How to by-pass battery to run jacks, slide, and refrigerator on shore power only?

[GNJones]

New reflection 260RD purchased in fall of 2022. Camper came with a 12v,100ah lead battery and 1 solar pnl. Unit went in for service at dealer 2 months after new and came back with dead battery. Even before that it wound barely run slide and then jacks to hook up to my truck. Monitor showed 13plus volts as unit was always on shore power and showing charge. Is there a way to set up the camper to run the 12 volt stuff without a battery or with a dead battery? (Using shore power) Dry camping for a week running generator all night still leaves us having problems jacking it up when we leave. We will be replacing the battery before the season starts. That doesn’t fix the problem that a dead battery leaves us stranded for a while even when we have the generator running. We also have the 12 volt refrigerator that we use ice blocks in to keep below 40 degrees. Freezer works great!!!! That’s how we freeze the gallon jugs of water. The refrigerator was replaced also when the service was done. Any suggestions would help.

 

[huntindog]

New reflection 260RD purchased in fall of 2022. Camper came with a 12v,100ah lead battery and 1 solar pnl. Unit went in for service at dealer 2 months after new and came back with dead battery. Even before that it wound barely run slide and then jacks to hook up to my truck. Monitor showed 13plus volts as unit was always on shore power and showing charge. Is there a way to set up the camper to run the 12 volt stuff without a battery or with a dead battery? (Using shore power) Dry camping for a week running generator all night still leaves us having problems jacking it up when we leave. We will be replacing the battery before the season starts. That doesn’t fix the problem that a dead battery leaves us stranded for a while even when we have the generator running. We also have the 12 volt refrigerator that we use ice blocks in to keep below 40 degrees. Freezer works great!!!! That’s how we freeze the gallon jugs of water. The refrigerator was replaced also when the service was done. Any suggestions would help.

The problem is that some items draw more power than the convertor can supply.
Short answer: You need a batttery now

 

[GNJones]

The problem is that some items draw more power than the convertor can supply.
Sort answer: You need a batttery now

Yes we will be going to a much larger Lifepo4 battery. I am looking for a solution for when the battery dies using shore power or a generator to power the slide and jacks.

 

[traveldawg]

The solution, unfortunately, is using a good battery. Maybe you can put an inexpensive one in for now just to get you through things until you get the Lifepo4 battery.

 

[Calbar]

I have been in your situation before as well and had to hook up the truck, keep it running and then do jacks. It didn't work great. Had to keep stopping while the truck tried to recharge the trailer battery and ran jacks for 10 - 15 seconds until the converter and "dead" battery couldn't run again. Only suggestion I have unfortunately.

Rob

 

[Skilletface]

New reflection 260RD purchased in fall of 2022. Camper came with a 12v,100ah lead battery and 1 solar pnl. Unit went in for service at dealer 2 months after new and came back with dead battery. Even before that it wound barely run slide and then jacks to hook up to my truck. Monitor showed 13plus volts as unit was always on shore power and showing charge. Is there a way to set up the camper to run the 12 volt stuff without a battery or with a dead battery? (Using shore power) Dry camping for a week running generator all night still leaves us having problems jacking it up when we leave. We will be replacing the battery before the season starts. That doesn’t fix the problem that a dead battery leaves us stranded for a while even when we have the generator running. We also have the 12 volt refrigerator that we use ice blocks in to keep below 40 degrees. Freezer works great!!!! That’s how we freeze the gallon jugs of water. The refrigerator was replaced also when the service was done. Any suggestions would help.

huntendog is correct, your converter and or inverter/converter my not be supplying proper voltage to the battery or the battery will not be storing adequate amperage.
Your question is an interesting one but at some point the slides, awnings, landing gear or anything that requires 12volts still requires 12 volts.

 

[sande005]

The clue was the unit coming back with a dead battery. Either you or the dealer failed to fully disconnect the battery when in storage. There are several items that the default switch will not turn off, primarily safety related. Over months, the battery will discharge and become damaged. It worked before, but now doesn't. This can happen again, no matter what kind of battery you get. So when not in use, either disconnect a terminal or install a true cut-off switch (but be aware that smoke detectors, emergency brakes, etc. will no longer work!)
With a 12v fridge, a 100Ah battery is barely big enough if there will be little charging in 24 hrs., especially if power hungry things will be operated. A lead battery takes a long time to recharge, so even with generators or lots of solar it may get run down all the way before it can recharge. A lithium can accept a charge much quicker, so has a better chance of being recharged between uses.

 

[Riverbug]

Alright. If you really want to get creative and have a somewhat simple backup...You could use jumper cables or make a wire with allegator clips on each end. If you find you have a dead battery on the camper you clip your truck battery to the RV cables. You may or may not have to disconnect the RV battery. If you look at Battery Tender they come with quick connect ends that mount to the battery so it's easy to connect when you need it (that would at least give you an idea of how to you set something up permanently if you don't want to use allegator clips. With the truck running you have a 12V source for emergencies.

That said, I agree with others. Better to just resolve the battery issue with a good/appropriate battery and not let it draw down so far as to cause an issue. Much less likely to be an issue if you get a decent sized LiFePO4 battery/bank - doesn't need to be huge.

 

[huntr70]

If you disconnect the battery, the 12 volt systems will run off of the converter. It may, or may not be enough to power what you want to do.

If you are plugged in and the battery keeps going dead, you have an issue somewhere (or you have the disconnect turned off, which does not allow the battery to charge while on shore power).

 

[coglesby]

My coach will not extend the hydraulic jacks under load without the battery. It will move them until they contact the ground and then the hydraulic pumps starts clicking. It will extend the slides and retract the jacks. I have a 75A converter/charger.

 

[huntr70]

My coach will not extend the hydraulic jacks under load without the battery. It will move them until they contact the ground and then the hydraulic pumps starts clicking. It will extend the slides and retract the jacks. I have a 75A converter/charger.

Yep, you absolutely need a battery for the hydraulic leveling and slides.

The OP has electric on his Reflection.

 

[bstreet5]

I always keep a boost starter in my truck, has never failed will give you enough power for your jack. The one I have is https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GBX45-U...2c-a3b1-6dc1501918ac&pd_rd_i=B0924V8SPC&psc=1 it will also start a bigger engine than advertised.

 

[Calbar]

I always keep a boost starter in my truck, has never failed will give you enough power for your jack. The one I have is Amazon.com it will also start a bigger engine than advertised.

I like the idea of having one of these as a backup and to jump start. My concern is jump starting a Cummins 6.7 Diesel and not sure that this one would do it.

Rob

 

[bstreet5]

I like the idea of having one of these as a backup and to jump start. My concern is jump starting a Cummins 6.7 Diesel and not sure that this one would do it.

Rob

They make bigger ones a 70 or 75 is probably big enough for you of course at higher cost just saying mine has worked for my truck and to run trailer jack and levelers on both my trailer and my daughters trailer.

 

[SolarPoweredRV]

I like the idea of having one of these as a backup and to jump start. My concern is jump starting a Cummins 6.7 Diesel and not sure that this one would do it.

Rob

I have the NOCO Boost 150 and it has enough power to start a Diesel engine with only one battery installed instead of two (not my truck, I once
Jump started a guy at a truck stop and his truck had only one battery). I wonder why he needed a boost? Anyhow, the NOCO Boost started that Diesel with ease.

The NOCO Boost would definitely be helpful to you if you find yourself with a dead battery in your coach.

 

[MtnGuy]

I carry this with me:

CAT 3-in-1 1000Amp Power Station with Jump Starter and Compressor

CAT 3-in-1 1000Amp Power Station with Jump Starter and Compressor

tuiaverlichts.com

 

[RV2600RB]

Short answer is no, you can’t power 12v items directly from a 120v source (without a converter). The converter will power lights and such on its own, most likely. But it won’t power high current draw items like slides and jacks on its own. You need a new battery.
Rich