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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Boondocking, Solar Power, and Related Items -> DC to DC converters? Laptop/Cell not charging without AC.
Post Info TOPIC: DC to DC converters? Laptop/Cell not charging without AC.
Hina


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DC to DC converters? Laptop/Cell not charging without AC.
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I'm not boondocking yet, but today, my AC went out, and my laptop stopped charging, as did all other chargers (cell phone, 3G/4G Hotspot) which were plugged into the wall socket.

I'm still a newbie at the RV lifestyle, and I assumed that stuff like that would just go on the battery, but when you think about it, the chargers are AC to DC converters, which might not work when the trailer is on DC? Am I right? And is there an easy fix? Like a special extension cord or some type of wall plug converter?

Thanks ahead of time for your wisdom!

Jane

 



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Lucky Mike


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Not knowing much about your unit........do you have an inverter on board or when you say dc do you mean battery only.

unless you are on shore power(plugged in).....running a generator or have an inverter your 110 outlets go dead when the power is removed and all that works is your 12vlt system...lights ,heater, fridge

hope this helps......



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Bill Adams


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I see, from what might have been your first post, that you own a 2012 Springdale 257 RLLS trailer. It's quite likely that this unit did not have a factory installed inverter but one might have been added somewhere since solar has been added from its original configuration. An inverter will take the DC power from your 12V batteries and convert it into usable 120V AC. There are many shapes and sizes that will power anything just a small TV to whole house units which will power everything at every plug. There are DC to DC converters but you would have to get one that was specific for the type of unit you were hoping to power when you lost your 120 feed. Inverters are power hogs so if you want to use an inverter you will also need to ensure that you have enough battery power (multiple batteries) to run the inverter for as long as you think you will need it. Solar would likely take care of this during the day for such small demands as keeping your computer charged but you would need more if you are going to be off the grid at night and want to charge all of those things plus watch TV, etc.

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Hina


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Yeah, I don't know if it has an inverter, it's straight as-is from the factory, but I do have solar. Just one battery.

On another forum, someone recommended a type of adapter that could plug into the "cigarette lighter plug" by the TV area. There is also a "cigarette lighter plug" on my solar inverter. Maybe that would do? Guess it's time to get out the owners manuals and try to figure out what I got to work with. Time to play "mad scientist nerd girl"!

I work online, so it's important. I'd like to be as self sufficient as possible, with my lil' mobile studio apartment. :) Thanks, any more ideas, I'd appreciate it!

Jane

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Technomadia


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The adaptor that plugs into the cig lighter is just a small inverter. You can pick them up just about anywhere in the auto department (Walmart, truck stops, etc.). Figure out what your power needs are, and size accordingly. That will be useful for smaller loads when not on shore power.

But for house wide AC power, you'll likely want an inverter that is wired in, if one is not already installed (generally not standard).

If you're planning a lot of off-grid time - you may find that one battery is not nearly enough. And a true battery monitoring system is also quite helpful, if not, essential - as is knowing proper battery maintenance.

- Cherie

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Bill Adams


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You can plug many very small inverters into a cigarette lighter outlet. Depending upon the size of this inverter you should be able to power the devices during the day (a sunny day) but with just one battery it really won't do much for you during the over night hours. If you think that you will be off-grid for extended periods then you are going to need to look at carrying a small generator or adding additional battery and possibly additional solar capacity.

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Hina


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I'm looking at my laptop power block, doesn't say the watts, just volts, and watts seems to be the thing. But I've found this 400 watt inverter on Amazon, good reviews, on sale, with Super Saver shipping. It's noisy, but hey, you should hear the fan/air conditioner in this Springdale! Can't be louder than that! http://www.amazon.com/Wagan-2003-6-400-Watt-Continuous-Inverter/dp/B002UW7JJ6/ref=pd_sbs_e_2

I guess I'll get another battery before I hit the road. I kinda want to take advantage of national parks and such.

Thanks,

Jane

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NorCal Dan


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Your going to need a generator if you want to be self-sufficient. You will need to re-charge that battery after use. Other items that will need 12VDC include the refrigerator and furnace. Even though set to use propane they still need 12VDC for the control circuits.

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bjoyce


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You might find Howard's Electrical webpage useful reading - http://www.rv-dreams.com/rv-electrical.html .

 



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Hina


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Thanks Dan and Bill. I have one solar panel already, I'm thinking I'll get another one or two, plus a second battery. Also maybe a wind generator.

I have the Woodall's RV Handbook, 4th Edition on it's way from Amazon, maybe that will help too. What they gave me for an "owner's manual" was basically all the booklets and warranties for all the pieces (frig, heater, pump, etc) but that doesn't really tell you how it's all supposed to work together :(

Jane

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