A wife that needs some electrical assistance

[GeeGee2]

I need to ask some questions. My husband has had brain surgery This is something he just cannot process so I am really needing some help. I am trying to figure out the simplest way to power our two cpap machines off electricity. My CPAP is a Resmed Pro and I am at a 14. Hubbies is older and he is at a 7. We love national parks but know that many will not have electricity so I am looking for more than and overnight fix. Remember I am not at all electrically inclined so treat me like the total novice that I am when answering. We only have a marine deep cell battery. I have tried watching Utube for answers but the terminology just confuses me and my husband.

Questions:

1.We need a generator to power the battery (batteries)? How many batteries?

2.If we buy one I think we should make the investment to get one big enough for the air conditioner. We have just one AC. What size generator do you suggest?

3. We need something to go from the generator to the batteries? If so, what do we need to purchase to make that connection?

4. What must be purchase to go from the battery to the CPAP's to power them?
Where do I purchase that kind of thing. Since Radio Shack is no longer available I don't know who might have what we need.

What have I forgotten to ask and or need to know? Remember to keep it simple for me and step by step would be helpful.

Thank you so very much. I trust the people who are actually campers and have dealt with this. You know what we need and what this kind of camping requires. I have discovered that people who do not camp just give you a blank look when you try to tell them what you need to accomplish.

[Dakota98]

SuzzeeeQ2012 ,

The method you are using is perfectly fine. It happens to be one of two different ways that can be utilized while dry camping. It also works when connected to shore power, you don't have to think about a thing.

It's doubtful the OP has a built in Inverter, But they could use a small portable "pure sine" if they choose to do so, which in fact, would eliminate the need for any special power adapter cord altogether.

The two methods are:
#1 - A special proprietary power adapter cord that goes directly to any 12 volt source, IE: a receptacle on the wall or the battery itself.

#2 - The method you use, which converts DC current to AC current & uses the same power cord used at home.

ON EDIT: SkiSmuggs & I were typing at the same time, he has referenced the direct DC current power adapters. Also, method # 1 is the best for conserving energy.

[SkiSmuggs]

GeeGee,
A search for your RemStar Pro 450P 12v power cord got this: 450P 12 Power Cord This was just one of several finds.
And this for the Escape II: Escape 12 Cord Oops, discontinued. Try this one: Another source for 12v Escape cord
Now all you need is more battery power and cigarette lighter (12v) receptacles.
The links I sent you on iRV2 should help you with the supplies you need.

[SuzzeeeQ2012]

GeeGee2 wrote:
I need to ask some questions. My husband has had brain surgery This is something he just cannot process so I am really needing some help. I am trying to figure out the simplest way to power our two cpap machines off electricity. My CPAP is a Resmed Pro and I am at a 14. Hubbies is older and he is at a 7. We love national parks but know that many will not have electricity so I am looking for more than and overnight fix. Remember I am not at all electrically inclined so treat me like the total novice that I am when answering. We only have a marine deep cell battery. I have tried watching Utube for answers but the terminology just confuses me and my husband.

Questions:

1.We need a generator to power the battery (batteries)? How many batteries? 2.If we buy one I think we should make the investment to get one big enough for the air conditioner. We have just one AC. What size generator do you suggest? 3. We need something to go from the generator to the batteries? If so, what do we need to purchase to make that connection?
4. What must be purchase to go from the battery to the CPAP's to power them?
Where do I purchase that kind of thing. Since Radio Shack is no longer available I don't know who might have what we need.
What have I forgotten to ask and or need to know? Remember to keep it simple for me and step by step would be helpful.
Thank you so very much. I trust the people who are actually campers and have dealt with this. You know what we need and what this kind of camping requires. I have discovered that people who do not camp just give you a blank look when you try to tell them what you need to accomplish.

We don't use a generator at all (except to rechrge the coach batteries during the day).

Our motorhome has a built in inverter. The outlets then are just like a house, and provide power all night for my CPAP.

I do not know if you even have such a thing in your rv, but I thought I'd give input. Not sure if it helps at all...sure glad you asked the question, this kind of stuff confuses me, so anything I can read on this will help me too 🙂

[bikendan]

real4u2c wrote:
Generac iX series 5791 inverter generator, small & portable. 30lbs. A recommendation I found after I asked a Professional Biomedical equipment repair mechanic.

Problem is that they can't run that at nite, when they need their CPAP.
I don't know of any campground that allows generators during the nite.

[real4u2c]

Generac iX series 5791 inverter generator, small & portable. 30lbs. A recommendation I found after I asked a Professional Biomedical equipment repair mechanic.

[Dakota98]

Remstar Pro 450P..... made by Philips Respironics

ResMed Escape II..... made by ResMed

Each using a different proprietary adapter for direct 12 volt use. The right adapter for one will FRY the other.

I guess I've asked too many, still unanswered questions, so it's time to go. :h

[Dakota98]

real4u2c wrote:
Ok, Let me help you out a bit. Ok, folks, I am not an electrician, so no mean criticism. I use a CPAP, and this is what I do when I camp without power. Cigarette lighter power converter, ( plugs in, idiot proof) Takes car dc voltage and converts it over to ac voltage, wont power a microwave, or fridge, but with an extension cord, I sleep well. My wife bought ours on Ebay ( not promoting them, just where it was bought) I think she paid like $3.45 for it. I use a regular 15 amp 25 foot extension cord ( thrift store half price), again, nothing expensive. Hopefully this tidbit will help.

Yes, it does. Your advice is likely to cause the OP to fry one or both of their CPAP's

The correct "adapter" for a specific machine can vary between manufacturers. YOU GOT LUCKY. Besides this topic isn't just about the correct adapter. It's much more, than the simple suggestion you are offering..

I guess after using 4 different manufacturer's CPAP's in my 24 years of use, I haven't learned a thing.

[real4u2c]

Ok, Let me help you out a bit. Ok, folks, I am not an electrician, so no mean criticism. I use a CPAP, and this is what I do when I camp without power. Cigarette lighter power converter, ( plugs in, idiot proof) Takes car dc voltage and converts it over to ac voltage, wont power a microwave, or fridge, but with an extension cord, I sleep well. My wife bought ours on Ebay ( not promoting them, just where it was bought) I think she paid like $3.45 for it. I use a regular 15 amp 25 foot extension cord ( thrift store half price), again, nothing expensive. Hopefully this tidbit will help.

[pianotuna]

4. no, connect all the batteries together in a balanced manner.

5. yes, but make sure that the DC wire is oversize so that voltage drop will not be a problem.

GeeGee2 wrote:
Lots of great advice. Will you see if I have this right?

4. I am assuming that each cpap should be on a separate battery?

5. Buy the converter plugs that go from the cpap to the cigarette lighter. They will have a male plug on them. Mine is a 5V hubby is 2.5v

[sh410]

Both of your CPAPs are 12V, which simplifies your project. Neither of the machines draw enough power for a humidifier. Therefore you do not need an inverter.

You will need two power jacks similar to what's in your tow vehicle installed on each side of the bed. They will be connected directly to the batteries. A good RV maintenance shop could do this with minimal cost.

You will need two batteries and they should be of the same type and age. Two group 27 batteries rated to deliver 100 amp each. You don't want to draw them down below 50% so that leaves you with 100 amps useable. AGM batteries may be the best choice for your needs because they can be charged faster.

8 hours of CPAP use will consume 60amp hrs per night and then you will need to replenish by charging the batteries.

A 2000W inverter generator will provide the power to the campers converter/charger. That can be Honda, Yamaha or Champion. If you want to run the Air Conditioner then larger generator is required such as a 3000W inverter generator.

[GeeGee2]

You are so right I am mixing up amps and volts and realized it later today. Mine is a Remstar Pro 450P 12V 5 amps. Husbands is ResMed Escape II. 12 V 2.5 amps. Thanks for calling that to my attention.

[westend]

5. Buy the converter plugs that go from the cpap to the cigarette lighter. They will have a male plug on them. Mine is a 5V hubby is 2.5v

I think you may be mixing up "amps" and "volts". My understanding is that some CPAP devices operate at 12V.

[Dakota98]

GeeGee2 wrote:
Lots of great advice. Will you see if I have this right?

1. Buy another battery. Yes, but what "group size" do you have now ? Another 12 volt may or may not not be enough.

2. Buy a inverted generator 3000 either Honda or Yamaha. No such thing as an "inverted" generator, & you really don't need a 3000 watt unless you'd like to use the air conditioning when dry camping.

3. Buy connectors that go from the battery to the cpap machines. Maybe.

4. I am assuming that each cpap should be on a separate battery? NO, but could be, Depends

5. Buy the converter plugs that go from the cpap to the cigarette lighter. They will have a male plug on them. Mine is a 5V hubby is 2.5v I think there is a misunderstanding of the correct adapters available, specific to system set-up.

6. In most cases we will be in National Parks in the off season, (cooler weather) and will not be using the AC that much. OK, but you will be drawing a considerable amount of amps from your 12 volt system & you need to address that issue. In cooler weather you will be using the furnace more often, so back to the battery & generator question.

7. Here is the link to our trailer floor plans. I reviewed your floor plan & commented on it.

http://www.campersinn.com/product/new-2015-keystone-rv-passport-23rb-elite-287970-29

8. What am I missing and do I have things in the right sequence? The make & model of "both" machines & NO

Thanks so much to all of you.

[GeeGee2]

Pastor Charlie, I thank you for your questions and comments. And no, I do not depend on the internet for my health care or my husbands. Many electricians, if not campers, don't get it and can do as much damage as I would if I was doing this. Yes, he knows the difference between AC and DC current. He is able to wire plugs and install receptacles. He was a sheet metal journey for over 35 years. My questions relates to what do we need, in what sequence is it needs to occur. That is what he is having a hard time processing. He is a woodcarver, handles band saws, lathes, etc. and is wonderfully create and a great fix it guy mentality. This is just throwing him for reasons I don't understand but it is so it is my job to help him with this as much as possible. That is why I came here to ask people who are campers to give their best advice.