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Jimb636 · 01-21-2011, 05:14 PM

Have you heard this before, "I got this old motorhome"? Well, I do. And I got this problem. I am trying to update the wiring system and I need some help. This rig has a generator and a 20 amp shore plug in. I want to upgrade to 30 amp shore power and my inspection of incoming wire says that this should be doable. My problem is that going to the power converter from the switching relay is a heavy 120 volt wire with a ground wrap around the outside of the wire. I expected to find a hot wire, a neutral and a ground wire. Can anyone tell me why this single wire with a ground was run to a 30 amp cb panel? I know this is how they got the power in but why not use a 3 wire? I would guess the easy fix is just to run a new wire from the switching relay to the new 35 amp power center? Any help clarifying this would be appreciated. I am attaching some pics of the old wiring which is now gone and you can see why!

TQ60 · 01-21-2011, 07:39 PM

In that old MH the builder or person who modified it either had no clue, or were too cheap to di it correctly.

If you are building new system then search for suitable hardware, there are a great many different choices for what is available.

I would suggest a twist-loc connector inside to allow for a standard cord to be used.

You could use a RV specific combo panel that has AC load center and converter all in one, or you could get a small AC load center at Home Depot and use it for all of the AC circuits, and have a seperate panel for the 12 volt system.

You may want to search here for different options for the smaller systems, there may be new units that will work great in your rebuild.

Jimb636 · 01-22-2011, 07:51 AM

Thanks for the reply, I am gutting everything and replacing as that will be the safest way. This is what makes it fun to buy this old stuff and see what all the previous owners got away with I guess. Jim

TXiceman · 01-22-2011, 08:31 AM

In case you have not found it, a lot of the old vintage RV parts can be sourced through Vintage trailer Supply.

Good luck restoring the old beauty.

Ken

Jimb636 · 01-23-2011, 07:55 AM

TX: Yes i am a fan of vintage trailer, thanks. Jim

Theberrys · 01-23-2011, 08:07 AM

The wiring just needs to be done correctly.

But if I were you I'd look for an alternate location for that water pump. Seems to me the electrical bay just isn't the best place to install a water pump.

BTW Nifty coach!

Dick

Wanabee FTer · 01-23-2011, 08:34 AM

Is that the same Glastron of boat builder fame?
If so I was not aware they ever tried their hand at building RV's.
Very cool rig

Gary - K7GLD · 01-23-2011, 11:35 AM

I guess it's just me, but that OEM wiring center looks quite good and easily accessed, serviced and circuits traced - better and more easily than what's in my own 2 '88 version RVs. Of course, the physical condition of the wiring and components may well need updating and replacement, but the actual design and layout looks good to me.

Jimb636 · 01-24-2011, 07:39 AM

I have relocated the electric bay in its entirety and the pump will stay put. Thanks you and I had the same thought about water and power! Jim

Jimb636 · 01-24-2011, 07:43 AM

The very same company! They only built them for about three years and the gas crisis of '73 hit and it was the end. I like them because they are all fiberglas and very thick glass at that. No leaks except the center seam which must be watched. Mine did leak sometime in its life and i was able to repair the damage and the leak when I gutted it. Jim

Jimb636 · 01-24-2011, 07:48 AM

Yes, life and electronics were simple 40 years ago huh? I am replacing all that is in the photo with a converter with ac/dc junction all included. I will have also put in gfci oulets and will replace any bum wiring. I finally found out why there is no ground wire from the transfer relay, there isnt supposed to be one! Incoming will always have a hot and a floating neutral or ungrounded neutral. Ground comes off the converter to the chassis. the shore power provides a neutral to the campground earth. Took me a couple days to get it off the internet and figure it out. Jim