Truck Bed Power Outlet

[Texasbr549]

We’re occasional boondockers looking for the lowest cost alternative for keeping the trailer batteries charged. Not looking to run air conditioners or even a coffee maker. I’m looking at portable generators and portable solar, but what about the 400W truck bed outlet as an option?

Is this a viable option for battery charging? Any advice is appreciated.

[Rich W]

400 watts is 3.3 amps, not much of a charger and it would be draining your truck battery. I can run my laptop off of 300 watts. You can probably charge faster through your umbilical cord. Instead of having it as a truck bed option you can buy a HFT inverter and connect it to your batteries and see if that works for you. It would be cheaper

I think a small generator would be better.

[JMynes]

You’ll drain your truck battery and need a boost to get started again. Depending on the remoteness of your boondocking site, that could be a big problem.

[Texasbr549]

I would only try charging the batteries with the truck running so the question is whether the batteries would charge given the low amperage. The trailer is connected to 5 amp outlet at the storage space when not in use, but that’s maintaining a charge after a trip instead of trying to recharge in a remote area.

[A W Warn]

In order to calculate if it will work, you need to know the electrical draw amperage from the converter in your trailer?

IMO, even if it will work, you would be better off with a small generator. Your truck idling for 2 or 3 hours to charge your battery is more costly in the long run (wear & tear on the engine, alternater, etc and more fuel)