Hi there people and happy holidays. I recently purchased a 1971 travel camper for next to nothing, I have allready gutted the camper out down to the studs and ins.took paneling out piece by piece so i can use the old panels as patterns for the new ones, there are a few things im stumped on but ill start with one for now. Electrical? I have done alot of home wiring and ect. but im not sure about this and i want to it right of course, converters, ect. any help would be great (websites, books ect.)xxxxxxxx

 

You don't mention if you have a converter or not and what the use for the trailer is going to be. If traveling you should use an inverter, if not then you probably don't need one.
Mark Livingston puts out a series of rv books that should help a lot.
If stationary there is no need for 12v lighting.
Most of the older travel trailer units have websites or for general info try escapees.com

 

First of all, if your going to be using it for what it was made for, you'll need a converter, not an inverter. If unit already has one, and it's working, great, if not, let's see what your intentions are for the trailer, then go from there. Will you have access to hydro at all times? Will you have access to a city water hook-up? Would you like to have 12 volt lights working etc., in case of a power failure? Do I still want my toilet, water supply etc to work when hydro goes out?
Let us know, then we can supply some suggestions. Please keep in mind, your main appliances such as radio/stereo, furnace, water heater, fridge, might require 12VDC, and any changes to that will obviously up the cost of your rebuild.

 

hi there. yes im going to be using it for what it was made for not on long trips though,it doesnt have a converter, i was thinking of just using a portable toilet, i think it would be easier to maintain and it would mainly be for my three and four year olds. i would like to have all the necces. including water hookup lighting and i have a propane stove in it, electric fridge,would also like to be able to have a hookup for generator, but not real sure how to hook all of this up, water(i did take the old METAL holding tank out and plan to get a plastic abs tank) and where would be a good place to look at foam for beds and seating? I did purchase a book by Livingston (RV repair and Maintance) good book got it on e-bay for 0.59 cents yes that is correct. I am just looking at all my options on this rebuild! Thank you

 

Sorry, in my answer I meant a converter and I wrote an inverter. Most of the older trailers did not have a converter but had an electrical box with fuses.
There is a store called JoAnns and the store deals with fabrics and foams of all densities. Last time I priced a very dense foam peice of 4x8' it was over $200. If you live near a big city it can be had for way less.