Hi everyone. First post here. I'm a tent guy completely new to the world of caravans, but I've just bought a 1979 CI Cadet, last Thursday, and I'm going to renovate it. This is the chap, in sunny Wolverhampton last week ...
There's damp in two places, so I'm renewing the ply on the roof and other area, but, here's my question. When I replace the ply on the ceiling I also want to run a cable in the ceiling for 5 lights, to be powered off a 12v battery, for times when I've no hook up (which will be most of the time, as I'll be using this van for festivals and basic camp sites). Two lights over the cooker/sink, two reading lights and one overhead light.
Simple question, what sort of cable would you use for this? I'm thinking 1mm flex would be fine. Any thoughts guys?
I'm thinking the lights will be the only electric I'll need most of the time. No fridge, the water has a foot pump, I'm thinking I'll get good long light-hours from one of those large caravan batteries, (which battery to get? That's another question!).
As I say, I'm a complete newbie to caravans, but I have worked in the building trade so I'm fairly confident I can do most jobs.
Thanks folks, any thoughts on this cable size/battery type malarkey very much appreciated.
10amp automotive cable is best for this as it is more flexible than domestic cable. Car & caravan shops will stock it. Caravan batteries, ie leisure batteries are the ones to use. The 110amp/hr will last longer than smaller 85amp/hr.
If you are only running LED lights, a cheap car battery will last for ages.
Alternatively, just get some of those battery operated stick on lights like these
Quote: Originally posted by Grampian91 on 07/10/2013
I had some of those cheap lights 2 for £1 at the pound shops and they do put out a decent amount of light.
I have no idea how long the batteries last. But a dropper from a car battery 12v down to 4.5v. The battery would last a very long time.
I've just got cheap AA batteries in mine - they last for ages and there is no need to mess about with wiring at all
Thanks for all the responses guys. Stuff here I can really get my teeth into.
I'd rather use a large battery and wire the lights up than use individual battery lights. I'm starting the renovation project next week. I'll let you know how I get on with the wiring.
I'll certainly look into the LED lights and a 'dropper' from the a car battery.
if your using off the shelf 12V LEDs, 12V stabilisers are relatively cheap from ebay. I'd get smaller ones and put them at the lamp end of the cable, then any voltage drop is not an issue.
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Topic: Basic electrical question.
