Post by bretso on Sept 16, 2011 0:44:22 GMT -5
I'm contemplating a 12V conversion. There is only one DC dome light in my Shasta 1400 and I plan on boondocking it a bit next spring. I need just enough light to eat and cook and read a book and perhaps listen to some music. Max 4 days at a time in the boonies.
I'll be using a total of 5 led light fixtures and a car stereo. A pretty low power usage system that draws maybe 25AH a day or less.
I have two questions that I've seen some back and forth arguing on while reading other forums. Namely, Electricians on other forums have stated that it's a fire hazard to run 12V DC on 110V wiring or that voltage drops over romex wire are too great for 12V. Since you guys are the experts on Shasta trailers I figured you might have some more relevant input vs. some random electrical forums.
1) If I buy 12V conversion bulbs and screw them in to the 110v fixtures, will the old AC wiring be OK running on 12V DC power if the lights only draw a very small amount of power? All I'd have to do is pull the wiring out of the AC system and attach them to the 12V fuse box I'm installing. .... right?
2) Since everything will be wired for 12V, will a product like the Battery Doctor be sufficient once we have parked it at home and connected to the shore power? It has a very small amp rating but advertises all of the features I need. 3-stage charging & etc. Will it be OK to use this thing indefinitely once we have it parked for the winter, using the lights while the charger is plugged in?
Thanks in advance! ;D
I'll be using a total of 5 led light fixtures and a car stereo. A pretty low power usage system that draws maybe 25AH a day or less.
I have two questions that I've seen some back and forth arguing on while reading other forums. Namely, Electricians on other forums have stated that it's a fire hazard to run 12V DC on 110V wiring or that voltage drops over romex wire are too great for 12V. Since you guys are the experts on Shasta trailers I figured you might have some more relevant input vs. some random electrical forums.
1) If I buy 12V conversion bulbs and screw them in to the 110v fixtures, will the old AC wiring be OK running on 12V DC power if the lights only draw a very small amount of power? All I'd have to do is pull the wiring out of the AC system and attach them to the 12V fuse box I'm installing. .... right?
2) Since everything will be wired for 12V, will a product like the Battery Doctor be sufficient once we have parked it at home and connected to the shore power? It has a very small amp rating but advertises all of the features I need. 3-stage charging & etc. Will it be OK to use this thing indefinitely once we have it parked for the winter, using the lights while the charger is plugged in?
Thanks in advance! ;D