Paul
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Post by Paul on Nov 16, 2013 6:05:40 GMT -8
Hello,
We are a camping family and have just recently purchased our 3rd RV. We started with a huge 5th wheel, next a motorhome, then the kids left and we are by ourselves. Our needs are few so we decided to purchase an old trailer and rehabilitate it. We have restored old houses and enjoy that challenge. I know that this can be daunting and that things are always more complex and involved than they seem but we enjoy the problem solving that is involved in this type of project. We will be proud owns of a Shasta from the early 70s. It is cosmetically a mess and has some light water damage around the roof vent and under the rear window but the floor is sound and it seems decent. Time will tell... I originally planned to have it rewired as I don't mess around with electricity but now I am rethinking this decision. The PO used the electrical system and said that it never caused him any problems so if I don't need to rewire that would be great. Here is my question.... I found a brouchure for our unit on this forum and found out that it uses 110volts and 15amps. Here are my needs... -A small dorm sized refridgerator -A small microwave -Lights -A small TV -Occasionally charging ipads/phones etc -A small 5000 btu window ac -Coffee maker -wife may occasionally dry hair
Of course I know not to run ac and micro together....All appliances would be used in isolation. Do I absolutely need to rewire? What are your experiences with this? I am trying to save $ as I have kids in college, mortgage etc etc.... Please advise...
Thanks
Paul
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txoil
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1960 Shasta Deluxe 19
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Post by txoil on Nov 16, 2013 7:47:26 GMT -8
Without doing an energy audit, I would have to say that it might be BEST if you upgrade your wiring. Your usage is almost identical to ours, ( 1960 Shasta) and after a lot of calculations, questions and bugging others, I installed 30 amp (10/3 Romex) mains in to the new breaker box, and laid out four circuits of 20 amps each (12/3 Romex). This gives us plenty of amps to drive everything we use, and we can use a 2000 watt generator when off the grid--smaller, easier to transport The best part is the knowledge that your electrical system is new, can handle the load and no worries of 'bubba repairs' in the past. If you are investing the labor and time in restoring a trailer, why take shortcuts or worry about an iffy electrical system?
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Post by vikx on Nov 16, 2013 21:52:00 GMT -8
Many trailers are out there using the original wiring and inlet.If you are careful, yes, it can be done. Inspect the inlet carefully for burn marks and toasty wiring. I've had good luck with original wiring in all but the oldest trailers. (53 Hanson had knobs and tubes) If the light fixtures were used with reasonable sized bulbs, that wiring is often OK as well. 100 watt light bulbs tend to fry the wiring, so check the connections.
I always rewire for 30 amps, even it the 15 amp inlet remains. It makes it much easier to upgrade later to have the wiring in place. The general "rule of thumb" for total amps is less than twice the incoming amperage. 30 x 2 = 60, so about 55 amps total.
Examples:
Circuit 1: 15 amps, this is the original 14/2 wiring, usually lights and an outlet or two Circuit 2: 15 amps, new outlets. This could run the dorm fridge and a small battery maintainer, maybe an outlet on the closet, etc. Circuit 3: 20 amps, at least one outlet in the kitchen area, an outside outlet. Since this will be used for a kitchen appliance, you want to run one item at a time.
You could have two 20 amp circuits and one 15 as long as the wiring is the proper gauge.
While you could run the A/C thru the trailer system, the easiest way to power it is with it's own cord. Totally bypass the trailer, allowing the A/C and microwave to be used at the same time... if the Campground breaker will take it.
Keep in mind Campgrounds can have poor quality outlets and less amperage than advertised. Many of the outlets have been yanked, twisted and abused. The contacts actually arc even when plugged in, some have reverse polarity and/or trip the breaker continually. Inspect the power source before plugging the trailer in.
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