Quote:
Originally Posted by mdbutler79
I am reading through many of the discussions and while I still have some to go, I have questions I'm not finding clear answers on.
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For the most part, there are no clear answers because every situation/installation is different. A lot of people have been frustrated looking for "the answer" when it always depends on many factors. If you've never spent time in a motorhome, I would think it will be very difficult to know what you want/need. So, it will be trial and error. I like to design the entire system before starting on it. Many times the choices are intertwined. However; this is not the required approach - especially if your 'wants' are unknown.
My desired electrical system is documented here:
Electrical System Design - JdFinley.com
It is not for everyone and it is not cheap. However; it is what I 'wanted' based on living in motorhomes for a few years.
If you just asking about a simple 120VAC system to run your house items from shore power and do not want to worry about a battery bank, battery monitor, solar panels/charger, generator, etc... right now, the cost is not huge (IMHO). You'll need a breaker box/panel, breakers, a bunch of 12/3 or 14/3 wire, and wall sockets/boxes/plates. Some people run their wiring in conduit, some don't - I didn't. You'll also need a way to connect shore power to the breaker panel. Obviously the cost of this varies based on the number of circuits, length of wire, etc. but you'll probably spend several hundred dollars (the circuit breakers seem to be the most expensive items).
There are a number of decisions mixed into the above - what kind of wall boxes, what size/gauge of wire, how big of a breaker panel (how many circuits), etc... Once you work your way thru that, you'll probably have a much better understanding of AC wiring.
Running all the wire is probably the most time consuming task and anyone can do that. Actually stripping wire and hooking it up is actually pretty relaxing work (IMHO, at least compared to pulling the wire!).
I suppose a warning is in order. If none of this sounds like "fun", a DIY project may not be for you. Because, after the 120VAC system, you get to do the same with the 12VDC system, the plumbing system, the heating system, the cooling system, etc... There is nothing wrong with a motorhome where all of the work has been done and you just get to enjoy it (even a motorhome requires plenty of understanding/maintenance).
Not sure any of this helps... I think I was rambling... Sorry...