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Old 11-27-2009, 12:24 PM   #1
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1964 24' Tradewind
Orlando , Florida
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All 120V and NO 12V?

I am in the process of restoring a 1964 tradewind. I have it stripped down to the bare ribs and am getting ready to run new electrical. My wife and I will be living in it full time after we finish her. My question is, would it be ok to skip the 12V wiring and just wire the whole thing with 120V since we will be hooked up pretty much all the time. Even if were not hooked up to power and have a 12V system, we still cant use the AC, water heater, furnace etc. Is this just a newbie mistake to think that ALL 120V will work or has anyone tried it before, or seen it done or even heard of it being done. Thank you for all of your sage advice and I hope I dont come off sounding too ignorant.
Cody

P.S. when I got the interior skin off I noticed that there really wasnt any 12V wires anyway, accept for the exterior lights (tail lights, side markers etc.). Is it possible that there was no 12V system in the unit to begin with?
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Old 11-27-2009, 01:03 PM   #2
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I would sure wire it up for the 12 volt systems, especially since you have everything all stripped out. If you ever want to travel with this trailer, you are going to need a 12 volt system. Also, if you ever sell this trailer, a buyer is going to want it to be able to travel.

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Old 11-27-2009, 01:12 PM   #3
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Yes it is a newbee mistake.

There are several systems, lights, refg., and water pump that run off the 12 volts system. Even if you do not ever think you will need them the resale value of the trailer will definitely be effected.

If you have it open do it right.
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Old 11-27-2009, 01:44 PM   #4
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You also need 12v for the breakaway,if you have a newer fridge,you need 12v for the brain.Definately would rerun 12 v to even places you might not think you will need it.
Dave
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Old 11-27-2009, 01:59 PM   #5
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You are correct about not being able to run AC on 12-volts , but you need 12-volt capability to power the interior lights and the water pump. The furnace and refrigerator can run on LPG but typically need 12-volt support for operation.

If you're replacing the RV appliances with 120-volt units then this would not be an issue, but it would significantly hinder one's ability to boondock, and hurt re-sale value.

Just my humble opinion,

Kevin
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Old 11-27-2009, 02:12 PM   #6
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1964 24' Tradewind
Orlando , Florida
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Thank you all for your advice. It seems that I need to keep the 12V in the unit (again I apologize for sounding ignorant). With that said, does anyone know if there are complete lists of 12V and 120V appliances so I know exactly what I will need to wire for. Thanks again
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Old 12-09-2009, 02:35 PM   #7
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12V DC will consume far less power than any equivalent 120V AC device. Not only that, but your furnace blower, your thermostat relay, your exhaust fans, and pretty much any appliance you have that has an electric ignition for a pilot will absolutely need 12V DC; if you ever plan on upgrading any appliance, you should have 12V DC local to the appliance. If you are plugged in all the time, a single battery and battery charger anywhere on the line (connected in parallel) could supply all 12V DC in your trailer.

Besides the appliances, it's your call if you'd like exclusive 120VAC. But again in terms of power consumption, consider using 12VDC to at least power your lighting; LED's would be the obvious choice. If you want to get a good idea of the types of 12V DC appliances you can get, maybe try your local truck stop; most of those appliances utilize a cigarette lighter plug. You can get the female 12V cigarette lighter end anywhere car parts are sold: even Wal-Mart.

DC:
Exhaust Fans (ports, bathroom, stovetop)
Lights (wherever you want 'em)
LPG Appliances (wherever they are)
12V female cigarette lighter plugs (wherever you want to plug in a DC appliance)

AC:
Everything else

Good Luck!
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Old 12-09-2009, 02:59 PM   #8
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I know I'm chiming in late

BUT I will anyway.

I rarely feel as smug as when there is a power outage and everyone in stick houses are sitting in the dark and I have full power. Is this a petty reaction? Probably. Does that reduce my self satisfied feeling when it happens? Not one bit.
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