sk3tch501
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Posts: 4
1983 Terry Taurus
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Post by sk3tch501 on Mar 14, 2024 6:16:09 GMT -8
My buddy just gave me a 1983 Terry Taurus. It is a very solid rig with just a couple soft spots to fix. Everything but the lights will run off shore power. I do have a battery in the back and when I hooked up my truck, a light came on, so I assume the lights are on a 12v system. From what I have read, I need a converter installed to be able to run my lights off shore power as well. Correct? Under my rear bunk I have a breaker box with 4 breakers. They are 30a and 20a breakers. The battery has 2 red wires with inline fuses, 1 black wire, and 2 white wires. Not really sure what the white wires go to or if they should be positive or negative on the battery. With all of that info, how do you go about installing a converter? I am fairly confident in wiring stuff up IF I know where it all goes to. Are they that complicated to install? I have added a link to all I have around my breaker.
Thanks for the help!
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Post by vikx on Mar 14, 2024 11:16:36 GMT -8
83s were much more sophisticated than our little vintage trailers. According to your photo, you have a main shut off and 3 circuits. The A/C is dedicated (runs ONLY the A/C) and will terminate in the ceiling near the A/C. The portable appliances would be the kitchen area and general purpose is probably outlets.
Converters are fairly easy to install and come with installation instructions to follow. Many need a separate ground wire to the frame along with the battery ground. There are two 12 volt wires to the converter from the battery, a hot and ground. (often red positive, black or white negative) The wires need to be tested and/or followed to each end to determine their purpose. Color in old trailers really can't be trusted.
The converter plugs into a 120 outlet for power, then converts 120 into 12 volts. I use Progressive Dynamic converters.
Your trailer should also have a 12 volt fuse block for the lighting, water pump, furnace and any other 12 volt components. The converter runs all the 12 volt systems when using shore power. The fuse block will determine placement of the converter, which should be fairly close by.
If you can't find a fuse block, you may need to add one. Please be careful and get help if needed. You can't tell what a previous owner may have done to the electrical system.
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sk3tch501
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Posts: 4
1983 Terry Taurus
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Post by sk3tch501 on Mar 14, 2024 11:39:16 GMT -8
Ok, sounds pretty straightforward. The only wiring I am not sure on are the 2 white terminated wires coming out at my battery. I haven't found a fuse block yet but I'll look again when I get home.
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Post by vikx on Mar 15, 2024 16:30:40 GMT -8
Look for the other end of the white wires. I once helped a friend with his newer truck camper and the FACTORY had used white for hot. NOT RV code and I blew the fuse...
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sk3tch501
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Posts: 4
1983 Terry Taurus
Currently Offline
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Post by sk3tch501 on Mar 18, 2024 5:42:22 GMT -8
Look for the other end of the white wires. I once helped a friend with his newer truck camper and the FACTORY had used white for hot. NOT RV code but I blew the fuse... Ya, I grabbed a voltage tester so I'm gonna put some juice to it and try to track them down. As far as fuses go, I haven't found any type of fuse box or block. I know the 2 reds going to the battery have inline fuses in em, but I think that is about it. |
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Post by vikx on Mar 19, 2024 11:58:07 GMT -8
Also check to see if your lighting is 12 volt. I'm almost sure they are. The trailer was built with a complete 12 volt system.
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sk3tch501
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Posts: 4
1983 Terry Taurus
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Post by sk3tch501 on Mar 20, 2024 5:45:30 GMT -8
Also check to see if your lighting is 12 volt. I'm almost sure they are. The trailer was built with a complete 12 volt system. Lighting is definitely 12v. They all came on when I hooked it to my truck plug. |
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Post by vikx on Mar 20, 2024 11:52:54 GMT -8
Here is a diagram of trailer 12 volt and tow wiring with a 7 way plug: <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/53634851@N03/34828339513/in/album-72157683590489800/" title="12 Volt System Diagram"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4229/34828339513_425481a348_z.jpg" width="640" height="465" alt="12 Volt System Diagram"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script> |
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