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05-31-2015, 01:43 PM
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#1
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Full Time Adventurer
2007 27' International CCD FB
Nomadic
, USA
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,748
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Mickey Mouse Wired My Airstream! How to clean up the factory wiring?
It's hard to believe that this is how Airstream wire's things up. I mean, would using some heat shrink really add to the overall cost?
I'm in the process of doing a custom conversion on our Airstream, and I'm going to finish (finally) hooking up my solar and inverter this week while everything is dissembled.
I want to clean this jumbled mess up. But I can't find schematics anywhere. And a search of Airforums has turned up a few threads saying that Jackson center won't provide them at all. Ugh, is this true?
Anyone ever try to clean this up and have tips or pointers?
I'll be relocating all this wiring to the backside of the interior wall here. I am building an overhead cubby door so I can access this and my samlex inverter at anytime from inside the Airstream.
I'll be starting in on this project later today after we finish framing out the rest of the new bed.
__________________
Family of 5 exploring the USA with a Ram Power Wagon & Airstream in tow.
OUR BLOG | INSTAGRAM
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05-31-2015, 01:55 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1991 34' Excella
Princeton
, New Jersey
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,070
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That is a mess. Back when Airstream made a quality trailer they included wiring diagrams in the manual. I would try and find out the last year they did that. Most likely they have not changed the color coding on the wiring and you may be able to figure things out using an older diagram.
__________________
WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6
2004 Excursion 4x4
1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles
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05-31-2015, 01:58 PM
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#3
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Overland Adventurer
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
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It could be worse! I'm curious, what's the plastic black box on the right?
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05-31-2015, 02:19 PM
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#4
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Full Time Adventurer
2007 27' International CCD FB
Nomadic
, USA
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,748
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Yeah I have no idea what that is, lol. Guess I'll find out when I open it up.
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05-31-2015, 02:42 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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Typical wiring mess that I deal with on an almost daily basis when doing a comprehensive solar installation.
I always clean up this wiring horror show be looking at the wire paths, disconnecting one wire at a time if necessary to rout all similar wires parallel to each other and avoid crossing paths.
Then, lots of zip ties and wire loom. With a bit of time, they actually clean up pretty nicely!!!
Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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05-31-2015, 02:49 PM
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#6
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ShinyPete
2014 27' Flying Cloud
Bushnell
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 413
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We have 12v and 120v wiring diagram in our Airstream manual. Not ultra fancy ones but they're in the manual at least.
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
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05-31-2015, 04:10 PM
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#7
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Full Time Adventurer
2007 27' International CCD FB
Nomadic
, USA
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,748
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Yes I will dig out my manual and look it over. Can't be too complicated (runs and knocks on wood).
Quote:
Originally Posted by lewster
Typical wiring mess that I deal with on an almost daily basis when doing a comprehensive solar installation.
I always clean up this wiring horror show be looking at the wire paths, disconnecting one wire at a time if necessary to rout all similar wires parallel to each other and avoid crossing paths.
Then, lots of zip ties and wire loom. With a bit of time, they actually clean up pretty nicely!!!
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I was going to PM you but I didn't want to be that guy always messaging you for free advice, so I thought I'd post out here in the forums and then hope Lew would reply.
Once I finish, I will try my best to post detailed photos. At least then, you can all laugh at me if I prove myself an idiot.
__________________
Family of 5 exploring the USA with a Ram Power Wagon & Airstream in tow.
OUR BLOG | INSTAGRAM
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05-31-2015, 08:53 PM
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#8
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Vintage Kin
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,014
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Have a look at Lewsters posts. Pics attached for his and for others. And Switz. And Uwe. And a host of others. I've saved quite a few over time. SteveBryant is another. The rebuild of his 34' is impressive. Great visuals for imagining your own.
I have had schematics for my different Silver Streaks, but this doesn't mean I haven't had to trace out via testing just what is what. OTOH I've not ever seen things look that bad in one of mine. You had to pay more for quality back when these were still in production.
RVs are difficult due to access, not to what is wired up. I'd say we all say a prayer as to what other owners have done when buying used.
And anything you can redo is worth the effort. I'm one of many who spec marine grade wiring (ANCOR); WEST MARINE or online sources like WAYTEK.
Looks like you'll be enjoying resto threads pretty soon. They are the hidden pleasure of this place.
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05-31-2015, 09:18 PM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
ottawa (greely)
, Ontario
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 390
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Your right about Mickey Mouse wiring your trailer he did mine two and also my 2012 also , I really could believe the mess , I come from a automotive background as a electrical ,fuel injecting , Etc ... Specialist and when I noticed how Mickey Mouse wired my 2012 a.c with the electrical box just pushed up in besides the a.c unit not even fastened and my hot water heater the electric 120 volts wired with no electrical box just marrettes I couldn't believe it ! Not sure if the manual for yours has a electrical schematic mine does but it a 2015 but Mickey also drew the schematic, you can clean up your electrical by starting with taking pictures then rewiring one wire at a time ! Good luck , oh once you clean up all that wiring mess ,with all that extra wire Mickey put in there your going to reduce your airstream weight ! Alright better fuel economy.
Don
__________________
2012 silverado ext cab 4x4 ,5.3 L , 6 speed trans,3:42 final drive,tow package standard box 6 1/2 foot . 2014 honda forza 300 scooter, #2 2015 honda crf 250 L (Dual sport)
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05-31-2015, 09:39 PM
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#10
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2 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Rochester
, New Hampshire
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 24
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Having worked in a Electronics Engineering Dept as a proto-type assembler, I used to have to make harnesses and cables and also solder to connectors and switches. If I had ever produced a mess like that, I would have been fired. Nothing but laziness here in that picture. Not impressed with the quality, does not even look like QC ever saw it. For what these units are sold for, they better get it together.
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05-31-2015, 09:54 PM
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#11
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Overland Adventurer
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
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Mickey Mouse Wired My Airstream! How to clean up the factory wiring?
I've seen new units and can say it is a shame the evolution of these hand crafted ships has morphed into such a mess! I have a early 90s Excella.... I can say with great pride, the wiring is beautiful! Everything is in looms, grommets, shrink wrap, soldered, bundled, and tied. Certainly a product of a different time. My ground buss is 10-8 awg, and hot runs are mostly 8 awg!
I recently modified my solar stuff and had the inner skin around the breaker panel off... Hidden behind the wall was beautifully hand run wiring, terminated with nice amp ring connectors.... All out if sight but nice, as though time wasn't money, and just because no one was looking! It's a shame, beautiful hand wiring is nothing but caring about how your work looks..... Simple, free craftsmanship!
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05-31-2015, 10:40 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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After looking at these....yours doesn't look so bad.....
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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05-31-2015, 10:42 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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Here's some done the right way!
BTW,
The second shot is from a 2000 watt solar array on a motor home that outputs over 100 amps to the batteries solely from the sun
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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05-31-2015, 10:48 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AtomicNo13
It could be worse! I'm curious, what's the plastic black box on the right?
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That box is where the 7-way trailer umbilical makes connection to the trailer wiring for running and brake lights, trailer brakes, TV charge line and the aux. circuit at the center of the 7-way plug.
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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06-01-2015, 12:50 AM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2005 25' Safari
Salem
, Oregon
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,367
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Hi, my trailer had a big box all the way across the front behind my Gaucho; This was for hiding the wires that were all in about a one foot area. Normally, [in my younger years] I would have redone everything. But since I don't have any problems with the wiring, I covered it back up with my new credenza.
__________________
Bob 2005 Safari 25-B
"Le Petit Chateau Argent" Small Silver Castle
2000 Navigator / 2014 F-150 Eco-Boost / Equal-i-zer / P-3
YAMAHA 2400 / AIR #12144
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06-01-2015, 06:35 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2011 34' Classic
Westchester Cty.NY
, / Miami FL
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,122
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i've seen spaghetti served more neatly than those wires. yes, i have a hive too.
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Ricky
2012 F150 Super Crew 5-1/2' bed Ecoboost 4x4 3.73 elec. lock diff. Propride hitch
give life. kidney & pancreas transplant 9/9/06
Ingrid-my unofficial '"World's Oldest Streamer" 1909-2008 R.I.P.
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06-01-2015, 06:52 AM
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#17
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Mantua
, Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,062
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Not to be contrary but the wireing may look terrible but does it not function okay? Seems most of the problems? people are having is when they are doing non stock installation,etc. the vast majority of us will never see this wireing and never have a problem..unless modified by themselves or a po. My opinion. Jim
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06-01-2015, 07:26 AM
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#18
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Rivet Master
1991 34' Excella
Princeton
, New Jersey
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,070
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90+% of the Airstream owners will never see the wiring work in their trailer. Those of us that have worked with such things see pictures like this as a general disrespect for the job.
A mechanic that is content to have his sloppy work hidden most likely is not doing quality work to begin with.
__________________
WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6
2004 Excursion 4x4
1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles
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06-01-2015, 07:46 AM
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#19
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Full Time Adventurer
2007 27' International CCD FB
Nomadic
, USA
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,748
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Kind of how I feel. I did video-teleconferencing in my early years to the USMC/USN distance learning program at FCTCLANT and eventually moved over to the install side and we did a lot of cabling setting up those systems and took pride in my cable runs. It was incredibly frustrating to come into a system to update and find wires just strung about and not labeled and made my job more difficult. I know that after I did a job, anyone could service or update my work expediently because we took the time to organize, label and route things so they we're just strung all over.
I totally get Jim's POV too. Yeah it all works, no one will see it. But I'll know it's there. And when I add too it my inverter and solar charge controller, I'll also know I didn't do it right or as good as I could.
__________________
Family of 5 exploring the USA with a Ram Power Wagon & Airstream in tow.
OUR BLOG | INSTAGRAM
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06-01-2015, 08:30 AM
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#20
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Rivet Master
1972 31' Sovereign
1975 31' Excella 500
Currently Looking...
Benton
, Arkansas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,868
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Just be glad that EVERYTHING does not go through a computer like modern cars....
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The fact that I am opinionated does not presuppose that I am wrong......
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