mel
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1964 Shasta Airflyte
Posts: 1,729 
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Post by mel on Jun 5, 2017 10:37:35 GMT -8
I am getting ready to start running the exterior wiring and lights. My husband and step dad are going to hopefully do it Sunday. I just wanted to see if you guys could help me out with a list of stuff I need to buy so that everything is ready for them.
I already have all the lights(break and running)
I have pieced together some things that I need from some old threads.
-How many feet do you think I need for my Compact?
-Do you guys usually use wirenuts? or crimp things?
-some kind of clips to hold it along the frame.
-Does it need to be run in something along the frame? or is the wire fine in nothing?
-Junction box
-4 or 7 way tow plug. I was thinking I only need 4 way because I do not have any type of battery or anything fancy. Just 2 break lights and 4 running lights.
Are there other things im not thinking of?
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Jun 5, 2017 11:50:44 GMT -8
How many feet do you think I need for my Compact?You're using something like this?  If yes, I'd say 20' would do. Basically, enough to reach the junction box and the furthest point. I make sure every splice point is accessible through a light hole. Does that make sense? You may need a little extra white 14g or 12g wire to bridge the splice to the light. -Do you guys usually use wirenuts? or crimp things?
I like crimping. -some kind of clips to hold it along the frame.Why not run it through the framing if the skin is off? Lowes sells clips that worked fine. - Does it need to be run in something along the frame? or is the wire fine in nothing?
I use rubber brake line. This photo is obviously not tow light wire but you get the idea.  I've also used nothing but clips to hold the wire to the frame. -Junction box  A metal romex junction also works just fine. 4 or 7 way tow plug. I was thinking I only need 4 way because I do not have any type of battery or anything fancy. Just 2 break lights and 4 running lights.
Without brakes you only need a 4 way plug and towing wire. You'll need a heavier wire for the ground connected to the box. Others may come up with something I'm forgetting.
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mel
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1964 Shasta Airflyte
Posts: 1,729
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Post by mel on Jun 7, 2017 15:39:10 GMT -8
nccamper why do I need heavier wire for the ground connected to the box? So ill use the four way code and run all that wire. Then I run a ground to every light, then ground it to the frame,, then I run the ground into the junction box to a screw?? is the correct??
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Post by danrhodes on Jun 7, 2017 16:53:23 GMT -8
I put my trailer wiring in a 10 foot piece of 1/2" plastic pipe inside the frame rail (my house is all conduit wired, so I may be falling back to what I know). I soldered each connection and added a taped wire nut for insulation.
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Post by vikx on Jun 7, 2017 22:07:32 GMT -8
Be sure to use a J box near the tongue for connections. I use wire/wing nuts. Much easier to do repairs that way.
The 4 way ribbon is a good way to go. When it terminates in the J box, very easy to upgrade to 7 way if it's ever needed.
All of us need to plan ahead for future additions.
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