Complete Rewire

[64TrotterAtl]

I am in the planning stage of re-wiring my 64 GT. I cannot seem to find threads where people have documented the upgrade and complete rewire with pictures. I am going to be adding a converter/inverter, new panels, all new wiring. But, I really need to educate myself before doing all of this, not that I am ignorant, but I want to visualize what others have done.

Please help, ANdrew

[overlander63]

Are you going to rewire 120 volt, or 12 volt only? If you are going to remove interior panels to rewire one, you should rewire both.
The 12 volt feeds go down the center top panel, and branch off from there. You could "pull" the wires down from the center to whatever you are wanting to rewire, it may help keep panel removal to a minimum. 120 is a slightly different story.

[64TrotterAtl]

After researching over the last 24 hours, I am going to rewire everything with a 50 amp service that has 120 volt and 12 volt. Mainly the 120 will run the fridge, ac, outlet for laptop, an outlet for a microwave and an outlet for a toaster oven. I am going to add a GFI outlet for outside power. The 12 volt will run the lights, water pump, etc...What are your thoughts

[69AmbassFl]

Yes if you are going to do a rewire might as well do everything including the trailer running lights and turn/ brake lights, clearance lights. If you are pulling the interior apart just replace the wires one or two at a time, or mark what wires go where so you don't get lost in the middle of rewire. Take lots of pictures before you start, there will be 12 volt wires running everywhere, from fuse panel to lights,fans,fridge, and to water pump,furnace, and ac controls(thermostat). If you are gonna replace the convertor and 12 volt fuse panel start there and document your wire colors and where they went and from what fuse, this will help in later diagnosis if something should go wrong in future. If everthing in trailer gonna stay in same area;IE fridge,water pump,fans ect, i wouldn't just rip everthing out at once. Just go at it slow and replace wires 2 or 3 at a time.

[65CV]

I haven't started the wiring yet. Just finished skin replacement.

Here's a draft that, honestly, I haven't looked at for months. Time to start thinking about it soon!

Note that it doesn't include brakes or running lights.

John

[65CV]

... I should say that the schematic on the previous post is for a 17' Caravel, 2 gaucho model.
We became convinced at the open house at the Vintage Trailer Jam to do a dinette, but haven't updated the design.

John

[87MH]

Originally Posted by 64TrotterAtl

After researching over the last 24 hours, I am going to rewire everything with a 50 amp service that has 120 volt and 12 volt. Mainly the 120 will run the fridge, ac, outlet for laptop, an outlet for a microwave and an outlet for a toaster oven...What are your thoughts

Instead of a single 50 amp, why not wire up a 30 and an additional 20 amp line? Many campgrounds only offer a limited number of 50 amp connections - the 30/20 split would seem to be more versatile.

When I redid the Sovereign I installed an additional 20 amp connection...http://www.airforums.com/forums/f219...ign-14737.html ...#45 and #46. The extra 20 amp service is for the electric/gas water heater, but the second entrance line may well do double duty if I would mount a second AC on the unit - of course, the second AC would not be necessary on your Caravel.

With either connection (30/20) you still could only operate one major power draw (AC, Water Heater, MicroWave, Toaster, etc) on each service, but with the two services things are much more easily deployed.

A 50 amp adapter with two pigtails (a 30 AND a 20 amp amp line) does not take up too much room when travelling.

Do not scrimp on the gauge of the electrical lines - use a 10 guage line for the 20 amp line, and a #6 or a #8 for the 30 amp side.

[64TrotterAtl]

So, I am not sure if I actually need the 30/20 split. I am really thinking that a 30 would be sufficient. My electrician buddy was telling me to do the 50 amp service.

In terms of converters/inverters, what is a good option for me, something that will charge my batteries (3 stage charger). I have seen some that cost $1,500, and I definitely don't want to spend that much. Is there a powerfull model that offers me everything that a $1,500 inverter/charger offers?

I am going to look over the schematic that was provided in an earlier reply to this thread. I am just now finishing up putting the shell back onto my new subfloors. You can see the blog on the portal page "64 GT Restoration"

Anyone want to sell me on a inverter/converter with all the bells and whistles, for a good price??? please, Andrew

[1956Safari]

Yes, lets keep this thread going. I too have to rewire everything. Was planning on power washing the interior first. Just worried about loosing track of all the old wires and their routes.

[Aage]

Originally Posted by 1956Safari

Yes, lets keep this thread going. I too have to rewire everything. Was planning on power washing the interior first. Just worried about loosing track of all the old wires and their routes.
Attachment 67160

Jeez, it looks like you already did powerwash the inside! Très clean.

[DEITZ645]

Adnrew,
Have you checked out Bestconverter.com? Randy is a forum member and has quite a selection of converters, inverters, and chargers. He is also reasonably priced and quite knowledgeable.

[64TrotterAtl]

Originally Posted by DEITZ645

Adnrew,
Have you checked out Bestconverter.com? Randy is a forum member and has quite a selection of converters, inverters, and chargers. He is also reasonably priced and quite knowledgeable.

I am going to check his website out right now. Thanks in advance.
I finished my sub-floor install today. Black tank is in place and the floors are attached. Now it is time to put the shell back on and have it look like an airstream again.

Sorry, off the subject. Anywho, I will let you all know what I decide to install, or rather, what I find is the best for my situation.

[ductwrap]

Great Thread!! How much did you spend on the full rewire? Thinking of doing this to my 66 GT but dont want to spread myself to thin.