Forum Discussion

Ty151's avatar
Ty151
Explorer
Jan 30, 2019

Shore Power??

Hey guys, new to RV'ing and have a quick question. I have done some research regarding this, but most of the things I'm finding pertain to different amperage and which type of adapters to use.

I have a Lance Lite 815 which uses a 30 amp connector. With the battery disconnected, I attached the truck campers power connector to the 30/15 amp adaptor and plugged it into a standard household outlet. Went to turn on a light to check for power, and nothing. Then I plugged the power cord and adapter into my Yamaha 2000 watt generator, and once again, nothing.

Then I connected the battery to check to make sure I didn't blow any fuses, and everything worked fine.

I need some help on understanding how shore power works. Does the battery need to be connected for shore power to work? My thoughts tell me that the power received from an outlet or generator would be used to charge the battery constantly? Orshould the shore power work indecently from the battery? Thanks for the help in advance
Truck Campers
  • AnEv942's avatar
    AnEv942
    Nomad
    Jan 30, 2019
    Yes lights pump etc are 12v and need battery connected. When on shore power converter charges battery but doesn't (shouldn't) supply 12v directly. Any AC receptacles/appliances should work without battery connected. IF battery disconnected ensure cables cant short- they will be hot from converter if on shore power.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Jan 30, 2019
    Many converters will provide 12 volts DC without a battery.
    You should have 120 volt outlets. Use a proven good device such as a 120 volt drill or light to insure you have 120 volts to the rig.
    Locate your 120 volt AC panelinsure all breakers are turned on. I would suggest turning them all off, applying light pressure toward offthen turn them on one at a time.
    Locate the 12 volt DC panel. Many rigshave them behind a small plate held on by thumb screw adjacent to the 120 volt circuit breakers. Test using a 12 volt test lamp or volt meter to verify.
    Locate your converter and post make and model.
    You didn't say what year. This sheet shows rig has 45 amp converter.
    Lance specs and other info.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jan 30, 2019
    What is the battery voltage when plugged in? Looking for about 13.6 volts. Otherwise your converter might be off, stopped working or a fuse/switch is open.

    Generally the converter should supply 12v power with or without a battery.
  • Ty151's avatar
    Ty151
    Explorer
    Jan 30, 2019
    It is a 2005 model. I think I found the 12v, but I believe the 120v panel is located directly below but I never removed the cover.

    I’m not sure what the battery voltage is, where exactly will that be displayed or do I need to check it myself?

    I’m taking it to a local campsite this weekend as a test run before a desert trip next weekend where I’ll be without hook ups. I just want to have a good understanding of power usage and how to use as little battery power as possible over the two days.

    Once I’m set up at camp, I’ll have the battery connected and the power cord plugged into my generator during the day. I assume this will power all my 120v needs and charge the battery along the way for all 12v needs? Am I correct in that? Thanks
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jan 30, 2019
    Put your meter direct on the battery terminals. Very important if going off-grid.
  • wnjj's avatar
    wnjj
    Explorer II
    Jan 30, 2019
    It will only charge the battery if the converter is on and working and the battery switch is connected (obviously). Since you have no 12V without the battery, I don’t think your converter/charger is working yet.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Jan 30, 2019
    Lights and water pump run off 12v...disconnect the battery and you had no 12v.

    No reason to disconnect the battery when plugging into shore power.
  • Ty151's avatar
    Ty151
    Explorer
    Jan 30, 2019
    Got it,I will check the voltage today. I hooked the battery up to my charger last night and it should give me a voltage reading.

    Yea, it was t 7ntil after I read the first few responses and started thinking about it that I realized it only makes sense to have the battery connected to power 12v items like the lights :S

    I’m learning a lot about this stuff and I’m sure I’ll look back and laugh at some of the questions I had along the way. I am storing the camper at a friends house right now so I’ll try to get over there tonight to mess with it again.
  • burningman's avatar
    burningman
    Explorer II
    Jan 30, 2019
    valhalla360 wrote:
    Lights and water pump run off 12v...disconnect the battery and you had no 12v.

    No reason to disconnect the battery when plugging into shore power.


    The power converter in camper does provide 12 volt DC power and everything should be working whether there is a battery present or not, when plugged into shorepower the battery is entirely unnecessary.
    That’s why that device is called a converter.

    Either your converter is dead or something is turned off or disconnected.

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