Forum Discussion

mtnbbud's avatar
mtnbbud
Explorer II
Nov 13, 2020

12 volt blanket?

I'm thinking about buying a 12 volt heated blanket as a Christmas present for my wife for our camping trailer. I have two 6 volt Trojan T105 batteries. 225ah.

Most 12v blankets claim they draw something from 4.5 to 6.5 amps. Some turn off after 30, 45, or 60 minutes. Some stay on until you turn them off. Some have different heat settings.

Does anyone have experience using a 12v heated blanket? I think my wife would enjoy using it if it works well enough. Would I risk drawing down my battery too low when dry camping for 3 or so days? (We're pretty frugal with our battery since we don't have a generator or solar)

Anyone else using one? Any positive or negative experiences? Brand recommendations?
Seeking Advice
  • cummins2014's avatar
    cummins2014
    Explorer
    Nov 13, 2020
    dedmiston wrote:
    naturist wrote:
    Let’s do some simple math. Taking that 4.5 amp draw, over an 8 hour snooze, we get 36 amp hours per night. At 6.5 amps, that’s 52 amp hours per night. If you have the single 80 amp hour battery most TTS come with, that blanket will completely drain as much power as you dare or even damage the battery. You need to check you battery AH rating before deciding.


    Let's do some simple reading. :W

    mtnbbud wrote:
    I have two 6 volt Trojan T105 batteries. 225ah.



    When are they going to add the like button :B
  • qtla9111's avatar
    qtla9111
    Nomad
    Nov 13, 2020
    We use a regular electric blanket under the mattress pad. We keep it on the lowest setting and keeps us nice and warm. Two 6V and solar, very little draw.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Nov 13, 2020
    Who hasn't got a bunch of stuff in their RV we never use? I can't remember it all....but "just in case" is the answer Mickey gets! lol
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Nov 13, 2020
    Have one stuffed up in the cabinet above the bed. DW has used it to warm her side before turning in or has used it on the sofa as a warming pillow. IIRC only used the first year or two. Stays along for the ride if needed but I think it is long forgotten.
  • dedmiston's avatar
    dedmiston
    Moderator
    Nov 13, 2020
    naturist wrote:
    Let’s do some simple math. Taking that 4.5 amp draw, over an 8 hour snooze, we get 36 amp hours per night. At 6.5 amps, that’s 52 amp hours per night. If you have the single 80 amp hour battery most TTS come with, that blanket will completely drain as much power as you dare or even damage the battery. You need to check you battery AH rating before deciding.


    Let's do some simple reading. :W

    mtnbbud wrote:
    I have two 6 volt Trojan T105 batteries. 225ah.
  • naturist's avatar
    naturist
    Nomad
    Nov 13, 2020
    Let’s do some simple math. Taking that 4.5 amp draw, over an 8 hour snooze, we get 36 amp hours per night. At 6.5 amps, that’s 52 amp hours per night. If you have the single 80 amp hour battery most TTS come with, that blanket will completely drain as much power as you dare or even damage the battery. You need to check you battery AH rating before deciding.
  • TurnThePage's avatar
    TurnThePage
    Explorer
    Nov 13, 2020
    My wife hasn't used hers in years, but it was very popular for a while. It was the type that shut off after 30 minutes or so. Never a problem for our two 6V batteries.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Nov 13, 2020
    Depends on the SOC of the Trojans each individual night when you retire whether that amp draw will handled well by the batteries, and how you recharge. Solar? Eight hours at 4.5 amp hours would be 36.
  • JRscooby's avatar
    JRscooby
    Explorer II
    Nov 13, 2020
    I used a 12V mattress pad in the truck. Never ran down the starting batteries to the point I had issues cranking the Cat, even over a weekend layover.

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