Safari Pacific MX2 Build

[schanusa]

I get that shrink tubing from graingers (you'll need an account with them). That's cool napa carries it. Never seen it there before, other than the usual stuff.

 

[Ozwynn]

I am more interested in the Jack nuts. we called the rivnuts when I was in the airforce I have never seen them outside of Airforce inventory.

 

[railman]

Rivnuts, Jack nuts, lots of different names for em'....

we use the ones that we use with our hydraulic "Huck guns"...or the smaller air powered ones...

l8r, John

 

[Ozwynn]

Rivnuts, Jack nuts, lots of different names for em'....

we use the ones that we use with our hydraulic "Huck guns"...or the smaller air powered ones...

l8r, John

we had an "Armstrong" wrench powered installation tool. I am curious as where to get them. I ask my local hardware guy and he hasn't a clue to what I am talking about.

 

[railman]

you may try Fastenal....think ours comes from Fortner? ( will check when i get to work )

l8r, John

 

[schanusa]

Jack nuts and rivnuts are different. If you google them you can find some vendors. McMaster-Carr usually has that kind of stuff. What I used came with the composite boxes as an install kit. I had some left over since I only mounted 2 boxes to the bed.

Jack nut -> http://www.prifast.co.uk/assets/images/s_jack1.jpg

Rivnut (aka Nutserts) -> http://www.genright.com/images/products/RivNut_md.jpg

 

[85rx7_93ranger]

wow your tag under your name should say "master fabricator" .....amazing.....you should have your own TV show

 

[schanusa]

wow your tag under your name should say "master fabricator" .....amazing.....you should have your own TV show

Thanks!

Lol. Well start bugging the different networks like discovery. I'll do it!

 

[schanusa]

Onto the camper power and lighting.

First I start by unscrewing the interior light fixtures from the wall.

With a meter I test the resistance of each wire so I know where each of the two pairs lead.

On the rear light fixture I drill two holes, one for a switch and another for wires.

 

[schanusa]

Next I twist all the connections then solder them. Looks confusing, but the wiring is fairly simple. The two wires marked with orange tape
are the main power coming in from the light fixture in the front of the camper. The second pair of red/green wires connects to the trucks
reverse light switch, the one that is triggered when I shift into reverse. The switch simply feeds the reverse light circuit with power, that
way I can manually turn on the reverse led lighting unit mounted on the camper.

I remount the light fixture.

Here is the reverse led lighting unit from Adventure Trailers. Puts out lots of light and comes in handy when backing up in the dark.

Where the front light fixture use to be I mount a plastic project box to serve as a junction for all camper power.

 

[schanusa]

Next I run 8 gauge wire from the National Luna power box to the camper's new power box. I use solid black wires so they are less visible.

To operate my laptop, charge camera batteries and run a table saw if need be (kidding) I begin marking where the 1000 watt inverter will go.

After marking the placement I drill holes and install bolts.

Then the power inverter gets bolted down. I left the other set of nuts behind the inverter to give extra spacing for cooling.

 

[schanusa]

To connect the camper power to the National Luna power pack I pick up an Anderson plug, also called a sy connector.

I crimp on the leads, push them into the plastic housing that has a retaining clip. Then plug the connector in.

Inside the camper I test the cables to see which is positive. I mark the positive lead with orange tape.

Next I make up jumper lines to connect the power box to the inverter.

 

[schanusa]

After all the terminals are crimped, shrink tubed and marked for positive I connect them to the power inverter. The main line is connected
directly to the inverter since it will draw the most power.

The camper lighting circuit is then connected.

I picked up a fancy direct replacement led for the original fixture, which is super bright.

 

[schanusa]

Once connected I test out both lights, then test the power inverter. Not a huge test, though this will be the average use on the unit.

 

[schanusa]

Next I install two white led strips from Light Blasters on the middle rung of the tent. They have double sided tape already on them.
These are the upgraded models from what I used on my license plate and interior lights.

The wires are run down and strapped to the aluminum pole then over to the power box.

I install a low profile rocker switch for the lights onto the power box.

After connecting all the leads I close the shop doors, shut off the lights and turn on the camper lights.

I've received tones of emails asking where to get these lights. The manufacturer doesn't have a website for them yet, so I've done so in the mean time. http://www.safaripacific.com/store.php?p=lights_ledstrip