RV Battery from Tow Vehicle 12V

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You may have to test carefully regarding keeping the RV battery charged from the TV.  Some setups allow for that, others don't.  Some vehicles shut off that wire when the TV stops so as avoid the TV battery being depleted during a lunch stop or overnight, for example.  Other vehicles will let you run both batteries down if you forget to disconnect the RV.  There doesn't seem to be any consistency in all this.  The situation can be exasperated  by running the fridge on 12v power.

As a guy on the internet, I can tell you that there is no reason not to run the fridge on propane while traveling.  I've done a good bit of research.  There are no laws or regulations against running the fridge on propane while traveling, except, as noted above, on the odd ferry or tunnel.  Gas stations don't blow up when you go into fill up.  Many RVs, especially the big ones, don't even have fridges that run on 12 volts.

All that said, some people have strong opinions on the subject.  Other people on the internet will tell you the opposite , so you'll just have to decide for yourself.

TT

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Tars Tarkas Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Location: Near Nashville Online Status: Offline Posts: 1446	Post Options Post Reply Quote Tars Tarkas Report Post Quote Reply Topic: RV Battery from Tow Vehicle 12V Posted: 22 Mar 2020 at 5:05pm
	You may have to test carefully regarding keeping the RV battery charged from the TV. Some setups allow for that, others don't. Some vehicles shut off that wire when the TV stops so as avoid the TV battery being depleted during a lunch stop or overnight, for example. Other vehicles will let you run both batteries down if you forget to disconnect the RV. There doesn't seem to be any consistency in all this. The situation can be exasperated by running the fridge on 12v power. As a guy on the internet, I can tell you that there is no reason not to run the fridge on propane while traveling. I've done a good bit of research. There are no laws or regulations against running the fridge on propane while traveling, except, as noted above, on the odd ferry or tunnel. Gas stations don't blow up when you go into fill up. Many RVs, especially the big ones, don't even have fridges that run on 12 volts. All that said, some people have strong opinions on the subject. Other people on the internet will tell you the opposite , so you'll just have to decide for yourself. TT
	2010 176 FJ Cruiser

Grant177 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 15 Mar 2020 Location: Edmonton, AB Online Status: Offline Posts: 65	Post Options Post Reply Quote Grant177 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 22 Mar 2020 at 4:59pm
	Appreciate the responses and info. 2011 R-Pod 177....brand new, 10 years old (see below). TV is a 2019 Nissan Frontier, factory wired with towing option with the 7 pin trailer connector etc. I'll go dig out the fuse/specs on it, but I would be greatly surprised if it was not factory fused etc. I am just not sure of it's specs/ratings etc. I've also added a CURT Manufacturing 51170 Spectrum proportional brake controller. Just had to plug it into the factory harness and all good to go! Cool little controller and looks factory on the dash... I'm considering the Anderson WD / Sway chain hitch, but have added Sumosprings to the rear truck suspension and it easily tows...going to do a few test highway runs this year, and see if I need the added WD and sway control. The Sumosprings dampen any bounce and can easily handle the weight...so it's really more sway I am concerned about. I'll load it carefully weight-wise. In terms of battery, I would like to do some boondocking (mostly) so I've also just made myself a portable solar suitcase and solar charge controller setup as well to feed the existing battery (Group 31, 105Ah flooded). I'm considering a lithium upgrade depending on how this year goes and wife enjoys things... I picked up the 177 at auction last fall. It is literally a brand new R-Pod...looks like it was never used...it just happens to be 10 years old. I have the "spoiler" running lights recall scheduled to be added, and am going to get it fully safety inspected etc. Even though the tires look like they are brand new, they are 10 years old (2010 date code on them) so they are going....Goodyear Endurance replacements ordered. I have yet to test the heater, AC, etc as I picked up it late last fall and only had time to give it a quick winterizing before the snow came.... Can't wait to get at it again....
	Grant 2011 R-Pod 177

mcarter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419	Post Options Post Reply Quote mcarter Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 22 Mar 2020 at 4:15pm
	Hey Grant, In a standard RV configuration. The TV side at the 1300 position is the 12V power connection. If your TV is configured correctly with a fused connection you should be able to charge the TT battery thru your 7 pin connector. I have two different TVs and they both will charge the TT battery thru the 7 pin connector. Are there cases where that charge is not sufficient, I have heard so, but I can't testify to that with my assets. Mine work. Many use the fridge on propane when traveling, I can't find an instance of that being a significant accident issue. Some say it is. I have traveled with fridge on 12V and on propane, no issues thus far. I know there are regulations that stipulate you have all propane devices off (tunnels) primarily on the east coast. Lastly, my fridge runs fine on 12V power while traveling, however my 12V AUX is configured correctly, it is fused and it works. It is adequate to charge the battery, while the battery is in use. Again, I am not against switching the fridge to propane. I have done so in past.
	Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6289	Post Options Post Reply Quote StephenH Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 22 Mar 2020 at 4:03pm
	Welcome and congratulations! What RPod did you get? I hope you have many fun adventures and make many great memories doing so. Some general thoughts: 1. On some vehicles, there is not enough power going through the connector to both charge the batteries and run the refrigerator. Other vehicles can do both. 2. On some vehicles, a fuse/breaker needs to be installed before the power will go through the wire to the trailer. 3. Because I have experienced the inability of the tow vehicle to both charge the battery and run the refrigerator at the same time, I have been running with propane almost since we purchased our RPod. I have not had any trouble doing so. The main area of concern is tunnels or other places where leaking propane could accumulate and cause an explosion. The flame is well contained in the vehicle and is well sheltered, so it won't go out while driving. Even if it did, the refrigerator should re-light itself. 4. If you have not done so, invest in some screens to keep mud dauber wasps from building a nest in the refrigerator's burner area or flue. No problem with the newbie questions. We all were newbies once.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Grant177 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 15 Mar 2020 Location: Edmonton, AB Online Status: Offline Posts: 65	Post Options Post Reply Quote Grant177 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 22 Mar 2020 at 3:38pm
	Hey all, Never had a RV before (with a battery) and/or a TV with a 7 pin connector, so just collecting general information at this point and making sure I have an understanding of how it all works... My understanding is that the amperage coming from the TV on what I think is Pin 4 (12V AUX) at the 1:00 position, is basically enough to maintain a battery charged but not enough to charge if depleted any significant amount? Additionally, I also see threads where some say to actually use propane to keep your fridge chilled (while driving), and other say this is not a good idea (crash/safety etc). Will the fridge run on 12V when the TV is running or is the amperage not high enough? Sorry for the newbie questions.... Grant