Do the trailer outlets run off the batteries?

[bcarroll]

I am wanting to know if the trailer outlets run off the batteries.
Is there an inverter/converter/doohickie that allows the batteries to power the outlets?
I need to run a CPAP machine at night, and want to go to campgounds without hookups and still get a good night's rest.
The only 12v cigarette lighter type outlet I have is by the TV but that is 10-15 ft away from where I need it.

I asked a parts guy at a trailer place and they said plugging something in to the outlet would work as long as it is a 12v appliance, but then they also said the outlets are on separate 120v circuit, so I don't know what to do with that info.

I have a 2012 275BHS Dutchmen trailer... is there something that comes with the trailer that allows this or is it a modification that needs to be done?

I am sure there is a wealth of knowledge on here that has a solution.
I am a total newb when it comes to anything involving electricity so a simple solution is best.

[bcarroll]

afraid of bears wrote:
My Respironics machine draws 2.5 amps without the humidifier and 4 amps with the humidifier on. It draws my two 6 volt batteries down a to 60/70% overnight depending on how long I sleep. I like to sleep!!

I tried using a cheap inverter (before reading all the warnings about doing so) and the noisy fan on the inverter kept waking me up. I bought the cigarette plug adapter ($75 I think) and put in a plug for it right beside the bed. I ran a new set of wires to the plug straight from the fuse panel. I had to do a bit of fishing to get the wire to where I needed it.

I also have a battery box with a cigarette plug on it that I can use in an emergency at home. Works just fine for a night or two.

I have thought about putting in a 12V plug by the bed but I am not one that can do it myself...and I have been told it can be expensive to have it done.

[bcarroll]

Dog Folks wrote:
Not knowing anything about these machines:

Would it not be a lot easier to get and use a generator?

While I do realize that if I had a generator I would love using it, but... I have noticed, while not having one, those that use them in the campgrounds I have been in are noisy, and I don't really want to carry the extra gas to power them.

[old_guy]

I have run my Cpap machine for two nights on two 6v batteries and they worked fine. then I charged up the batteries with a Honda Gen. just don't expect the cpap to heat the water. that aspect of the cpap machine runs on 120V ac.

[afraid_of_bears]

My Respironics machine draws 2.5 amps without the humidifier and 4 amps with the humidifier on. It draws my two 6 volt batteries down a to 60/70% overnight depending on how long I sleep. I like to sleep!!

I tried using a cheap inverter (before reading all the warnings about doing so) and the noisy fan on the inverter kept waking me up. I bought the cigarette plug adapter ($75 I think) and put in a plug for it right beside the bed. I ran a new set of wires to the plug straight from the fuse panel. I had to do a bit of fishing to get the wire to where I needed it.

I also have a battery box with a cigarette plug on it that I can use in an emergency at home. Works just fine for a night or two.

[Dog_Folks]

smkettner wrote:

Dog Folks wrote:
Not knowing anything about these machines:

Would it not be a lot easier to get and use a generator?

How do you get power after quiet hours?

Park in the most isolated spot and ask the campground operator for a medical exemption to quiet hours?

A small generator like the Honda I had could be soundproofed to very little noise. I think it was only 1200 watts, but it was real quiet on it's own.

[pianotuna]

Oh blow thou winter winds? 50-watt-do-it-yourself-wind-turbine/

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Please point me to a 50 watt generator

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Please point me to a 50 watt generator or under 400 pound unmarried Arab princess...

[time2roll]

Dog Folks wrote:
Not knowing anything about these machines:

Would it not be a lot easier to get and use a generator?

How do you get power after quiet hours?

[wa8yxm]

Inverters are optional on most trailers.. Or you can have one installed "After market" as I did on my motor home.

For PAP use (C, Bi, Flex) if you can get a 12 volt model that is best as you loose a minimum of 10% running through the inverter.. But if yours is heated and humidified 12 volts might NOT be an option.

(I follow this stuff for friends, but my own sleep studies confirmed I do not need a PAP device)

[2oldman]

Dog Folks wrote:
Not knowing anything about these machines: Would it not be a lot easier to get and use a generator?

Oh, you probably know something about them.

[Dog_Folks]

Not knowing anything about these machines:

Would it not be a lot easier to get and use a generator?

[Dakota98]

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
"I have heard running the CPAP without the humidifier will greatly reduce the power consumption"

Before you start planning on shutting off (by the CPAP control) the humidifier to reduce power from sixty watts to 12 watts, give it a try while plugged in at home. Simply turn off the humidifier.

Remember these points:

The humidifier is temperature controlled. In warm summer conditions it make consume 5 minutes worth of power per hour. In the winter it may operate 100% of the time. More frequent heating in coastal British Columbia than Miami.

Your respiratory tract automatically humidifies your lungs, throat, nasal and sinus passages. The CPAP flushes a lot more room air through your respiratory system, especially mouth and nose.

Many times the body mechanism cannot deal with the extra "dessication" of your mucous membranes. This is strictly on an individual by individual case basis. Translated it means, you have to try it and see.

I personally do not do well without humidification unless the air is naturally humid. Symptoms include awaking with tongue stuck to roof of mouth. Bloody nose at times and I strongly feel too dry a respiratory tract encourages more viral and bacteriological infections.

My medical comments are based on having had an EMT II license which allows me to make intelligent suggestions from the peanut gallery.

Good point Mexico !!!

Guess I'm one of those others, haven't had the need for a humidifier in the 18 years that I've used it. I did try it a few times with a humidifier, not needed.

[Dakota98]

The nicest thing about these small deep cycle batteries:

They are small, easy to use, light weight, & you can take them with you ANYWHERE.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

"I have heard running the CPAP without the humidifier will greatly reduce the power consumption"

Before you start planning on shutting off (by the CPAP control) the humidifier to reduce power from sixty watts to 12 watts, give it a try while plugged in at home. Simply turn off the humidifier.

Remember these points:

The humidifier is temperature controlled. In warm summer conditions it make consume 5 minutes worth of power per hour. In the winter it may operate 100% of the time. More frequent heating in coastal British Columbia than Miami.

Your respiratory tract automatically humidifies your lungs, throat, nasal and sinus passages. The CPAP flushes a lot more room air through your respiratory system, especially mouth and nose.

Many times the body mechanism cannot deal with the extra "dessication" of your mucous membranes. This is strictly on an individual by individual case basis. Translated it means, you have to try it and see.

I personally do not do well without humidification unless the air is naturally humid. Symptoms include awaking with tongue stuck to roof of mouth. Bloody nose at times and I strongly feel too dry a respiratory tract encourages more viral and bacteriological infections.

My medical comments are based on having had an EMT II license which allows me to make intelligent suggestions from the peanut gallery.