1996 1207 Pop Up

[JerryH]

My wife and I are new to camper camping, and would like to ask a question. We have a 1996 1207 Jayco Pop Up camping trailer, and would like to add a battery power source to it, as it does not have that at all. Just the 30 amp shore power hook up. Do I need to wire in a new harness to install a 12 volt system, and also, would also like to have to this system charging from tow vehicle as well. How do I do that? Any assistance would be appreciated!

[abarkl]

Welcome to JOF.

You would probably want a 12 volt distribution panel and a charger at a minimum.
Find out what type of converter is already installed and if it can be replaced with a converter/charger.

[mike837go]

I wouldn't be too surprised if there already is a 12VDC system in place.


Check the lighting. The bulbs will be marked with a number on the base or the glass envelope.


Look near the tongue for some heavy gauge wires (#6 or #8) that are not connected. Those are for the battery.

[bankr63]

I agree with Mike. The 1207 is a fairly large pup and certainly has brakes. They could be surge brakes, but I think by the later 90's electrics were more the norm. If there really is nothing there, then it is not that difficult to add the components if you are good with electricity. As @abarkl says, check your current converter for a model number and check online to see what it's capabilities are. It could be as easy as running a fairly heavy gauge wire back to the converter from the tongue if it supports a battery hookup, add a battery box and inline fuse, and you are on battery.

[Mustang65]

WELCOME TO JOF!!!

The members here are GREAT!!! There is a lot of GREAT information to be found here. I am sure that you will have information and pictures to share with us... so please do!!

Don

[JerryH]

Thanks for responding. The trailer has Surge brakes installed on it, not electric brakes. I'll have to check the converter in the trailer for the model type and such. I don't know yet about any extra wiring in the tongue frame, but will check that as well. Will keep everyone posted. Thanks again for your input!

[JerryH]

Thanks for responding everyone! My camper has Surge Brakes installed on it. These are great ideas, and will have to check out the type of converter I have. Was just wondering if anyone knew if factory electrical schematics may be available or not, that would help me a lot. I've already checked the Jayco website, but didn't see anything that may help me. Will also do a quick check if the tongue has extra wires or not. I have also thought of adding the solar panels to the roof, but again, don't know if this would be feasible or not yet. Will keep everyone posted, and "Thanks Again" for your help!