Wire AWG (gauge) needed for full restoration.

[briheath]

I am in the process of doing a frame up on my 65 AS tradewind. Could anybody help me with the wire gauge for the trailer. I am replacing all the wire everywhere. I already know the circuits inside use 12 and 14 gauge I will be putting in all 12 gauge inside. What I can't tell is what gauge the wire is for the exterior lights and the wire to the univolt (which will be replaced). Plus the water pump (I figured I would 12 Awg here. Also I need to find out the wire gauge for all the wires under the trailer (yellow,brown,green,red,etc). I have the original manuals which show me the wiring diagram but I can't find any info on the wire gauge. I looked on the wire itself but there is no sign of any writing anywhere. Any help would be greatly apreciated.

Thank You
Brian

[thecatsandi]

Originally Posted by briheath

I am in the process of doing a frame up on my 65 AS tradewind. Could anybody help me with the wire gauge for the trailer. I am replacing all the wire everywhere. I already know the circuits inside use 12 and 14 gauge I will be putting in all 12 gauge inside. What I can't tell is what gauge the wire is for the exterior lights and the wire to the univolt (which will be replaced). Plus the water pump (I figured I would 12 Awg here. Also I need to find out the wire gauge for all the wires under the trailer (yellow,brown,green,red,etc). I have the original manuals which show me the wiring diagram but I can't find any info on the wire gauge. I looked on the wire itself but there is no sign of any writing anywhere. Any help would be greatly apreciated.

Thank You
Brian

Brian,
In my 06 it seems they used 12 guage stranded for everything not "high" current.

The Unitvolt to the breaker panel say 2 guage.
The Battery to the univolt 2 guage as well. 2 guage should handle over 100 Amps DC.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by briheath

I am in the process of doing a frame up on my 65 AS tradewind. Could anybody help me with the wire gauge for the trailer. I am replacing all the wire everywhere. I already know the circuits inside use 12 and 14 gauge I will be putting in all 12 gauge inside. What I can't tell is what gauge the wire is for the exterior lights and the wire to the univolt (which will be replaced). Plus the water pump (I figured I would 12 Awg here. Also I need to find out the wire gauge for all the wires under the trailer (yellow,brown,green,red,etc). I have the original manuals which show me the wiring diagram but I can't find any info on the wire gauge. I looked on the wire itself but there is no sign of any writing anywhere. Any help would be greatly apreciated.

Thank You
Brian

The exterior lights can all be wired with # 12 wire which is larger than Airstream used.

The largest wires are those from the battery to the univolt, and from the univolt to the front connector, which is the charge line. Typically a #8 would be fine.

Also the ground wire from the univolt, which carries all the return current, should be a #8 or even better, a #6.

Andy

[briheath]

Thanks Andy and Michelle. Do you think I should use tinned wire or would plain copper be fine?

Andy I will be in touch soon to make some much needed upgrades.

Brian

[thecatsandi]

Originally Posted by briheath

Thanks Andy and Michelle. Do you think I should use tinned wire or would plain copper be fine?

Andy I will be in touch soon to make some much needed upgrades.

Brian

Tinned is more marine or aerospace grade. It will take much longer for it to corrode. Use it if you can afford it.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by briheath

Thanks Andy and Michelle. Do you think I should use tinned wire or would plain copper be fine?

Andy I will be in touch soon to make some much needed upgrades.

Brian

Regular good grade stranded wire is fine.

The quality of the insulation must be very good.

Tinned wire costs more, and is usually used where corrosion could be a problem.

I don't know of any RV manufacturer that used tinned wire.

Andy

[thecatsandi]

Marine or aerospace grade wire will have thicker or tougher insulation.