coloradoan
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Post by coloradoan on May 11, 2014 10:13:15 GMT -8
I'm going to ask what may be a dumb question - I want to keep my vintage fixtures but have them run either on 110 or 12 v, using LED bulbs. Is this possible? I have to rewire the whole trailer anyway, and want the option of hooking up to 110 at campgrounds or running 12v off of batteries when boondocking, without having to clutter up the all original interior with new 12v fixtures. Any advice?
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on May 11, 2014 11:56:05 GMT -8
You can purchase led bulbs that will fit in a regular light socket, expensive but available. In order to run 110 using a battery, 12v power, you must use an inverter. You can buy a separate inverter or you can buy a combination converter/inverter. A converter will allow you to use your 12v plugs/lights while plugged into shore power and most will charge your battery, too. Here is an explanation of converters and inverters: www.diffen.com/difference/Converter_vs_InverterIf you search the forum, you will find threads where people have posted their set ups. I have an ac/dc panel with a converter/charger. Haven't used it yet, but I think it will work for what I need. I also already owned a separate inverter which has plugs for 110 but will not invert my entire 110 electrical system but will allow me to plug in a light, laptop, etc.
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on May 11, 2014 19:47:07 GMT -8
If you have an Ikea near you, they have a really decent selection of LED bulbs that screw into the different standard socket sizes. And the price for a regular 60-watt equivalent bulb with a 2700K warmth rating is only around $5 or $6. If these had been available when we did Hamlet, we'd have used the original fixtures as well.
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coloradoan
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Post by coloradoan on May 12, 2014 10:28:26 GMT -8
You can purchase led bulbs that will fit in a regular light socket, expensive but available. In order to run 110 using a battery, 12v power, you must use an inverter. You can buy a separate inverter or you can buy a combination converter/inverter. A converter will allow you to use your 12v plugs/lights while plugged into shore power and most will charge your battery, too. Here is an explanation of converters and inverters: www.diffen.com/difference/Converter_vs_InverterIf you search the forum, you will find threads where people have posted their set ups. I have an ac/dc panel with a converter/charger. Haven't used it yet, but I think it will work for what I need. I also already owned a separate inverter which has plugs for 110 but will not invert my entire 110 electrical system but will allow me to plug in a light, laptop, etc. I've read everything on here about 110 and 12 volt systems. But since I know just enough about electricity to be dangerous, I've had an RV repair "expert" come out to consult with me on this. He told me the 12 volt system and fixtures would have to be wired separately from the 110 system and fixtures since they would use different wiring (stranded wire for the 12 volt dc system vs. solid copper wires for the 110 volt system). To save money, I am running all the wires myself and he will come back and hook it all up. I just started wondering why I can't have it all wired with stranded wire for the 12 volt DC system and use the LED lights with the Edison base in my vintage fixtures. That way when I'm boondocking no problem and when I'm plugged in at a campground the converter would change the 110 v ac to 12 v dc. Is this possible/advisable? The RV repair person is the same guy who told me that using VCT tile was not a good idea because it would all pull up in a couple of years, so I'm not trusting his advice all that much. I trust you all way more! But I've got one shot to get this electrical system right before I put the skin back on. At this point I am thoroughly confused and thinking I'm just going to do a 110vac system and forget about 12 volts. But I really want at least some lights and a plug or two to run on 12 volts dc, but I do NOT want to add any non-original fixtures. ARGHHHH!
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mattyshorts
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Post by mattyshorts on May 12, 2014 11:55:27 GMT -8
I don't know if I would trust your expert. If VCT is put down correctly, it's an absolute pain in the butt to pull up....just my experience. As for the 110/12 volt issue, my two cents would be to use 110 for most, if not all.....but two cents won't get you that far either. matt
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on May 12, 2014 18:30:21 GMT -8
I am not the one to tell you yes you can or no you can't but I will tell you what I do with my other trailer that is wired for 30 amp shore power and has no 12v. I do not have a converter or hard wired charger so I do not charge my battery with shore power. I do have solar panels. I charge my batteries before I leave to boondock. I use my solar panels to keep a charge running. I have an inverter that connects to my battery and I plug it into my 30 amp and then my 110 outlets work just like I'm plugged into shore power. It powers my stuff plugged in like TV, nightlight, fan, laptop and porch light with no problem.
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Post by bigbill on May 12, 2014 19:28:18 GMT -8
For years we camped in parks that had no 110 so all my campers had 12 volt lights only. I also had a convertor/ charger that plugged into 110 if available. If no 110 was available we just plugged into the truck and let it charge the batteries as needed.
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coloradoan
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Post by coloradoan on May 12, 2014 20:36:29 GMT -8
Thank you, everyone, for your input. I appreciate it. I feel totally confident in my woodworking/mechanical/plumbing abilities and knowledge necessary to restore my trailer, but when it comes to electrical - not so much. I have another RV electrical type person coming out next week. Hopefully I'll feel more comfortable with his advice!
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on May 12, 2014 20:40:24 GMT -8
You can install a 12v DC light socket (or two) into a small kitchen overhead light.
On the right side of the fixture mount a "three way" switch that is wired to your two 110v AC lights. If you use different wattage 110v bulbs you can have a low "mood light", and when the second light is turned on you will have a bright light. On the left side of the fixture you will have a matching switch that will control your two 12v DC bulb sockets.
The advantage of a system like this is that you have several options all hidden inside "one light fixture" that still looks vintage.
The only problem I have had is finding the old original smaller round 110v bulbs. Everything is going to the curly fluorescent bulbs in my area.
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Post by bigbill on May 13, 2014 1:31:19 GMT -8
John that is because the old style light bulbs have been outlawed in this country
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lovnvintage
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Post by lovnvintage on May 13, 2014 4:00:59 GMT -8
We can still buy the "old" style here in Texas. I am so glad as I do not like the new curvy ones at all.
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on May 13, 2014 4:25:23 GMT -8
You better buy up the incandescent while you can find them. They will no longer be making them! Our Lowe's had three small rows of incandescent out of a whole aisle of shelves filled with CFL's, LEDs, Halogen and Mercury Vapor.... don't get me started.
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lovnvintage
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Post by lovnvintage on May 13, 2014 4:57:57 GMT -8
I stocked up when they passed the law. However our governor passed a law that allows them to be sold in our state as long as they are made here,from what I recall.
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Post by bigbill on May 13, 2014 7:50:11 GMT -8
To my knowledge they can be sold anywhere as long as they last but they are not allowed to be manufactured or imported any longer. I believe it is enforced by the EPA and carries a huge fine but not certain.
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lovnvintage
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Post by lovnvintage on May 13, 2014 7:53:24 GMT -8
Our law states they can be manufactured and sold in TX, none imported/exported. I think only one company is producing them locally though.
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