[Boondock vs. plugged in What can/can't I run?]

12 hours ago, WME said:

Tecno Babble... Converter makes 12v DC from 120v AC, standard equipment on 99% of commercial made RV's. Inverter is backwards, it makes 120v AC from 12v DC it is very seldom installed in low/mid price RV's. An inverter on a Toy would most likely been installed by a previous owner and who knows how it's wired.

Inverters have an idle draw, like a car engine idling, no work but its using gas. Most inverters have an on/off switch. The high class ones have auto on function so they have a greatly reduced idle draw. An "old school" setup you would have to plug the shore power cord into the inverter. A smart setup would have an auto transfer switch (ATS) that will automatically power the Rv. SOME inverters have an ATS built in. Again whatcha got?

So the question is do you really have an inverter?? If you find one, what make and what power rating?

What works boondocking??? Your Fridge, house heater, water heater all are propane powered. Your house heater fan, stove vent fan, lights are all 12v powered. The outlets are 120v AC only so to power them you need an 1. inverter or 2. Shore power 120v AC or 3. Generator.

 

If you plan on a lot boondocking you need to look into a solar setup, but that's another conversation.

 

This is my board.  I guess it is just a converter.  So why does it make noise sometimes and heat comes out of the vents when I am plugged in?  So if I understand correctly, the purpose of the converter is to convert the power from the post I am plugged up to  into usable power from the outlets.  I have some that are regular plugs (120 v?) and some that are 12v like little lighter holes and the lights.  So, my tv, fridge, plugged appliances will only work when I am plugged in, right?  So if I boondock, I won't have any access to those, or I will only have as long as the battery lasts.  What is running off the big boat battery?  My panel says it is fully charged.  

 

[Boondock vs. plugged in What can/can't I run?]

I am new to my '91 Sunrader.  I am enjoying camping at RV resorts and staying plugged up in friends' driveways.  I am confused about the job of the converter (inverter), generator, and power plug.  

 

If I am boondocking, what won't work?  The fridge has a gas mode, so I assume it will work while boondocking.  Will the water heater?  What about the outlets for appliances?  If I use the inverter, will those work?  Do I have to turn the inverter on or is it always on?  

 

Anyone who could school me in this understanding I will buy a beer when our paths cross!  

[Coffee Drinkers - What are you using?]

On 9/3/2013 at 1:18 PM, Maineah said:

I make 3 cups all at once with my French press it has two parts and I only have to clean it once for 3 cups! I just dump the grounds a quick rinse little more water push the plunger up and down 3 or 4 times dump the water I'm done. I'm sure yours works better less grounds etc. the French press has been around for a 100 years and hasn't changed much. My favorite coffee maker is DD or Tim Horton's!

So you don't feel the few grounds that get dumped out with your water into your grey tank are harmful?  

[Coffee Drinkers - What are you using?]

On 3/24/2013 at 3:58 PM, waiter said:

Standard Ole Mr Coffee.. Plug it in, turn on the inverter, let her rip.

John Mc

88 DOlphin 4 Auto

John, I have a question about this. When you say turn on the inverter, does that mean you are not currently plugged into electric hook up and the inverter let's you run electric things off the battery?  Or is it inverting energy from the generator?  Thanks!

[How does my hot water heater work?]

I have Direct Ignition Model on my 91 sunrader.  It says in the manual to 1. turn on the remote switch (I did that) 2. If switch light stays on longer than 15 seconds turn off and wait 5 minutes (It stayed on forever after blinking once).  So I turned it off and went to step 3. Repeat Step 1.  That ignited the system, the WH indicator is off now and the water seems to be getting hot.  

 

Questions:

1. Do I have to turn off the switch after I use the water and relight it every time I need hot water?  Or does it keep water hot all the time and I just leave it on? I assume this second option would drain my LP gas more quickly, right?  

 

2. Do I have to be plugged in to power to light the hot water heater?  

 

I have some other questions about power sources/draws, etc... but will post in the appropriate forum.  

[extension cord]

1 hour ago, linda s said:

Radio is run off of truck battery. If left on long enough it will run it down. Shore power doesn't charge truck battery. Phone with Bluetooth speakers works great for music and you can recharge phone from coach battery 12 volt outlet

Linda S

Thanks linda! The radio system has a great Bluetooth option. And there are these great speakers back in the kitchen area. I guess those are only to be listened to during drive time?

[Coffee Drinkers - What are you using?]

I wonder how coffee drinkers feel about getting coffee grounds in the grey water tank.  I am concerned about getting food particles down in the tank and not being able to get them out.  I have been using a paper filter to try and avoid it, but I would love to use a reusable filter.  

[extension cord]

Thank you so much for these responses.  Another electricity related question.  The radio only works when the key is turned to acc when engine is not running.  Will this run the battery down?  Does being plugged into shore power affect this?  

[extension cord]

If I am plugging up to regular house outlet, do I need a special extension cord or will a household one work?  

 

I have an add on for my cord that allows it to be plugged into two types of power.  Anybody have a guide so I can understand the different names/types of power?  I recently parked in a park that had only 50 (?watt?) and my cord didn't work for that.  Can I buy an extender?  

 

So at that park, they just let me park by the office and ran an extension cord out to me.  What are your thoughts on this?

[Overcab bed size]

Thank you to everyone who responded.  I bought a full sized mattress topper and it fits perfectly.  I only cover the topper with the fitted sheet, since it IS hard to get a cover around the entire mattress.  Plus, I need access to the velcro tabs on the main mattress edges to hang my cab divider.  I am loving this forum!  

[Overcab bed size]

I have a 91 Sunrader and I am wondering what size of mattress topper to buy that will fit on the bed over the cab.  Any advice?  

[What's your rig and where's it at?]

I just bought my first camper.  1991 Sunrader.  I bought her in Chicago, but mostly I bounce between Houston and New Orleans.