-
On to the roof lights. I decided to put the switch on the inside of the camper, just in case I wanted to turn on the lights when things go bump in the night outside.
This is the reason I hate those quick splice connectors. They cut through the wires which weaken the wire and could eventually break completely.
http://antinode.smugmug.com/photos/i...-zTD5TzF-L.jpg
Properly soldered and self vulcanizing tape protected.
http://antinode.smugmug.com/photos/i...-gGRQRcz-L.jpg
Here's the switch location, well within reach from outside the door.
http://antinode.smugmug.com/photos/i...-B4SqzrX-L.jpg
To get the wiring up to the roof, I took a queue from the way Coleman did it and ran it through the seams of the canvas.
http://antinode.smugmug.com/photos/i...-wDSXRH6-L.jpg
http://antinode.smugmug.com/photos/i...-xDrBM2j-L.jpg
Here's how I mounted and sealed the lights to the roof.
http://antinode.smugmug.com/photos/i...-DCSRxFp-L.jpg
With some scrap steel I had laying around, I made a backing plate to distribute the load of the nut
http://antinode.smugmug.com/photos/i...-xfVRsSk-L.jpg
This is what it looks like on the inside
http://antinode.smugmug.com/photos/i...-mmhjzmQ-L.jpg
-
And finally after all that work, it all pays off. Here's what the whole thing looks like.
http://antinode.smugmug.com/photos/i...-29Vrb23-L.jpg
http://antinode.smugmug.com/photos/i...-P2dBNGm-L.jpg
I guess you all want to see what they look like at night.
Backup lights only.
http://antinode.smugmug.com/photos/i...-sZ4xCjF-L.jpg
Side lights only.
http://antinode.smugmug.com/photos/i...-vvcqTJg-L.jpg
And both at the same time.
http://antinode.smugmug.com/photos/i...-Rs2vh9h-L.jpg
I'm pretty sure I heard the Hallelujah song playing when I flipped the switch, despite being in the middle of nowhere.
-
lookin good there Steve! :)
-
That's what I'm talking about...nice work Steve! There is nothing quite like good lighting when camping.
-
Looks good Steve.
So are these powered off the house batteries? With 4, or 2 and 2, do you have a junction block or relays?
-
Nah, it's only got 1 deep cycle 12V battery, but yes, that's what's powering them. I installed a fuse block inside, but since they're only drawing 2.6 amps per pair, I didn't relay it. Instead, I fused them to 5 or 7.5 amps.
I'm not sure what the next mod will be yet, but still on the list are steps, an awning, 12V water pump, water heater, shocks, BAL leveler. Highest on the list are BAL leveler, which is a sort of jack that makes leveling easier, or steps. With almost 2 feet of step in height, my knees aren't going to last too long.