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Old 05-03-2011, 11:40 AM   #1
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2001 34' Limited S/O
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Question Inverter - basic questions

Hello All

I am looking at a couple of AS trailers. All recent after 2000. Here is the really basic electrical question.

If a trailer does NOT have an inverter, and is not plugged in to a power supply what what do the batteries run? For example if you are towing and stop, say at a rest stop, will any interior lights work? Will the water flow?

Thanks!
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Old 05-03-2011, 11:46 AM   #2
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Yes, your water should flow and there should be some (designated) interior lights.

A DC to AC inverter converts you 12v battery power to 110v AC power for ectronics/small appliances. So, without an inverter, the only electronics that will work via your battery are the 12 v ones: usually interior lights, water pump, fantastic fan/vent, etc. And, depending on other options, you may also have use of hot water tank & refer if propane operated.

You likely won't have air conditioning, microwave or furnace or ability to use regular household appliances.

Laura
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Old 05-03-2011, 11:46 AM   #3
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lights, water pump, 12v fans work off the batteries.
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Old 05-04-2011, 11:46 AM   #4
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Thanks!!
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Old 05-04-2011, 11:54 AM   #5
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Well, it's a little more complicated than that, and to some large degree it depends upon the vintage of the trailer. On mine, 12volt runs all of the interior lights, the water pump, the circuit boards that control the refrigerator, furnace, and water heater, as well as fans in the bathroom, fantastic vent and kitchen stove vent. Also, the television antenna booster, the stereo, and television.

120 volt runs only the air conditioner, microwave, and converter that charges the batteries when on shore power. 120 volt also powers inside and outside outlets so I could use 120 volt appliances such as a vacuum sweeper, electric toaster, crock pot, hair dryer or curling iron, etc.
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Old 05-04-2011, 01:50 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by funkill View Post
Yes, your water should flow and there should be some (designated) interior lights.

A DC to AC inverter converts you 12v battery power to 110v AC power for ectronics/small appliances. So, without an inverter, the only electronics that will work via your battery are the 12 v ones: usually interior lights, water pump, fantastic fan/vent, etc. And, depending on other options, you may also have use of hot water tank & refer if propane operated.

You likely won't have air conditioning, microwave or furnace or ability to use regular household appliances.

Laura
I think all the original-equipment furnaces are 12-volt.
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Old 05-04-2011, 02:21 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by django-bop View Post
Hello All

I am looking at a couple of AS trailers. All recent after 2000. Here is the really basic electrical question.

If a trailer does NOT have an inverter, and is not plugged in to a power supply what what do the batteries run? For example if you are towing and stop, say at a rest stop, will any interior lights work? Will the water flow?

Thanks!
Django

In most late model (after 1970 or so) trailer, all of the factory-installed equipment and accessories will work off the 12 volt and propane systems except for the air conditioner and microwave.

Some trailers have TVs that will run off the batteries while others do not.

A few trailers have only a convection/microwave oven that requires 120v power while most have the more traditional oven which runs on propane.
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Old 05-04-2011, 04:40 PM   #8
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12V also runs the control board in newer refrigerators.
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