fishigan
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1968 Wildcat Model 18
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Post by fishigan on Nov 16, 2017 6:31:02 GMT -8
After a long search and some 30 hrs of driving from Michigan to Kentucky to Ohio to New York to Ohio and back to Michigan looking at campers, I just brought home a 1968 Wildcat Model 18. It will be our second restoration however the first was a 2000 Viking 2107st popup with lots of water damage. We even went so far as to put a bathroom in it. That being said, we know what we are getting into with the Wildcat. However, I was not expecting to see that it has a female power inlet. Which means it comes with an extension cord with male 3 prongs on both ends. I want to swap it out for a 30 amp hookup. Is it as simple as putting in a 30 amp plug and breaker box? Or is there something more detailed? Could I even just put in a male 110v plug and leave the rest alone? We will be putting in a new fridge, on demand water heater (propane) as well as a new stereo and maybe a microwave or toaster oven. Any help will be appreciated. I have done a lot of searching but I am not finding anything that is clear cut on this as it does seem pretty rare.
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Ten
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70 Shasta 16SC + 1964 Airflyte
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Post by Ten on Nov 16, 2017 7:39:30 GMT -8
The first thing I would suggest is pulling that inlet out of the trailer regardless of what you decide to use in its place. Imagine the ramifications of having a live male-end plug... There are some good threads on the board here regarding the upgrade procedures. Here's one of them: vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/6367/replace-shore-power-plugWe try to not get too detailed in discussion about 110-V electrical, because it is not something that just everyone should try to undertake. It sounds like the plans should include upgrading the breaker box, depending on what it there of course. Two breakers splitting a 30-amp service seems like a good idea for upgrading to modern appliances. As far as the inlet goes, it could be replaced with either a 30-amp cord that stores inside and pulls out, or you could use a detachable cord and a Furrion inlet plug.These types are used commonly on the more modern RVs.
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fishigan
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1968 Wildcat Model 18
Posts: 6
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Post by fishigan on Nov 16, 2017 10:28:50 GMT -8
Thanks for the input. I will certainly check that hookup out. I would rather do the plug in vs the pullout cord.
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Post by vikx on Nov 16, 2017 21:14:47 GMT -8
I agree. Take that inlet out NOW. Whoever did it put people in danger.
To upgrade to 30 amps, your trailer probably needs to be rewired, at least from the inlet to the breaker box with 10ga Romex. Consult a licensed electrician to inspect the electrical in your trailer and help you with the upgrade AC work is not for the inexperienced. When done the wrong way, it can be very dangerous as I said above. Obviously, someone has already tinkered with the AC.
Don't take a chance and stay safe.
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