Running 12 Volt Appliances on Generator While Boondocking
Dave SolbergDescription
When boondocking in your RV, there are a number of 12 volt appliances that you might use that require power supply from a generator. It’s important to factor each of these appliances into your plans, so you know you have enough juice for the trip. Our expert RV repair and maintenance guide Dave Solberg teaches you about each of these appliances, from makeup lights and powered vents in the bathroom to LP-fueled appliances in the kitchen. Consider the power they’ll draw, and keep the total in mind when making plans for your next boondocking adventure!
One of our members wrote in, "What appliances run on the 12-volt system?" Now that's an important question, especially if you're gonna boondock, you want to extend the life of your batteries. It's important to know what appliances are gonna draw from them. Interior lights are the first thing. They'll all draw off the battery, makeup lights in the bedroom. They take a lot of power. Your appliances, even the ones that are running off of LP still need battery power to open the gas valve and to spark. So you need 10.5 volts, at least, in that battery. So you've got your stove top, three burner range on the newer ones, four burner on the old ones, the oven, even the refrigerator that's running on the LP mode will draw battery power. Your water heater is going to take battery power running off of LP. And you're also gonna take and use some battery power using the TV through an inverter. Vent fans in the bathroom. Any of your powered vents will also draw from the battery. Sometimes your LP leak detectors will do it as well. So it's important to identify the different appliances, the different features that you have inside that RV, so you know exactly what's gonna draw from that battery and you'll be able to calculate how long they'll last while boondocking.
I need to run a Cpap with humidifier all night Need to replace my batteries-2 original in motor home. They won’t last thru night anymore. Any recommendations?
would have liked for you to discuss how exactly to calculate some of the appliances you mentioned against the life of the batteries while boondocking.
You forgot to mention the furnace.