How to Wire a Prowler Camper
by John Cagney Nash
Wiring a Prowler camper conventionally requires that two distinct systems be installed; a 12-volt system and a 120-volt system. The 12-volt system allows limited use of the Prowler when camped remotely, some times called boondocking, where there is no access to a 120-volt grid. The 120-volt system allows full use of all typical household equipment such as galley appliances, air conditioners and television-based entertainment centers. Considerable planning is required to ensure the project is well organized and functions as the user desires.
Step 1
List everything you will require from the 12-volt system in your Prowler camper. Aftermarket equipment available includes 12-volt refrigerators, space heaters that use 12-volt air movers while burning propane gas, on-demand water pumps and computer-controlled jacks that self-level the camper. All interior lighting should be set up to run on 12 volts, and you should provide some power outlets.
Step 2
Obtain a 12-volt fuse board to protect each circuit you plan on installing. Obtain a deep cycle battery large enough to provide for all your predicted needs over an extended period of remote camping, which may in fact require a bank of batteries be installed. Consider fitting a power inverter, a device which transforms 12 volts to 120 volts so household appliances like coffee makers can be used when you are not connected to a grid.
Step 3
Ensure the exterior 12-volt provisions are adequate to legislation. Research how many side marker lights are mandated for the length of your Prowler camper, and plan your wiring to also supply side lights, brake lights, turn signals and a tag illuminator. These circuits must also be protected by fuses.
Step 4
List everything you will require from the 120-volt system in your Prowler camper. The power outlet circuit must utilize Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters in potentially wet areas such as the galley and bathroom. You will need to lay in circuits for cooking, heating and cooling, entertainment equipment and a converter charger that automatically recharges your 12-volt battery or bank of batteries when you are connected to a grid. A shore power cord sized to suit your maximum predicted amp usage, either 30 amps or 50 amps, and a circuit breaker board are also necessities.
Step 5
Determine whether a generator will be a useful accessory, and if so wire a harness to both start it and access its power. Determine whether your location and stay lengths are likely to make the installation of a solar array practical, so the 12-volt battery or bank of batteries can be recharged from sunlight.
References
Things You'll Need
- Household electrical tools
- Automotive electrical tools
- 120 volt components, wire and connectors
- 12 volt components, wire and connectors
- 120 volt circuit breaker panel
- 12 volt fuse board
Writer Bio
John Cagney Nash began composing press releases and event reviews for British nightclubs in 1982. His material was first published in the "Eastern Daily Press." Nash's work focuses on American life, travel and the music industry. In 1998 he earned an OxBridge doctorate in philosophy and immediately emigrated to America.
