camping without electric?

[caseydog]

Is it possible to take an extension cord and plug it up at the campgrounds electric and then just use a power strip for everything you need electric for?

Yes. Get a cord, a GFCI, and an outdoor power strip at Lowes or HD. The GFCI will protect you if things get wet.

[caseydog]

Amy, I've learned an awful lot about RV 12 volt power from reading the "sticky" threads here in the Electrical Secrets forum. Especially about batteries.

Please don't buy a battery until you understand just a little bit more about 12 volt power than you do now... spend some time reading...

Although Martha's replies here in your thread have most certainly been helpful, one or two posts cannot provide the knowledge you need if you're going to own and safely operate your very own teardrop!



Everything else you'll need to know is listed alphabetically in this great index:

sdtripper2's Index (ongoing)

I thought maybe I could get a battery and just plug in my items. It doesnt look like it. I probably still need to know how to operate the electrical part of it if its already wired for me.

I wanted a wired teardrop, but thought I could get by cheaper without it being wired.

Amy, be careful not to overthink your first camping trips -- or your first TD. You don't have to jump into the deep end right away. Besides, on a tight budget, you will have to scale back on your wishlist and stick to the basics.

My TD "electrical system" is all plug and play cords and strips purchased at Lowes. It is simple, and it works.

Your first trips should be at campgrounds with electricity. Don't try wilderness camping until you master the easy stuff. You don't learn to ski on the black diamond slopes.

If you need a 12 volt system later, you can add a simple system then.

There are some pretty impressive electrical systems on many of the TDs in this forum. But, don't get it in your head that you have to have all that wiring to enjoy a weekend of camping.

You are really going to learn a lot at your first gathering. Hopefully you will see a variety of set-ups, from basic to "WOW." It will help you make realistic plans.

CD

[Uncle Chan]

Ame8199,

You asked about an extension cord and a powerstrip, I sent you a PM regarding just that thing. That is what we're doing, only we took it on step further and attached a plug to the TD so we can run an extension cord to the plug then from there a pigtail goes to the GFI power strip.

Here are some pictures:

Power comes in here:







Plug the powerstrip in here.


We used this setup recently on our two week trip through Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. It worked flawlessly. It was one of the best modifications we've ever made.

[ame8199]

Teardrops without any type of wiring wont have the plug on the side of the tear right ?

[Mauleskinner]

Ame8199,

You asked about an extension cord and a powerstrip, I sent you a PM regarding just that thing. That is what we're doing, only we took it on step further and attached a plug to the TD so we can run an extension cord to the plug then from there a pigtail goes to the GFI power strip.

We used this setup recently on our two week trip through Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. It worked flawlessly. It was one of the best modifications we've ever made.

Anybody ever tell you you're a genius?

[Uncle Chan]

Ame8199,

You asked about an extension cord and a powerstrip, I sent you a PM regarding just that thing. That is what we're doing, only we took it on step further and attached a plug to the TD so we can run an extension cord to the plug then from there a pigtail goes to the GFI power strip.

We used this setup recently on our two week trip through Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. It worked flawlessly. It was one of the best modifications we've ever made.

Anybody ever tell you you're a genius?

Nobody who's ever met me has made that mistake.

But thanks.

[Uncle Chan]

Teardrops without any type of wiring wont have the plug on the side of the tear right ?

I wouldn't think so.

It only took me about 30 minutes to make my setup.