Spare wire for repairs

[peggwn]

While trying to clean up some of the patchwork wiring in my tail lights, it occurred to me that it would be a good idea to get some wire for emergencies and repairs so I don't have to cannibalize or cobble together wire from existing wiring as the previous owner has apparently done. I really don't want to carry a bunch of rolls of wire, but maybe only two, definitely one white and also one yellow (or red or black).

My question is: Should I get 12 ga stranded? I'm guessing 12 ga would cover most situations.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

[l1v3fr33ord1]

Butch and Peggy-

On our coach, the most common wire is 16 AWG, type GXL. I carry 10 foot rolls of each color with us, and rolls of white and red GXL in 10, 12 and 14 AWG.

If you don't already have them, a quality wire stripper and crimp tool make it easy to create reliable connections.

Crimp connectors come in three standard sizes: 10-12, 14-16, and 18-22. I carry a small box of each. I prefer the heat-shrink connectors, and so carry a heat gun, too.

My commendation for trying to put your coach's wiring aright. By the way, wiring diagrams for your Itasca are available at this link. For example, the taillight diagram link is here. Remember to refer to the Workhorse-specific sheets, as needed.

[Fiesta48]

I carry some 14g wire for emergencies. Temporarily double it up for more amps. Every where you go you can get the correct size and color as needed. Walmart, HD, Lowes, etc.

[Mrb1ll]

I've been building my RV kits and "wire" escaped me. Seems important to have 'kits' for the following categories:

- Plumbing
-- PEX tubing, elbows, connectors, crimping tool
-- Hose clamps
- Electrical
-- wire, connectors, tape, bulbs, fuse set,
- Hardware
-- basic nuts, bolts, screws, washers, locktite, etc.
- Fluids
-- hydraulic, oil, fuel treatment, lubricants, coolants, funnel, 3' length of flexible 1/2" hose to dribble fluids into hard to reach places
- Financial (I have a safe and carry some cash just as an emergency backup.)
- Emergency items
-- First aid, solar space blankets, disposable ponchos, flares, cones, flashlight, energy bars, water purification, matches, fire starter material, signaling mirror
- Tools
- Manuals, wiring diagrams, generator/battery operating instructions, and a Survival Guide (especially good for those who boondock)

And, while not really coach tool kits, medications (complete list too), pet supplies, etc are very important personal items and kept handy near the door for emergency 'exit'.

I'd be interested in what others think are important items to have onboard. These are going to be personal choices but will most likely include things I've forgotten. As someone who spent 21 years in the military, and most of it overseas, I learned the value of a 'Go Bag' on a couple of occasions. My choice of items is vastly different from those days but still important in my mind. A little preparedness goes a long way.

MrB1LL

[bobbelcher]

never got too overly concerned about carrying much of that stuff. Can find wire and connectors everywhere. Now of course if i was a full timer, I would probably consider carrying a little bit, but right now I would limp to a store or cobble something up and fix it permanently when i get home.