Electrical system renovation

[youngmg69]

Hey All,

Looking for some advise. I have a 57' FC 20' gutted and am starting the electrical rough in. A few questions have come up. Battery placement. Will weight be an issue if placed on the street side? Fresh water is already under the front bench but batteries may fit as well there. I have uploaded a sketch/wiring diagram to help understand. I am think of starting with 2 6v batteries but may move tot 4 as in the sketch. Also I have 12 gauge stranded wire available and it seems as though it should work for the entire dc system lights, ignitions for fridge, water heater, water pump and the composting toilet fan. As far as circuits go is there a general rule about number of puck lights that can go on a circuit. I was thinking no more then 8 it looks like they each draw .25 amps it does seem like you could have quite a few more per circuit.

[57Vintage]

Center location of the batteries makes leveling the load from side to side easier, but I would suggest you also look at the weight of other components such as frig, water, heater furnace (any heavy item mounted on the side of the trailer) and see what effect they have. You don't have as much leeway in placing appliances as you do the batteries. Also keep in mind that placing 4 batteries at the front may increase your tongue weight more than desired. This may seem like over kill, but I think its important to balance the load. Not only, to maintain proper tongue weight, but also from side to side.

Regarding your wiring, keep in mind that gauge not only depends on load of the item but also the length of your circuit and voltage drop loss %. Look up all the manufacturers specs and length of your circuit to make sure 12 gauge is adequate. Charts are readily available to assist in determine wire gauge. Here's one from a marine manufacturer that I use.
https://www.bluesea.com/resources/1437

Also your connections between each battery and from the batteries to your electrical panel requires a lot larger gauge. There are some great pros on the forum that will keep you on track (I am not one of them, just a novice trying to learn what I can from them).