Power for Parking Lot Overnights

**smharstedt** · 05-29-2019, 11:47 AM

We are heading out to Glacier NP in July and we are planning to stay at Cabela's or Walmart a night or two on the way out and back.

I'm looking for some ideas on how to have some power during that time, with out running a generator. My thought was to swap out our single 12v (100ah) battery for 2 6v (215ah) batteries and then hook up a 1500 watt inverter that I would then plug the camper into. I would have to flip the breaker off for the converter so I don't create any issues.

Would this work? Is there a better way to do this? Thanks!

**jkwilson** · 05-29-2019, 12:58 PM

Depends on what you are trying to run. For lights and refrigerator on LP you are fine with one battery. If you want AC, you need to reconsider your overnight options.

**smharstedt** · 05-29-2019, 03:29 PM

Not planning on running the AC. We are just looking to power the lights, refrigerator, TV and the fantastic fan.

**Calbar** · 05-29-2019, 03:30 PM

^^^^^ What jkwilson said but I have 2 12 V batteries that I use. Can run heat overnight when travelling south in the winter.

Rob

**JColeman** · 05-29-2019, 05:15 PM

We don't have an inverter and run our generator to watch TV for a few hours until we go to bed around 10pm. We have (2) 6v 225aH batteries giving us around 100aH usable @ over 90% SOC when we go to bed. We run right down to 12.1-12.2 volts when using the furnace @ 72* on a 20-30-'s overnight. If you add a couple of hours of inverter use and TV to that you might come up short.

**gordofuchs** · 05-29-2019, 06:43 PM

During our last adventure over the winter, we lost power in the Cheaha State Park, Al. Our furnace ran the battery down to a level where the blower wouldn't work. All this happened while we were asleep. After waking up in the middle of the night, I started the truck and hooked it to my trailer harness, which gave us enough juice to run the furnace. It actually worked out very well. The next day we were advised the park was closing, so we had to vacate anyway.

**J&G garage** · 05-30-2019, 08:18 AM

I would recommend the upgrade to batteries of at least 200 ah. Right now if the battery you have is like most dealers install you only have about 35 usable amp/hours (they're generally about 75 ah). If you have to use the furnace at all that just won't do. With 200 amp/hours you would be just fine over night. Leave the tv off and read a book. Use less lights. Be frugal with the power and everything else can be done with 12 vdc on about 50 ah/day.

**powerscol** · 05-30-2019, 09:56 AM

When we travel/camp we try to leave the real world behind. NO TY! We play board games and listen to music. Right now I have 2-12V battery's and solar which provides for everything we need. No converter yet. New truck may have one. I have done a lot of Wall-Mart camping and I have yet to see a generator out. Most folks come in, get supplies and get some sleep and are very considerate of others.

In the future when the 12V batteries get old, I plan to replace the 2-12V with 4 - 6V

Just my 02

**smharstedt** · 05-30-2019, 10:17 AM

Thanks for the responses, I think that we will upgrade the batteries for more capacity and call it good.

**SolarPoweredRV** · 05-31-2019, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by smharstedt

Thanks for the responses, I think that we will upgrade the batteries for more capacity and call it good.

That's a good choice for what your needs are right now. I would suggest going with the two 6-volt batteries instead of the pair of 12 volt batteries. The 6-volts will give you more power and will last longer, they are just better built for deep cycle use.