[VAC] Re: '58 Overlander Electric Brake Wiring

["T. Byrd" <tbyrd@xxxxxxxxx>]

I suppose we may have a Park Model then. Would that be the only
difference? Hopefully it's as well built as the others, cause we intend
to drag this thing all over the country. :)

> 18 gauge is a bit small for 12 volt marker lights. Especially for a
> group of them.

I thought so too, but the insulation on the wires looks fine...just as
supple as the day it was installed, and no signs of melting. Wouldn't a
1958 coach have been running on 6 volts from the car? Anyway, I'm not
going to rewire the marker lights.

> The big spark when disconnecting the power from the brake wire is from
> the inductive kick of the brake coils. None of the other trailer
> circuits will have that big fat spark when disconnecting, though they
> may have a little spark.

Yep, I was pretty sure when I saw the spark that we'd have contact at
the brake magnets. The other wires just sizzle quietly. Ain't
electricity fun? ;)

> There are 12 volt lamps that fit 120 volt sockets. Most commonly in a 50
> watt rating. If you use them, be sure to remove them when switching to
> 120 volts. They will not survive accidental 120 volt application and may
> damage wiring, switches, and sockets in the process. And the wiring
> needs to be larger gauge wire than used for the 120 volt lamps, unless
> its already 12 or 14 gauge.

Interesting. That may be what's going on here then. It does look like
the wire is about 12 gauge, though solid copper, rather than copper
strand. Taking off the cover last night, I notice there is only bulb in
the overhead lights, maybe that's a clue.

Ted Byrd
1958 Overlander