Hi guys, I left my trailer plugged into the car tow package overnight(7 prong) and I woke up to dead batteries, both trailer and car.Even though my trailer was plugged into the 30amp station at the rv park. Will the inverter not charge the batteries if I leave my trailer plugged in the car?Help!

Yes, the converter (not inverter) should charge the on-board trailer batteries and in your case without an isolater to the tow vehicle it should charge the vehicle battery too.Make sure of the following:1. AC power is on inside the trailer (e.g. check a 120V receptacle).2. The breaker for the converter is not tripped. Turn them all off and back on the be sure.3. The fuses on the converter aren't blown from a previous overload or reversed battery install.If you have access to a voltmeter, check that the voltage on the battery rises from 12.x to 13.x or more when you plug in shore power. If it doesn't change when you plug in, the converter isn't powered or working.

Thank you for your reply. Very helpful. I will check those right away. And to clarify, the only reason to run the AC is to make sure I am getting a good feed from the RV electrical station, right?

KeTuanis wrote:Thank you for your reply. Very helpful. I will check those right away. And to clarify, the only reason to run the AC is to make sure I am getting a good feed from the RV electrical station, right?Previous poster meant to check an Alternating Current only device to check your shore power. That could be your Air Conditioning.

AC-LOL. Thank you. great minds think alike :)

Boomerweps wrote:KeTuanis wrote:Thank you for your reply. Very helpful. I will check those right away. And to clarify, the only reason to run the AC is to make sure I am getting a good feed from the RV electrical station, right?Previous poster meant to check an Alternating Current only device to check your shore power. That could be your Air Conditioning.Correct. Plug in a lamp, cell phone charger, use the microwave if you have one or even the air conditioner if you'd like ;). Some folks make the mistake that because the lights are on and the fridge runs that the shore power is good.

BATTERIE/CHARGING ISSUES | Good Sam Community

KeTuanis
Explorer
Apr 10, 2019
Thank you for the explanation on the cable. I was wondering what that cable was all about.

I am away from my trailer for a couple of weeks. I will follow up on all the advice given and let you know if any of it resolved the issue.

Thank you all for your valuable input!
Atlee
Explorer II
Apr 11, 2019
KeTuanis wrote:
Hi guys, I left my trailer plugged into the car tow package overnight(7 prong) and I woke up to dead batteries, both trailer and car.

Even though my trailer was plugged into the 30amp station at the rv park.

Will the inverter not charge the batteries if I leave my trailer plugged in the car?

Help!

What TV do you have? I'm curious to know. Don't know about GM or Dodge, but Ford trucks cut the connection between the trailer and the truck if the key for the truck is off. There can't be a parasitic draw from the TV to the trailer.

When sleeping in a Walmart parking lot while on the road, I leave the trailer plugged into my F150. Never have a problem.
GreysonY
Explorer
Apr 11, 2019
Whether to use an inverter or a generator depends on the type of load and how often you will need emergency AC power. Generally, an inverter is more economical power alternative to run items under 1000 watts, suitable for small appliances, TVs, VCRs, DVD players and other low load devices. If you plan to operate a refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer or well system, then a generator is a better choice. If your planned power consumption exceeds 2000 watts, you should choose a generator, as the draw in the battery will rapidly deplete its power. inverterreview.com
KeTuanis
Explorer
Apr 11, 2019
Trucked used was my son's. It was a Dodge RAM 2500
KeTuanis
Explorer
Apr 11, 2019
I am confused about one thing after reading this thread.
Is it an INVERTER or a CONVERTER?
time2roll
Nomad
Apr 11, 2019
KeTuanis wrote:
I am confused about one thing after reading this thread.
Is it an INVERTER or a CONVERTER?

Generally....

CONVERTER: Converts 120vac to 12vdc

INVERTER: Converts 12vdc to 120vac

Some inverters are also inverter/chargers that actually do both functions one at a time as needed.

Post the model number off the unit or electric panel to know exactly what you have.

I assume what you have is a converter. BTW some are a lot better than others depending on your style of camping or battery recharging expectations.

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