Starcraft 12V power for Sirocco fan?

Percy

Member
Jul 20, 2012
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30
13
Chatswood NSW
I'd like to install a sirocco fan in my 19ft Starcraft but the position where it would be best installed on the overhead cupboards over the seating has no 12v power nearby. There are the rear of the external speakers and the rear of the external LED light in the cupboards, can I tap into either of those for power? If I use the lights as a power source, will it mean that the fan will only operate if the light is on, or should I go back to the push button light switch to get my power from there? I'm loath to disturb the light switch if I can help it.

With our hot summer coming up, this fan is going to be a necessity I'm afraid.
 

Percy

Member
Jul 20, 2012
24
30
13
Chatswood NSW
Further to above, I've tried both the speakers (obviously no power there) and the external light, where I could get power alright but only if the external light is on as well!

Otherwise there doesn't appear to be any other 12V power sources on the door side of the van. Help!
 

mikerezny

Well-Known Member
Sep 11, 2016
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Mount Waverley, VIC
I don't have a Starcraft. Where is the switch for the external led light?

Usually, 12V would go to the switch and then run up to the light.

Only, if there is not much distance between the light and switch and it appears that the run might be fairly straight:
If you are lucky and VERY careful, you might be able to disconnect the wire between the switch and the light, carefully join a piece of strong string to the wire and pull it through. Then join your cable going to the fan and pull the original and new wires back up to the light.
You will need a lot of patience and care to ensure you don't end up breaking the join and have no wire going back up to the light. i.e. worse off than when you started. You also need to pay attention to the join so that it doesn't become snagged going through and then coming back. Whatever you do don't force it. Sometimes they will pull through better in one direction than the other.

cheers
Mike
 
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Crusty181

Well-Known Member
Feb 7, 2010
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Mentone, VIC
I'd like to install a sirocco fan in my 19ft Starcraft but the position where it would be best installed on the overhead cupboards over the seating has no 12v power nearby. There are the rear of the external speakers and the rear of the external LED light in the cupboards, can I tap into either of those for power? If I use the lights as a power source, will it mean that the fan will only operate if the light is on, or should I go back to the push button light switch to get my power from there? I'm loath to disturb the light switch if I can help it.

With our hot summer coming up, this fan is going to be a necessity I'm afraid.
Add some pics of the area where you'd prefer to mount the fan, including the areas around it. Shouldnt be too difficult nut out some alernatives
 

Drover

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Nov 7, 2013
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Assuming your Starcraft is a fibreglass model, are the cable runs confined to cupboards not run in the wall cavities ??? Pick up from the back of a light switch is the best way.
 

Boots in Action

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Mar 13, 2017
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Ferny Grove, Queensland
Assuming your Starcraft is a fibreglass model, are the cable runs confined to cupboards not run in the wall cavities ??? Pick up from the back of a light switch is the best way.

That is the way I would try to do it @Drover and @Percy . Just make sure you tap into the live (12v battery ) side) of the light switch. If you tap into the light side of the switch, your fan will only work when the light switch is on for the light.
 

Percy

Member
Jul 20, 2012
24
30
13
Chatswood NSW
Thank you @Drover and @Boots in Action. Yes, the walls are solid without cavities and unfortunately the lights are push button controlled wirelessly from the other side of the van and the power leads to the lights are therefore only live when the switches are pushed.

After much thought, I think I'll run a power cable from the battery, under the van and up under the seat, then in a small Aussie duct up the wall to the cupboard that the fan is fixed to. That way i can have an individual supply to the fan and can put an in-line fuse in the cable.
 

Drover

Well-Known Member
Nov 7, 2013
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Did similar for a cable run utilizing a wall corner and cupboard, didnt even notice the run up the wall. If you need extra USB ports on that side the cable run would be handy, I have some fitted under a cupboard great position for phone charging.
 

Boots in Action

Well-Known Member
Mar 13, 2017
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Ferny Grove, Queensland
Thank you @Drover and @Boots in Action. Yes, the walls are solid without cavities and unfortunately the lights are push button controlled wirelessly from the other side of the van and the power leads to the lights are therefore only live when the switches are pushed.

After much thought, I think I'll run a power cable from the battery, under the van and up under the seat, then in a small Aussie duct up the wall to the cupboard that the fan is fixed to. That way i can have an individual supply to the fan and can put an in-line fuse in the cable.

With push button wireless control, your latest idea is the only alternative @Percy. The separate line gives you lots of alternatives for other 12 volt devices too. The way to go!!