Do our "Trailer Tow" truck provide trailer power?

[tlippy]

Any one know the answer to these questions:

1. What kind of power do our trucks provide to the trailer?

2. Can I assume that when I dry camp that I really have 4 batteries to use? The two in the truck and the 2 in the trailer.

3. Does the trailer converter charge the truck batteries?

Thanks

 

[Dieselnerd]

1. Your truck provides 12 volt DC to charge the trailer batteries when the motor is running. Also lights and turn signals of course.

2. Bad assumption. True, but how would you charge up the truck if you ran it down too far? You should always disconnect the truck when dry camping or install an isolator especially if you are running blowers like your furnace. Short time wouldn't hurt but truck batteries are not designed to be run down and recharged as are your deep cycle batteries in the trailer.

3. If your trailer is connected to electricity AND you are connected to the truck AND you don't have an isolater installed, yes some current will also flow to your truck batteries. They will not charge up as well as with the alternator. Converter charge voltage is kept low enough so your trailer batteries will not overcharge during long term camping while attached to electricity.

 

[klenger]

Consider getting one or more solar panels for the RV. My old trailer had one 120 watt panel and generated all the power we needed when camping in the summer (not running the furnace). It provided enough power to run the stereo all day long, the lights for several hours at night, and the TV for an hour or so. I am installing two 120 watt panels in the new 5th wheel we have on order to supply more power for spring and fall camping. The place I buy my stuff from is http://www.windsun.com/.



Good luck

 

[RedRamer]

Here's a great article to help you figure what's what when drycamping. It helped me a lot figure batteries, etc.

http://bart.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/12volt/12volt.htm

denis