and stuff loaded inside the trailer, it will balance out. Fingers crossed!
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jannica
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Post by jannica on Aug 23, 2014 17:33:13 GMT -8
Ok, I have a rather rudimentary question about outlets. I bought some outlets that came with boxes because they're made to mount on the wall vs recessed in the wall. I thought they would look nicer. Hopefully that makes sense. Anyway, I'm having trouble fitting the 12 gauge wires in it since I need to run wire to it and back out again to go to the next receptacle. Any tips you guys can share to make this easier?
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