What does my battery work on

Unplug the convienence power and see what works still works?

jarata1 wrote:
I have a question when I'm camping without an electric hook up what will my battery power in the 15 ft travel trailer
Also do you disconnect your battery when your camper is idle at home

Lights, Fans, Water pump, Furnace.. Control (but not operational) power for the Water heater, Fridge and optionally air conditioners (some do some do not) note Just control, not operational power.

If you have power jacks or slide outs they are powered by the battery.

NOTE: Batteries come in different sizes
A group 24 you will not be happy with
A Pair of GC-2 you may be happy with
But do not count on them for more than "overnight".

Since you didn't provide year, make and model nor is it in you sig line, it's just guessing about what type of converter you have.

Also suggest Googling "the 12 Volt Side of Life"

Should be required reading for new owners.

As said, it will power a lot of things, some of them for not very long, ie: your furnace fan WILL kill a single battery VERY quickly.
Also, how long it lasts depends on the type of battery you have, if you only have a group 24, it won't last very long with many of those things on, get the biggest battery that will fit into your battery box, for a single battery set up, a group 31 would be far better than a 24, but may not fit in the box/tray, without modification.

Not all converter/chargers are smart chargers, some can overcharge the batteries. Also, depending on how old your RV is, some of the named items might not be powered by 12v (older RV fridges don't require battery power to operate).

My batteries appear to over charge while sitting idle and on shore power. I will use my disconnect switch if on shore power for awhile. And after a trip I will allow the converter on shore power to charge my batteries.

Yes, a converter/charger equipped RV will keep the house battery charged as long as it is plugged into 120VAC. Have always had my RVs plugged in at home and as long as you check battery water level regularly I have never had a problem. As a plus benefit, when we get ready to go, all I need to do is turn the refer on and a day later load it with food.

Great answers
So leaving the rv plugged at home in will actually charge my battery,or should I keep it on a tender for battery only

This is a typical 30A Electrical Distribution configuration for the 120VAC and 12VDC Distribution Panels.



In order to power up any 120VAC items you will need to install a POWER INVERTER and additional batteries to operate it...

Roy Ken

If your RV is at home keep it plugged in 24/7. Wont hurt anything. Just need to check battery maybe every three months.
Like others have said battery powers everything except AC, microwave and refer directly. The refer needs 12VDC for control, plus either propane or 120VAC for cooling.