phoenix2013 Posted May 16, 2021 Report Share Posted May 16, 2021 (edited) Had a chance to prewire completely a Jackalopee for an installation in the truck. YES, I got compensated for the effort, NO, I don't intend to offer it as a standard service. However, while doing this I took a whole bunch of pictures of the process and will put it together as "pictorial" manual how to do this efficiently and "pretty". [IMG]https://i.imgur.com/FkugxVrl.jpg[/IMG] OK, what am doing wrong, I used Jack's Picture Posting routine and it just shows the link instead of the picture? Edited May 16, 2021 by phoenix2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaydrvr Posted May 16, 2021 Report Share Posted May 16, 2021 (edited) 31 minutes ago, phoenix2013 said: Had a chance to prewire completely a Jackalopee for an installation in the truck. YES, I got compensated for the effort, NO, I don't intend to offer it as a standard service. However, while doing this I took a whole bunch of pictures of the process and will put it together as "pictorial" manual how to do this efficiently and "pretty". [IMG]https://i.imgur.com/FkugxVrl.jpg[/IMG] OK, what am doing wrong, I used Jack's Picture Posting routine and it just shows the link instead of the picture? Strip the [IMG] front and rear, then use the Other Media button to insert the link. Very neat and sanitary assembly, BTW. Jay Edited May 16, 2021 by Jaydrvr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix2013 Posted May 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 16, 2021 (edited) Thanks Jaydrvr, an ignorance is a terrible thing. Anyway, the instructions will have a lots of useful tips like for instance the starting length of the casing strip when doing the DOT plug (2 inches) and the starting wires for that plug, white and blue (1 1/4") Lengths and assembly sequences in the Jackalopee Useful tips on how to start doing the RV socket wiring (a real PITA) And how to make things really pretty. I took about 80 pictures, so give me time to put this manual together, in the meantime those who would like to get a copy when ready contact me so I can put you on the "list". So how much time does it take to "do it right"? DOT plug, RV socket and both sides of the Jackalopee, between 2-3 hours depending on your skill level and the tools you use. The Old Goat Edited May 16, 2021 by phoenix2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeverEasy Posted May 16, 2021 Report Share Posted May 16, 2021 For the RV Socket, I use crimp ring terminal lugs. Cut off the insulation to save room. Crimp and solder. Install with the crimp big part inboard. They will bend in enough to get the cover on. The ring prevents wires from pulling out. Quote Chet & Deb '01 Volvo 660 w/ Smart '19 Forest River Columbus 320RS 5th wheel 2022 Chev 2500HD Long Bed Retired CWO4, USN and federal service Electronics Tech/Network Engineer/Welder/Machinist Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix2013 Posted May 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 16, 2021 8 minutes ago, NeverEasy said: For the RV Socket, I use crimp ring terminal lugs. Cut off the insulation to save room. Crimp and solder. Install with the crimp big part inboard. They will bend in enough to get the cover on. The ring prevents wires from pulling out. Crimp and solder is the ultimate in reliability, ring also a better option. Too cautionary things on this approach. The wire is pure copper, it solders like guano unless you clean it and use good flux, or good flux core solder. The RV side is a real PITA and the wire colors do not line up nicely out of the bundle (lots of crossing of wires towards the end). If you make them longer to help that, the remaining jacket will be too far back and the cable clamp will clamp on the wires rather than on the jacket. Not the end of the world, but just saying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darryl&Rita Posted May 16, 2021 Report Share Posted May 16, 2021 Inquiring minds want to know, what does an engineer pay himself? Minimum wage? Quote I have been wrong before, I'll probably be wrong again. 2000 Kenworth T 2000 w/N-14 and 10 speed Gen1 Autoshift, deck built by Star Fabrication 2006 smart fourtwo cdi cabriolet 2007 32.5' Fleetwood QuantumPlease e-mail us here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenandjon Posted May 16, 2021 Report Share Posted May 16, 2021 That is how mine is wired up. Plug and play. I would have paid extra to have ordered it this way. Quote Farmer, Trucker, Equipment operator, Mechanic Quando omni flunkus moritati-When all else fails, play dead I'm a man, but I can change, if I have to, I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix2013 Posted May 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 16, 2021 (edited) 34 minutes ago, Darryl&Rita said: Inquiring minds want to know, what does an engineer pay himself? Minimum wage? On DIY projects actually less than that. His boss is a real %$#hole. Edited May 16, 2021 by phoenix2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix2013 Posted May 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 16, 2021 24 minutes ago, jenandjon said: That is how mine is wired up. Plug and play. I would have paid extra to have ordered it this way. This was the second one I did for this customer and he didn't care if there was an extra cable at either end. All installations are slightly (or a lot) different, so for a neat installations pre-wiring it in this fashion is not practical. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix2013 Posted May 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 16, 2021 Demo display setup showing all it's functions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Star Dreamer Posted May 16, 2021 Report Share Posted May 16, 2021 4 hours ago, phoenix2013 said: Crimp and solder is the ultimate in reliability, ring also a better option. Too cautionary things on this approach. The wire is pure copper, it solders like guano unless you clean it and use good flux, or good flux core solder. The RV side is a real PITA and the wire colors do not line up nicely out of the bundle (lots of crossing of wires towards the end). If you make them longer to help that, the remaining jacket will be too far back and the cable clamp will clamp on the wires rather than on the jacket. Not the end of the world, but just saying. So since you are not building ETs anymore, and should now have lots of free time, any possibility you can redesign a new RV plug that allows for better and easier wiring? I can't see any reason why it couldn't be made longer to help out. Quote 2005 Freightliner Century S/T, Singled, Air ride ET Jr. hitch 2019 46'+ Dune Sport Man Cave custom 5th wheel toy hauler Owner of the 1978 Custom Van "Star Dreamer" which might be seen at a local car show near you! Check out http://www.hhrvresource.com/ for much more info on HDT's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alie&Jim's Carrilite Posted May 17, 2021 Report Share Posted May 17, 2021 7 hours ago, NeverEasy said: For the RV Socket, I use crimp ring terminal lugs. Cut off the insulation to save room. Crimp and solder. Install with the crimp big part inboard. They will bend in enough to get the cover on. The ring prevents wires from pulling out. Did the same with my RV cords. Quote Alie & Jim + 8 paws 2017 DRV Memphis BART- 1998 Volvo 610 Lil'ole 6cyl Cummins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lance A Lott Posted May 17, 2021 Report Share Posted May 17, 2021 (edited) I make the Y connection have for years, but what is the Z bend for. Edited May 18, 2021 by Lance A Lott Typos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix2013 Posted May 17, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 17, 2021 16 hours ago, Star Dreamer said: So since you are not building ETs anymore, and should now have lots of free time, any possibility you can redesign a new RV plug that allows for better and easier wiring? I can't see any reason why it couldn't be made longer to help out. Solved that problem decades ago. Every RV I owned (after cursing the first one for a while) had the plug on the umbilical chopped off and replaced with the DOT Pollack one and the RV socket replaced with the DOT semi socket. Ignore pin number, they are different on RV connectors vs. DOT connectors, go by the wire colors marked on the socket and the plug (black to black, red to red, etc.). Incidentally, the two airlines you see above were for the BluDot air over hydraulics braking system I installed in my fifth. Another one of those DIY firsts where I worked for 5 cents per hour, but it's now a standard feature available on fifths, kind of proud of this. Kechup is gone and no more, it blew an engine. Last I heard it was shipped to Jamaica, guy over there needed a cab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noteven Posted May 18, 2021 Report Share Posted May 18, 2021 If you want to really be annoyed go inta your local truck dealer / parts supplier and look at the brush tools that completely clean and shine up both of the connectors on a "normal" truck to trailer plug (i.e. "commercial" plug) vs the dumb stupid flat bladed son of a 7 way RV world everything has to be different plugs... Quote "Are we there yet?" asked no motorcycle rider, ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix2013 Posted June 9, 2021 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2021 Installation tip (actually suggested by a customer). Swap the brown (running light) and black wires (ICC marker). Works great as the running lights feed but now you can flick those on and off with you dash or steering wheel mounted "flicking"😀 switch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Kildow Posted August 19, 2021 Report Share Posted August 19, 2021 Gard I found this. MY KW is wired and works. But fear its only time before it turns out to be a nightmare. Will get one of these made up. Nice and easy to swap between trucks if need be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noteven Posted August 19, 2021 Report Share Posted August 19, 2021 Pete if you stop by your KW dealer with trade goods like fresh donuts for the service staff they may be able to pdf you the wiring diagram for your truck from the vin. I’m not sure if it is directly accessible by the customer. Quote "Are we there yet?" asked no motorcycle rider, ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Kildow Posted August 20, 2021 Report Share Posted August 20, 2021 2 hours ago, noteven said: Pete if you stop by your KW dealer with trade goods like fresh donuts for the service staff they may be able to pdf you the wiring diagram for your truck from the vin. I’m not sure if it is directly accessible by the customer. Thanks but my buddy that owns a shop is getting that for me. Local dealer for me is 52 miles away. Buddys shop is only 9 miles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rotorhead Posted August 20, 2021 Report Share Posted August 20, 2021 On 5/16/2021 at 11:14 AM, phoenix2013 said: Thanks Jaydrvr, an ignorance is a terrible thing. Anyway, the instructions will have a lots of useful tips like for instance the starting length of the casing strip when doing the DOT plug (2 inches) and the starting wires for that plug, white and blue (1 1/4") Lengths and assembly sequences in the Jackalopee Useful tips on how to start doing the RV socket wiring (a real PITA) And how to make things really pretty. I took about 80 pictures, so give me time to put this manual together, in the meantime those who would like to get a copy when ready contact me so I can put you on the "list". So how much time does it take to "do it right"? DOT plug, RV socket and both sides of the Jackalopee, between 2-3 hours depending on your skill level and the tools you use. The Old Goat Hello Phoenix2013, I am getting close to installing a Jackalopee. I would like to get on your list for instructions/manual. Is that still possible? thanks, Chuck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix2013 Posted August 21, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2021 2 hours ago, Rotorhead said: Hello Phoenix2013, I am getting close to installing a Jackalopee. I would like to get on your list for instructions/manual. Is that still possible? thanks, Chuck Chuck, the new manual is finished, it's been going out with each Jackalopee for about two months. It has two section, first section (9 pages) covers the general info you need to know to convert semi into RV hauler. Second section (7 pages) has specific tips how to do the wiring "nicely". Send me you email and I'll be happy so send you a digital copy. That goes to anyone else who would like a copy. Few nasty developments, parts shortages building Jackalopees have been a real PITA. No PITA squared..........PITA cubed!! Stupid and common stuff like relay sockets, crimp lugs, etc. Just been informed, "no more 7 wire cable (to send with the kits) till beginning of November. Copper is an international commodity, "don't you know". Got enough left for three kits.. Fortunately, I scrambled and found few thousand feet of a substitute. It's a little thicker, white is 10 gauge and all the others are 12 gauge. All the wiring will be done with yellow crimp lugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpsinc Posted August 23, 2021 Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 On 8/20/2021 at 7:53 PM, phoenix2013 said: Chuck, the new manual is finished, it's been going out with each Jackalopee for about two months. It has two section, first section (9 pages) covers the general info you need to know to convert semi into RV hauler. Second section (7 pages) has specific tips how to do the wiring "nicely". Send me you email and I'll be happy so send you a digital copy. That goes to anyone else who would like a copy. Few nasty developments, parts shortages building Jackalopees have been a real PITA. No PITA squared..........PITA cubed!! Stupid and common stuff like relay sockets, crimp lugs, etc. Just been informed, "no more 7 wire cable (to send with the kits) till beginning of November. Copper is an international commodity, "don't you know". Got enough left for three kits.. Fortunately, I scrambled and found few thousand feet of a substitute. It's a little thicker, white is 10 gauge and all the others are 12 gauge. All the wiring will be done with yellow crimp lugs. Henry, Do you have that manual available by PDF? Send my email? Quote Marcel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrformance Posted August 23, 2021 Report Share Posted August 23, 2021 Yes pm your e-mail. With a request for the manual. Quote 2006 Volvo VNL 780, " Arvey" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2010 Forest River Coachman Freedom Express 280RLS Jackalopee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix2013 Posted August 26, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2021 On 8/23/2021 at 6:08 PM, Parrformance said: Yes pm your e-mail. With a request for the manual. Yours went out as part of "blast" on July 26, for that reason I'm thinking that it went into junk mail. Will email you another today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpsinc Posted August 26, 2021 Report Share Posted August 26, 2021 I got mine. Thank you Henry!! Quote Marcel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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