New owner- dry camp help

[Lauhow]

New owner
Have battery - how do I get outlets to work when dry camping? Interior lights work. Do I need to turn something on?

[che57vy]

When dry camping the battery supply's 12v to the Inverter the Inverter only powers the one 120v outlet by the tv no others.The Inverter switch has to be turned on. The only time you will have power to other outlets is if gen is running transfer switch will close then you will have 120v to all outlets and the battery charger will also charge your house battery

[Lauhow]

Thank you
Where do I find the inverter switch?

[Isaacs]

Originally Posted by Lauhow

Thank you
Where do I find the inverter switch?

You don't say which camper you own. Are you sure you even have an inverter?

[pconroy]

Originally Posted by Lauhow

New owner
Have battery - how do I get outlets to work when dry camping? Interior lights work. Do I need to turn something on?

Depends on your model - and the options.

As mentioned, it's the inverter's job to take the 12V DC battery power and turn it into 120V AC power for the outlets. [ Or one outlet as in our coach. ]

My inverter is a Xantrex and there's a control panel by all of the other switches in the motorhome. Your's could be very different - and as also posted - you may not have one. In which case you'd have to buy one.

But - be careful.
You can drain your 12V battery pretty quickly with some appliances.

[Rustysocket]

Since this is in the travel trailer section, unless you specifically purchased a unit with a residential fridge option or added an inverter to your unit, it is unlikely that you have one as most TT's don't come with them.

In that case when dry camping you are limited to 12V systems such as your water pump, heater blower, and your 12v lights. Your 110V outlets will not work.

Inverters will kill a single battery rather quickly and unless your equipped with a way to recharge while dry camping you will find yourself without any power rather quickly.

Add your unit to your signature so we know what you have.

[troutslayer]

Also, keep in mind that batteries should not be discharged below 50% or you do serious damage to the battery's life span.

[Jagiven]

Most TT's do not have an inverter to convert from 12V DC to 120V AC. let us know what TT you have and we can help.

As others mentioned an inverter can run down a single 12V battery fairly quick. So you do need a method to recharge. Many people buy a generator, to run during generator hours, or purchase a solar setup. Both work, both have there pros and cons