Forum Discussion

RetroAirBnB's avatar
RetroAirBnB
Explorer
Sep 05, 2020

Newbie trailer owner, quite confused

I just bought my first travel trailer. A 2017 Riverside Retro 195. Mint condition with the all the manuals.

I thought: "this will be great, I'm sure I can learn everything i need to by reading the manual."

No schematics. Anywhere. And even the narrative is confusing.

It's hooked up to the battery, no "shore power" yet. And only certain electronics seem to work. Ceiling fan, outside light, radio, pump.

I ASSUME I have to have it plugged into power to get the other stuff to work, but nowhere can I find a description of what might be wired to battery and what might not be.

I'm wondering, if there are other owners out here, if I post a link to a 5 minute youtube video walking through if people could help me figure things out?
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Sep 05, 2020
    If the “stuff” is the AC, microwave, 110 plugs and most TVs, yes you need to plugin or use a generator. However, most of us use an inverter for the TV...turns 12 volt battery electricity into 110.
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Sep 05, 2020
    find a trailer in your neighbor hood and go ask that person to do a walk threw with you, take notes. and bring a six pack.
  • RetroAirBnB's avatar
    RetroAirBnB
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2020
    OK, but maybe you can tell me this: can i connect to my home power? Manual says I can, but have to turn off all breakers in house and trailer first, then turn on. For some reason.
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Sep 05, 2020
    Make sure the battery is hooked up correctly. Turn on the overhead lights as a test.

    Your battery should run:
    Overhead lights
    Light over the stove top
    Any fans
    Water pump
    Refrigerator on LP
    Water heater on LP
    Electric awning
    outside lights (Except) the running and taillights
    Slide out

    Items that you need to be plugged into shore power for:
    Microwave
    Refrigerator on electric
    Water heater on electric
    Air Conditioning
    All the 120v household style plugs
    Battery charger
    All the other items from the battery list above also
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Sep 05, 2020
    RetroAirBnB wrote:
    OK, but maybe you can tell me this: can i connect to my home power? Manual says I can, but have to turn off all breakers in house and trailer first, then turn on. For some reason.


    Standard CYA by the manufacturer. At home most people just plug in with no issues. If at a campground most people flip the main breaker at the post off before plugging or unplugging. But the rest of the breakers stay on.

    Just plug it in and see what works.
  • bukhrn's avatar
    bukhrn
    Explorer III
    Sep 05, 2020
    On battery, your lights will work, radio, water pump, water heater on propane, fridge will work on Propane, you still need 12V for it to work, Furnace will work, perhaps not for long, propane detector, For all your 120V things, like wall outlets, TV, AC, microwave you will need shore power, or generator.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Sep 05, 2020
    “OK, but maybe you can tell me this: can i connect to my home power?”

    Asking random questions isn’t going to educate you. Read about RV electrical basics.
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Sep 05, 2020
    at my house. I bought a adaptor from a 30amp pluglike your rv has to a 120 plug I have a regular outlet 20amp. and can run the whole rv. do not turn on microwave and AC at the same time, and fill hot water tank before turning it on. just my .02cts you don,t need to turn things off first.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2020
    Do not plug it into any house plug that "looks" like your trailer plug. Use only normal wall plugs that are 120 volts and you should not try to run your trailer Air conditioner on that. If in doubt make sure the plug is NOT 220 volts. When plugged into house plug you can operate all 120 volt items except A C but not all at the same time. Microwave or water heater one at time. As you learn more you will learn what can be run at the same time. This will get you started.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 19, 2025