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Old 05-10-2011, 06:25 PM   #1
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PLanning the electrical and network systems

We are in the final stages of planning our "RB-50" type build, and I would like some ideas and experiences about how many connections and what locations are good for electrical and network outlets.

We will not have an inverter. 120v power will only be available if we camp with a hookup. Although I suppose we could add an inverter later.

#1 - where is a good location for the power panel and battery charger/converter? I have seen it in the far rear driver's side corner but that area is where we will store heavy dirty objects.
- Where should 12v outlets be located and how many?
- Is there any better type of 12v outlet except the cigar lighter type? Those suck.
- Where should 120v outlets be located and how many?
- Will I need a network inlet or are most RV parks wireless?
- Should I install any permanent network or wireless devices during the initial build? We don't have any firm plans to use it but eventually may want to do something.
- Any experience with cell phone booster systems? We will have a fixed fiberglass top, not sure how an antenna would work.
- Anybody know what kind of wires work for the remote cameras? Will ethernet wires work?

Thanks mates!!

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Old 05-10-2011, 06:52 PM   #2
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Re: PLanning the electrical and network systems

Quote:
Originally Posted by dhally
- where is a good location for the power panel and battery charger/converter? I have seen it in the far rear driver's side corner but that area is where we will store heavy dirty objects.
Wherever you can see it/access it and it is convenient to wire it

Quote:
- Where should 12v outlets be located and how many?
At least 4 of them front r/l, rear r/l

Quote:
- Is there any better type of 12v outlet except the cigar lighter type? Those suck.
They suck, but most 12V acc items come with that plug. It is convenient.

Quote:
- Where should 120v outlets be located and how many?
I've never needed a 120V outlet. Don't plug in and don't have an inverter.

Quote:
- Will I need a network inlet or are most RV parks wireless?
I've found WIFI anywhere they have internet available at the site.

Quote:
- Should I install any permanent network or wireless devices during the initial build? We don't have any firm plans to use it but eventually may want to do something.
That one is your choice.

Quote:
- Any experience with cell phone booster systems? We will have a fixed fiberglass top, not sure how an antenna would work.
No input

Quote:
- Anybody know what kind of wires work for the remote cameras? Will ethernet wires work?
I used a Wireless remote camera. All it needed was 12V and gnd. Almost any kind of wire would work.


Mike
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Old 05-10-2011, 08:26 PM   #3
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Re: PLanning the electrical and network systems

Quote:
Originally Posted by dhally
- Where should 12v outlets be located and how many?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350
At least 4 of them front r/l, rear r/l
I hadn't thought about installing any near the back door but it makes sense since that will be the "workshop" area.

Quote:
- Where should 120v outlets be located and how many?[quote:mzy6m798]I've never needed a 120V outlet. Don't plug in and don't have an inverter.
[/quote:mzy6m798]
Our only need for a 120v outlet I can think of is to use an electric heater when our house guests are using the van for a guest bedroom. We could possibly use 120vac at home to cool down the 3-way refrigerator before a trip.

I guess I should also ask is do people use the 120vac/12vdc converter/battery charger? Our first 2 camper vans did not have one, and we didn't seem to need one, mainly because the van was a daily driver.
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Old 05-10-2011, 10:49 PM   #4
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Re: PLanning the electrical and network systems

Quote:
Originally Posted by dhally
- Is there any better type of 12v outlet except the cigar lighter type? Those suck.
One alternative is to use Anderson Powerpoles.
http://www.powerwerx.com/anderson-powerpoles/
They are pretty much a standard for HAM radio mobile installations.
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Old 05-10-2011, 10:58 PM   #5
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Re: PLanning the electrical and network systems

My charger/inverter panel is under the sink of my 50 model...hate it there. I always have to climb in to turn it on. I also have outside electrical 12vDC and 110vAC. I find it handy and actually wish I had DC on both sides. Great for the Sirius Radio. YMMV
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Old 05-11-2011, 12:06 AM   #6
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Re: PLanning the electrical and network systems

Quote:
Originally Posted by charlie56
Quote:
Originally Posted by dhally
- Is there any better type of 12v outlet except the cigar lighter type? Those suck.
One alternative is to use Anderson Powerpoles.
http://www.powerwerx.com/anderson-powerpoles/
They are pretty much a standard for HAM radio mobile installations.
Those are cool! And reasonable pricing, too. It looks like they also have adapters for cigarette plugs/sockets and various sizes of coax DC connectors.
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Old 05-11-2011, 11:15 AM   #7
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Re: PLanning the electrical and network systems

What I have that are off the house battery:
120V driver side-in the back and in the front; passenger side-just below the sink, just inside by the barn door and outside
12V driver side-behind the driver, 2 in the back; passenger side-one up front (I could use 2), 2 in the middle and 2 outside.

I have used the all at one time or the other. It was cheaper to get them in the build rather than later

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Old 05-11-2011, 01:19 PM   #8
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Re: PLanning the electrical and network systems

12VDC: We have five. One in the rear bathroom, one midships, three at the center console (one right side, one left side, one inside the console).

120VAC: We have lots. Two duplexs bathroom (one shore or inverter, one GFI shore only - this one provides the van GFI protection for all outlets), one duplex right and left sides where we eat and play (good for cameras and computers, any toy that requires 120V charger), Two duplexs in midships console, one duplex at side door kitchen, one duplex inside front console. All 120VAC outlets can run on shore power or inverter(s) 100w or 1000w power (except the single GFI duplex in the back as noted). Oh yes, we have two more duplex outlets under the bathroom sink. Sometimes we plug a 60w light bulb in there to take the chill off of our water tanks or to keep them from freezing. We have used all of them at one time or another.

Your design is an RB-50 and ours is a walk through focused on touring. Really different animals, focused on different requirements.
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Old 05-11-2011, 08:58 PM   #9
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Re: PLanning the electrical and network systems

Since this is turning into a count:

12v:
1. over driver shoulder on B pillar
2. overhead console, off-center towards pass
3. console center driver upper
4. console center driver lower
5. console center passenger
6. "C" pillar (?) behind side barn doors, pass
7. driver side cabinet under sink lip

110v:
1. behind driver, behind B pillar
2. behind fridge
3. face of 50 couch pass side (GFI)
4. driver side cabinet under sink lip

I need some in the rear, bed area and below and external 12v maybe. Too much else to do and not enough need- carry a couple of extension cords and don't use either system that much except in the cab when driving. For use, I find it handy to have a mini-power port single outlet inverter, 180w I think, so that cell charging and other small / long plug items don't need the 2000w inverter fired up.
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