12vdc circuit question

[Rabbit 16v]

Hi Everyone, new here. We are working on our 67 Globetrotter preparing it for the summer. I was hoping maybe someone might be able to direct me to a junction point in the wiring that feeds the light in the service area, the bathroom power, and the scare light. PO did some really nasty wiring including using red for power and ground in his attempt at installing a water heater.

here is the story:

Everything worked fine until I touched it, haha! I was attempting to get the on demand water heater working and during the process one of the POs terrible wiring crimps shorted on the pipe feeding the heater. Very brief period of shorting to which I quickly moved the wire out of the pipe. I then remove all of the POs wiring with the intent to rewire this area properly. So, after I remove all of his wiring from the service area including the tape and wire nuts, the bathroom power does not work at all. Checked fuses (aftermarket), checked wiring to where it goes into the wall above the left side wheel hump. Power is present to that point. If I apply power to the two wires in the service area, everything works.

Here is the anomaly. I removed power from the service area, and everything kept working! For a few minutes. Then it shut off. There is an LED light in the bathroom ceiling and it was flickering right before it all shut off which leads me to think there is a corroded or poor connection somewhere under the inner skin. I have spent a couple of hours searching for this potential junction point but to no avail. I am hoping someone might know the approximate are that could check for a poor connection. Thanks!

[Rich W]

I think there is some confusion in your explanation. I don't think we're getting a clear picture. Speaking of a clear picture, for the next time , take a picture of the area you're unsure of or getting ready to disassemble. Before taking anything apart I pull out my cell phone and take a photo.

What is the "service area" and where / how did you apply power to what two wires? Can you provide a picture of that area?

Then you removed this power from the two wires and everything still works???

Finally, can you provide some pictures of where you are working? I'm not getting much from service area and left side wheel hump. Are you restoring this AS or have you taken out walls and such? I think pictures might help a lot.

[Rabbit 16v]

Thanks for the reply. Sorry if my description was not clear enough. This trailer is also my first camping trailer so my terminology may be off.

When I mention service area, I am referencing the access panel in the rear where the black water drain, fresh water shore connection, and 120vac shore connection are accessed.

When I removed the power from the two wires that appear to be original (black/white with aluminium conductors) that drop down into the service area directly behind the license plate light, the circuit in question stayed powered up for a short period of time. Then it stopped working by itself and I can now only get it to work by applying power to the wires by the plate light.

I am not restoring, per se, Im just trying to get it functional for now. All walls and camper stuff is still installed.

I will grab some pics when I get home in a little bit.

Thanks again!

[Rabbit 16v]

Ok, well of course it decided to fix itself while I was at work. Came home to the vent fan happily running and the bathroom lights on. Guess I forgot to turn those off. Anyway, here are pics of what I was referencing as the service area and the left wheel hump where the wires go into the inner skin. In the pic, you cant quite see it, but directly where it goes between the seat and the wall it goes straight into the wall (the wiring bundle).

[batman]

Looks like you found the wire junction, lol. There is no telling what your PO did with the wiring, Or better yet, What he didn't do. I would say get a decent Multi Meter it's going to be your best friend for this project. Bad crimps, Loose connections, Grounding issues, Ah I remember it well. One issue at a time! Best of luck.

-Dennis

[Rabbit 16v]

Yes, that is the conundrum at hand. I really am trying to find out the original junctions if possible. Obviously, the PO did a number on things. I have about four various Fluke meters, so the test equipment is in no short supply haha..

thanks though and I hope to find out what happens after that rats nest enters the wall. Trying to avoid tearing it all out as its in nice shape. If I dont luck out with info, I might send a fibre optic camera up in there to see what I can find.

[batman]

Rabbit, I like the camera idea. I have used them many times in commercial applications (Running CAT 6A For data and security cams). Never on an AS. ​

In most cases the issue is at one end or the other of the wire run. Hopefully they didn't leave any blind connections inside the walls so you wont have to get that far into it. If you do, at least you will have a clear picture of what's inside your walls, lol.

-Dennis

[Rabbit 16v]

Hi Dennis, yeah, thats the hope. Im sure its a poor connection somewhere. just not sure where. Hopefully its right where I cant see it and relatively easily accessed. Of course its been working for two days now haha

-chris