Ragnar
New Member
I have been following this forum since last summer when I decided to purchase a Four Wheel Camper and have found it extremely interesting and helpful. After getting the camper installed last month I have been busy on the weekends tweaking it for the upcoming camping season.
My first project was to install a backup camera. My truck has one, but it remained in the tailgate which is now stored in the garage. I followed a friend's advice and purchased an OEM backup camera and mounted it underneath the camper door. It is such a relief to be able to see behind the camper while backing up now.
My second project was a remote control switch for the rear flood lights which I can activate from the cab to activate the lights while backing into a camping site. I purchased a $25 12-volt 4-channel remote control switch and used the hot lead from the flood lamp switch to power the module (minimal current draw). It simply parallels the SPST switch using piggyback spade crimp connectors, so no wires were cut. I'm looking for a matching SPDT replacement switch so that I can wire it as a 3-way circuit. As it works now, if I use the remote control to turn on the floods, I have to use the same control to turn them off. It would be to wire as a 3-way circuit so that either switch could toggle the light on and off. If anyone knows where I could get a SPDT switch that would match the panel, please pass it on.
My third project was connecting a solar panel - completed today. I mounted an Everbright Solar 165 Watt panel to pre-installed Yakima racks using 1/4" aluminum angle stock purchased from Grainger. I have wired both the roof and rear solar jacks to a Bogart Engineering SC-2030 combined with a TM-2030 Battery Monitor. For now I am going with the roof mount panel only, but eventually will consider a portable panel to plug into the back connector.
My first camping test (other than my driveway) comes later this week as I will be heading out into northwest Nevada for my first camping trip. I'm sure that I will come back with more ideas.
It is a pleasure to read through the threads on this forum. They are all very helpful.
See you out on the dirt roads!
My first project was to install a backup camera. My truck has one, but it remained in the tailgate which is now stored in the garage. I followed a friend's advice and purchased an OEM backup camera and mounted it underneath the camper door. It is such a relief to be able to see behind the camper while backing up now.
My second project was a remote control switch for the rear flood lights which I can activate from the cab to activate the lights while backing into a camping site. I purchased a $25 12-volt 4-channel remote control switch and used the hot lead from the flood lamp switch to power the module (minimal current draw). It simply parallels the SPST switch using piggyback spade crimp connectors, so no wires were cut. I'm looking for a matching SPDT replacement switch so that I can wire it as a 3-way circuit. As it works now, if I use the remote control to turn on the floods, I have to use the same control to turn them off. It would be to wire as a 3-way circuit so that either switch could toggle the light on and off. If anyone knows where I could get a SPDT switch that would match the panel, please pass it on.
My third project was connecting a solar panel - completed today. I mounted an Everbright Solar 165 Watt panel to pre-installed Yakima racks using 1/4" aluminum angle stock purchased from Grainger. I have wired both the roof and rear solar jacks to a Bogart Engineering SC-2030 combined with a TM-2030 Battery Monitor. For now I am going with the roof mount panel only, but eventually will consider a portable panel to plug into the back connector.
My first camping test (other than my driveway) comes later this week as I will be heading out into northwest Nevada for my first camping trip. I'm sure that I will come back with more ideas.
It is a pleasure to read through the threads on this forum. They are all very helpful.
See you out on the dirt roads!
