Community Forums

EricGT · 11-25-2011, 11:34 AM

I have read through my 300 page owners manual several times and have seemed to miss this if it is even contained in the manual.

I guess the only way to utilize the power outlets is to have the generator running or RV plugged into an outlet?

I know the t.v. and stereo is wired to a convertor so they always have power. But we noticed yesterday that the only way we could get power to the outlets was to have the generator running while tailgating.

This was bit of a snafu going down the highway while trying to keep whipped potatoes warm in a crock pot.

RichR · 11-25-2011, 11:38 AM

The outlets are 110v ac-the only way to have that voltage is to be plugged into a source that provides that.

EricGT · 11-25-2011, 11:47 AM

OK, that what I was thinking.
So in other words, I need to have the generator running while going down the road.

radams · 11-25-2011, 11:50 AM

It can't be said for certain without knowing what rig you have. There are rigs set up the way you describe and that condition would be normal. There are others where that would not be normal. More details are needed.

EricGT · 11-25-2011, 11:55 AM

Well, that is the way mine works. We had no power to the AC outlets until I fired up the generator. They always have power at home because I keep the coach plugged into an outlet.

We do have one outlet that has battery power for the t.v. and stereo. But I believe the previous owner did that with an invertor/convertor(?).

I was merely asking thinking maybe there is a switch or something in the compartment that allows me to run the outlets off the coach batteries.

radams · 11-25-2011, 12:07 PM

Yes, if you have power to those devices with no shore or generator power then you have an inverter that is drawing power from a battery(s) and converting it to 120VAC. However, depending on your setup the inverter may be able to supply power to other outlets as well. There are many variations thus the question about what you have. If it was added by a previous owner then it's anyone's guess as to how it was wired in.

GaryKD · 11-25-2011, 01:00 PM

Hi EricGT,
Year, Brand and model of coach would help to clinch a yes or no to the replies posted so far.

An Inverter is what is powering your TV. If you can find the inverter and tell us the rated WATTs, that would be great. It should be on the label or in the package of instructions. Lastly, how many batteries do you have for coach power (no engine starting, just coach)?

HD4Mark · 11-25-2011, 01:06 PM

In our MH not all of the outlets are connected to the inverter. One way to check would be to unplug, don't run the generator, turn on the inverter and check each outlet with a voltage tester or a lamp. Your circuit breakers that are on the inverter may also be labeled.

wa8yxm · 11-25-2011, 04:46 PM

There are several different ways that motor homes with inverters are wired (OH, Converters convert 120vac to 12vdc,, INverters do.. the INverse)

Some the inverter ONLY runs the entainerment center
Some (mine for example. though mine is an after market inverter) the 2kw inverter I have runs the entainermnt centers, Microwave and GFCI chain (Bathrooms, kitchen, patio)

Some it runs dang near everythign save the air conditioners.

Some.. It runs EVERYTHING. but I do not recommend that.

Many crock pots are non=electronic That is they are a basic resistor, no fancy timers or anything like that.. Work great on MSW inverters, very low cost. get one at least 25% larger than what' printed on the crock pot.. (IE if the crock pot says 750 watts, get a 1KW inverter) and wire it DIRECTLY to the batteries with short, heavy cables (OK, put in the proper fuse)

Aguyfromcalg · 11-25-2011, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricGT

Well, that is the way mine works. We had no power to the AC outlets until I fired up the generator. They always have power at home because I keep the coach plugged into an outlet.

We do have one outlet that has battery power for the t.v. and stereo. But I believe the previous owner did that with an invertor/convertor(?).

I was merely asking thinking maybe there is a switch or something in the compartment that allows me to run the outlets off the coach batteries.

Hi Eric:
I believe your tv and stereo could be running off an small factory installed inverter. If your tv and stereo is plugged into a wall type plug try this. Unplug both the tv and stereo and plug in some other electronic device. If it works then you know what you have. I don't think there will be a switch to provide inverter power to other plugs. If the electronic device can't be plugged in or won't operate then both your tv and stereo are operating off D C (battery) power.
Pat

EricGT · 11-25-2011, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Hi EricGT,
Year, Brand and model of coach would help to clinch a yes or no to the replies posted so far.

An Inverter is what is powering your TV. If you can find the inverter and tell us the rated WATTs, that would be great. It should be on the label or in the package of instructions. Lastly, how many batteries do you have for coach power (no engine starting, just coach)?

It is a Vector Max 700 watt (1400 peak) marine power inverter. The batteries (2) are Deep Cycle 350C @ $219.99 each FWTW.
Oh, and it's a 2002 Monaco McKenzie Rogue.

GaryKD · 11-25-2011, 07:35 PM

Hi EricGT,
Thanks for the info. 700 WATTS doesn't go very far. Factory or after market you're safe to assume the inverter powers only what it is now connected to. Combine the 700 WATTS with only two coach batteries and what one can run is very limited.

I have a 600 WATT inverter and 4 coach batteries. Newmar wired my coach with about 1/2 the outlets through the inverter. While this may sound great, it has taken a lot of education with the wife and Gkids on what can and can not be plugged into these outlets when not connected to shore power or the generator running.

EricGT · 11-25-2011, 08:11 PM

So, I guess I should be satisfied with satellite receiver, tv, and stereo then.

Bill2 · 11-26-2011, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricGT

So, I guess I should be satisfied with satellite receiver, tv, and stereo then.

You probably could power a few smaller items but not much. Just run the generator and be happy. I have a 2,000 watt inverter with 4 coach batteries and I can run the crock pot going down the road with the inverter. We can also make a pot of coffee on it. The larger the inverter and battery bank, the more you can run without the generator. I don't know of any coach that can run the air conditioners without the generator. Well maybe there are some with two inverters and a lot of batteries.
Bill