Adding a 12v outlet

[Beerlifter]

This wkend I plan to add a 12v and 120v outlet in my '83 Coleman Columbia. I was doing research on my Converter (B-W Manufacturer, Series 6500, Model 6506) and found nothing!

In the near future I will be adding a battery and was curious if the converter would be worth keeping or just trash it. I'm sure it's older than dirt! I have no clue what the red wire is for, and there is only the two wires for the lights. I am guess that I should splice into those for my 12v outlet.

While I'm here yet another question. Should I tap into the existing outlet for the 120v added outlet or go straight to the breaker box with it.

As you all can probably tell I'M NOT AN ELECTRICIAN by no means!!

Any help would be greatly accepted

PS. If you would like larger pics just let me know

[jakelaw]

Taping into the lights should be fine for the 12v outlet, but I would go direct from the breaker box for the 120v.  You will need to keep the converter and most likely need to get a newer, higher capacity one to handle two 120v outlets.  The converter is what allows you to run the 12v lights when hooked up to shore power.

[Beerlifter]

Thanks Jake,
   Got the 110v installed now the hard part comes with the location of the 12v plug.........just came in from sitting out there for 20 minutes debating on where to put it..lol. Guess I'll wait til DW gets home and ask her. More than likely I'll have to move the 110v also.......NOT! Thanks for the help I greatly appreciate it.

P.S. Still curious as to what that red wire on the converter is for!

[jakelaw]

Not sure on the red wire on your converter.  My suggestion on location for the 12v plug, is to think about what you are using it for.  Most use them for fans, or other accessories.  Depending on what you are using it for, will probbly dictate where you put the plug.  Get one with some type of cover, and make sure you are installing one that is for accessories, and not a replacement cigarette lighter because the accessory ones are built for that use.  I installed mine centrally, next to the galley against the wall.  (see my pic page)  This way, the lingest cord I need on anything is 5' since I have a 10' box.  I have only used mine for fans so far, and have two plugs so I can run two fans at once.

[Beerlifter]

Well I decided to wait til tomorrow on the 12v install. I bought one that is and under mount and the more I looked around the inside of the pup the more I decided I wanted a recessed one. So I will run into town tomorrow and pick that up and put it in. With an 8ft box there just isn't alot of options for the under mount. I believe the recessed will look better anyway. Til tomorrow thanks again.

[fshnfool76]

According to the schematics sent to me by Coleman/fleet the red from converter goes to brown of fridge.
  There is a copy of everything they sent me on my webshots.

  Steve, I know you had trouble seeing them when I first put them on, that was my goof :rolleyes: , sorry. It's on there now. :!
  Good luck

[Beerlifter]

Yes I did get them and Thanks. My problem now lies in finding the wires that are suppose to be ran up to the tongue to connect to a battery. They don't seem to exist on my trailer.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/553116517/2160376100041425739feLmiy

http://community.webshots.com/photo/553116517/2827243300041425739UXGyOW

http://community.webshots.com/photo/553116517/2628963700041425739DZUWcp

That's what I have and I'm not too impressed with it. Think I will run new wires from battery (when installed) to converter or how ever it works....need to do some checking into how to run the wires. I haven't researched it that much yet. The converter only powers the interior lights right now so not that big a deal but I plan on getting some other 12v items (ie air pumb,lights,fans,etc.).

[Beerlifter]

Ok went one step farther than just the outlets.....figured I already had wires hanging everywhere let go ahead and do the battery install.
   Ok,red wire on converter to batt +, batt - to frame, interior lite doesn't work, have power all the way to lite. I can run a ground wire from a known good ground to lite frame and lite comes on. Where is the common ground point on a 1983 Coleman camper or is everything grounded seperately.
  I really don't want to have to mess with the roof to get the battery to operate my lites. I would thing everything should be grounded at one central point but that would be to easy. Lite works fine or shore power thru the converter................I'm lost .........I hate electricity!!!

[Beerlifter]

We can now KILL THIS THREAD!!!!  Finally got it all figured out....WHEW...glad that's over. Just wanted to thank all of you who helped me out,,,,,the next rounds on me! I now have battery with lights and 2 yes 2 12v outlets (one inside and one outside). Now we will just see how that 100 year old converter holds up.

Once again ..Thanks a billion guys couldn't have done it with out cha!