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Old 10-24-2019, 03:00 PM   #1
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Fans at night

I want to run a fan in the day time or at night off the batteries but for some reason this does not work. I always have to start the generator to run fan. I have solar panels to keep batteries charged. I am at a loss as to why this won't work.
Any advice? Steer me in the right direction?? Thanks a million.
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Old 10-24-2019, 03:02 PM   #2
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Is the fan 12 volt or 110 volt? In other words is it plugged into a wall outlet or hard wired to a small switch?
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Old 10-24-2019, 03:06 PM   #3
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Almost all ceiling vent fans I've seen from the factory are 12v DC.

Is it possible you have a battery disconnect switch and you have the battery(ies) cut-off?

Even though the fan is 12v, AND if the battery(ies) are cut off, the fan would still work when you are on shore power because the CONverter would be supplying the 12v DC.

Also... I see you have just a few posts.
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Old 10-24-2019, 03:25 PM   #4
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The fan(s) are 120v.

I will check the battery disconnect and get my signature thing fixed up. Thanks
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Old 10-24-2019, 03:25 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 5picker View Post
Almost all ceiling vent fans I've seen from the factory are 12v DC.
Vent fans, yes.

My old fifth wheel had a hanging ceiling fan that was 120v.
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Old 10-24-2019, 03:29 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scoharri View Post
The fan(s) are 120v.

I will check the battery disconnect and get my signature thing fixed up. Thanks
Batteries will not run fans that are 120 volt unless you have an inverter in the mix. Batteries are only 12 volt. That is why you need the generator to run the fans. Your generator puts out 110 volts.
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Old 10-24-2019, 03:43 PM   #7
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This is usually a new concept for a lot of RVers. I remember being confused when I first got my pop-up, the power outlets wouldn't work unless we were plugged in.

There are 2 separate power systems in your RV: 12v which is based on batteries and 120v which is more like household electric.

The 120v system is only powered by shore power, generator power, or some kind of inverter setup.

The 12v system can be used to make 120v but you have to install an inverter. Inverter installations can be as simple or complex as you'd like them to be. Simple is, attach inverter to battery or 12v cigarette plug and then run an extension cord to your 120v appliance. Complex is installing either an automatic transfer switch or an inverter with it built in to automatically switch between shore power and inverter power.

Do you currently have an inverter?
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Old 10-24-2019, 04:27 PM   #8
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You can get 12 volt fans to use at night. We have a 12 round outlet in the bedroom that you can plug a 12 volt fan into.
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Old 10-24-2019, 05:54 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ependydad View Post
This is usually a new concept for a lot of RVers. I remember being confused when I first got my pop-up, the power outlets wouldn't work unless we were plugged in.


Do you currently have an inverter?
Thank you ependydad

That totally make sense. I do not have an inverter.
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