Easiest electrical installation

[caseydog]

If you need lots of power for radio, tv and computers, why didn't you just stay at home where there is plenty of power and fewer distractions from all that nature stuff out there. Why go camping if you are just going to do the same things you would have done at home anyway?

Wow, you and I think the same on something. I hope that doesn't ruin your weekend.

I have seen some pretty spectacular entertainment options in TDs, including some DirecTV dishes, and it's pretty cool... (here it comes)

BUT, it does seem a bit odd to go camping, and watch satellite TV.

I went with the plug-n-play cord and powerstrip system because my TD is basically a hard-sided tent on wheels. Other than an air-conditioner (basic equipment for camping down here, if you want to sleep at night), and a coffee maker, my electrical needs are pretty minimal.

At first, I didn't even want air-conditioning in my TD, but a couple nights of tossing and turning on sweat-soaked sheets changed my tune about that.

But, to each his own. I can live without the DirecTV -- but I do covet Spinnernut's train horn.

CD

[Frog]

A few years ago we were camping at Death Valley National Park in the Furnace Creek Ranch Campground. A guy across the road from us ran a Honda 1,000 generator in a 5 sided box the entire time it was allowed, like from 7:00 am - 10:00 pm. He faced the box away from himself because of the noise, and ran the wire from the generator to his TENT. That's right, I never saw anyone at the camp site, but the generator was wired to his $*#@#&^ TENT.

Another guy with an older diesel motorhome fired up his noisy, stinking diesel generator, opened the compartment door so we could all enjoy it then left for 3 or 4 hours. He did this daily for the 3 days we were there.

It was winter, so no AC was necessary. We got along nicely for 3 days without outside electrical power and used ligts, water pump for showers, etc.

I believe people have a right to camp how they please, until it infringes on someone elses rights.

[mikeschn]

I think that's the difference between RVing and camping.

People enjoy camping for the experience...

People that RV do their sightseeing or whatever during the day, and when they come back in the afternoon, they want to feel like they are back home, with all the comforts of home. They can do that with a big RV. They can't do that in a motel room.

I know that most of us here are campers!

Mike...

[Frog]

Mike:

Actually, my wife and I and our Golden Retriever WERE "camping" in a motorhome. We've had it for 12+ years, including living in it for 15 months while building a house, and only have 85 hrs on the generator. A lot of that was stopping along side the road to heat someting on the microwave, and leaving the AC running while at lunch so the dog didn't roast in the the Southwest summers, plus just running it to keep it from going bad.

I've tent camped when younger when we didn't have a pot to urinate in or a window to throw it out of. I enjoyed it, but I've been rode hard and put away wet one too many times. A hot shower, nice bed and night time access to a warm dry toilet is pretty nice.

I think one can camp in an RV quitely, enjoy the outdoors, cook and eat outside, enjoy campfires, etc. and still have a few creature comforts, especially as I approach medicare age and do all that in National and State Forests and campgrounds without bothering everyone else. It's usually the young college kids in tents not the old farts in RV's that make the most noise. Heck, I don't even own a boombox; and I like Guy Lombardo, Mantovani and Strauss.

There's that darn soap box again. Sorry.

[mikeschn]

Well of course, I was only mentioning the sterotype that came to mind. There are always exceptions to the rule. And you are obviously camping, not RVing.

Mike...

[Frog]

Mike:

Not a problem. After the military and 27 years with the IRS I don't take offense at a whole lot.

Don't hate me for the IRS years. I was in the Law Enforcement end, carried a firearm and went after big time tax cheats, money launderers and drug dealers.

In all honesty, I do "RV" some times.

'nough said.

[bobhenry]

Hello everyone! I am new here, and have been trying to look up ways to set up the electrical in the teardrop trailer we plan to start in the next month. All of this electrical stuff is dizzying! Can someone point me in the direction of the easiest set up a newbie could tackle?

Man they ran you around the gatepost. While I was competent in 110 220 440 and 660 with low voltage switching that is all bs when ya just want a light and maybe a toaster oven. Thank Joanne for taking the time with this one in almost 3 years this is still the most easily understood guide I have found..................



Has some body got a good 120 volt ac one for the newbie ?

[Uncle Chan]

Mine's pretty simple:

I put one of these 20amp Marinco units:



Here. It goes into my passthru Galley cabinets:


Then made a pigtail:


That plugs into a 15amp breaker'd power strip.

I used it on my vacation earlier this month. Worked like a charm.

U.C.