New CT converting to handicapped camper

[pokefrog]

Hi [WAVING HAND SIGN], I'm new to the group but I've received lots of info from all the post I've read. I have purchased a 7x16 all aluminum CT that I'm convert to a camper. The back door drops [SPLASHING SWEAT SYMBOL] down and I can roll my daughters wheelchair right up in the back. So I guess you can call [MOBILE PHONE] it a handicapped camper… . my first question [WHITE QUESTION MARK ORNAMENT] of probably many.. I have electric already through it and all led 12v lights, but I want the 12v led lights to come on when I have it plugged in the power source. They come on when it is plugged to my truck. What do I need to do to make this happen? Thanks

[Al Swope]

Do you have a 7 pin or 4 pin connector to your truck? 7 pin would have constant power available but you would have to stay hooked up. The 4 pin trailer set up gets the 12v for interior lights typically from the tail lights (brown wire), so you have to have the trucks lights on to have power in the trailer. What to you mean by "plugged into the power source"? Do you mean Shore power or the truck?

[pokefrog]

Do you have a 7 pin or 4 pin connector to your truck? 7 pin would have constant power available but you would have to stay hooked up. The 4 pin trailer set up gets the 12v for interior lights typically from the tail lights (brown wire), so you have to have the trucks lights on to have power in the trailer. What to you mean by "plugged into the power source"? Do you mean Shore power or the truck?

Thanks for the reply. I.have a electric cable that come out of the camper and I can plug it up at the campground. I want the just the lights inside the trailer to come on when I'm plugged in to the campground. I have a 7 pin connector for my truck and trailer. But I would still love for the lights to work while plugged into truck also. Is this possible? Im not very experienced with electric if you can tell.

[lrrowe]

I will try again. I had a response all done and "poof" off to who knows where, it went

First of all, welcome to the forum and I trust you will get alot of help here with your project.

To your question, I am sure many more with more knowledge then me will come on and give you more advice.
At the minimum, you could add a converter to change the 120AC to 12V DC for your lights. And if all you are ever going to do is to hook up to campround type 120 connections, then that might be the minimum you need to think about.

But if you ever are thinking about being off the grid (for example in boondock areas or even at WM) then you may want a 12V system with chargers and batteries.
If that is an option, then you can consider a Progressive Dynamics (PD4045KV) Mighty Mini 45 Amp AC/DC Distribution Panel with Built-In Charge Wizard.
http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Dynam ... B002XRU6FM
Many of the posters here have them along with other similar devices. I have one.
You can do a search in this forum for many stories or reports from others.

Hope this helps.

[McDave]

Hello pokefrog and welcome.
First let me just say that is a beautiful trailer! That thing is sexier than my '57 Nomad!
OK, Do you have an owners manual? Might come in handy at some point, so see if you can get one from your dealer or the manufacturer. To run 12v LED lites from shore power, (probably 120vac, 30 amp in your case, I see you have a rooftop A/C, hence the power cord) you will need at the least a 120vac to 12vdc converter, and a fuse box (12v). Also the converter will need to have a fuse or breaker. You could make the LEDs work with an onboard 12v battery, that is charged from the tow vehicle, but the useable time between charges will be limited. LEDs typically draw 3amps each (per hour).
The "right" solution for you depends on your intended use for the RV. If you are going to "camp" 3-4 weekends a year. in a KOA type setting, all you need is a converter. If you plan to be self sufficient in the "boonies" for weeks at a time, well that's a whole different ball of wax. Like I said, that is a beautiful rig, and if you are going to convert it, do it right.
I would suggest a "power center" made for RVs. Progressive Dynamics (PD4045) or WFCO (8955) also Atwood makes one.
These will give the best all around power options and protection to start with. These will get you a 120ac and 12vdc capability, and fused DC circuts and AC breakers. They will convert shore power(120ac) to 12vdc as well as charge batteries.
This gives you the option to expand in the future, refrig, TVs, heaters, pumps, microwave, onboard battery bank, etc. etc.
This site is the place to get all your questions answered, Just hang around and you could learn something new everyday.
I would suggest to gain a solid base of knowledge, make a list of wants/needs, draw up a floor plan, (or 2, or 3) and a realistic budget before going in whole hog. These conversions can be as complex or simple as you want, but a good plan is always a good place to start.
Welcome to the madness! Good luck and have fun.
McDave

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Hello pokefrog

Let me keep it simple. The exact same plug that is on the back of your truck you can buy at Kragen or Grand Auto or walmart for $10.

Now wire that 7 way plug into your trailer & you will have 7 wires, one wire will be a ground and the other six will be for your interior lights, your running lights, a battery charge wire, a elec brake wire, your right and left blinkers / stop lights etc.

I have this set up exactly and can control all 6 trailer functions without my truck. These wires are then run through switches & fuses to your 12 volt power source , battery, converter , solar etc.

You can choose to just wire up your interior lights, or wire up all six functions. If you install a flasher circuit / relay for example your trailer can park without your truck and flash warning emergency lights, you could also lock up the breaks if your inside & someone trys to tow your trailer off. I have mine also wired for a back up alarm, horns & other flashing lights - but you can keep it as simple as you like.

When you leave the camp ground you unplug the trailer cord & plug into your truck , easy peasy. .....

Cheers ottct

http://overthetopcargotrailer.blogspot.com/

[hankaye]

pokefrog, Howdy;

Thanks for the reply. I.have a electric cable that come out of the camper and I can plug it up at the campground. I want the just the lights inside the trailer to come on when I'm plugged in to the campground. I have a 7 pin connector for my truck and trailer. But I would still love for the lights to work while plugged into truck also. Is this possible? Im not very experienced with electric if you can tell.

Ok, you've the basics, including a small 12v battery to actuate your trailer brakes in
case the trailer becomes separated from the tow unit. On the main menu for the forum
is a section just for electrical. More info there than you'll ever need. But also the info
that you will need as well. As you have figured out the posting of photos
how about taking a few and posting them allowing us to see what you have already for a
distribution box will help us to help you better.
Almost forgot, WELCOME TO THE MADNESS

hank

[pokefrog]

Hello pokefrog and welcome.
First let me just say that is a beautiful trailer! That thing is sexier than my '57 Nomad!
OK, Do you have an owners manual? Might come in handy at some point, so see if you can get one from your dealer or the manufacturer. To run 12v LED lites from shore power, (probably 120vac, 30 amp in your case, I see you have a rooftop A/C, hence the power cord) you will need at the least a 120vac to 12vdc converter, and a fuse box (12v). Also the converter will need to have a fuse or breaker. You could make the LEDs work with an onboard 12v battery, that is charged from the tow vehicle, but the useable time between charges will be limited. LEDs typically draw 3amps each (per hour).
The "right" solution for you depends on your intended use for the RV. If you are going to "camp" 3-4 weekends a year. in a KOA type setting, all you need is a converter. If you plan to be self sufficient in the "boonies" for weeks at a time, well that's a whole different ball of wax. Like I said, that is a beautiful rig, and if you are going to convert it, do it right.
I would suggest a "power center" made for RVs. Progressive Dynamics (PD4045) or WFCO (8955) also Atwood makes one.
These will give the best all around power options and protection to start with. These will get you a 120ac and 12vdc capability, and fused DC circuts and AC breakers. They will convert shore power(120ac) to 12vdc as well as charge batteries.
This gives you the option to expand in the future, refrig, TVs, heaters, pumps, microwave, onboard battery bank, etc. etc.
This site is the place to get all your questions answered, Just hang around and you could learn something new everyday.
I would suggest to gain a solid base of knowledge, make a list of wants/needs, draw up a floor plan, (or 2, or 3) and a realistic budget before going in whole hog. These conversions can be as complex or simple as you want, but a good plan is always a good place to start.
Welcome to the madness! Good luck and have fun.
McDave

Thank you very much

[pokefrog]

Hello pokefrog

Let me keep it simple. The exact same plug that is on the back of your truck you can buy at Kragen or Grand Auto or walmart for $10.

Now wire that 7 way plug into your trailer & you will have 7 wires, one wire will be a ground and the other six will be for your interior lights, your running lights, a battery charge wire, a elec brake wire, your right and left blinkers / stop lights etc.

I have this set up exactly and can control all 6 trailer functions without my truck. These wires are then run through switches & fuses to your 12 volt power source , battery, converter , solar etc.

You can choose to just wire up your interior lights, or wire up all six functions. If you install a flasher circuit / relay for example your trailer can park without your truck and flash warning emergency lights, you could also lock up the breaks if your inside & someone trys to tow your trailer off. I have mine also wired for a back up alarm, horns & other flashing lights - but you can keep it as simple as you like.

When you leave the camp ground you unplug the trailer cord & plug into your truck , easy peasy. .....

Cheers ottct

http://overthetopcargotrailer.blogspot.com/

Thanks really appreciate the info

[pokefrog]

Hello, I'm am in the process of working on my trailer/camper but I have a Question. The back door folds down so I can push my daughter's wheelchair up. I am looking for Recommendations on what to apply to the door for weather proofing and traction. I thought about the diy bedliner material like line x. Any other suggestions?