RV Battery from Tow Vehicle 12V |
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jato
Senior Member Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Location: Kewadin, MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 3227 |
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Topic: RV Battery from Tow Vehicle 12V Posted: 04 Mar 2022 at 8:42am |
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We have a similar 2011 177 that was built January 2011 and picked it up in March 2011. Has serengeti decals (no rings). Still have one of the original batteries that was purchased April 2011, a 12v group size 24 deep cycle Interstate. The other one was replaced last August with a 12v Trojan T-1275. We simply use a multitester to make sure batteries don't go below 12.2v before recharging. Normally boondock so batteries get a lot of usage. Also we do not utilize either solar or generator. After 11 years the only major thing to go bust was the Dometic fridge after 9.5 years as it developed an ammonia leak. Replaced with the same model. All is good for now. Been a great dependable TT.
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God's pod
'11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
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Mooree
Newbie Joined: 17 Jan 2022 Location: USA Online Status: Offline Posts: 25 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 04 Mar 2022 at 7:45am | |||
My previous battery monitor decided to give up so I took a chance and bought the BMV-712 battery monitor even though it was a bit more expensive. I'm so glad I did! This unit works great, just as described. One of the features I like is the built-in Bluetooth that allows me to monitor my battery health at any time and directly from my iPhone. Besides that, the free Vitron Connect app is handy as it allows me to see what specifically is going on with my battery system.
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Grant177
Groupie Joined: 15 Mar 2020 Location: Edmonton, AB Online Status: Offline Posts: 65 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 23 Mar 2020 at 5:46pm | |||
Thanks @mcarter
Again, more great information...once I get the trailer out of storage to somewhere I can do some work on it, it's something I will certainly consider an option. Since the purchase, other than winterizing, I've barely had a chance to dig around...
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Grant
2011 R-Pod 177 |
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mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 23 Mar 2020 at 5:25pm | |||
Grant,
For what it's worth, you have spare 12V fuse locations. I used one of those to run a 12V wire for my lighter plug, USB charger and a digital voltmeter, that way it is on it's own circuit and fused independently from other assets. I like being able to see battery status at a glance. Just takes 2 wires to add a circuit to fuse. Add a fuse - live circuit. |
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Mike Carter
2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
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Grant177
Groupie Joined: 15 Mar 2020 Location: Edmonton, AB Online Status: Offline Posts: 65 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 23 Mar 2020 at 4:59pm | |||
Appreciate the info and offer. I have a ResMed S9 I use for travel and I picked up a DC-DC converter for it as the factory is an AC-DC. The DC-DC is pretty efficient, and when used with the humidifer/heated hose off, I should get some great run time according to their specifications. Everyone...thanks so much for all the great info....I think I'll be splicing into the TV/stereo area as well which should work for me and a location to install a 12V plug etc.
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Grant
2011 R-Pod 177 |
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Our pod
Groupie Joined: 03 Oct 2016 Location: Olympia WA Online Status: Offline Posts: 62 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 23 Mar 2020 at 2:36pm | |||
I switched to two 6 volt batteries after my 12 volt battery was stolen. I then added a 12 volt power outlet (cigarette lighter socket), splicing into the stereo 's power supply. I won't be using both at the same time.
I can then recharge the batteries completely using my Zamp PV briefcase, although that requires moving the PV. Luckily, moving the PV synchronizes with recharging my beverage container. I can also monitor the battery voltage, and hence the state of charge, with a digital meter that plugs into the 12 volt outlet. |
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Life is good.
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StephenH
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6291 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 23 Mar 2020 at 9:49am | |||
What you can do is add a small voltmeter to monitor the battery state better than the panel lights can. You could also install a battery monitor to keep track of the amperage for charging and discharging and that will be even better than a simple voltmeter. I did that. You can look in my mods to see what I did for my LiFePO4 battery modification. There is a picture of the battery monitor I purchased and installed which is the AiLi Voltmeter Ammeter. You may need a Custom Cable for this monitor because the cable that came with it is relatively short. I wanted to mount the monitor in a group with the other meters/switches so I purchased this. If I had the tools to fabricate it, I would have made it. I could have cut the wire that came with it and spliced in additional wiring, but I did not want to do that.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 23 Mar 2020 at 7:54am | |||
My vehicles - 12V is present with engine OFF. Must unplug. Fridge control board uses 12V, as does the slide.
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Mike Carter
2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
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Grant177
Groupie Joined: 15 Mar 2020 Location: Edmonton, AB Online Status: Offline Posts: 65 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 22 Mar 2020 at 8:11pm | |||
Thanks again all. I tested the 12V AUX pin earlier today and it does have 13.8 - 14.4 Volts on it while the engine is running. I am still trying the verify the amperage capacity, but it seems there is a 30A fuse on that circuit...
When the vehicle is off, I'll need to test if V is supplied so as to not run down the battery. Propane being so cheap and the system easy to manage, I think I'll be looking at that as the go-to for the fridge. I do have a CPAP machine, so making sure I have solid 12V power for at least 6 hours every night is important to me...I've got a 200W solar suitcase setup, a small generator (if need be), and a DC-DC power supply for the CPAP which is much easier on the power usage (turning off humidifer etc), so should be OK. I'll swap out all the lights in the R-Pod for LED...what else uses DC in these? |
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Grant
2011 R-Pod 177 |
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mjlrpod
Senior Member Joined: 27 Sep 2016 Location: Massachusetts Online Status: Offline Posts: 1214 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 22 Mar 2020 at 5:07pm | |||
If you use a multimeter and check your 7 pin connector, you will be sure if you can run on battery or not. If you put one lead on the 1'oclock position (12V), and the second lead on the 7'oclock position (ground). you should see a number like 13.8 - 14.3 or so on the meter (set to 20 DC volts). If you have that, you can charge the battery as you run the fridge while towing. You should of course, already have the fridge cold the night before you leave, so it takes very little power to keep it cold. I never used to use propane while I tow. My new pod doesn't have a battery option. But I get it cold then put ice in it. On long runs, I'll stop 20 minutes here and there for bathroom, etc.. and run it on propane till I get going again. I see no real need to run on propane while towing.
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2017.5 Rp-172
2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
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