Technical Canbus and changing interior lights

[NZFIAT]

Hello,
Just working on a brand new Ducato changing it over to a campervan for my folks. I would like to remove the interior lights and use the same wiring for a couple of step lights so they can use the remote to activate those instead.

I am assuming though its a can-bus system and just want to be sure that changing the load on that circuit won't cause expensive problems.

I thought there would be lots on the web about this but can't really find any info. I will also be adding a reversing camera so will need to wire that to the reversing lights so would like to know if I need to use a relay for that and what the go is with getting a power feed.

All help much appreciated!!

 

[Arkk]

Hi, you shouldn't have a problem with step lights, just use LED lamps. The reverse cam can be triggered directly from the reverse lamps- see post started by "shomikus" a few days ago.

 

[PeterM]

... just use LED lamps. The reverse cam can be triggered directly from the reverse lamps...

Yes, but in the first case I would expect you have to keep the interior lights to provide the right load. In the second case you just might need a relay to activate the camera if it requires a high current.

I understand there are a few circuits not monitored by the CANBUS, including the cigarette lighter/accessory plug. What are the others?

 

[NZFIAT]

Thanks guys!
With that in mind I might just use a low draw relay as even though they are L.E.D there are several areas to be covered and better safe than sorry. It would be definitely great to know what other circuits are not canbus monitored.
Thanks for your help!

 

[Arkk]

Hi Peter, I did my usual "half the info" reply. The cameras we use are low current, but we usually feed the monitor from an ign controlled power supply, and the camera is simply triggered by the reverse input.
We have done a few interior lights without problems, but I don't have any info on the later vans, so don't know if the int. lamp circuit is monitored or not.