Community Forums

ParTheCourse · 07-12-2005, 10:55 AM

Is it all right to plug into shore power, 120V, while the umbilical core is connect to the truck?

ParTheCourse · 07-12-2005, 10:55 AM

Is it all right to plug into shore power, 120V, while the umbilical core is connect to the truck?

Don (W5IT) · 07-13-2005, 01:45 AM

Should not be a problem. I have done it often when stopping "Just for the night".

Also I used to run the generator that was mounted on the truck while traveling to power the fiver. So the fiver was powered up just as it would be connected at a campground. I just removed the fuse that powered the 12V lead to the trailer (Light) connector.

It was nice to arrive at a destination with a "Cool" trailer.

(Or have the trailer cool if we decided to stop to eat or something)

Most trucks have a relay on the line that powers the 12V "Hot" lead to the trailer connector plug on the vehicle. This relay cuts the power to the 12V lead unless the ignition is on for the tow vehicle. That way you can't run down the tow vehicle battery with the trailer. This also keeps you from feeding the tow vehicle with the trailer.

So....................... GO FOR IT!

Mich · 07-13-2005, 06:12 AM

One time I left my trailer tied to my truck and hooked up to 110 v at the same time and be it coincidence or the way it was hooked up, my alternator died minutes after. So whatever the case, I never keep both hooked up at the same time. Its so simple to just unhook from the truck power if hooked up to 110 that I just don't risk it anymore.

RustyJC · 07-13-2005, 06:40 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Don (W5IT):
Most trucks have a relay on the line that powers the 12V "Hot" lead to the trailer connector plug on the vehicle. This relay cuts the power to the 12V lead unless the ignition is on for the tow vehicle. That way you can't run down the tow vehicle battery with the trailer. This also keeps you from feeding the tow vehicle with the trailer. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>For any Dodge owners reading this - be advised that the Dodge does NOT come with this battery isolation relay. If you're worried about backfeeding the truck's 12VDC system from the RV's power converter, unplug the umbilical cord before plugging into shore power.

I've never had a problem with both plugged in, but YMMV (your mileage may vary)!

Rusty

FatDog · 07-13-2005, 08:10 AM

At my shop we have a 'transfer switch' that directs the flow of electricity from different sources into the shop, allowing them all to be hooked up at the same time, yet only one 'working'. And i have seen transfer switches for RV's for approximately $100, if i remember correctly.

Would it wise for the RV'r who often uses his generator to get these switches?
I guess I always just assumed there was some built-in provision for this already.

milt · 07-13-2005, 05:11 PM

On one occasion my wife was trying to help make a qick setup (just stopping overnight)
She plugged into shore power before I unplugged the truck, it blew the fuse on the truck turn signals. Now we always make sure the truck is unplugged first even if leaving the trailer on the hitch.
Milt

Ray,IN · 07-13-2005, 05:48 PM

I've left the trailer connection plugged in and used shore power many times since buying my 1996 Dodge CTD and so-good-so-far! We just bought a new 5er so I'll be wary now.