REALLY Basic Questions for New Build

[marant]

I am beginning the planning process for an 8x18 convertible car hauler and am running into what are really basic questions that everyone but I probably understand. Ran searches, but no results. If there are others with similar basic questions feel free to add them to the thread for the benefit of all.

1. When running wiring what is the best way to run it to outlets/switches in the walls? Come along the bottom of the trailer and up into the void between the studs? It doesn't seem like a good idea to drill a hole through each of the wall studs to run the wiring through the wall. Are there any waterproof boxes that would allow plugs in the floor?
2. Since the depth of the wall is only a couple of inches what kind of boxes, switches, and outlets do you use? It seems the standard ones used in houses will stand proud from the wall covering quite a bit.
3. I plan on installing insulation in the walls, but first need to put in wooden blocking to mount electrical boxes, hinges, and ETrac. How do you fasten the blocking in the wall? Can you glue it to the stud and outer skin? What kind of glue to use?

This forum is a fantastic resource for those of us starting on the journey, and I thank you all for your information. I am sure I will be here frequently as I proceed, since there is a lot more that I do not know than that I do.

[nunrleft]

I haven't done it yet, but this is my plan for my build.

At the wall and ceiling junction I'll have a diagonal chase to run the wiring in. My plan is to use aluminum C channel (commonly used to hold soffit panels on the exterior of a house. One C channel on the wall, one on the ceiling. I'll actually use white plastic florescent light panels in the C channels. This will provide the chase to run the wiring and provide a place to install my LED strip lights.

From the chase I'll be able to hide the holes where the wiring will run behind the paneling to the outlets. My outlets will be surface mounted, but up high enough not to be run in to. I'll be using rigid insulation cut at an angle near the metal studs to give space for the wiring. My seams and wiring will be covered with R-3.5 duct insulation which is only about 1/8th of an inch thick.

What little blocking I'll be doing will be with aluminum flat stock surface mounted, but that should only be for one item I can think of for me. My exterior wall penetrations for my water inlet, tv antenna, electrical plug, etc will be 5/8" cedar boards glued to the interior of the aluminum sheeting with construction adhesive.

Hope this helps.

[DustinS]

The nice thing is, the answer to your question is yourself. Do you want to run it on the bottom of the wall, or maybe on the top (where the wall stops and the curve of a ceiling starts on some). You can also mount on the surface with this:

http://www.menards.com/main/electrical/ ... c-9801.htm

As for the boxes, they are a bit harder to find, but you CAN find shallow boxes. This one I found (after about 5 minutes) is only 1.25" deep. I don't think you can get much more shallow with a house box.

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Betts-b108 ... 59&sr=1-92

You could also try searching for RV outlet, and they have plugs that you can pass through a wall/floor. Again, the solution to your question is how creative you can be. Just take a look around/look at pictures to find what you like.

[aztrooper]

Home Depot has them too.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Carlon-1-Gang-8-cu-in-Flanged-Shallow-Old-Work-Box-B108R-UPC/100404058

[bc toys]

well I have done 3 different ways 1 drill up under cabinet and put box in face of cabinet 2 cut 1x6 at 45* and screw to wall and ceiling run wires behind board and cut opening for boxes and 3 run wire above the wall boards and trim it off wire runs flat behind trim and down behind wall to box witch is surfaced mounted

[marant]

In looking at construction photos here I did see that it works to cut and fit wood pieces for the area of support, then drill and countersink the holes so it can be attached sideways to the aluminum studs with screws. I will probably also use caulk as glue. One question answered!