do you really need a battery?

[Rich_Mar]

If you only camp in full hookup sites, why do you need a house battery? If the power goes out in the park, we have battery powered lanterns. The only reason I can think of, is to run the frig and maybe the furnace, but the power usually isn't out long enough to affect the frig and we do no cold weather camping. Your tow vehicle provides the power while towing for the running lights. A couple of things that might pop up would be if you needed to roll in the awing or slide. Anything else? What am I not thinking about?

[Thermoguy]

Just out of curiosity I tried to open my slide yesterday. My battery was disconnected, so I hooked up to power and tried the slide. Wouldn't open. Had to connect the battery just to open the slide.

In WA, Costco, Walmart, Batteries Plus. I don't think Les Schwab would be a good place to get a good price on a battery.

[BurbMan]

Some cheap OEM converters say in their user manual NOT to operate the converter without a battery in the circuit. The battery helps as needed with large loads like the slide out motor, also provides a stable voltage source to electronics.

If the trailer is big enough to require brakes, it also is required to have a battery onboard and a breakaway switch for the brakes. As Barney said, this is covered by state laws but every state has this law in some fashion.

Since you camp with hookups, you don't have to worry about battery capacity, you can get a 12v deep cycle/marine battery at Costco for $89.

[BarneyS]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
If towing you should read up on the FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY REGULATIONS

Break Away and Emergency Braking

It has always been my belief that those regulations pertain to commercial carriers and not to private individuals towing their own private trailers, although many of the the things in those regulations can also be applied to private towing.

I guess what I am getting at is that I think those are possible suggestions, but not enforceable, for private use.
I would assume that there ARE regulations published for private towing, usually on the State level.
Barney

[Dave_H_M]

midnightsadie wrote:
wal mart deep cycle marine. .

That would do it. Oh - X2 😉

[Old-Biscuit]

If towing you should read up on the FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY REGULATIONS

Break Away and Emergency Braking

[colliehauler]

Rich&Mar wrote:
If you only camp in full hookup sites, why do you need a house battery? If the power goes out in the park, we have battery powered lanterns. The only reason I can think of, is to run the frig and maybe the furnace, but the power usually isn't out long enough to affect the frig and we do no cold weather camping. Your tow vehicle provides the power while towing for the running lights. A couple of things that might pop up would be if you needed to roll in the awing or slide. Anything else? What am I not thinking about?

If it's parked and never towed you don't need a battery, if you tow the trailer you need a battery.

[midnightsadie]

wal mart deep cycle marine. .

[time2roll]

Amazon will not be able to deliver a low cost flooded battery via UPS as it is a hazardous shipment. Amazon is really only going to ship a sealed AGM, GELL, or lithium battery. All of which are somewhat more expensive.

Schwab, Costco, Sams Club are all fine to get a low priced flooded battery. None of these actually make batteries. They basically all buy the same thing and slap their ow sticker on and provide some warranty. Not a huge concern considering the minimal use it will get.

[Rich_Mar]

on the battery subject above, I was just on amazon and the price is all over the place, into the hundreds on some. What brand do you like? Does Les Schwab here in the NW have a good deep cell?

[time2roll]

Only need a battery if you roll. Small dry cell meets the legal requirements. etrailer has them.

[opnspaces]

As said above, you need a charged battery as a safety device to operate the brakes if the trailer somehow gets disconnected during tow.

[Lwiddis]

Saving a buck by not having a battery isn’t wise and could be deadly when you are towing and the TV and 5er/TT separate. You’ll probably be fine, others may be injured or die. This is basic towing safety.

[midnightsadie]

now that you know you need one ,take care of it, clean an charge as needed check water level four times a year.

[BB_TX]

Power for the brakes in case of breakaway is necessary.

And the converter may not supply enough amperage to properly operate your slides and maintain proper voltage. Hydraulic slide motors pull a lot of amps and have heavy wires to them. Not sure about electric slides.

[Roger10378]

If a trailer has brakes it has to have a working battery. It is required so that the trailer brakes will work if the trailer breaks away from the TV.