71 Streamline - Battery Negative to Frame

[Midnight Sun]

I am looking to replace the original "transformers" and battery charger with a modern converter but have come across a potential issue with my negative battery connection. The negative battery wire goes from the battery post to the frame and that's it. The battery charger and transformers and are then grounded to the frame/skin. I'm assuming all appliances are wired the same, grounding to the frame.

Will grounding to the frame work for a new converter? Or does a new negative cable need to be run to the new converter?

-Robert

[Al and Missy]

I have read that the older trailers used the frame/body for the negative side of lighting, etc. If everything works the way it is wired, just sire the new converter the same way.

[Midnight Sun]

Ok, thanks. I was hoping to just wire in a new converter but noticed the ground wiring from the battery and old transformers was right to the frame/body. I know this isn't the best route but I didn't know if I should wire up a new converter in this manner.

I'm looking to get the trailer's systems up and running so I can use her this summer and want to start with the electrical. The trailer originally came with one battery on the tongue and I plan to add an additional battery (possibly two 6V but haven't decided yet). A larger battery bank isn't worth it at this time I feel because I plan to mostly plug into a generator when needed or shore power.

A new converter to replace the old battery charger and transformers seemed like the best place to start but I'm wondering if new wiring needs to take happen first, both on the positive and negative side of things.

-Robert