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Old 08-15-2011, 08:43 PM   #1
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Need help on a very simple 12 volt setup, please.

I have my bus wired completely for 110 AC. When I am boondocking, as I do 97.452% of the time, I use deep-cycle batteries and power inverters to run lights, stereo, etc. Last year I acquired a 1987 26-foot Layton travel trailer. I realized how efficient its 12 volt system is for operating a fan and lights, versus the above-mentioned system in my bus. I would like to run a very basic 12 volt system and I need help. I want to have my battery, obviously, with 16 gauge wiring running the length of the bus. Along the way, I want two 12 volt interior RV-style lights and one 12 volt socket for charging cell phones and so forth. Maybe a small 12 volt fan in there, too. It's a simple system. But I want my system protected with a fuse. Could someone please tell me what type of fuse I need and where it should fit into my setup? Thanks for your help.

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Old 08-15-2011, 08:57 PM   #2
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Re: Need help on a very simple 12 volt setup, please.

Instead of fuses, I went with 12 volt marine circuit breakers. They are a little more up front, but keeps you from having to stock fuses and keep up with them. You can find them on eBay for a resonable price. As for the size of the fuse or breaker, it all depends on the device you are putting on it, check to see what they recommend. If you are pulling some stuff out of the Layton, or trying to copy it, check the fuses it has. As for the 12 sockets, check your car's fuse panel, mine has a 5 amp.
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Old 08-15-2011, 09:18 PM   #3
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Re: Need help on a very simple 12 volt setup, please.

Ok, thanks. I'll check the fuses in the Layton when I can locate the fuse panel. I know there's one in there somewhere.
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Old 08-16-2011, 09:44 AM   #4
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Re: Need help on a very simple 12 volt setup, please.

Whether you are using fuses or circuit breakers, keep in mind the fuses are meant to protect the wire, not the components. Place the circuit breaker / fuse as close to the source of power as possible. You don't want a short circuit to turn a length of wire into a makeshift fuse.
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Old 08-16-2011, 09:03 PM   #5
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Re: Need help on a very simple 12 volt setup, please.

I've heard most trailers are wired with 16 gauge wiring. Is this true?
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Old 08-17-2011, 10:58 AM   #6
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Re: Need help on a very simple 12 volt setup, please.

depends on what the wire is hooked to. I HOPE they consider the max load when stringing lights etc.
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Old 08-17-2011, 10:48 PM   #7
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Re: Need help on a very simple 12 volt setup, please.

Go LED lights. even if you have a reading light-light over the stove etc.-you don't have to use those all the time. I have a couple of 7 light strips facing up reflecting off the ceiling-it lights the bus with nice indirect light. And burns very little volts.
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