inverter/converter, have a question

[peppster66]

Hello everyone, I am the very proud owner of a 1997 roadtrek 190 popular, we have done 3 small weekend getaways so far and am really enjoying it, however there is one thing I cant seem to figure out, there is a switch to turn on the cabin battery, wich powers all the small lights, smoke detectors etc.., however this does not power any of the receptacles, when we go to plug in a charger or a small appliance, there is no power, am I missing something, or am I only able to power the receptacles when I plug into shore power?, I went through the manual, but still unable to find the answer, any help is trully appreciated,,, thank you,,, Josef,,,,

[markopolo]

Sounds like you've just about figured it out. You need an inverter to change battery power into AC 120 volt electricity. Otherwise your van needs to be plugged in or the generator running. Roadtrek started installing inverters in 2004. Prior to that they had converters.

[peppster66]

Thank you for your reply, it reaffirms what I was thinking, thank you,,

[bikerbill]

peppster66, there are 3 great sources to get the correct answers from the proper people. 1-call Roadtrek themselves 2-http://roadtreking.com/forum/ is a great forum to ask questions 3-better and quicker is Facebook. On FB there is a section called https://www.facebook.com/groups/roadtreking/ and it is the quickest way. Many current and past owners are on that minute by minute. Including Jim Hammill the Pres of RT.

Now you have 3 ways to get good accurate answers. Try one or all three.

[peppster66]

Thank you, thats great info, will definitelyntry in the future,,,

[markopolo]

Bill - don't forget the Roadtrek Yahoo Group - https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/roa ... s/messages - that is too good of a resource to miss. And maybe http://www.roadtrekchapter.org - but I'm not up-to-date with the CyberRally to know if it is still a great source of information.

peppster66 - deciding on the level of convenience and function you want will help you choose the right equipment for your needs.

I chose to install a converter/charger in my '97 van: http://www.classbforum.com/phpBB2/vi...hp?f=12&t=2123 and add a separate inverter with a separate automatic transfer switch for the inverter when I upgraded the electrical system. Almost every 120v outlet in my van is powered powered by the inverter (automatically, as needed). For example, the fridge is powered by the inverter when driving. I can place the 120 volt LED TV in the rear or front living areas in the van. I run a wifi repeater and 3G hub off the inverter. The microwave oven can be powered by the inverter also. My wife can use her travel sized blow dryer. I think Roadtrek started offering greater functionality (more outlets for inverter use) in 2012 when they introduced the E-trek. Prior to that (starting in 2004) their inverter equipped units were not wired to allow running the microwave or coffee maker etc. from the inverter.

If you just want to charge a camera or power a laptop for example then a portable inverter is all you'll need. Check to see if your RT has any 12v accessory outlets. If it does then find out what gauge wire Roadtrek routed to it. The size (gauge) of wire and fusing will determine the maximum size inverter you can use with a 12v accessory outlet.

Wilton posted 1996 and 1998 RT wiring info here: http://windsurf.mediaforte.com/roadtrek ... iring.html and his inverter installation here: http://windsurf.mediaforte.com/roadtrek ... erter.html note: I suggest wiring the inverter to the house battery(ies) if it is going to be installed for general purpose use like powering a TV or laptop. You want to avoid any possibility of discharging your engine battery which could leave you stranded.

[stanw909]

Sportsmobile guys run their engines while using the microwave to avoid running down their batteries too much. If you only have one small 80 amp hour battery you should consider adding batteries and solar if you plan to camp a lot without hook ups.