AC or DC or both?

[jimtaylor]

I am wondering if the slide out on our Forest River will work off of the battery or do I have to be plugged in to the AC outlet?

 

[wmtire]

These good links by Mark Polk may help explain what works off of what electrical system. Slides are usually 12 volt DC systems.

Basic RV Electricity - RV Information (RV Maintenance)

and your all important converter

RV Converters and Amp Draw - RV Information (RV Maintenance)

 

[markb5900]

It is DC, it will work off the battery.
When you are plugged in, your converter is just doing what the name suggests, it is converting ac to DC power.
You do NOT need to be plugged in for your slides to work.

 

[jimtaylor]

Thanks guys !! Well really when you think about it that's totally logical, otherwise you could not go rv'ing where there was no electricity.

 

[CedarCreekWoody]

While you do not HAVE to be plugged in the manufacturer of many slides recommend that you be plugged in and have a charged battery connected when operating the slides. Most likely this is due to heavy current draw.

 

[grumpy0374]

Just remember, your slides work off of 12 volt. Your batteries must be in good condition, even if plugged into shore power.
If your batteries are bad, and won't hold a charge, even being plugged into shore power won't help.
Grumpy

 

[CaptnJohn]

I rarely put 4 slides out on battery alone. Usually only need 2. Because of those occasions I have 2 series 27 batteries.

 

[grumpy0374]

I rarely put 4 slides out on battery alone. Usually only need 2. Because of those occasions I have 2 series 27 batteries.

If your slides are powered by electric motors it dosen't matter whether you put one or all 4 of your slides out...their running off the batteries, even if your plugged into a pedestal. If your batteries are shot or down your slides probably won't work.
Don't believe...try this...disconnect your house batteries, plug into a pedestal, and see how far even one slide operates.
Grumpy

 

[CaptnJohn]

If your slides are powered by electric motors it dosen't matter whether you put one or all 4 of your slides out...their running off the batteries, even if your plugged into a pedestal. If your batteries are shot or down your slides probably won't work.
Don't believe...try this...disconnect your house batteries, plug into a pedestal, and see how far even one slide operates.
Grumpy

Before attempting slides I'll check battery condition on the 6 point level system even if not leveling. The main reason I plug in when possible is to add a little charge when the batteries are being drawn down.
With all the 12 volt systems today I'd never try a single 24 and always install 2 series 27. I use the same deep cycle from West Marine that are used in my boat.

 

[RVBuff]

Operating slide from shore power alone

I have found that my slide will work on shore power alone (with battery disconnected), but I've heard this could damage the converter because of high current draw. True or false?