1968 Trade Wind Electrical Upgrade

[OKC]

I am currently gutting my newly purchased 1968 Trade Wind.

I am wanting to replace all electrical systems and update with the latest/greatest wiring, converter, sensors, LED lighting on dimmers, etc.

Has anyone done this? Has anyone made detailed drawings, parts used, location of said parts, etc?

I'm wanting to do this restoration, the "right" way.

Thanks for all you input and advice!

[bababouy]

I just purchased a 1968 international and im getting ready to do the same thing. The interior is original and the rear floor is rotted with a rusty frame.

[haggerty]

I too have purchased a vintage As that is all original. A 1962 safari 22'. I purchased a few months ago and have been trying to soak up all the info I can about doing a complete frame off restoration. Any luck finding info about updating/rewiring?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Up dating the electrical systems on older Airstream, is not really a huge problem.

One of the simple ways, is to purchase a "service book" for a 1975 to 1980.

That book will show what was installed in those coaches when manufactured.

Up grading the "Univolt" from the older 12-19 volt AC transformer or the original 30 amp Univolt, to what is very common today, namely a 55 or 60 ampere Univolt. Installing a separate fuse panel for it in a convenient place, is a good idea.

Use a 12 volt fuse panel that is of good quality to avoid down the road failures.

Certainly replace the circuit breaker panel with one that has 4 circuit breakers in it.

1 30 amp main, and 3 20 amp individual breakers. One for the AC, one for the left side of the trailer, and one for the right side of the trailer.

Make SUPER SURE that all wiring within the walls, goes through grommets.

Andy

[markdoane]

I'd suggest you update to 50a 120/240ac. Then you have all the powe you need to run the air conditioner, microwave, hair dryers, coffee pot and water heater.
If you're gonna start over, why not go top drawer.
Unfortunately I don't have drawings or parts lists. Those things cost money.
When I did what you're doing I ran all the 120vac as MC wiring (armored, with ground), and all the 12vdc in plastic conduit. Conduit is nice if you need to change anything.
I bought the AC panel and DC panel from Progressive Dynamics.

[haggerty]

Thanks for the tips guys. I plan on installing solar system and maybe a magnum inverter. Or would it better with just a converter? I do plan on having air conditioning and a small flat screen tv. Also I have this idea about hooking up a small wind turbine where the antenna used to be. The antenna was located by the front close to the hitch. Antenna is no longer there but the brackets are still there. Wondering if the wind turbine would vibrate too much and cause issues.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by haggerty

Thanks for the tips guys. I plan on installing solar system and maybe a magnum inverter. Or would it better with just a converter? I do plan on having air conditioning and a small flat screen tv. Also I have this idea about hooking up a small wind turbine where the antenna used to be. The antenna was located by the front close to the hitch. Antenna is no longer there but the brackets are still there. Wondering if the wind turbine would vibrate too much and cause issues.

Depends on how you're going to be using your trailer. Solar is great (obviously) but not needed for everyone. If you plan to be off grid for significant amounts of time, your system should start with a realistic assessment of your electrical needs. From that, you can gauge the size of the required battery bank and depending on the appliances you will be using, whether a Magnum inverter/charger makes sense.

It's a process….but your have to start somewhere.

Also, if you are doing a full re-wire, I would strongly suggest using marine wire instead of Romex….which in IMPO, has no place in a moving, vibrating RV…..ANYWHERE!!