171rbxl boondocking electrical question

[captjhym]

We just bought our 171rbxl and are trying to get everything set up for eventual boondocking. Will the electrical outlets run on solar power and a 3-4 battery bank?

[formerFR]

no, solar power simply recharges your House battery bank.... you'll need an Inverter for power to be provided to the Electrical Panel, and therefore your outlets, in order to use 120v devices when off-grid, unless you have a generator to plug into.

Also, they'll be no air conditioning or electric Water Heater while only on batteries/solar, since the power is not there to give this high-draw items enough power.

A generator will be a requirement for a/c, and recharging the batteries, when no sun, rain, or overcast days off-grid, and probably many overnights as well.

[ppine]

A generator of at least 3,000 watts would be required to run A/C.
Everything else can be run with solar.

[captjhym]

I tried to test my outlets on battery....no power. everything else was good, USB's residential fridge, lights, awning. Any Idea why the outlets wont work?

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by captjhym

I tried to test my outlets on battery....no power. everything else was good, USB's residential fridge, lights, awning. Any Idea why the outlets wont work?

Because the outlets need a form of 120 volt AC power to work.

May I suggest this thread, and read the electrical threads, which explain what systems are in a RV

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ts-157524.html

This link below will get you started:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...nt-152813.html

[captjhym]

thank you

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by captjhym

thank you

You are very welcome. The electrical systems of a RV are often one of the more confusing things, and is why we keep them as the very first things to learn with a new RV.

[formerFR]

NONE of you outlets will work unless you have a generator or are plugged in....solar will not help you with that.

An INVERTER is what can take battery power and change it to 120v to power those outlets you are referring to 'not working'... but will NOT run your roof air conditioners - those are only when the generator is providing power or you are plugged into power.


Generator = everything will work
Shore POwer = everything will work

Inverter = all 12v items and 120v outlets* will work

Battery power = ONLY 12v items, lights, fans, etc
Solar power = ONLY charges the Batteries

* only the outlets powered by the INVERTER will work, though...not all RVs provide Inverter power to every outlet, mostly only to the Residential Fridge and maybe one or two others.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by captjhym

I tried to test my outlets on battery....no power. everything else was good, USB's residential fridge, lights, awning. Any Idea why the outlets wont work?

I doubt you have a residential fridge in a 171rbxl. It is too small. You fridge will run using 12 volt and propane when not plugged in to shore power. Lights and awning are also 12 volt.

[captjhym]

It is a residential style....runs on electric only, no propane. it is the 2019 1/2 model, came with a few upgrades

[formerFR]

sounds like you already have an INVERTER then, probably either near the fridge, or in a compartment outside, maybe.... if it's not ON, then you won't have power to the fridge or any outlets that it may power.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by captjhym

It is a residential style....runs on electric only, no propane. it is the 2019 1/2 model, came with a few upgrades

Ok, good. That's a new upgrade. Hopefully it came with an inverter and dual battery bank.

[captjhym]

unfortunately only 1 battery....and a sticker saying I needed a second....going out to get one tonight

[formerFR]

what does this 'sticker' say? I would doubt you 'have' to have an additional battery 'just because' you have a residential fridge, especially if you are not going to be 'off-grid' for extended periods, and just want it to power your fridge while traveling. Chances are, you alternator, while driving, will ALSO be charging your House Battery(maybe).

Find your Inverter
Turn in ON
see that the fridge is now working

enjoy : )


add an additional battery later, if you find you need it, but you'll have to either add another 12v, in parallel, or get TWO 6v golf cart types, run in SERIES, to make them a 12v output to your Inverter.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by captjhym

unfortunately only 1 battery....and a sticker saying I needed a second....going out to get one tonight

And did it come with an inverter too?

[captjhym]

yes, it will run on the single battery.....for a bit

[5picker]

Originally Posted by captjhym

unfortunately only 1 battery....and a sticker saying I needed a second....going out to get one tonight

Did you buy this new?

I'm shaking my head in amazement your dealer did not go over these basic R/V 101 systems and is leaving you holding the bag for a 2nd battery if it specifically states you must have two batteries.

[CedarCreekWoody]

To answer your original question: yes, an inverter will power 120 volt outlets IF the outlets are wired to it (which is unlikely.) How long they will run depends on the size of your battery bank and the load you put on it.

[captjhym]

5picker, yes I did buy it new....after a show. Even during the show they said the fridge would work without a hookup IF I had a second battery and solar

[Sealyn]

Inverter is probably for the refer only and does not power anything else.