Likely a basic/newbie question, but do the outlets in my trailer (Grand Design Imagine XLS 21BHE) work while I am towing? I am considering setting up a mobile internet solution in the trailer and will need to power an access point to reach to the TV...gigabit switch with PoE needs a normal outlet.Thank you.

not unless you have an inverter connected to one or more of your outlets and the inverter is on. your 12-volt outlets should work. or...a small inverter plugged into a 12-volt outlet should be enough for your needs.

They will work if you have an inverter and have it turned on. You also will need the battery disconnect switch turned to "ON" or "connect", to supply the inverter. To use this setup on the move you will need a good cell phone signal, and a hotspot of some type to produce a wifi signal. It's debatable if the wifi signal will make it through the layers of metal and to the truck. In your shoes I would do the setup and make sure all the components are returnable if they don't work.If you have a decent cell phone signal, you can just run a hotspot in the truck and not have to worry about the signal getting blocked. I use my cell phone, which has a built-in hot spot. Just turn the hot spot on, set up a password, and bam, instant secure wifi. The hotspot is a battery suck, so I keep the phone plugged into a USB adapter that's in a 12V outlet.If you don't have a decent cell phone signal, look into the Wilson line of boosters. They have them for cars, RVs etc. You can get an antenna for the truck and one for the RV, and move the receiver unit back and forth as needed, I think. You will get the best nationwide/rural area coverage with Verizon. On Verizon's unlimited plans, they don't care if the data is used directly on the phone or on the phone's built-in hot spot.

Curious why some people are members of forums to help people and answer questions when they get irritated about people asking questions.

Let's try this again, but without all the snotty responses.He asked an interesting question and the answers should be pretty straightforward, without all the attitude.Raife - There are two types of power in your camper. 12 volt DC from your batteries powers things like your lights, fridge, brakes, etc. 110 AC power is what your wall outlets supply, but the source is from your shore power cord.So the initial answer is no, your device won't work when you're driving down the road, because your wall outlets need shore power to be hot.Luckily there's a solution. You can use a device called an inverter to change the DC power from your 12 volt batteries into 110 AC power for your device.It's a bit of a Pandora's Box thiugh, because there are so many kinds of inverters.Before you go to the trouble of researching and purchasing an inverter, experiment with your Wi-Fi switch and verify that the signal will extend reliably from your camper to your truck.It might be easier to plug a small inverter into the cig outlet in your truck and put your Wi-Fi box in the truck while you drive.

way2roll wrote:Curious why some people are members of forums to help people and answer questions when they get irritated about people asking questions.I couldn't agree more.

Outlets work while towing? | Good Sam Community

time2roll
Nomad
Nov 07, 2020
Those RV 12v connectors are good for maybe 4 amps or 40 watts. Beware they are often a slightly smaller size than the standard automotive cigar plug so you may have difficulty pushing the connector in all the way.
2oldman
Explorer II
Nov 07, 2020
Raife wrote:
It is 56W if all the ports are running full PoE...I will only be running 1.
Ok. Sounds like you'll be fine using a 12v outlet. Just don't get tempted to plug much else in! Inverters can be addicting and find all kinds of uses.

I suggest getting a pure sine good quality inverter should you go this route. The auto parts store inverters have a tendency to overheat after a while.. at least the el cheapo I had did.
Raife
Explorer
Nov 07, 2020
It is 56W if all the ports are running full PoE...I will only be running 1.

The switch itself uses 3.95 just to run...it can then provide up to 15.4W for each port for a maximum of 56W for all ports.

I will be running 1 port with a maximum draw over PoE of 12.6W...so a potential maximum of 16.55W
2oldman
Explorer II
Nov 07, 2020
Raife wrote:
TP-Link 5 Port Gigabit PoE Switch
Power consumption = 3.95 W (220V/50Hz. no PD connected)
I see 56 watts.. am I reading that right?
dedmiston
Moderator
Nov 07, 2020
Raife wrote:
So I have been doing some more research and on several sites regarding inverter installs mention a 12V outlet...does my Imagine have any 12V outlets? Then I can just plug in a small inverter rather than wiring anything.

A 12v outlet is a round jack like the cigarette lighter port in your vehicle. You can look around and see if you have one. Check around your bedroom and near the television.
Raife
Explorer
Nov 07, 2020
This is the item that will be powered through AC:

TP-Link 5 Port Gigabit PoE Switch
Power consumption = 3.95 W (220V/50Hz. no PD connected)

It will then be powering through PoE a TP-Link Omada AC1350 Gigabit Ceiling Mount Wireless Access Point
Maximum power consumption = 12.6W (over PoE)

So it looks like total max is = 16.55W (switch and access point)

I have not figured out the mounting location yet, but as I thought about it last night, I may install the equipment in the back of my "closet" which is right up against the upper front wall of the trailer (closest to the TV). So the range on the Pepwave MAX Transit CAT18 may reach the vehicle fine (seats are ~15-18 feet away). If that is the case than I can do everything with just the Pepwave which will be 12V powered and not need an inverter.

I'm headed to the trailer today (it is in storage) to do some scouting.

I also wonder if I can use the solar port already on the roof to run the antenna cable...? I haven't popped it open yet. We have no plans to do solar anytime in the future. Can I repurpose this existing hole in my roof?

Thank you
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Nov 07, 2020
OP To help understand what will work without potential issues the equipment loads and wiring gauge and lengths are required. Or with the equipment available amp draw and voltage drop can be measured which would help to determine safe operation.
wolfe10
Explorer
Nov 07, 2020
2oldman wrote:
Raife wrote:
Then I can just plug in a small inverter rather than wiring anything.
You may find one near your entertainment center or antenna wiring, but it's not a good idea. The wires are small and won't handle much of a load, plus they'll get hot.

Correct. All but the smallest inverters, when run through those long small-gauge wire will waste a LOT of power. Those electrons will see those long runs of small-gauge wire as RESISTANCE and turn their valuable energy into HEAT. So, voltage to the inverter is diminished and draw on the battery bank is higher.
2oldman
Explorer II
Nov 06, 2020
Raife wrote:
Then I can just plug in a small inverter rather than wiring anything.
You may find one near your entertainment center or antenna wiring, but it's not a good idea. The wires are small and won't handle much of a load, plus they'll get hot.
Raife
Explorer
Nov 06, 2020
So I have been doing some more research and on several sites regarding inverter installs mention a 12V outlet...does my Imagine have any 12V outlets? Then I can just plug in a small inverter rather than wiring anything.