Forum Discussion
jimh406
Sep 13, 2014Explorer III
I don't know how much you know about RVs. These are the basics of a system like yours. First, some appliances/accessories are 12V, some are 110V or AC, and some are LP-propane.
In any case, lights, water pump, furnace, radio, and antenna amplifier are 12V. Microwave, TV, and air conditioner are 110V. Stove/Oven and generator are LP. Furnace burns LP and uses 12V for fans. Refrigerators are usually LP or AC but can be 12V. Water heaters can be LP or AC and sometimes both.
Inverters power AC appliances that are plugged in but uses 12V. Solar charges 12V, generator provides AC for both AC appliances or the converter that can charge the batteries/12V. When you plug into AC, you can run AC appliances, and charge the batteries. The same is true for generators.
If the inverter requires that you plug the AC plug into it, make sure you unplug the battery charger or you will be running the converter off the inverter which will drain the 12V, but not charge the battery.
In any case, lights, water pump, furnace, radio, and antenna amplifier are 12V. Microwave, TV, and air conditioner are 110V. Stove/Oven and generator are LP. Furnace burns LP and uses 12V for fans. Refrigerators are usually LP or AC but can be 12V. Water heaters can be LP or AC and sometimes both.
Inverters power AC appliances that are plugged in but uses 12V. Solar charges 12V, generator provides AC for both AC appliances or the converter that can charge the batteries/12V. When you plug into AC, you can run AC appliances, and charge the batteries. The same is true for generators.
If the inverter requires that you plug the AC plug into it, make sure you unplug the battery charger or you will be running the converter off the inverter which will drain the 12V, but not charge the battery.
About Travel Trailer Group
44,027 PostsLatest Activity: Mar 05, 2025