Are the outlets supposed to work when only the batteries are used for power? The lights all work but none of the outlets. At first I thought it was normal because plugs might be drawing too much from the batteries but the more I think about it the more I am wondering.Thanks!

The lights work off the battery (12 VDC) but the (120 VAC) outlets only work when plugged into shore power or a generator.Good basic question for all new RVers.

120 volt outlets (like in your house) only work when you have an outside source of power, either a generator, or your "shore power" cord is plugged into an outlet in the campground, or at your house.To have your outlets work when on batteries, you'll need an INVERTER (changes 12 volts DC to 120 volts AC). These devices will EAT battery life, and will only provide power to their rating - a 1000 watt inverter will only provide 1000 watts (think hair dryer), not provide enough power to turn on the microwave, AC, toaster, and the hair dryer.

Thanks for the quick response :)So if we stop at a rest area or Wally World for the night I guess I'm out of luck to make coffee in the morning lol

Marie,you are correct in assuming that the 110v outlets are only used when plugged in to shore power, unless you have an inverter unit. The converter unit in most RV's allows for the switching to 12v for lights, and other 12v devices. Hope this helps. By the way, there are no dumb questions. We have all started to learn about these things at some time. Macktee

Mjoseph320 wrote:Thanks for the quick response :)So if we stop at a rest area or Wally World for the night I guess I'm out of luck to make coffee in the morning lolWe have a drip coffee maker, a whistling teapot, and an airpot so we can make coffee anytime on the propane stovetop.

Dumb Question re: outlets | Good Sam Community

23 Replies

Mjoseph320
Explorer
May 14, 2013
Thanks for the quick response :)

So if we stop at a rest area or Wally World for the night I guess I'm out of luck to make coffee in the morning lol
SAR_Tracker
Explorer
May 14, 2013
120 volt outlets (like in your house) only work when you have an outside source of power, either a generator, or your "shore power" cord is plugged into an outlet in the campground, or at your house.

To have your outlets work when on batteries, you'll need an INVERTER (changes 12 volts DC to 120 volts AC). These devices will EAT battery life, and will only provide power to their rating - a 1000 watt inverter will only provide 1000 watts (think hair dryer), not provide enough power to turn on the microwave, AC, toaster, and the hair dryer.
Dick_B
Explorer
May 14, 2013
The lights work off the battery (12 VDC) but the (120 VAC) outlets only work when plugged into shore power or a generator.
Good basic question for all new RVers.

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Dumb Question re: outlets

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