Good simple info. If you're planning to dry camp and you're running fridge off 12v along with a 7-pin connector while travelling, make sure to turn off battery as source when you arrive even if you don't fire up propane right away. You could partially drain your battery while you're doing all your setup and unpack.
Great video! This could be a confusing topic for new owners. I know it was for me!! We love to boondock! As a mater of fact in three years we have never stayed at a camp ground. I just added solar this spring. It’s awesome.
@@ItsPoppin I think this was meant for another comment. But the answer is spot on. The only thing I would add is depending on the vehicle and it’s wiring the charge could be minimal.
@@ItsPoppin here is the link. It includes everything you need to get started and I made my own stands. SUNER POWER 50 Watts Mono Crystalline 12V Solar Panel Kits - Waterproof 50W Solar Panel + Upgraded 10A Solar Charge Controller + 3-PCS SAE Cable Adapters for Car RV Marine Boat Trailer Off Grid System www.amazon.com/dp/B07WYZPN2B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_V4FD7P7075XCVKN2Z6XC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Good tips, I skipped around the video a bit but not sure if you mentioned the all in one portable camping batteries/inverters like EcoFlow River Pro or Jackery. They're very popular this year. I've go a 1973 popup without any build in electric options and find something like this is the easiest way to get power to it. You can plug solar panels straight into them too and also use outside of the camper if you ever sleep in a tent or for backup power at home. Hate how loud gas generators are compared to batteries like this but they're necessary for running AC off the grid.
Thank you! This is one of your best pop-up camper info videos of all. Your explanations are thorough, yet simple enough that most beginners should be able to grasp all of the basics. On top of that, you answered several important questions I have had about generators, operating air conditioners, and the whole part about converters, inverters, and how to utilize the 12-volt system when off-grid. Thanks again!
Love your videos! So helpful to me as I learn pop-up camping. I have a 1999 Starcraft. If I plug in to shore power, is the trailer *automatically* using shore power and not battery? Or is something I have to do/switch to have the trailer use shore power? Thanks!
Any recommendations for solar to help “tend” or trickle charge our 12v system. Our pop up has the exterior solar hook up. Worried about how long our 12v could run our furnace fan on cold weekends. Thanks for the vids👍
I'm guessing then that it has a solar power monitor inside already? That is the thing that shows the current charge of the battery and the rate of charge it is receiving from the panel. If you don't have that then you would need to purchase that along with the panel. Harbor Freight is the cheapest place I have found for both.
We bought a 4 panel solar kit from harbor freight. Also two batteries that were made to work with them. Our pop-up didn't have an exterior hookup. I centrally located the controller and wired it to the batteries. We have a small inverter so we can have a lamp on the table. We use the pump, Max air fan, led lights, and stereo ( pioneer touch screen) and bunk light/fans liberally with hardly any draw down on the batteries. The panels even charge on cloudy days. They also have plenty of power for the furnace. I camp in mid to late October (live in Maine) and am warm and cozy. I am planning on putting an exterior plug for the panels on all four corners of the camper that way we can have the panels where they need to be regardless of the campers orientation on the site.
Your videos have been a huge help for us (we are new pop up owners) sometimes the maintenance can be a little overwhelming! I did have a question about repairing seams in the vinyl. I figured I would need to sew it but what about sealing seams in the canvas/vinyl. Is there anything else I should be doing or is sewing the trick to it? Thanks so much for the content again it has been a huge help!
That's correct, your tow vehicle powers your electric brakes under normal circumstances. However, the exception being the emergency brake away switch. This requires a battery to properly function during the off chance that your pop up is disconnected from the tow vehicle.
I have a pop up truck camper. 300 watts of solar on the roof and 2 batteries. I installed a 2,000 watt inverter, and a 30 amp outlet on the outside of camper. I plug this outlet into the inverter. I then plug my shore power plug into the 30 amp outlet. With this set up everything works in the camper while boondocking, except for the AC. Including all ac plug ins.
Great video! thanks for the info. My manual lift-up system doesn't work so I fully depend on my two bank batteries when we don't have shore power. How many watts does a generator needs to be to use the 12v lift-up system in case my batteries get completely drawn? a 1700 watts generator will be enough for this sole purpose (plus 12 volts lights, heating, etc)?
Unfortunately your generator won't be able to directly power your roof lift system. What your generator will be able to do is power the converter, which will in turn charge your battery system, which will then allow you to raise and lower your roof. 1700 watts is plenty to charge the battery via the converter along with lights and the furnace fan.
@@ItsPoppin thank you for your prompt answer. I couldnt get a generator so I wonder, in case my batteries runs out. Should I be able to plug my suv to the camper and Power the lift system?
Question for you: can I charge my trailer while it's closed down? When I bought it (used) the owners said I can't. I'm not sure if there is a switch for that or is it impossible? I've had regular travel trailers for 3 years and now I downsized. I always plugged those in for about 24 hours to charge the batteries and get the fridge nice and cold (I usually boondock) So do I need to open it up to charge or can I do it closed? Thank you!
Thank you for the video. I thought the wall plugs would work but only have enough power for a usb phone charger. So i have to go to your video on installing a 12 car charger video now lol
POWER HACK: To make the best use of my onboard converter, i cut the 30amp plug (about a foot from the plug) and attached a male HD 3 prong 15amp plug. I attached the corresponding female plug to the cut of tip of the 30amp plug (turning it into an 15amp to 30amp adaptor) This will allow me to use standard house hold outlets and attach the 30amp diy adaptor if I ever need to plug into 30amp power. The main reason i did this is so I can power the camper (outlets and all) with my direct drive 300w solar power system. I have 300w attached to a MPPT charge controller, with charges the batteries, and the batteries attached to a 300w pure sinewave inverter...allowing me to run directly off of the sun during the day & power the camper with the batteries at night. the mod only cost 6$ for the male and female plugs.
Last fall our family bought a 1998 Viking popup, we are new to popup camping, but have tent camped for over 20 years. The camper doesn't have a battery so I've been thing about buying a battery and wanted to know how long will a battery last if I run my propane furnace in the evenings. Many National Parks don't have electricity so If we want any heat at night I'd have to get a battery. I'm just trying to figure out how many nights a standard RV battery will last.
This is largely dependent upon the temperature outside and the temperature you’re heating too. A standard 100 amp hour battery has 1200 watt hours. Divide this by 2, which leaves you with the maximum working capacity. Then divide 600 by the wattage of your furnace. Keep in mind it’ll kick on and off based on my first point. However, as a bit if anecdotal evidence, it was a low of about 35 and we heated the camper to 55-60. During this time we used about 600 watt hours, which would have just depleted our standard 100 amp hour battery. You can of course upgrade your battery or get more or consider solar panel(s) as well.
Hi, I just bought a 96 Jayco Eagle, the insert part of the door is a little worse for wear, any ideas what it’s actually called and where I could find one in better shape? Also we couldn’t get the Shure power to work inside but there are some great tips here
Solid video as always! Say hi to the misses for me. She get that straight stitcher I recommended? You know a great video for you to make (and learn for yourself about) is incorporating a solar panel to recharge your battery when you are out boon-docking.
If I have a 120v 500 watt small generator will this work for a pop-up camper I have the 30 amp plug connector I want to use the generator for sure power would that be efficient or do I need a bigger generator
Another nice video. I took inspiration from your LED mod (shown in the thumbnail for this video) and just this evening added a RBGW LED Strip to my popup. I hardwired the power into the campers 12V system. I will mount my WiFi controller on the inside of the roof. Only thing I will need to do is figure out how to pass the wires through the roof. The issue is the straight line pin connector. ~1cm wide. May have to disconnect, pass the wire through a smaller hole then reconnect. Hope no soldering is needed. Can do it but pain because of location. Any advise?
I was actually considering doing the exact same thing on the Jayco, but haven't given it much thought yet. So I might have to get back with you on the best practice for routing the wires through the roof. What part of the 12v system did you tie into?
@@ItsPoppin I tied into the light fixture. I cut off the LED power cord AC plug/DC converter, pulled down the flush mounted light and connected at the wire nuts. Routing through the ceiling itself would be a hit and miss potential disaster so I ran the wires flush with the ceiling to the nearest valance then ran them behind the valance. I covered the exposed wires with white tape. Have to see if that holds up. Plan to finish off is to mount the LED Controller near the roof pillar under the valance, and then drill a hole through the roof side panel, feed the wires from the LED strip into the camper for the connection. This way all the controllers are internal out of the weather. FYI I went with a Bluetooth LED controller. I run the lights from a phone ap. I did not want a remote to lose or track around camp. Another advantage is I do not have an IR receiver that needs direct line of sight to work. Even better are the WiFi controllers. However, you do need a separate WiFi router for those to work. When cell data and hotspot gets more affordable I may go that route. As a small side note: I purchased my components from AliExpress. Which allowed me to choose the LED strip, LED type and density, and get the weather shielding I wanted. I went with a DC 12V RGB,WW 4 color in 1 led chip 60Leds/m with the IP65 waterproofing. Thus, not only do I have all the colors, but I can have White light only for when I am working in my outdoor kitchen. And, it is not that harsh simulated white of the RGB LEDs only.
You could get away with a small generator, maybe 2000 to 3000 watts as most electric heaters are 1500 watts and the fridge draws in the 200 watt range. But, why not just use the built-in propane heater or bring a portable propane heater such as a Mr. Buddy? Also, is your fridge a 3-way fridge? This would also allow you to run your fridge off of propane as well. There are good alternatives to a generator and the only reason I’d bring a generator would be to run an A/C if you don’t have access to shore power.
Great video. I been off grid camping in my pop up many times. I mostly use solar. I have enough battery to run my Dometic cooler and bunk warmers all night. During the day my solar panels charge up the batteries full again. Most of the time its not that much of a drain at night. Now I do not run an AC I have found simple fans work fine for me. I try not to spend to much time in the Pop Up to have to run an AC. I did add all my own 12v plugs and Renogy products etc. Very simple to do. Just drill a few holes and run some wires. Then seal up any open spaces. Off grid camping is the best. Highly recommend going solar. My saving grace is the trucker bunk pad. You sleep on it and the heat fills the space between you and the blankets. Very low watts too.
@@ItsPoppin hey there, I have a 120 watt foldable panel and a 50 watt foldable panel I just got the 120 and it works nice but need to take it out do a test run. I’m in California so i always have sun. My older foldable panel just had to many miles plus 10 plus years on it. I use my f150 to tow right now so I have my Dometic cooler in the back of that. That runs off the truck then at night i hook it up to my jackery 500. The jackery charges up with my solar panels too when needed. Sounds like a lot but it’s easy. Plug and go.
@@ItsPoppin I also just installed the renogy adventurer. Still waiting for the cables to the battery to arrive but I have it in and the solar panel cables installed. I hooked up the panels today to the adventurer and the display looked great. This will also Bluetooth to my phone so easy to monitor the battery.
I bought an led “porch” light to install on the outside next to the door. I was hoping to wire it to an outlet that is conveniently located on that side of the camper. Will I be able to do that? All the other wiring is on the far side of the camper.
Yes, if you have a 7 way connector. It will also charge if you're plugged in at the campground. If not, you'll have to either plug in at home or get a batter tender.
@@ItsPoppin, is it automatic that a pop-up trailer's battery will charge if the trailer is plugged into shore power? That is, does the trailer have to be "set up" to do that charging? I'm wondering whether my old trailer, a 1999 Starcraft, does that charging automatically. Thanks!
I started with a Jayco pop up in the late 90’s, no battery. Moved up years ago to a 2021 gulfstream class C 6320. Still wish for a cool rockwood pop up. I’d run 3/4 deep cycle and a generator for back up. Lithium are lighter weight but space on a pop up and cost are at a premium. I’d get the patio front style pop up to utilize the batterys plus propane. Love those things more than class C but wife likes creature comforts.🥲
Good review. Quick question. When I'm plugged into my house 110v does it charge my battery . Does every trailer have converter? My outside electric compartment has a 110v or 12v switch. Obviously switch one on depending of you're in shore power or not. My trailer is viking 2012 thx
Okay, there’s a few things to dissect here. First, given that you have a 2012, I’m 99% sure you have a converter, but there’s always the off-chance that a previous owner did something weird. Second, given you more than likely have a converter, the answer is yes. A converter will charge your battery when plugged into 110v. Finally, I believe when you’re talking about your “outside electric compartment” you’re actually looking at the controls for your 3-way refrigerator. This is a common mistake I see often. Check out our video on pop up camper refrigerator basics. If it looks like the refrigerator controls in that video, then we will be on the same page.
@@ItsPoppin Thanks! This was the follow up question I was searching for. If a camper is equipped with a converter, I take it there is a battery level monitor equipped on these units too, or no?
I am VERY new at camping and just purchased a like new 2013 Forest River Flagstaff pop up. The electrical system is concerning me because, even with the 30 amp shore power plugged in to my house with a 15amp adapter, the wall socket works fine, but neither the overhead lights or the ceiling exhaust fan work. I have a 110 volt fan plugged in the wall socket and it works immediately. I checked the breakers, the cord, the adapter, but no fan or lights. Then, all the sudden after about 20 minutes I tried them again, and now they work. Can anyone tell me if this is normal, or is something amiss? Thank you very your time!
Good simple info. If you're planning to dry camp and you're running fridge off 12v along with a 7-pin connector while travelling, make sure to turn off battery as source when you arrive even if you don't fire up propane right away. You could partially drain your battery while you're doing all your setup and unpack.
Great video! This could be a confusing topic for new owners. I know it was for me!!
We love to boondock! As a mater of fact in three years we have never stayed at a camp ground. I just added solar this spring. It’s awesome.
@@ItsPoppin I think this was meant for another comment. But the answer is spot on. The only thing I would add is depending on the vehicle and it’s wiring the charge could be minimal.
Mounted or portable? Wondering what portable panel would tend our 12v system, we have that external hook up. Thanks
@@DiscinFool portable! I have two 50 watt. They could be permanently affixed but I wanted the option to be able to move them for better sun exposure.
What brand are you using?
@@ItsPoppin here is the link. It includes everything you need to get started and I made my own stands.
SUNER POWER 50 Watts Mono Crystalline 12V Solar Panel Kits - Waterproof 50W Solar Panel + Upgraded 10A Solar Charge Controller + 3-PCS SAE Cable Adapters for Car RV Marine Boat Trailer Off Grid System www.amazon.com/dp/B07WYZPN2B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_V4FD7P7075XCVKN2Z6XC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Good tips, I skipped around the video a bit but not sure if you mentioned the all in one portable camping batteries/inverters like EcoFlow River Pro or Jackery. They're very popular this year. I've go a 1973 popup without any build in electric options and find something like this is the easiest way to get power to it. You can plug solar panels straight into them too and also use outside of the camper if you ever sleep in a tent or for backup power at home. Hate how loud gas generators are compared to batteries like this but they're necessary for running AC off the grid.
Thank you! This is one of your best pop-up camper info videos of all. Your explanations are thorough, yet simple enough that most beginners should be able to grasp all of the basics. On top of that, you answered several important questions I have had about generators, operating air conditioners, and the whole part about converters, inverters, and how to utilize the 12-volt system when off-grid. Thanks again!
Problem with solar is if you have an wooded site, you may not get get much sun or full sun through the day😢
Thanks for watching! Want to know more out pop up campers, checkout our basics playlist here: ruclips.net/p/PLgqYFM5J_vpcb_wQ3mwZPygiH_ekXsdXM
What generator would you recommend for a popup camper ?
We boondock camp with our pop-up 98% of the time. We use four solar panels and have never ran out of battery power.
How many watts, 400?
@@ItsPoppin I believe so. It's from harbor freight. It feeds two batteries. I think it may be a bit of overkill.
Love your videos! So helpful to me as I learn pop-up camping. I have a 1999 Starcraft. If I plug in to shore power, is the trailer *automatically* using shore power and not battery? Or is something I have to do/switch to have the trailer use shore power? Thanks!
Your converter has a switch to go from ac power to battery power.
Any recommendations for solar to help “tend” or trickle charge our 12v system. Our pop up has the exterior solar hook up. Worried about how long our 12v could run our furnace fan on cold weekends. Thanks for the vids👍
I'm guessing then that it has a solar power monitor inside already? That is the thing that shows the current charge of the battery and the rate of charge it is receiving from the panel. If you don't have that then you would need to purchase that along with the panel. Harbor Freight is the cheapest place I have found for both.
We bought a 4 panel solar kit from harbor freight. Also two batteries that were made to work with them. Our pop-up didn't have an exterior hookup. I centrally located the controller and wired it to the batteries. We have a small inverter so we can have a lamp on the table. We use the pump, Max air fan, led lights, and stereo ( pioneer touch screen) and bunk light/fans liberally with hardly any draw down on the batteries. The panels even charge on cloudy days. They also have plenty of power for the furnace. I camp in mid to late October (live in Maine) and am warm and cozy. I am planning on putting an exterior plug for the panels on all four corners of the camper that way we can have the panels where they need to be regardless of the campers orientation on the site.
Eye squinting...........real mystifying
Your videos have been a huge help for us (we are new pop up owners) sometimes the maintenance can be a little overwhelming! I did have a question about repairing seams in the vinyl. I figured I would need to sew it but what about sealing seams in the canvas/vinyl. Is there anything else I should be doing or is sewing the trick to it? Thanks so much for the content again it has been a huge help!
You can pick up some seam sealer. I think Coghlans makes some.
@@ItsPoppin perfect thank you!!
Wait don't you need a battery when towing for the electric brakes?
That's correct, your tow vehicle powers your electric brakes under normal circumstances. However, the exception being the emergency brake away switch. This requires a battery to properly function during the off chance that your pop up is disconnected from the tow vehicle.
Can I plug in pop up to 20 amp outlet in garage with adapter to run air conditioner for a short time?
ruclips.net/video/5stID98t87Y/видео.html
I have a pop up truck camper. 300 watts of solar on the roof and 2 batteries.
I installed a 2,000 watt inverter, and a 30 amp outlet on the outside of camper. I plug this outlet into the inverter. I then plug my shore power plug into the 30 amp outlet. With this set up everything works in the camper while boondocking, except for the AC.
Including all ac plug ins.
Great video! thanks for the info. My manual lift-up system doesn't work so I fully depend on my two bank batteries when we don't have shore power. How many watts does a generator needs to be to use the 12v lift-up system in case my batteries get completely drawn? a 1700 watts generator will be enough for this sole purpose (plus 12 volts lights, heating, etc)?
Unfortunately your generator won't be able to directly power your roof lift system. What your generator will be able to do is power the converter, which will in turn charge your battery system, which will then allow you to raise and lower your roof. 1700 watts is plenty to charge the battery via the converter along with lights and the furnace fan.
@@ItsPoppin thank you for your prompt answer. I couldnt get a generator so I wonder, in case my batteries runs out. Should I be able to plug my suv to the camper and Power the lift system?
Yes as long as you have a 7 pin connector
Question for you: can I charge my trailer while it's closed down? When I bought it (used) the owners said I can't. I'm not sure if there is a switch for that or is it impossible?
I've had regular travel trailers for 3 years and now I downsized. I always plugged those in for about 24 hours to charge the batteries and get the fridge nice and cold (I usually boondock)
So do I need to open it up to charge or can I do it closed?
Thank you!
You can plug it in while the roof is down.
We took out our fridge and just use a yeti. Have no regrets. Fridge just doesn’t do well with traveling in my opinion. Even if you pre cool.
Thank you for the video. I thought the wall plugs would work but only have enough power for a usb phone charger. So i have to go to your video on installing a 12 car charger video now lol
So off grid off of a car battery or whatever, I can’t use a small plug in heater?
Excellent, very helpful video! Answered all my questions. Thanks!
Thank you
Does the battery charge while generator is running
If it charges normally while hooked up to shore power, yes.
Ty so much for this information. First timer here and not to mention....clueless!
POWER HACK: To make the best use of my onboard converter, i cut the 30amp plug (about a foot from the plug) and attached a male HD 3 prong 15amp plug. I attached the corresponding female plug to the cut of tip of the 30amp plug (turning it into an 15amp to 30amp adaptor) This will allow me to use standard house hold outlets and attach the 30amp diy adaptor if I ever need to plug into 30amp power.
The main reason i did this is so I can power the camper (outlets and all) with my direct drive 300w solar power system. I have 300w attached to a MPPT charge controller, with charges the batteries, and the batteries attached to a 300w pure sinewave inverter...allowing me to run directly off of the sun during the day & power the camper with the batteries at night.
the mod only cost 6$ for the male and female plugs.
So you plug your converter into the inverter?
Last fall our family bought a 1998 Viking popup, we are new to popup camping, but have tent camped for over 20 years. The camper doesn't have a battery so I've been thing about buying a battery and wanted to know how long will a battery last if I run my propane furnace in the evenings. Many National Parks don't have electricity so If we want any heat at night I'd have to get a battery. I'm just trying to figure out how many nights a standard RV battery will last.
This is largely dependent upon the temperature outside and the temperature you’re heating too. A standard 100 amp hour battery has 1200 watt hours. Divide this by 2, which leaves you with the maximum working capacity. Then divide 600 by the wattage of your furnace. Keep in mind it’ll kick on and off based on my first point.
However, as a bit if anecdotal evidence, it was a low of about 35 and we heated the camper to 55-60. During this time we used about 600 watt hours, which would have just depleted our standard 100 amp hour battery. You can of course upgrade your battery or get more or consider solar panel(s) as well.
If you get a chance I emailed you a question about paint
Hi, I just bought a 96 Jayco Eagle, the insert part of the door is a little worse for wear, any ideas what it’s actually called and where I could find one in better shape?
Also we couldn’t get the Shure power to work inside but there are some great tips here
In your converter there is a switch to go from battery power to shore power.
Did you try that?
Excellent video, very helpful. Thanks!
Quick question so when I plugged in to the campsite my lights do not work inside
Did you troubleshoot the disconnect switch? It's commonly under a swing up stove or sink or along the roofline.
No I have not this is my first camper
Ok, definatly check that.
Okay and everything else works when I plug it in but the lights
Solid video as always! Say hi to the misses for me. She get that straight stitcher I recommended?
You know a great video for you to make (and learn for yourself about) is incorporating a solar panel to recharge your battery when you are out boon-docking.
Ha, no new sewing machine. And I do want to explore more with solar, just not quite there yet.
Wow no outlet power??? Yicks
I am looking for solar generator
If I have a 120v 500 watt small generator will this work for a pop-up camper I have the 30 amp plug connector I want to use the generator for sure power would that be efficient or do I need a bigger generator
It has a AC/ and DC ability the DC side is 12v the AC is 500 watts
What are you all trying to power at the same time? Add those numbers up and that will determine how big of a generator you’ll need.
Another nice video. I took inspiration from your LED mod (shown in the thumbnail for this video) and just this evening added a RBGW LED Strip to my popup. I hardwired the power into the campers 12V system. I will mount my WiFi controller on the inside of the roof. Only thing I will need to do is figure out how to pass the wires through the roof. The issue is the straight line pin connector. ~1cm wide. May have to disconnect, pass the wire through a smaller hole then reconnect. Hope no soldering is needed. Can do it but pain because of location.
Any advise?
I was actually considering doing the exact same thing on the Jayco, but haven't given it much thought yet. So I might have to get back with you on the best practice for routing the wires through the roof.
What part of the 12v system did you tie into?
@@ItsPoppin I tied into the light fixture. I cut off the LED power cord AC plug/DC converter, pulled down the flush mounted light and connected at the wire nuts. Routing through the ceiling itself would be a hit and miss potential disaster so I ran the wires flush with the ceiling to the nearest valance then ran them behind the valance. I covered the exposed wires with white tape. Have to see if that holds up.
Plan to finish off is to mount the LED Controller near the roof pillar under the valance, and then drill a hole through the roof side panel, feed the wires from the LED strip into the camper for the connection. This way all the controllers are internal out of the weather.
FYI I went with a Bluetooth LED controller. I run the lights from a phone ap. I did not want a remote to lose or track around camp. Another advantage is I do not have an IR receiver that needs direct line of sight to work. Even better are the WiFi controllers. However, you do need a separate WiFi router for those to work. When cell data and hotspot gets more affordable I may go that route.
As a small side note: I purchased my components from AliExpress. Which allowed me to choose the LED strip, LED type and density, and get the weather shielding I wanted. I went with a DC 12V RGB,WW 4 color in 1 led chip 60Leds/m with the IP65 waterproofing. Thus, not only do I have all the colors, but I can have White light only for when I am working in my outdoor kitchen. And, it is not that harsh simulated white of the RGB LEDs only.
Very informative
What size genarator do you use for fridge and or plug in heater
You could get away with a small generator, maybe 2000 to 3000 watts as most electric heaters are 1500 watts and the fridge draws in the 200 watt range. But, why not just use the built-in propane heater or bring a portable propane heater such as a Mr. Buddy? Also, is your fridge a 3-way fridge? This would also allow you to run your fridge off of propane as well. There are good alternatives to a generator and the only reason I’d bring a generator would be to run an A/C if you don’t have access to shore power.
Great video. I been off grid camping in my pop up many times. I mostly use solar. I have enough battery to run my Dometic cooler and bunk warmers all night. During the day my solar panels charge up the batteries full again. Most of the time its not that much of a drain at night. Now I do not run an AC I have found simple fans work fine for me. I try not to spend to much time in the Pop Up to have to run an AC. I did add all my own 12v plugs and Renogy products etc. Very simple to do. Just drill a few holes and run some wires. Then seal up any open spaces. Off grid camping is the best. Highly recommend going solar. My saving grace is the trucker bunk pad. You sleep on it and the heat fills the space between you and the blankets. Very low watts too.
How many watts of solar are you running to keep you batteries topped off?
@@ItsPoppin hey there, I have a 120 watt foldable panel and a 50 watt foldable panel I just got the 120 and it works nice but need to take it out do a test run. I’m in California so i always have sun. My older foldable panel just had to many miles plus 10 plus years on it. I use my f150 to tow right now so I have my Dometic cooler in the back of that. That runs off the truck then at night i hook it up to my jackery 500. The jackery charges up with my solar panels too when needed. Sounds like a lot but it’s easy. Plug and go.
@@ItsPoppin I also just installed the renogy adventurer. Still waiting for the cables to the battery to arrive but I have it in and the solar panel cables installed. I hooked up the panels today to the adventurer and the display looked great. This will also Bluetooth to my phone so easy to monitor the battery.
canada is 110v lol
Useful!!! Thanks :)
love the simplicity here thanks!
This was very informative. Thank you
No problem!
I bought an led “porch” light to install on the outside next to the door. I was hoping to wire it to an outlet that is conveniently located on that side of the camper. Will I be able to do that? All the other wiring is on the far side of the camper.
120 volt?
It didn’t come with any instructions but the product details on Amazon say 12v
In that case, you would have to tie into the 12v system, not a 120v outlet.
Will the little fans that plug into the ceiling lights work on 12v?
Yes
Yes
Does the battery recharge with traveling with the tow vehicle? How does the battery stay charged after repeated trips?
Yes, if you have a 7 way connector. It will also charge if you're plugged in at the campground. If not, you'll have to either plug in at home or get a batter tender.
@@ItsPoppin, is it automatic that a pop-up trailer's battery will charge if the trailer is plugged into shore power? That is, does the trailer have to be "set up" to do that charging? I'm wondering whether my old trailer, a 1999 Starcraft, does that charging automatically. Thanks!
You’d have to look up your specific converter. I have seen older converters require a switch to be flipped. Naturally, newer ones are automatic.
I started with a Jayco pop up in the late 90’s, no battery. Moved up years ago to a 2021 gulfstream class C 6320. Still wish for a cool rockwood pop up. I’d run 3/4 deep cycle and a generator for back up. Lithium are lighter weight but space on a pop up and cost are at a premium. I’d get the patio front style pop up to utilize the batterys plus propane. Love those things more than class C but wife likes creature comforts.🥲
Good review. Quick question. When I'm plugged into my house 110v does it charge my battery . Does every trailer have converter? My outside electric compartment has a 110v or 12v switch. Obviously switch one on depending of you're in shore power or not. My trailer is viking 2012 thx
Okay, there’s a few things to dissect here. First, given that you have a 2012, I’m 99% sure you have a converter, but there’s always the off-chance that a previous owner did something weird. Second, given you more than likely have a converter, the answer is yes. A converter will charge your battery when plugged into 110v. Finally, I believe when you’re talking about your “outside electric compartment” you’re actually looking at the controls for your 3-way refrigerator. This is a common mistake I see often. Check out our video on pop up camper refrigerator basics. If it looks like the refrigerator controls in that video, then we will be on the same page.
@@ItsPoppin Thanks! This was the follow up question I was searching for. If a camper is equipped with a converter, I take it there is a battery level monitor equipped on these units too, or no?
No, not necessarily
I am VERY new at camping and just purchased a like new 2013 Forest River Flagstaff pop up. The electrical system is concerning me because, even with the 30 amp shore power plugged in to my house with a 15amp adapter, the wall socket works fine, but neither the overhead lights or the ceiling exhaust fan work. I have a 110 volt fan plugged in the wall socket and it works immediately. I checked the breakers, the cord, the adapter, but no fan or lights. Then, all the sudden after about 20 minutes I tried them again, and now they work. Can anyone tell me if this is normal, or is something amiss? Thank you very your time!