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Old 01-09-2017, 04:48 PM   #1
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What's easiest way to power TV when not on shore power?

Obviously need an inverter but can I do it easily and cheaply by using the accessory (cig ltr) plug? Or do I really need to hook up a direct to battery invertor...much more involved and expensive.

The TV and Dish receiver will draw around 120 watts but can the accessory plug put out the necessary amps (10)? I have a 400 watt cig plug-in inverter already so that would be easy with an A/C extension cord.

My situation: - I'm looking at running the TV only about 2-3 hours a night. I have 2 group 31 AGM batteries with 210 amp hours available.

I have a 2011 CC 30RL, I would love to have a convenient permanent sine wave convertor set up but it looks like it would be a daunting and expensive task for me and maybe > $1000 for a dealer to do it, right?

Looking for some guidance, is there a relatively easy way for me to do the permanent inverter set up? When I first thought about this I thought I could just replace the converter/charger (WFCO) with an inverter/charger but it looks like a lot more involved with wiring, relays, fuses etc.

Any thoughts appreciated!
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Old 01-13-2017, 12:39 PM   #2
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what is a 2011 CC 30RL ?
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Old 01-13-2017, 12:46 PM   #3
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Quote:
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what is a 2011 CC 30RL ?
CC should be a Cedar Creek.
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Old 01-13-2017, 12:59 PM   #4
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What's easiest way to power TV when not on shore power?

I use a small cheap walmart inverter that plugs into the cigarette lighter 12v outlet. Works well for watching TV. Don't know about the satellite receiver.


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Old 01-13-2017, 01:09 PM   #5
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You should already have an inverter, no?
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Old 01-13-2017, 01:37 PM   #6
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Convertor....
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Old 01-13-2017, 01:43 PM   #7
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Easy but not cheap.

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Old 01-13-2017, 01:52 PM   #8
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A typical 32" LED TV draws about 50-60 watts.
A satellite receiver draws 20-30 watts.
All according to *THIS* chart.

Any inexpensive inverter that plugs into a cigarette lighter plug should run these two items with no problem. I don't think I've ever seen one less than 100-150w.
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Old 01-13-2017, 01:55 PM   #9
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A CC 30RL has both. Already.
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Old 01-13-2017, 02:04 PM   #10
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Ahhh...good

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Old 01-13-2017, 02:10 PM   #11
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Well, it came from factory with both, I am sure. IF he bought used it might be missing. I didn't think of that originally. I'm not sure what the issue is, to be honest..if he has an inverter, he just needs to keep the batteries charged somehow.
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Old 01-13-2017, 02:34 PM   #12
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I went thru this same issue when we spent a week at Quartzite in the desert. If your RV has an onboard converter/inverter (you'll know if any of the 110 outlets are hot when not on shore power) the batteries are also driving your frig controls, alarms etc. Two Grp31's is enough power (I have one Grp31 and it handles the same TV idea).

I also may do something permanent some day but for now, I just have a small 400watt Harbor Freight modified sine wave that I clip to the battery and then run a 110 extension cord under the trailer, fed through the slide up to a multiplug adapter with the Dish receiver and 1 TV connected. I keep my viewing down to about 2 hours (1 DVD) to avoid running the battery below 50%. If I want more, I crank up the generator and connect the shore power cable.
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Old 01-13-2017, 03:05 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by BandJCarm View Post
A CC 30RL has both. Already.
If the OP has both then I'm wondering why the question?
Maybe not in 2011?
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Old 01-13-2017, 03:19 PM   #14
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If the OP has both then I'm wondering why the question?
Maybe not in 2011?
Well maybe not......??....... I doubt it though. CC has been pretty much middle to top line for a while. I camp with guys that have back to 2004 and they didn't have to add an inverter.

I too was puzzled at his question. But I am old, and I often misread or misunderstand folks' intent.

I wondered if he meant "how do I keep the batteries charged long enough to watch a lot of tv while disconnected from shore power".........but I'd be wild guessing.

It's also possible his inverter is broken, removed if he bought it used, or some other thing.

I guess.........I just need more info to know what he needs.
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Old 01-13-2017, 03:25 PM   #15
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Hopefully the OP hasn't bailed (as many do) after asking a question and can clarify.
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Old 01-13-2017, 03:37 PM   #16
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Think he has both, but his invertor is the type that uses a cigarette lighter connection and he was look'n to make a permanent install with maybe a different one for a cleaner look.....And the expense of a different invertor

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Old 01-13-2017, 03:59 PM   #17
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I am doing just what you are wanting to do except I have a Directv receiver. I use a 120 watt inverter plugged into the 12 volt acc. outlet. I had to use a pure sine wave inverter though because the receiver would not work with a modified sine wave inverter.
I do plan to add a second inverter off the batteries to power small appliances like the coffee maker and toaster. I can use a modified sine wave inverter for those things.
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Old 01-13-2017, 04:18 PM   #18
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Back about 12 yrs ago I took, I believe it was a 200 watt inverter, and hard wired it in a cabinet by the 120 volt outlet used for the tv. I added another outlet next to it and labeled it inverted. When I was boon docking I would leave the satellite and tv plugged into the inverted outlet. Even with the generator running it is still charging the batteries and doesn't affect the use of the satellite and tv system. I ran the tv without the satellite for about 20hrs on a similar battery setup as yours without issue.

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Old 01-13-2017, 06:28 PM   #19
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Cedar Creek 30RL 5th wheel...it's actually a 2012
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Old 01-13-2017, 06:48 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BandJCarm View Post
Well, it came from factory with both, I am sure. IF he bought used it might be missing. I didn't think of that originally. I'm not sure what the issue is, to be honest..if he has an inverter, he just needs to keep the batteries charged somehow.
It's a 2012 Cedar Creek 30 RL 5th wheel. I bought it new, it didn't come with an inverter installed. It has a stock converter and I already have a little inexpensive cig lighter inverter. The issue is I was wondering if I could just take that little inverter, plug it in to the 12V accessory port and run an extension cord down to run the TV and Dish receiver...wanted to see if anyone knew if it would have the power to do that OR would I need to install an inverter and run the wiring from the battery area to run the TV.
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