Adding reading lamps: wiring question

[edwardo]

I'm going to add two reading lamps over the bed; one on each side. When I splice into the existing overhead light fixture, what type wiring connectors should I use: wire nuts, automotive butt or splice taps, electrical tape, or other? Is it necessary to place the connections in some sort of box? The splices will be made in the overhead cabinet above the bed. Thanks.

[rryman]

Wire nuts will work, as well as butt splices. Is there not a hollow cavity between the light and the inside shelf where you could run the wires to be hidden? Reason I say that, it the last two Jaycos I've had I did the same thing and the overhead cabinets have a false bottom in them where they run the wires for the bed lights. In any event, use some sort of mechanical connector or solder to join the wires. If using solder, use Rosin core solder, not acid core, and tape or use heat shrink tubing. Do not just wrap the wires together with tape. If the wiring is going to be exposed, try to protect it with something. I added some receptacles in our last unit, and I used a hot melt glue gun to secure the wiring back in the corners.

[Gma-n-Gpa]

Since it is 12vDC you are working with i dont think you need to worry about putting the junction in any sort of "box" like you would if it were 120vAC circuit. As stated wire nuts or butt splices will work. Soldering and shrink tubing are excellent as well. My 31SS has false bottoms in the over-bed cabinets as well. That is where our reading lamp circuits are routed.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Gma-n-Gpa

My 31SS has false bottoms in the over-bed cabinets as well. That is where our reading lamp circuits are routed.

Definitely the way to go since that is how the units are assembled. Cabinets get mounted, wiring connected and the interior cabinet bottom installed.

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Definitely the way to go since that is how the units are assembled. Cabinets get mounted, wiring connected and the interior cabinet bottom installed.

Until I read this, I wasn't sure I wanted/needed to tour Jayco's factory and assembly. Knowing how they assemble trailers would be very good to know.

[Seann45]

I have always used wire taps when adding a light.

[Jeff61]

I changed out the surface mount lights over the bed on my 24RKS to the swivel mount style. It was a challenge. The wiring was in the overhead compartment's false bottom as previously stated. I used the same type of scotchlock connectors that are used all over the 12v systems in the trailer. Reasons being: you don't have to break the original wire you are better off, it's never going to get shorter and if you do have to troubleshoot it, it can be done on either + or - side with a standard 12 v test probe