Still new to RVing and real new to this newer rig we bought a month ago and don't have the coach owner manual. We are planning our first long trip this next month so thought I would ask a few questions.
1. I have a cut off switch by the front door, do I leave that on when driving? Someone told me to do that because the gen will charge the house batteries while driving. So do I also leave it on when hooked up to shore power?
2. Now my DW like her coffee, and traveling down the hwy, can she use the electric outlets to make coffee? AM sure I must have the gen running, correct?
Thanks for any answers you can provide and am sure I will have a few more prior to use leaving on this trip.
I'm guessing this is either a Class "A" or "C", not sure with the name.
1. Turning the switch on will allow you to charge the "house" batteries while driving and while hooked up to shore power. You only need to turn it off while in storage with no shore power.
2. To use the outlets while driving down the road you will either need an inverter or run the generator.
Barry514 wrote: Still new to RVing and real new to this newer rig we bought a month ago and don't have the coach owner manual. We are planning our first long trip this next month so thought I would ask a few questions.
1. I have a cut off switch by the front door, do I leave that on when driving? Someone told me to do that because the gen will charge the house batteries while driving. So do I also leave it on when hooked up to shore power?
2. Now my DW like her coffee, and traveling down the hwy, can she use the electric outlets to make coffee? AM sure I must have the gen running, correct?
Thanks for any answers you can provide and am sure I will have a few more prior to use leaving on this trip.
1) Leave the switch on, unless you are storing the RV for any period of time.
2) The 120 VAC will not work unless you are plugged into shore power, are running the generator, or have an inverter that is turned on. (An inverter coverts 12-volt DC current to 120 VAC. It usually is only tied to a couple of appliances and/or outlets.
We do not have a generator, so I am no help with those questions.
For coffee we have a good old fashioned vacuum flask. Make a pot before we head out (French Press, heat water in kettle on the stove), put it in the flask it is still hot hours later.
The problem with making coffee while travelling down the highway is where will you put the coffee maker? It cannot sit on the counter, well it could until the first corner.
After the first flask of coffee is finished we stop for coffee. Usually by that time we have been on the road 4-6 hours and we all need to stretch our legs, the dog needs a walk etc.
Bring all your questions, I am sure someone on this forum has figured out a way to secure their coffee maker to allow a fresh pot while driving.
If you have a MH, your house battery will charge off the engine. You do not need to run the genny to charge it while underway.
We have 2 6V golf cart batteries and a solar panel. After arriving at camp we have enough battery power for 3 days with out needing any sort of charge (no AC, furnace, or microwave running)
I leave my battery cut off switch on....but when we leave the mh and don't plan on being back before dark, I will turn on a few lights and then turn the cut off switch off. Upon return, I simply turn the cut off switch back on and presto, I have lights on all over the mh. No groping in the dark for a light switch.
As others have mentioned. Use of any AC appliance requires either the inverter to be on or the generator.....when not hooked up to shore power. I too, like my coffee when traveling and will fill two small coffee mugs and keep in my cup holders within each reach. No need to keep a pot going...I doubt if it would survive a sharp curve or quick stop.
Hope this helps
Ron
Ron & Sandie
'08 Safari Simba SBD35 CAT C7
Toad: 2011 GMC Terrain SLT2
Tow Bar: Sterling AT
Toad Brakes: Unified U.S. Gear
TPMS: Pressure Pro
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Leave the battery switch on except for storage. Refrigerator needs 12 volt DC to run on propane is one good reason and I think some need it to power the mother board suit will run on 120. Won't hurt a thing. To leave the switch on.
Basically, if you have the battery supply to run through the Inverter, you can probably operate the coffee maker without needing the generator, but most of the time, it's easier to just run the genset when you want any power-hungry 110VAC items.
We run the genset on hot days, while driving down the road, so we can operate the A/C in the coach. We have a fairly substantial Solar syystem with battery bank, and it will actually run the A/C, but not for very long. The extra gas we use is worth it to us.
Why not just get the coffee made prior to departure (when you've still got shore power), and buy a thermos, for those extra cups on your way down the road.....It's a lot easier than dealing with it while driving.
Bill & Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris / GS MJ Dogs: Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie, Annie, Maggie, Tugger & Beau RIP: Cookie, Foxy & Gidget @ Rainbow Bridge.
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