76 Shasta Scary Electrical Rats Nest Mystery. Please Help.

shastamatt
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76 Shasta Scary Electrical Rats Nest Mystery. Please Help. Jun 18, 2015 17:25:49 GMT -8

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Post by shastamatt on Jun 18, 2015 17:25:49 GMT -8

Recently purchased a (I think)1976 Shasta and I am absolutely terrified by what I see when I look under the left bench front seat. It looks like a hack-job rats nest and I do not trust it at all. I want to update/redo the whole thing ASAP. From the outside in, it is wired with a 30 Amp plug, which Im pretty sure goes into a 20 Amp breaker, then (I think) into a 30 Amp GE Safety Switch. There is also a 40 Amp power converter with battery charger thrown in there, but there are no batteries. There is also a small fuse panel mounted down there with red, brown, and green wires going into it. There are spaces for 4 fuses, but only 3 are in use. Wires are running everywhere, splices, and horrifying. I have pictures, but having trouble uploading them. Imagine your worst nightmare, thats it.

I need help. Ive done some electrical work in my house, but I don't know where to start here. Im currently in the LA area and would be willing to pay someone to come out for the day and help me suss through the mess, get a plan, and make a list of supplies. Or...if someone here is willing to take some time with me here I would be eternally grateful. Im not a total space case, Ive just never done trailer wiring, and I want it done right!

Thank you all in advance.

Everything is works, but I feel like its a disaster waiting to happen. Im sure if I were to run everything at the same time I would go up in flames.
-small window A/C
-small fridge
-lights
-2 outlets
-small hot water heater
-microwave

Ten
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70 Shasta 16SC + 1964 Airflyte

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76 Shasta Scary Electrical Rats Nest Mystery. Please Help. Jun 18, 2015 18:25:13 GMT -8

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Post by Ten on Jun 18, 2015 18:25:13 GMT -8

Don't panic!

There are some real good electrical geniuses in here that will be glad to help you along. Photos will certainly help with the help, but let me try to help from what I am seeing in my imagination.

First, your 30-amp incoming line is regulated by the breaker on the 110-Volt side. Even if you plug into a 30-amp service, the 20 amp breaker will not allow you to operate anything beyond the capacity of the breaker. 20-amps should run anything you have listed here, but the A/C is a huge draw, and it may trip the breaker if you hit the microwave and the toaster and hair dryer at the same time. The breaker is there to keep you from going up in flames.

The converter is supposed to run from the 110-side to charge a circuit that will maintain on your 12-volt side...most likely a few lights and a water pump, if so equipped. It should draw very little from the 110-volt side, and the 40-amp rating is 12-volt-DC amps.

As for the fuse panel, this is definitely on the 12-volt side of your system. It is likely the wires you see (green, brown, red) are wiring for the running (tow) lights. Normally green will be the marker lights, and red and brown are used for the turn signal lights and brake lights. Tracing back from this fuse panel should lead you to the harness for the tow vehicle.

It certainly is not nuts to be a bit cautious with the electrical system. Take your time and sneak up on it all... in the mean time, we are here to help!

~~ doughertyfuneralhomes.com/Obits/?p=9334 ~~

shastamatt
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76 Shasta Scary Electrical Rats Nest Mystery. Please Help. Jun 18, 2015 19:02:46 GMT -8

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Post by shastamatt on Jun 18, 2015 19:02:46 GMT -8

Thanks Ten! Ok, so...I will not panic, copy that. haha. Im having no luck trying to upload photos onto the forum. Every time I try it asks for a URL, and it won't let me upload images directly to my computer. Guess I can add that to the list of things I need help with. ha.