wiring reccomendations for lights

duckrunner · 10-18-2003, 12:28 AM

I just bought a 1967 Sovereign, and have finished ripping out all the smelly furniture, three rotting subfloors, and various other undesireable things. I am planning to refurbish the airstream with a semi-modern look, maintaining the room structure, but with modern appliances (I am building a house, and need the airstream to live in while I build the house).

I'm wondering what wire type is best for the exterior (running) lights, the tail lights, and for overhead light fixtures. I'd like to install it while I have the interior paneling and insulation off. I'm new to the forum, but I've definitely admired how much detail folks are able to contribute, and I'd sure appreciate a little advice from a true amateur. Thanks!

Tin Hut · 10-18-2003, 11:23 AM

I've got a 67 Tradewind. Mine has aluminum wiring and yours may too. If all panels are off you might consider rewiring all with copper. Otherwise you'll have to pigtail connectors after cleaning them to prevent copper to alum oxidation.

Silver Bullet · 10-18-2003, 01:12 PM

rewire with copper. Al. has been a "fire" issue in Mobile homes for years. That's why it didn't last long for Mobile home wiring. If mine (AS) had Al in it, I would have replaced it immediately!

Oscar

74Argosy24MH · 10-18-2003, 01:45 PM

For your 12v wiring use the best wire you can find, it is hard to get at between the skins. Run a few spares as you go, it will make repair or upgrades a lot easier in the future. Use good grommets where you go through the ribs. I glued mine with weatherstrip adhesive, quite a few of the originals had come out. Keep the 2 voltages seperated as much as possible. Draw a rough schematic, that way you don't miss any wiring and you know what it is when the skin goes back on. Now is the best time to install phone, cable tv, etc.

John