Shore power only - no battery

[Sam1212]

Hello, we are unexpectedly driving our trailer (jay feather 25rb) from Wyoming to Virginia this weekend. It’ll be below freezing for nearly all of the trip. We have been thinking we’ll pull the batteries and live off shore power (electric fireplace for heat) and propane (cooking and supplemental heat). We plan to leave the trailer winterized and use contained water for drinking, tea, dishes, etc. and the camp bathrooms for showers and toilets.

I think our fridge is DC, I’m not sure but will dig out the manual. We bought the trailer in Sep and have little experience with it. Either way, I’m not sure if the fridge will also work off shore power. I expect we’ll eat non-perishables and pack the freezer as though it was a cooler.

Does this sound feasible? I saw a note that we may not be able to use the heat as it requires the battery to start, even though propane fueled?

Is there anything that will not work without the batteries attached?

Thank you in advance!!

 

[kevenv]

I'm not sure about the rest but I am pretty sure the emergency breakaway switch needs the 12V batteries to activate the brakes in the event of a breakaway.

 

[Jim Davis-JAY]

Let me add that as long as the battery has a reasonable state of charge it wouldn't be likely to have temperatures low enough to hurt most batteries. When you get to Virginia and shut everything down disconnect the battery ground wire.

 

[Sam1212]

Thank you!

 

[Sam1212]

Thank you! We decided to not pull the batteries, for this reason.

 

[OnTheGo]

Hi Sam1212. Welcome to the forum and safe travels to Virginia.

When we were midwesteners we did a lot of winter camping and never removed the battery, and never had a problem. ... many sub-freezing nights. Our approach is the same as yours. We were completely drained and used containerized water.

Being plugged into shore power made winter camping much easier. We stayed at state parks, so electricity and facilities were always available. When we were on the road, KOA's provide the same services and are usually near an exit.

If your 25rb is a recent year (it would be helpful to know), you have a 12vdc refrigerator. They don't draw a lot of power. When your not plugged into shore power you will receive charging from your tow vehicle and solar - should be enough to get you through. And the fridge does work well as a cooler.

You furnaces 12vdc fan has to function before it will ignite. When you are plugged into shore power you have DC power available from the converter even if the battery is removed.

The microwave is useful to say the least. We ate a lot of prepared foods and heated water in it when that was needed. When we stopped for groceries we would get salads and foods that re-heated well - in addition to fast food.

If you don't have anyone camped next to you, you can plug into the post on the vacant site. We used the extra amps for electric blankets when available.

You are probably early enough in the year to not encounter severe winter weather. If the forecasts look bad, I would look for a southern route. I-80 and 90 can turn dangerous in the winter.

A trouble light with an incandesant bulb is a good source of heat for a small area - as long as you have enough AC power.

Once again, wishing you safe travels

 

[Sam1212]

Very useful information! Thank you!
We have a 2024 25rb.

 

[RogerR]

The electric safety brake system means the battery is a must. And it is a legal requirement in most or maybe all states.

It is nice to have battery fully charged and operational in case you have to dry camp in an emergency or experience a power outage to keep the LP furnace running. The LP furnace uses a 12 volt fan and a spark initer powered by 12 volts. It will operate if you are plugged in but nice to be able to stay warm when you don't have that power available.

 

[Sam1212]

Thank you! We will definitely keep the batteries hooked up.