Can I connect P2 brake controller when Casita has short power?

[whoot]

My Casita is plugged in to the 30amp island, running my space heater.

I want to connect my tow vehicle and test the Prodigy 2 brake controller, lights, etc.

Is there any reason I should not connect the brake controller to the Casita, when the Casita is plugged in to shore power?

[Byron Kinnaman]

Originally Posted by whoot

My Casita is plugged in to the 30amp island, running my space heater.

I want to connect my tow vehicle and test the Prodigy 2 brake controller, lights, etc.

Is there any reason I should not connect the brake controller to the Casita, when the Casita is plugged in to shore power?

There is NO reason not too. The two systems are completely separate. FYI the all the running lights are powered from the tow. The only thing you can do to check the brake controller is listen for click at each trailer wheel when the brake pedal is pushed or the panic lever is activated.

[John in Santa Cruz]

I forgot to unplug the AC when I plugged in my Casita to the (running) tug... then I unplugged the AC... when we got home from that trip, we discovered the Parallax converter was DOA. not saying that's the cause, but...

[whoot]

After seeing Byron's response, I tested the Casita's rear lights, and everything seemed to work. The Casita's sidelights and turn signals were okay. I was plugged in to shore power. Thanks!

[cmartin748]

12 volts is supplied to the camper through the 7 pin plug. This may cause a problem if both are plugged in at the same time

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by cmartin748

12 volts is supplied to the camper through the 7 pin plug. This may cause a problem if both are plugged in at the same time

Since the trailer is 12 VDC (nominal ) and the vehicle is 12 VDC
(nominal ) and DC does not have a sine wave so you can't be out of phase , I don't see an issue assuming there are no other electrical issues or problems.

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

Since the trailer is 12 VDC (nominal ) and the vehicle is 12 VDC
(nominal ) and DC does not have a sine wave so you can't be out of phase , I don't see an issue assuming there are no other electrical issues or problems.

my vehicle outputs 14.4V when its first been started... now if there's significant current at the trailer jack, the wiring resistance drops the voltage. meanwhile, the Parallax DC converter is(was) trying to output 13.6V or so to charge the battery... depending on the design of the Parallax's output stage, this *could* back bias its output transistors and dump a bunch of current into them.

Its also quite possible the parallax just picked that dry camping weekend trip to die. I'll never know, its in the ejunk bin at the local recyclers.

[cmartin748]

I have no proof but I have evidence. Over the years I have gone to Florida each winter and would stop at campgrounds along the way. I would find a level spot so that I wouldn't need to unhook and make a quick getaway the next morning. I lost the original converter and 2 more in a three-year period. I was staying plugged into the TV. I started unplugging The TV about 5 years ago and have not replaced one since.
CM