Why do all the fancy wiring

[zlamb0002]

Why not just get an extension cord and be done with it?

[TPMcGinty]

Why not just get an extension cord and be done with it?

That's what some people do. Some like to get more elaborate.

[madjack]

....why do folks go for elaborate designs, intricate details and awesome finishes on their campers...when they could just build a box and be done with it...why do folks build fancy gallies, with all sorts of slide outs and pop ups and places for everything(not to mention the disco ball), when they could use a shelf or two and some tupperware and be done with it...why build intricate cabins with shelving and cabinets and TV/DVD/stereos(and another disco ball)...getta flaslight and a clothes bag and be done with it...why do folks climb mountains, go scuba diving, parachute or build teardrops???...cause they wanna and they can...that's about it
madjack

p.s. plus it adds to the resale and COOOOOL value!!!!!! ............MJ

[TPMcGinty]

....why do folks go for elaborate designs, intricate details and awesome finishes on their campers...when they could just build a box and be done with it...why do folks build fancy gallies, with all sorts of slide outs and pop ups and places for everything(not to mention the disco ball), when they could use a shelf or two and some tupperware and be done with it...why build intricate cabins with shelving and cabinets and TV/DVD/stereos(and another disco ball)...getta flaslight and a clothes bag and be done with it...why do folks climb mountains, go scuba diving, parachute or build teardrops???...cause they wanna and they can...that's about it
madjack

p.s. plus it adds to the resale and COOOOOL value!!!!!! ............MJ

Isn't that what I said?

[asianflava]

There are all types of builders here, some are more experienced and/or capable than others. What some people consider elaborate, others consider simple. Yes, you can do an extension cord but it's not much of a challenge.

[dwgriff1]

We rarely camp where there is electricity and I did not want the added weight of a battery system. My trailer is wired for tail lights and that is all.

I have LED touch lights in the cabin for convenience light. I take along a flash light or two and an ancient coleman lantern.

For me, simple wins.

dave

[greekspeedoman]

Since I don't plan to be able to find much power off-road by plugging into a tree or rock, an internal electrical system makes sense. I actually used an extension cord for the main line of power between my battery and fuse block (and I'll use another if there is shore power options). It is a heavy gauge cord because I wanted to minimize rubbing and wire breakage in the roof of my tear (off-road usage for my tear). It is in the roof -which is pretty difficult to access if there is a problem- so I went simple yet reliable. It may not be particularly creative, I guess, but it will keep me from trying to figure out a creative way to fix my wiring later. (see my photos of it on my www). Plus, in my climate, I don't want to leave a window or door cracked all of the time to let a power cord in. I plan to use this tear in harsh environments. Even if I weren't though, it would just be convenient to have power built in. Plus, it doesn't take too much longer to install as you build. If you want it later, that will take substantial time.

My passion for customization is not in that part of the electrical. Mad Jack is right. We spend more time on the things that we feel passionate about and those things tend to add value (monetary or personal satisfaction/comfort).

I also think that it also adds value to your build if the electrical works! So whatever you do (wired trailer or just a cord), make sure it is a reliable system that can be maintained without much trouble. Nothing is more irritating than a fancy design that doesn't work well.

[tonyj]

I could have just built a box and used an extension cord? Damn! Why didn't somebody tell me?!?

[Mary K]

I could have just built a box and used an extension cord? Damn! Why didn't somebody tell me?!?

[Toytaco2]

Why not just get an extension cord and be done with it?

I'm in the middle of doing my wiring now. I'm getting a little tired of building instead of camping, so I considered your thought myself. But, it's sure going to be nice to have self-contained 12 volt lighting and fan when I get done.

I probably will go your route for my 110 needs. Truth is everyone wants something different to suit there own needs and/or desires. That's what makes buiilding your own so great. You get exactly what you want!

[len19070]

Different styles of camping, builders from different backgrounds. Different needs.

Lots of reasons.

I've built a lot of Tears over the years but my most recent Tear is the only one I have ever put 110V in. Because I never go anywhere that has 110V...haven't used it yet either, but I put it in.

People think I'm nuts for never having it. My thoughts are "If ya never use it, and your not set up to use it, and are happy without it.....what do ya do with it when ya get it?

Bring a Lamp

Happy Trails

Len

[BPFox]

You wire for convenience You bury the wires in the walls so you are not tripping over or getting tangled up in the cords. Think for a moment what it would be like in your house if you didn't have recepticles in the walls but rather just a bunch of extension cords coming out of your breaker panel and running to the various rooms in your house. Some folks are over-achievers, some prefer it simple. To each his own as they say.

[Miriam C.]

I put 120vac and 12vdc cause I could. Truth is Mike wanted an air conditioner so I added the 120 ac. And if I am gonna use it I might as well cook and make coffee and...

A good drop cord will do just as well if that is all you need or want. Best part of diy you get to decide. If you change your mind you can always use wire mold and put it in later.

Oh and if you use it for guest as we have it is nice for the heater and air conditioner.

[Arne]

I think anyone should wire according to their needs and wants.

That's what I did (and am very happy with it), and that is what everyone should do. There is no right or wrong here.

[2bits]

I am doing it (albeit minimally) because it's downright sexy, and gives it that "completed" look. I wish I would have thought of/seen the "Rose Rolls" rack mount AC unit before I cut my holes though, that is a neat solution for the 110 and can be mounted to look very nice!