Electrical Help/Question

[bobflhtc]

I just purchased a 98 Scamp 16. I need to pick up a 30-15 amp connector so I can plug in at the house. The lighting and water pump work. I tried to plug a fan into the 110 socket on the side of the sink but no power.

Is there a switch to throw when running off the battery?

Is 110 only available when I am connected to shore power or do I need to look for a fuse or faulty part?

In hindsight I should have pressed the owner to resolve all this. It's what I would do

Thanks Bob

[Jim Bennett]

Bob, 120V is only available when plugged in. You can run an inverter to get it, but that is a topic for another discussion. Any RV parts store will have a 30A to 15A adapter to use when plugged in to a 15A 120V plug.

[bobflhtc]

Thanks Jim. So is the Inverter on board to go from 110 to 12volt while you are suggesting picking up a 12volt to 110 ?

I know its a dumb question but I'm teachable

[David Tilston]

Bob, a converter goes from 120 VAC to 12 VDC. An inverter goes from 12 VDC to 120 VAC. You can get a small inverter, (~1000 W) for around $100, used. The wires from the battery to the inverter should be able to handle 100 A if you are going to use 1000 W.

[bobflhtc]

Thanks David. I'll make a note for future reference. At least I know the trailer is functioning properly.

[RogerDat]

Inverter is running off of battery (12 VDC) to provide the 110 VAC. Pretty finite supply of power. Fine for low consumption, say charging your camera or laptop battery, not going to last very long running one of those cube book shelf electric heaters or a 300 watt shop light.

Converter typically is hooked in so when you plug into shore power 12 volt power for things like roof vent fan, water pump, 12 volt lights comes from converter not battery. Converter will also charge the battery so when you unplug from shore power your battery is charged up.

Water pump is (almost certainly) 12 volt and running off of the battery.

If you have a converter that is great, I don't and when I priced them out I figured solar and a small battery charger was cheaper and better value for my needs.

[bobflhtc]

Has anyone considered using a UPS system to run their 110 devices when offshore? I have one laying around that I used to power my desktop with when the power went out. Its about 40-50 lbs and about the size of a small desktop cpu. Might fit under the Scamp sink. It has the Inverter in it. I don't think I paid much more than $100 for it. Just a thought.

[Jon Vermilye]

Most of them are not designed for long term use and have limited battery capacity, however it should work. Most are Modified Sine Wave inverters, so appliances that want clean power may have a problem.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by bobflhtc

I just purchased a 98 Scamp 16. I need to pick up a 30-15 amp connector so I can plug in at the house. The lighting and water pump work. I tried to plug a fan into the 110 socket on the side of the sink but no power.

Bob, on the Scamps the only things that will not work if not plugged into shore power are the 110 plugs and the one large fluorescent kitchen light. As others have indicated you can get an inverter and plug it into the 12V plug assuming you have one. My trailer didnt come with a fan and the best mod I did was add a 12v Fantastic Fan to the roof.

[Steve L.]

If you're just talking about running one or two trailer AC appliances while in the driveway, the 30A to 15A adapter and a hefty gauge extension cord (only needed if the trailer plug won't reach) might be cheaper than an inverter. You're probably going to want to plug in anyhow if your converter charges the trailer battery.

[Steve L.]

Of course, you could plug your converter INTO your inverter (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) and Bob’s your uncle, recharge the trailer that way!

Alright, now I'm just being silly.