New Trailer and I'm Lost!!!!

[Dozzer555]

Hi all. My wife talked me into a new trailer, 2015 jayco jay flight SLX travel trailer, and now I am totally confused. We got it home, staged, and started getting ready for the season, when I noticed that my microwave wasn't working. So I checked my outlets and none of them are working either. the batteries are fully charged. I tried the manual but it didn't really help.

[Parcany]

Microwave and outlets run off of 120 volts. Plug the trailer in and then try them. The lites run off of 12 volts. See if that does the trick.

[Dozzer555]

Ok i get that. But if that's the case how am I suppose to use them when camping?

[NVGun40]

Camp in a space with electrical hookups or use a generator. The microwave and plug outlets are convenience items. Your refrigerator, and water heater will work off of propane and the lights off the 12V system.

[Dozzer555]

Ok thanks guys this is good to know. This is my 1st trailer and I think the salesman saw me coming. My understanding was that the converter was suppose to make the outlets work. That's what i really cared about.

[rryman]

If you really need 120 volts for outlets, microwave, TV, etc, and you are at a campsite that has no electric available, then a generator is probably your next move, with the understanding that some campgrounds have restrictions on when you can run generators, even the quite ones, like the Honda EU2000i, Yamaha, etc.. When you plug in to campsite electricity, it will power your microwave, TV, and outlets, AND keep your trailer battery charged so it can provide 12 volt power to your lights, water heater and fridge control circuits. There is some things to learn, but it will get easier. Solar power is also a whole 'nother subject. You can convert 12volt DC into 120 volt AC, but it gets pretty costly.

[JPBeck]

Welcome to the wonderful world of RV'ing! $$$Caaaa-Ching$$$

[ninjahbob]

Dozzer555 Don't feel bad most of us have been were you are. nvgun40 and rryman gave you some good advice. Camping is fun world!! Enjoy.

[VicS1950]

Originally Posted by Dozzer555

... I tried the manual but it didn't really help.

First let me also extend you a hale and hearty welcome to the forum.

There may be some info here to help you to understand the basic systems in your trailer.

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f2...now-15495.html

Have fun. vic

[norty1]

#1 Welcome to the forum. Lots to learn here from friendly fellow campers.

#2. Scratch that rv salesman off your Christmas card list.

[thecampingcat]

Im excited for you being at the beginning remember every part of the journey so you have things to laugh about as you reminisce!

[cekkk]

If your trailer is at home you might want to pick up an adapter and plug it into an outlet to see if that demonstrates to you what others have been saying will work when you have ac power. You can get one for around ten bucks.

Make sure your water heater switch is off so you don't burn out your heating element since there probably is no water in your water heater tank! Don't overload your outlet, just look at the microwave and you'll see its screen lights up, maybe turn on a TV or something plugged into an ac outlet in the trailer.

Search for a photo of this so you'll know what it is. Camco 55165 15M/30F 12" PowerGrip Dogbone Electrical Adapter with Handle

It's always a good idea to spend your first night in the driveway or very near home.

[JPBeck]

That story will be a good one to tell in a few years. I once forgot to close the top vent on the way home, and the wind ripped it right off, so don't feel bad about the AC/DC confusion (my wife is still boggled by this concept even after 17 years of owning RV's).


I second the Honda EU2000i. Ours in 12 years old and still runs like a champ.

[Higgy]

cekkk mentioned about making sure not to turn on your hot water until your tank is full. Really important. When you got it from the dealership it may have the hot water tank bypassed and you will still get water running out of your hot taps but before you turn on the electric or propane hot water heaters make sure you have the plug in the hot water tank and the bypass switched over to fill the tank. When you switch it over, open a tap until all the air is out and water runs freely.

[Seann45]

Converter takes 120 VAC and turns it into 12VDC.. An Inverter takes 12VDC and turns it into 120 VAC. That said you need a large inverter and battery bank to run power for any length of time esp if you wish to use the microwave. Check the boondocking page on here and the mods page to see what I and other campers have done.

[Justin23mbh]

I had this same thing happen to me about two weeks ago on my brand new TT. I check everything and could not figure it out. Then I found a wire haning under the trailer that looked out of place. It ended up being the ground wire. Some how it got riped off the frame. I drilled a pilot hole and screwed it back down. Now everything works fine. Long story short, check your ground wire.

[ddrueckh]

Since you are new to this, I thought I would mention that you should keep your trailer plugged in at home or you need to disconnect your battery. Otherwise, parasitic draws will kill your battery in a matter of days. Once dead, it is as good as dead. It will need to be replaced.

[MarkeMark]

Welcome to the forum.

Just find the big black cord that came with your camper and plug in at a site with full hookups then crank your AC down until your nice and cozy. Mine works great for afternoon naps on those 90+ degree days. RV living at its finest!!!