12 volt DC wiring?

[prairieschooner]

I want to add some 12 volt DC Lights, a freshwater on-demand Pump and maybe a Stereo to our 1958 Traveler. My first intention was to install a simple circuit breaker panel and run both the positive and negative to everything in a two wire cord.
Do those doing a retrofit run both wires or is using the trailer as a ground the accepted practice?

[john hd]

modern airstreams use a two wire system, with the possible exception of some of the clearance lights on 70's models.

you will find more reliable service with a dedicated ground to each device.

john

[prairieschooner]

Thanks, that is what I was originally thinking.
Steve

[Safari Tim]

If you do it this way, make sure you run all the ground wires to the same spot.

For lighting it won't make much difference, but for audio like stereos, you can start getting some squirly sound from ground loops.

[dmaiden]

or did I read somewhere in here that you can hook 120v light fixtures directly to 12v without an inverter and they will work?

I think I'm crazy.

Dave

[Fyrzowt]

Originally Posted by dmaiden

or did I read somewhere in here that you can hook 120v light fixtures directly to 12v without an inverter and they will work?

I think I'm crazy.

Dave

Doesn't sound right. I'm NOT an electrician, but in my experience running a lower voltage than what the device was designed for, will result in a lower output = dim light.

[uwe]

Originally Posted by dmaiden

or did I read somewhere in here that you can hook 120v light fixtures directly to 12v without an inverter and they will work?

I think I'm crazy.

Dave

Actually, maybe not. I, too, read somewhere that certain 120VAC flourescent lights work well with 12VDC. Man, I wish I knew where that article is. I only remember it being flourescent, not incandescent lights.