Truck Camper Wiring

[04blackcherry]

I recently purchased a 2001 Lance 835 TC. Is there anyone that has used the Lance plug to power their camper? Most info out there has been to cut off the Lance plug and run a standard trailer plug. I don't want to do that. Is there any issue running the 3 way fridge off the truck? I plan on a battery isolator and getting power to the running lights thru a relay. Info claims a trailer plug will not handle the power needed for the fridge in battery mode hence staying with the Lance plug. Any constructive thoughts on my dilemma? Thanks

 

[Bill Stockard]

I recently purchased a 2001 Lance 835 TC. Is there anyone that has used the Lance plug to power their camper? Most info out there has been to cut off the Lance plug and run a standard trailer plug. I don't want to do that. Is there any issue running the 3 way fridge off the truck? I plan on a battery isolator and getting power to the running lights thru a relay. Info claims a trailer plug will not handle the power needed for the fridge in battery mode hence staying with the Lance plug. Any constructive thoughts on my dilemma? Thanks

The part about the standard 7-way trailer receptacle and cord will not run the fridge on 12-volts DC is correct. The wiring/connections are too small to support running the fridge on 12-volts DC. (Been there, done that) The Lance plug and supplied cord that goes up in the camper has 8-gauge wiring for the 12-volt charge line and ground. The Lance receptacle that goes in the side of the truck bed with the attached pigtail is also 8-gauge. You should run at least 8-gauge wiring to your driver side battery. I have a 40-amp circuit breaker in the 8-gauge 12-volt charge line from the truck battery to the camper. I also ran an 8-gauge ground to the battery and didn't depend on the chassis ground. My Lance has an automatic battery disconnect inside the camper; therefore, I don't use a relay. However, I have used relays with previous model Lances. (I've owned four Lance campers since the mid-80s) I have found that running the fridge on 12-volts DC will maintain the cold very well, but won't cool down the fridge very fast. If you have other questions about your Lance camper, feel free to ask.

FYI: /lancecamper.com/lifestyle/wiring-system-of-lance/

Bill

 

[04blackcherry]

Thanks, Bill. I was thinking I would also have to have a disconnect at the camper battery so when you stop for fuel or other short stops, you wouldn't suck the juice out of the on board battery with the fridge in 12v mode. How big (amperage)of solenoid did you put between the truck battery and camper in your other set ups? Also, where did you pull switched power for the running lights to come on with the truck lights?

I have read a bunch of posts about the Lance. A lot of them are not very good. I like my camper; it seems to be a good one. It's pretty clean and all the accessories work. It has a solar panel and air condo. It's just me and the wife so the 8'6" works perfect. I can tow the boat without a monster extendo hitch. Just want to work out the wiring correctly. I'm a noob to campers but am capable with a little direction.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Thanks, Bill. I was thinking I would also have to have a disconnect at the camper battery so when you stop for fuel or other short stops, you wouldn't suck the juice out of the on board battery with the fridge in 12v mode. How big (amperage)of solenoid did you put between the truck battery and camper in your other set ups? Also, where did you pull switched power for the running lights to come on with the truck lights?



I have read a bunch of posts about the Lance. A lot of them are not very good. I like my camper; it seems to be a good one. It's pretty clean and all the accessories work. It has a solar panel and air condo. It's just me and the wife so the 8'6" works perfect. I can tow the boat without a monster extendo hitch. Just want to work out the wiring correctly. I'm a noob to campers but am capable with a little direction.

I used a 50-amp relay operated by the ignition switch on my second gen trucks. However, on a third gen truck, I would use the cigar lighter for the relay trigger instead of the ignition switch circuit. For the running lights, turn signals, and stop lights, I used a fifth wheel extension that plugs into the back (truck) side of the factory installed trailer tow 7-way receptacle. I have rear docking lights on my Lance and if your Lance has them, you will need to connect the truck's backup lights also for the docking lights to function.



I've owned four Lance campers since the mid-80s and haven't had any big problems with any of them. I park my Lances inside when not in use, maintain them regularly, and I am very careful to check the seals/caulking to prevent leaks/water intrusion which can happen to any RV. Lance has built and sold thousands of truck campers for over 40 years, and like any RV, there will be some who don't take care of their camper and complain.



Our first Lance was 9'6" that we bought in 1986 to be able to have our bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom with us when we went on large mouth bass fishing trips while towing our Ranger bass boat. I welded up a home made hitch extension to fit in the truck's equalizer hitch to tow the boat. We hauled/towed that rig thousands of miles fishing lakes around the southwestern US. In 2001, we sold our last fifth wheel trailer and haven't owned an RV trailer or missed it since.



Bill