Forum Discussion

rbpru's avatar
rbpru
Explorer II
Dec 14, 2015

Those darn Phantom loads.

I was curious just how much power was being use when everything in the TT was “shut off”. So I turned everything off and put and Ammeter in the battery circuit.

I measured between 1/4 and 1/3 of an amp, between 3 and 4 watts. All those little power beasties we talk about that are silently doing their job monitoring or waiting for you to turn them on.

I just though some of the new comers and future boondockers would like to know.
  • rbpru's avatar
    rbpru
    Explorer II
    Dec 14, 2015
    I first ran into phantom loads when I was looking for solar for my home. The amount of power they consume for our convenience is surprising. But, that is the price we play for our contemporary life style.

    I have left the shore power connected to keep the battery topped off, or a small solar panel could do the same. However, I find it just as easy to disconnect the battery when not in use.
  • Tvov's avatar
    Tvov
    Explorer II
    Dec 14, 2015
    westend wrote:
    I don't have any parasitic draws. I use battery powered alarms, my stereo gear is 120V, and the fridge only works when powered by AC. My propane heater is non-electric. Solar takes care of everything when boondocking and keeps the batteries fully charged.


    Have you actually used an amp meter to check? You are able to leave your camper stored over a long period and the battery won't drain?
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Dec 14, 2015
    Antanae booster is my biggest power vampire. At least it has a button, but it's easy to leave on. Other power drains are a necessity while camping (fridge, alarms etc). My small solar panel keeps things topped off but for extended storage I kill it at the main switch.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Dec 14, 2015
    I don't have any parasitic draws. I use battery powered alarms, my stereo gear is 120V, and the fridge only works when powered by AC. My propane heater is non-electric. Solar takes care of everything when boondocking and keeps the batteries fully charged.
  • BobsYourUncle's avatar
    BobsYourUncle
    Nomad
    Dec 14, 2015
    I installed a battery disconnect switch on the front of my frame for that very reason.
    Whenever it goes into storage a simple turn of the switch kills all power at source.
    End of problem.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Dec 14, 2015
    My trailer idles at 500 milliamps running the fridge, maybe 350 with everything 'off'.
    Solar can be the solution.
  • Lalair's avatar
    Lalair
    Explorer
    Dec 14, 2015
    Thanks for the information, I dont have am amp meter.

    Last spring my battery was drained dead after the TT was in storage over the winter. I may have left an LED light swtiched on. I now pull out a fuse that in tied in series with my positive battery terminal-cable to isolat the battery when I am away. I dont think I need any nifty monitoring thingys running while I am gone.

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