On Fri, 3 Jan 2003, Ed Bass wrote:

> If the AC wiring is connected to chassis, it
> raises questions about isolation between the 12V and 120V systems.

Why would that be an issue?

About the only thing that will trip a GFCI is an imbalance between the hot
and neutral currents, which the GFCI interprets as a current leak to
ground.  If you happen to know anyone with a "megger" they could check
your Vanagon's 120V wiring for insulation failures.  Otherwise I'd borrow
or buy one of those extension cords with a GFCI built in, and see if the
van trips it.  If so, try unplugging everything inside (including the
fridge) to see if you can narrow it down.  If your GFCI doesn't trip,
maybe the outlet at the camp site was defective.

I once tripped a GFCI at home with RF.  I hit the transmit switch on a 25
watt transmitter and the lights went out. ;)

             _ _
  __ _ _   _| | |  | David M. Brodbeck (N8SRE)              Ypsilanti, MI
 / _` | | | | | |  +-----------------------------------------------------
| (_| | |_| | | | @ cyberspace.org
 \__, |\__,_|_|_| "To the optimist, the glass is half full.  To the
 |___/             pessimist, the glass is half empty.  To the engineer,
                   the glass is twice as big as it needs to be."