Forum Discussion

Explorer

Nov 30, 2013

12v furnace install in a park model. (120v) need help

I'm not sure where to post this. We have a 1986 Elite park model trailer. The furnace quit at the tail end of last winter. It had to be replaced. We got an excellent deal on a brand new RV furnace, but it's 12v. Our trailer is wired for 120v, no batteries, no converters. This obviously posed a problem. I called around but nobody could help me. For lack off a better option, i hooked it up to a 12v atv battery, which in turn was hooked up to a battery maintainer. My theory was that when the furnace kicked on it would run on the battery, and when it kicked off, the maintainer would recharge it. it worked for one night, and now nothing. any ideas? was the battery not big enough and I've killed the battery, or was my theory unsound? any advice would be appreciated

13 Replies

WyoTraveler
Explorer
Dec 01, 2013
Check the label on your furnace to see how much current it draws. Or ask the guy who installed it to find out. Multiply that number times 12 to find the power required. Motors require more current to start so be generous in your sizing requirements. Check out Harbor Freight.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Dec 01, 2013
it seems to me that with 120 volts it would be simple /easy to convert/invert/whatever to power a 12 volt appliance. just an overgrown wall wart should do it.
bumpy
VintageRacer
Explorer
Dec 01, 2013
A 12V furnace needs a lot of current to run the fan. You need one or perhaps two deep cycle RV batteries, around 100 amp hours each ( the ATV battery is probably around 20 amp hours) and a good 45 amp or so charger/converter to keep them charged. You've got around 20% of the DC power capability that you need. Now, temperature and how warm you like it will cause this to vary around a bit, but basically your idea is right, you are just under-sized to make it work.

Brian