General newb questions - Advice?

[engineer40]

Hello all! I just created an account, but I'm excited about my new (used) camper and I plan on becoming a regular on this forum while I learn. It's a 1994 Viking 10ft truck bed popup camper. At this moment, I'm feeling over my head with some things. I'll say thank you in advance for any help you provide. Surprisingly my camper came with all of the original paperwork. I've read through it but still have some very basic questions.

-My camper didn't come with a battery. I found the spot to hook one up. I found where I flip a switch from AC power or battery power. Does the built in inverter automatically charge my battery when I'm plugged into AC power? Does my truck alternator automatically charge my camper battery if the truck is running? Do I need to worry about it overcharging and frying an expensive battery?

-Do most hot water heaters in campers work off LP or electric? The owners manual calls it a "Gas and Electric water heater". But the instructions read like gas "or" electric and not both. I do not see any way to switch from gas or electric. Maybe there is a way and I'm just not seeing it...

-Also in regards to the hot water heater, the owners manual says to make sure there is water in the heater before electric is turned onto the camper or the element will burn out almost immediately. Does that mean if I don't have water in the camper I literally can't plug it into AC power? It's very confusing. I'm nervous I've already burned out the element because I had it plugged into AC power in my garage.

-It has a Dometic fridge. Do most camper fridges have the option to work off of AC power or LP? The manual only talks about LP or temporary battery power (not long term). I think it would be weird if the fridge doesn't work while plugged into AC power because I would want it getting cool while packing to leave home.

I hope all of these questions make sense. Thank you for any help. I'm a single dad. My kids and I are excited to get out and use this, but it's overwhelming even after I read through the Owners Manuals. Thanks!

[notsobigjoe]

Yeah, throw some pics out and we'll get started. joerg68 pretty much touched on everything you asked with pics we can narrow it down.

[Grit_dog]

Welcome. Sounds pretty cool! That’s a big popup!
Joe answered your questions well, above.
You should be able to figure out how many modes your fridge has pretty easily. And H20 heater will have power and a breaker and likely the on off switch on it if it’s gas and electric. In the mean time, fill it full of water, stick battery and propane in it and just get everything working. That will tell you a lot.

[Sjm9911]

Take some pictures of the controlls for the fridge. Mostly , at that age and if original, it needs to be switched over manually. As too if its a 2 or 3 eay fridge , only the controlls will tell. Same with the water heater. I dought it has an ellectric water heater, but it could have been added. Always have water in the water heater before starting it, or you could damage it.

[Camper445]

Just keep in mind that more than have the advice you get here and on other online boards will be opinions sprinkled with bullsheet.

[joerg68]

Hello, welcome and congratulations!
Do not worry, these things are not rocket science. You will be fine.

The answer to most of your questions: Yes, maybe, in principle. Without knowing your camper, the appliances, how they are set up, and what has been modified since 1994, definitive answers are difficult.

Let me try to give you a general idea to get the discussion started.

Your questions on battery charging: Typically, the built-in charger of the power center (the box that has all the fuses) of the camper will charge the battery when you are plugged into AC.
Usually, the battery is charged when the engine is running. There are a number of reasons why it might not be, though. It will not be overcharged.

Hot water: your typical water heater works on LP and may have an additional AC heating element. There should be a way to switch the heater and the element on and off. Newer campers usually have these switches near the water pump switch inside the camper. But in my 2002 camper, I had to go outside and manually light the water heater. It did not have an AC element, but when you have one, I am sure there is a way to turn it on and off. What your manual is telling you: Never, ever run the heater in either mode when there is no water inside.

The fridge: Most run on AC or LP, many also on 12V. Many have an automatic changeover mode where they automatically switch to AC when you plug in. Some do not, and you need to switch over manually.

To get better answers, you could give us the make and model designation of the appliance, or maybe post a picture. Picture posting here requires you to upload and link the picture. You can use http://photoposting.is-great.net and follow instructions there.

best wishes, -J