General newb questions - Advice?
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...
Forum Discussion
I think the answers to all you questions is "it depends on the specific appliances and components in your camper". One thing you asked was about whether your truck will charge the camper battery when you're driving. Probably, but it depends on the wiring from the truck to the camper.
The power from the truck to the camper can be configured three ways:
If you don't have an isolator or at least a switched connection to the camper, you'll need to be aware of your battery level to avoid a dead truck battery.
The power from the truck to the camper can be configured three ways:
- Always hot. This will allow power to fly between the camper and the truck all the time. Not good as you can drain the truck battery while you're parked.
- Connected when the ignition is on. This is better as it can't drain the truck battery when the truck is turned off. Not the best as it can drain if you park and leave the key in the on position.
- With a battery isolator circuit. This is the best as it only opens the circuit when it should. I had to add one to my 95 Chevy 2500, but my 2005 3500 came with it built in. Some isolators only allow the camper to charge when the truck battery is at full charge.
If you don't have an isolator or at least a switched connection to the camper, you'll need to be aware of your battery level to avoid a dead truck battery.
