dry camping and television

[Reverse_snowbird]

Originally Posted by swj

Gonna call an electrician or RV Dealer and have them convert existing AC outlet above the TV, that runs on shorepower/generator only to a AC outlet that runs on shorepower and battery only power. If the sound bar/water pump and other stuff is wired that way...

You might want to include a mobile rv mechanic on your list to make the modifications.

Please let us know what they recommend and about how much it will cost. (We've got a tv that runs on shore power and generator only, so my interest is personal)

[NJKris]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Interesting. Now you have me curious, as all my firesticks run from the TV USB, some are type 2 and some are type 3 (blue inside). Wonder if it has anything to do with 12v vs 120v? Defective port or firestick dongle? Something for me to research further when I'm bored

When the thing kept going in circles trying to boot up, I went online and read about it because I hadn't used it in a long time. Online sources confirmed that if you did not have at least as many amps as the wall wart provided, it would fail. I do not recall that value offhand.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by swj

Gonna call an electrician or RV Dealer and have them convert existing AC outlet above the TV, that runs on shorepower/generator only to a AC outlet that runs on shorepower and battery only power. If the sound bar/water pump and other stuff is wired that way...

I can't recall if you bought an inverter... but... AC outlets need either shorepower-generator or an inverter to provide the 120v.

The sound bar/water pump and the like are 12v DC powered. They all work directly off the battery.

Unless you install an inverter with an automatic transfer switch built in so the AC current can pass through when on shore power and generator you are not going to accomplish what you want. An inverter with a built in transfer switch was not the inexpensive inverters that have been mentioned throughout this thread for you to simply power your tv.

I think you still have some confusion as to what system(s) power what in your R/V.

[NJKris]

Fun Fact for running TV off of batteries: At the Goshen FROG rally they were practically giving away discontinued Furrion 12v RV TVs. 32" TV for 40 bucks cash. So much nicer than the 22 or 24 inch set the RV came with. BUT I have to stand it on the dinette table, I have no wall space to fit a TV that size.


Fun fact IS....the new TV draws 60w. The smaller one used a fraction of that. I'm sure 120VAC sets use more than 60w, something to keep in mind if you don't want to run batteries down. I only bring the big set with me when going on a long trip (2 weeks for us) and will be on shore power. Otherwise, the little set suffices and just sips power.

[ppine]

RV camping is the perfect time to unplug and get the Hell away from television. For a long trip it is handy so I would go the 12 volt route. I have a tv in my trailer but have no plans to ever use. it.

[NJKris]

Amen. The only time we use ours is if weather keeps us from being outside, and a little in bed till I get sleepy sometimes if I don't feel like reading.

[Bob K4TAX]

Originally Posted by bikendan

If you mean a house 110v AC outlet, you need the outlet tied into an INverter.
Do you understand the difference between a CONverter and an INverter?
The coax antenna booster is 12v only.

And the antenna booster is likely fused for 3 amps. A 400-watt inverter will pull more current than 3 amps. I suggest one NOT to use the antenna booster circuit.

If you wish to install an inverter, I suggest a separate feed from the batteries via the proper fuse and disconnect switch. Inverters draw current when not being used for 120 VAC applications. A 400-watt inverter running at 50% load will draw about 17 amps from the 12VDC system.

For someone familiar with inverters and their current demand and supply watts, this is a walk in the park. For someone not familiar with RV electrical systems, 12VDC, and 120VAC......this is more of a science project with an unknown outcome.

Please have someone knowledgeable to evaluate YOUR system and understand YOUR needs. They will be better able to advise you on how to proceed.

Bob

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by Bob K4TAX

And the antenna booster is likely fused for 3 amps. A 400-watt inverter will pull more current than 3 amps. I suggest one NOT to use the antenna booster circuit.



If you wish to install an inverter, I suggest a separate feed from the batteries via the proper fuse and disconnect switch. Inverters draw current when not being used for 120 VAC applications. A 400-watt inverter running at 50% load will draw about 17 amps from the 12VDC system.



For someone familiar with inverters and their current demand and supply watts, this is a walk in the park. For someone not familiar with RV electrical systems, 12VDC, and 120VAC......this is more of a science project with an unknown outcome.



Please have someone knowledgeable to evaluate YOUR system and understand YOUR needs. They will be better able to advise you on how to proceed.



Bob

Actually, the "booster" on my TT included the power outlet and was fused in the power center @15 amps. They anticipated it would be used for more than just the amplifier.

I use mine for a 300w Bestek pure sine wave inverter that runs my TV and DVD player. When in use the total power draw is <6 amps as measured by my BMV-712..

[Bob K4TAX]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Actually, the "booster" on my TT included the power outlet and was fused in the power center @15 amps. They anticipated it would be used for more than just the amplifier.

I use mine for a 300w Bestek pure sine wave inverter that runs my TV and DVD player. When in use the total power draw is <6 amps as measured by my BMV-712..

Yes, if the booster plate has a lighter plug then it would be fused at 15 amps. And the wire was sized accordingly. Many are not.

Bob

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Bob K4TAX

Yes, if the booster plate has a lighter plug then it would be fused at 15 amps. And the wire was sized accordingly. Many are not.



Bob

That's what I have. 15 amps. So no issues with a 400w inverter.

[MarsbarsCT]

I use this. I can recharge it via solar, 12V in car, or wall outlet.
Larger models are available. https://westinghouseoutdoorpower.com...-power-station

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by MarsbarsCT

I use this. I can recharge it via solar, 12V in car, or wall outlet.

Larger models are available. https://westinghouseoutdoorpower.com...-power-station

A 300w dual outlets inverter only costs $25 and plugs into any 12v round socket. Also has USB charging port. Lots less than the $350 for your device.

[leeshearer]

Originally Posted by bikendan

A 300w dual outlets inverter only costs $25 and plugs into any 12v round socket. Also has USB charging port. Lots less than the $350 for your device.

300 watts seems to be to many amps for most round 12volt outlets

[jdunkmg]

We stay almost exclusively in National Forest Campgrounds and our three TV's don't ever get turned on. Too much to do and too tired when we are done.

[Capacitor]

After 3 pages I think the op would benefit from a mobile rv mechanic to get done what he needs. It doesn’t appear that he is capable or understands what is needed. It will be done correct and he can watch tv till the battery dies!

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by leeshearer

300 watts seems to be to many amps for most round 12volt outlets

Only if you plug in a 300w 120v device.

A 40-50w TV with 20 watt DVD player will only cause inverter to draw less than half the rated current of the fuse.

The rating is just the max capacity. Actual current drawn is proportional to the wattage of the load.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Capacitor

After 3 pages I think the op would benefit from a mobile rv mechanic to get done what he needs. It doesn’t appear that he is capable or understands what is needed. It will be done correct and he can watch tv till the battery dies!

I agree. I'm not super handy but I had no problem installing this in my RV:
Linkstyle 4 in 1 Charger Socket Panel, 12V 4.2A Dual USB Charger Socket Power Outlet & LED Voltmeter & Cigarette Lighter Socket & LED Lighted ON Off Rocker Toggle Switch for Car Marine Boat RV Truck https://a.co/d/eu1aOR8

I can do basic automotive stuff so it wasn't very difficult. But I don't get the impression that the OP is interested in DIY.

[jlynn721]

Originally Posted by swj

Dry camping in National Parks. My 2017 FRiver Surveyour batteries will run water heater, etc. The sound bar is wired in also to run off batteries. TV will not turn on because it's set up to run on wall socket. HOW do you wire the TV in(like the sound bar) to run off batteries? I have a battery bank and generators to recharge batteries. Watching TV, DVDS/downloads without running generators is the goal?

Easiest way (if you have a 12v outlet ….like a cigarette lighter receptacle) is to buy a 12v to 120v inverter.

[garywilson]

Originally Posted by swj

Dry camping in National Parks. My 2017 FRiver Surveyour batteries will run water heater, etc. The sound bar is wired in also to run off batteries. TV will not turn on because it's set up to run on wall socket. HOW do you wire the TV in(like the sound bar) to run off batteries? I have a battery bank and generators to recharge batteries. Watching TV, DVDS/downloads without running generators is the goal?

I bought a 2nd TV- 12V.
The TV has a DVD player built in.

[Blackrock]

I installed a 200w inverter in the basement and ran an extension cord to the entertainment center and used a power strip to power the TV, DVR player, Dish reciever and I used a Dish compatible Sattelite unit and the OL was totally happy with it. With full batttery charge I could run the system for over six hours before needing to run the generator.