steel frame tear and running negative?

[Siouxgirl2]

I have a question. I have a steel tube framed teardrop and am doing the electrical wiring on it. Can I use the trailer frame for a negative for all of my lighting?


Thanks again for you assistance,

Loyal

[halfdome, Danny]

I have a question. I have a steel tube framed teardrop and am doing the electrical wiring on it. Can I use the trailer frame for a negative for all of my lighting?


Thanks again for you assistance,

Loyal

110 volt ac, NO
12 volt DC, YES with the following exception.
Running lights need a ground from the tow vehicle to the trailer chassis.
A teardrop on board 12 volt battery should be independent from the running lights and only connect to the lights and 12 volt outlets that are for creature comforts. Danny

[Siouxgirl2]

Yeah, I was talking 12 volt DC but it sounds like that is really a no as well. Thank you.

[Yota Bill]

yes, the trailer lights that run off of the tow vehicle can be grounded to the frame. That is the most common way to wire a trailer anyway, though many will tell you it is better to run dedicated ground wires to every light. I wont say that is not a better way to do it, but it is often overkill.

[bohemian]

I have a question on this matter.
In Joanne's electrical wiring diagram ( cabin electrical) It shows a ground going to the grounding block and a grounding wire going to what I would guess is the frame.
Should your on board 12v negative wire be grounded to the frame?
Or should you run it just to the the grounding block.
Wayne

[eamarquardt]

120 volts a/c doesn't have a "negative" wire (has hot, neutral, and ground) and it seems to be the industry std that the frame is grounded to the ground wire and that this connection requires regular checking an maintenance as required to keep it intact so that it can perform it's intended function (keeping you safe).

Relying on the trailer chassis for your return to the battery is gonna require several connections to the frame at different locations. Given the frame is steel, bare metal is required for good connections, bare metal (steel) will rust if not well protected from the weather, it is considered "good form" to use ground wires that have been properly connected and protected from the weather to avoid future problems.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Gus