Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 07-28-2018, 11:15 PM   #1
New Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Colorado
Posts: 7
Default Newbie questions

Hello all, I’m a new owner of a 2016 Mercedes Winnebago 170x and I need some advice please. When driving what is the best way to power the fridge? When parked overnight on the house battery, how do you charge a cellphone, or power a computer? I apologize for the elementary questions as there is a steep learning curve with this Motorhome, at least for me. Thank you!
dajlaw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-28-2018, 11:28 PM   #2
Bronze Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Colorado
Posts: 29
Default

Hi, Congratulations on your sprinter 170X. I have a 2014 ERA 70A. I am not sure about your converter but I am not able to charge a cell phone or computer off the house batteries. I charge those when plugged into shore power. I've learned not to run the refrigerator on propane while driving. My experience is it shortens the life of the regulator. I now run it off battery when driving. FWIW
GBUSMCR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-29-2018, 01:07 AM   #3
Site Team
 
avanti's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 5,321
Default

In this day and age, all RVs should have USB sockets powered from the 12VDC system. Just install a few of these here and there:



You can plug your phone directly into the USB sockets. For your computer, buy a 12V car adaptor for your particular laptop and plug it into the other socket.
__________________
Now: 2022 Fully-custom buildout (Ford Transit EcoBoost AWD)
Formerly: 2005 Airstream Interstate (Sprinter 2500 T1N)
2014 Great West Vans Legend SE (Sprinter 3500 NCV3 I4)
avanti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-29-2018, 10:28 AM   #4
Platinum Member
 
markopolo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
Posts: 8,828
Default

Sometimes those USB outlets have a constant power draw. It is a small draw but it could eventually drain your battery. If going that route then use one that has an on/off switch.

The coach might already have a 12V accessory outlet powered from the house battery. They are often located near where the TV plugs in. You could use a 12v to USB plug there.

portable usb and 12v accessory.jpg

Folks have been adding inverters to RV's for decades now. An inverter converts 12V DC from to 110V AC. You choose the capacity (wattage output) of the inverter to meet or exceed the expected use. The nice thing about adding an inverter to your rig is that you get to choose the type, features and brand.
markopolo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-29-2018, 10:42 AM   #5
Platinum Member
 
GeorgeRa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 3,141
Default

I use this one, practically negligible standby current draw - 1mA. Amazon has a reasonable price.
Attached Images
File Type: png usb.png (229.3 KB, 12 views)
File Type: jpg GR020666.JPG (234.6 KB, 9 views)
GeorgeRa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-29-2018, 12:04 PM   #6
Platinum Member
 
markopolo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
Posts: 8,828
Default

Just another thought, the TV might have USB port that could charge a device. I've used the USB port on the TV to power a Raspberry Pi computer. The TV I used did have to be powered on though.
markopolo is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT. The time now is 01:38 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.