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.

You should start here, otherwise the answers are going to be over your head:12v side of life.and this:Don Rowe site Inverter FAQGenerators: Do I need one? Sep 2014

I've seen a lot of discussions in the past about cpap machines.What type of RV do you have?Click here for a search of the rv.net site for previous discussions.

On my MH I use two batteries. I also use a CPAP machine and power it from a 12 volt power receptacle. Your CPAP machine may also work on 12 volt. It would be worth looking into as most places do not allow you to use a generator all night. Another option would be an inverter, but in my opinion a 12 volt power cord is better and uses less power than an inverter. JMO.

Well, first we need to know if your cpap machines are capable of using a 12vdc input....most are. If yes, then all you need are the cables that you can plug into your cpap and a 12vdc (cigarette type) outlet. Unfortunately, those outlets are not real common and are usually only found close to the tv.So you might have to have outlets installed on either side of the bed.If your cpap is not 12vdc capable, you will have to invest in an "inverter" that will run off your battery and invert the 12vdc power to 120vac power. Keep in mind that this is a 1:10 conversion and will drain your battery over night.You can purchase a generator to power both cpaps and the AC unit, and you will need at least a 3000 watt unit(might be able to get away with a 2000w) . However, if camping close to others, the noise will be disturbing and you'll definitely hear from your neighbors. In addition, I doubt if the generator will run all night on a single tank of gas.So what to do. First, I would replace either (or both) of the cpap machines that are not 12vdc compatible.Secondly, I would replace the single 12vdc battery with a dual 6vdc deep cycle (golf cart type) batteries and install the 12vdc outlets next to your bed. The two 6vdc batteries (connected in series will produce 12vdc) will power both cpaps all night. During the day you will need to recharge your batteries with the generator and/or to run your AC unit as it is only 120vac and not 12vdc. Questions?Ron

GeeGee,The first thing I would do is get a second battery installed if you only have 1. You can get a decent RV Marine battery for around $80 and you'll need a cheap battery box from WalMart, etc., then some basic wiring and hopefully someone can help you locally. If you lived in my neighborhood, I would come over and do it for you, but I'm in So Cal. It's a basic, easy job for the experienced. As to the generator, you need a 3000 watt Inverter style generator like a Champion, Honda, or Yamaha. Don't get the cheap construction grade generators commonly sold at home centers, they are basically as loud as a lawn mower and not suitable for camping. As to the cpap machine, we need to know how it operatates, ie, if you plug it directly into the wall, meaning it might have to run off 120 volts.Back to the batteries; your batteries will either get charged back up by plugging into shore power like you do at a campground, or by plugging the trailer power cord into a generator. You might need a simple adapter to plug into the generator.

A wife that needs some electrical assistance | Good Sam Community

Dakota98
Explorer
Jun 11, 2015
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
Explorer
Jun 11, 2015
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
Explorer
Jun 11, 2015
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
Explorer
Jun 11, 2015
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
Explorer
Jun 11, 2015
Generac iX series 5791 inverter generator, small & portable. 30lbs. A recommendation I found after I asked a Professional Biomedical equipment repair mechanic.
Dakota98
Explorer
Jun 10, 2015
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
Explorer
Jun 10, 2015
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
Explorer
Jun 10, 2015
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
Nomad III
Jun 10, 2015
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
Explorer
Jun 09, 2015
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.

Forum Discussion

A wife that needs some electrical assistance

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

need assistance

Electric advice needed

Trailer lights - Need Assistance

Camper Selection Assistance Needed

Need electrical advice