Items Needed to Re-Wire 1970s Vintage Scamp Travel Trailer
Question:
Hi, We are in the process of restoring our 1977 13ft scamp travel trailer. We need help with wiring the turn signals, brake lights, and trailer brakes. If you could point us to the right products we need to completely rewire our trailer that would be wonderful. Thank you,
asked by: Brian V
Expert Reply:
The 1970s Scamps are really cute vintage trailers and we can certainly help you with your re-wiring project. We have all wiring parts you'll ever need plus a wide range of trailer lights if you need light fixtures too. Our main page for trailer wiring items is linked and this includes many product categories you can just click on.
New wiring is most easily installed using a junction box like # 38656, or like # HS381-9000 which includes a 7-way plug. All brake and light wiring can then be connected here and this makes future replacement of damaged wiring much easier.
For your brakes you will want to use 10-gauge duplex wiring # 10-2-1 to connect them to the junction box. Your brake magnets are not polarized so either brake wire can be used for ground or hot. You'll need ring terminals like # 44-5310A for the heavier-gauge wiring and terminals like # DW05737-1 for the lighter 16-18 gauge lighting circuits. You can use 4-pole wire # 16-4B-1 to connect the lights to the junction box. Butt connectors # 05731-5 will make for easy splicing of the light's wiring to the bonded 4-pole wire.
I also linked a comprehensive article on trailer wiring with detailed descriptions and photos too that show you how an RV's 7-way wiring should be configured. The pins assigned to each trailer function are clearly outlined for you.
Pay particular attention to the grounds for all lights. Lights that mount with a stud often use that metal stud to make the ground connection to the trailer. In this case make sure the mounting point is clean bare metal to allow a good ground or run a separate ground jumper wire from each such light back to the junction box.
Products Referenced in This Question
16-14 Gauge Butt Connector - 5 Pack
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Butt Connectors
- 16-14 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot
- Wiring
- Wire
- Jacketed Wire
- 2 Wire
- 10 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
Ring Terminal - 12-10 Gauge Wire - 3/16" Ring ID
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Ring Terminals
- 3/16 Inch Diameter
- 12-10 Gauge
- Flint Hill Goods
more information >
Deka Ring Terminal - Heat Shrink - 16-14 Gauge - 1/4" Ring ID - Nylon Insulation - Blue - Qty 1
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Ring Terminals
- 1/4 Inch Diameter
- 16-14 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
Wiring Kit for Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuators
- Accessories and Parts
- Brake Actuator
- Disc Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Wiring
- Hydrastar
more information >
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