Our first travel trailer, a new 154bh

[madmaxmutt]

Even as an electrician, you will probably need to read up on the differences of 12V battery power. Take that battery down far enough, enough times and you will be buying a new battery. There are 12 volt draws in that camper that will help you kill the battery. Safety equipment, furnace and fridge control boards, LED lights, Awning in/out motor, etc . . . in addition to the items you want to run. Heck, even the LED on that inverter, and possibly the light on your meter will be drawing power.

Many of us have been there, done that. At least, your trailer doesn't have slides, electric tongue jack and some of the other power hogs. You can do this, but a second battery is in your future. If you are out more than a few days at a time doing this, a generator or solar is also. Good luck camping and have fun with the new toys!


Two of these are what I use for non-powered camping on BLM or NP land.
https://www.batteriesplus.com/productdetails/sligc145ut

[Curious by Nature]

I installed an extra outlet under the dinette table that is inverter output only. Combined with a power bar, this supplies power to TV, computers, and all those electronic toys. Even when plugged in, it acts as a UPS so I don't have to worry about dirty power damaging electronics.
Even if you do install some solar, you will still need a small inverter generator for cloudy, cold or heavy use days.

[Jc85]

I've thought of doing an extra inverter only receptacle somewhere, likely near the little shelf where we put our tv. Im still trying to figure out a slick way to mount the inverter out near the battery. Once I decide what I'm going to do there I can run a 120v line under the trailer and pop up where I want the receptacle.

I will likely also add a set of 2 conductor cable and small rocker switch so I can power the inverter on and off from inside the trailer...

I'm going to work up a plug for my little battery meter so I can plug it into my cig lighter socket to monitor my battery status. Something like the combo USB charger/ volt meters I've seen on here. We will see how that works out..

[LarryJ]

Generator best bet and possibly solar panels. We had a 154BH prior to our current 264BHW. Good luck with it camping!!

[marbles]

I have installed USB outlets in my dining area and at my bed. This allows me to charge up my phones, flashlights and could run my Raspberry PI. This would prevent the DC to AC to DC conversion required by a 120V AC plugin adapter and all of it's inefficiencies. The 12V DC TV would also be more efficient. I have a dual port adapter with one cigarette lighter adapter and the other a pair of 2.1A USB ports. It was installed in the blank panel next to the radio.

The deluxe version is $25 at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0741CHQ49...4-ade842a017d4

[Jc85]

Marbles that's a pretty good looking setup.. everything I need and then some. I wonder if it would fit to replace the existing cig lighter outlet in the wall..?

Hey speaking of which; there's a small push button on/off switch on the same plate as my cig lighter outlet that doesn't seem to affect anything. Any ideas on what it's for?

[kblast523]

Originally Posted by Jc85

Marbles that's a pretty good looking setup.. everything I need and then some. I wonder if it would fit to replace the existing cig lighter outlet in the wall..?

Hey speaking of which; there's a small push button on/off switch on the same plate as my cig lighter outlet that doesn't seem to affect anything. Any ideas on what it's for?

That switch turns on/off the antenna amp.

[440 scout]

I installed the 1200 watt Aims inverter with automatic transfer switch in my Jaco 195RB and I really like it. It automatically switchest over to batteries when shore power is disconnected. It gets wired into the load side of one 15 amp breaker that feeds several receptacles. I use it when boondocking for the TV & DVD player and to recharge cellphones. Because the inverter draws a little power on its own, I installed the remote switch so the inverter can be shut off when the camper is not being used. Available on Amazon.