Do you need a battery?

[ArtMini]

ok, If I have 120V coming in from a shore line for electrical outlets, and use a converter to switch to 12V for lighting+ entertainment center, do i need a battery? Can I go from Converter to fuse block to 12 accessories?

Art

[satch]

Most people have the battery for use at campgrounds with out shore power. As long as your converter can handle the loads you put on it, I think it would work fine. Where I camp, there's always power, but I use the batery to run the lights, roof fan, and stereo. I have a on-board trickle charger to juice up when needed. I thought of not useing a battery, but you never know where you camp, plus the power can not be trusted at some camp grounds. Plus it adds to resale value if I decide to sell.

[ArtMini]

one of the conversations I had with my G/F about building was where would we be camping. She thinks just camp grounds. BUT one of my inspirations for this build was some areas in NH along a small river where there were small roads to just pull in and camp along the side of the river, and I thought, now this is cool. But even in that situation, i could get by with a lantern outside and a flash light inside and be happy.

Art

[PaulC]

Why fit 12v when you've already decided you can get by without a battery. Seems strange to me.

Cheers
Paul

[BPFox]

If you plan to camp where there is 120 v available, and you can live without electric lights when it's not, then why convert to 12 volts? Wire everything for 120 volts ac and eliminate the converter and 12 volt lights.

The reason most folks fit their trailers with 12 volt lights even though they hook up to 120 volt ac is so they can run off a battery and still have lights when there is no 120 volt ac power available.

Think long and hard about what you want now and what you might want in the future. It's way easier to put the systems in when you are building than it is after the build is complete. Peace.

[Boodro]

Art , I built mine with both 12v converter ( old battery charger)& wired for 110. I will be doing another build soon( I hope) I plan on using only 110, I thought i would be camping in the "wild" too but find I don't. So I am with you on the lantern & flashlight .

Good luck!

[Steve_Cox]

Art,

When your not camping, it sure is nice to have battery powered lights to get something in or out of the TD at night and you don't want to get out an extension cord or a flashlight.

[Micro469]

One thing about sites with 110 is that they are usually gravel , at least up here they are. I see that some of the sites in the States are paved.
I prefer to camp in a tent site....with dirt or grass under my wheels, one of the advantages being you don't have a honkin big RV right beside you. Then, it's nice to have your own power supply.....

[asianflava]

You don't have to have one, but it's nice to keep your options open. Having one means you camp without power onsite if you want to......or if you have to.

[bobhenry]

I changed one tire in the dark on a busy 2 lane highway . It will never happen again! My on board battery will power all lights in my tear and the same lights are fitted with 120 volt ac capability. In the event of a breakdown a porch light becomes an excellent work light and a safety factor so that oncoming drivers can see you. I fitted 2 driving lights to the undercarriage that will further illuminate the tire area and will serve as a backup light in the event of a after dark arrival to a campgrounds. It just ain't that hard to run a/c and d/c together.

[Jst83]

Why fit 12v when you've already decided you can get by without a battery.
Cheers
Paul

I'd have to second that, I'm strictly wired for shore power and no 12V anywhere in the Tear and very happy. I've never camped anywhere that doesn't have power. Also agree you could get by with the lantern and flash light if need be

[48Rob]

Steve has a good point!

My trailer has 120 and 12 volt systems.

Its about 50/50 on the hookups.
Half the camping is 120, the other is 12

But, every time I open the door of the trailer for something while in the garage (dark) I reach in and turn on the (12 volt) light so I can see...

Also great to run the water pump while on the road at a rest area, and have lights, television, and whatever when the power goes out...

There are a lot of things a person doesn't really need, but that sure are nice to have!

Rob

[alffink]

I went exactly the other way, I thought that I would be doing most all of my camping off the grid and did not plan for any 110AC.
Now, I have only camped as planned, at sites that do not have power available, but when planning for our trip to the Spamboree, I realized that the 110AC would be a good compliment to have and will be redesigning my battery box to provide an RV type power entry and one duplex box and will be adding at least one duplex box somewhere in the galley.

[ArtMini]

I'll be getting to my wiring in about a month. I've thought long and hard about my electrical needs. You all make good points. I've decided I want BOTH 12v and 110. All my lighting and entertainment will be 12v. My AC will be 110 of coarse. But I'm thinking I want 1, maybe 2, 110 outlets both inside the cab and in the galley for the unplanned accessories. I will get back to you when I'm ready to start. Right now I'm working on plumbing, thats easy LOL



quote="alffink"]I went exactly the other way, I thought that I would be doing most all of my camping off the grid and did not plan for any 110AC.
Now, I have only camped as planned, at sites that do not have power available, but when planning for our trip to the Spamboree, I realized that the 110AC would be a good compliment to have and will be redesigning my battery box to provide an RV type power entry and one duplex box and will be adding at least one duplex box somewhere in the galley.

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