Electrical System in 1964 Compact -Can I add 12v?

[adagiodream]

I'm not an electrician...but I think I've figured out one thing about my new 1964 Shasta Compact...I'm not going to have lights when I'm camping "in the ruff".

It seems that the Sweet Thing is only wired for 110. So here are my questions:

How difficult is it to add a 12v system that would run from a small battery?

How large a battery is necessary to run the 2 lights in the evening, a small fan in the ceiling vent and perhaps charge a phone or listen to the radio? Oh...and there are the awning lights!

Could that battery be charged while my vehicle is running?

Could that battery be charged by a small solar panel?

How is this 12v addition made...do you recommend it?

Generally...I avoid camp grounds so I'm accustomed to tent camping. The Sweet Shasta is a real step up...and I'm comfortable with propane lanterns and battery operated lights. But, I know someone out there has a few ideas for me.

Thanks bunches!
Lisa

[Gone Kayaking]

This is essentially what I did. There are lots of websites devoted to this and it took me a long time to figure out what I wanted to do. I switched the existing light fixtures to 12 v (new 12v LED light bulbs with socket bases from West Marine) with new 12 v wiring. I kept a couple of 110 outlets and fuse box for when I'm on shore power. Got 2 group 24 AGM deep cycle batteries (one is probably enough) a charger /converter/maintainer to keep the batteries charged up when not boondocking. ANd finally an inverter to charge my laptop or plug in other 110 appliances if needed. I did have an electrician wire it all up cause I'm scared of electrocuting myself.

Here's pics of what I did Please look through the posts from others on this.topic in the electrical section.
The whole set up under the street side dinette (the outlet for shore power is mounted underneath trailer with a waterproof cover)



A good place to start on the web is www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm and www.macandchris.com/RVInverters.htm
and www.rvdoctor.com/2011/02/agm-batteries-for-motorhome.html
www.phrannie.org/battery.html

Read more: vintageshasta.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=generalelectricaldiscussion&action=display&thread=2384#ixzz1YMLoeRcD

[vikx]

It's not difficult to add a 12 volt system and I recommend it. You will need one deep cycle battery, group 24, a fuse block and a battery maintainer.

Wiring must be added for each fixture. The cigar plug can go in the dinette; the lights generally go on the ceiling. A little harder to run the wires. Each needs both a hot and ground wire.

A 7 way plug on both the trailer and vehicle is necessary to charge the battery on the road.

A small solar panel will barely trickle charge the battery in full sun and will not provide enough power to run a 12 volt system.

If your awning lights are 110, an inverter will work but take a lot out of the battery. Best to save them for the Campground.

[vikx]

Here is a picture of a simple system in the dinette. The battery is on the tongue.

The L bracket is connecting the grounds. The orange object is the battery maintainer.

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