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CONSUMPTION OF 120-VOLT AC POWER
As owners desire and purchase more appliances as we have in our home, we must
remember a travel trailer has only 30-amps of incoming power available. Conserving and
choosing which appliance has priority in consumption needs to be part of planning.
In addition, loose items such as toasters, skillets, coffee pots, etc. are often included in
traveling cargo. Include these in your consumption planning.
12-volt DC System
The 12-volt DC system is composed of numerous items such as converter, battery, fuses,
wire, and bulbs, both interior and exterior lighting. Explanation on these items will follow
in this section.
CAUTION: Your RV has many 12-volt DC loads. When combined, they total
more power consumption than is available with the 12-volt DC converter. Periodic
overloads can be handled with the additional auxiliary battery for short periods of
time. It is suggested to conserve your 12-volt DC system at most times. Prolonged
overload may shorten the performance life of converter.
CONVERTER
A converter utilizes 120-volt AC power and transforms this energy into 12-volt DC
power, which is used inside of your travel trailer. 12-volt DC energy supplies power to
all interior lights and various appliances. The floor plan, and size of the travel trailer
dictates the model and output size of the converter required.
Inside of the converter is an electronic device which automatically switches between 120-
volt AC incoming power and battery power. An auxiliary battery as correctly installed
will be charged when the travel trailer is connected up to 120-volt AC power. The
converter will supply power through the fuse panel located near by, possibly in the same
compartment.
AUXILIARY BATTERY (Option)
All Jayco conventional travel trailers and fifth-wheel travel trailers are designed and built
to accept a battery. A deep cycle marine type is recommended as you need longer energy
rather than cold cranking power. A battery is required to operate the brakeaway switch
and is also available as a source of energy when traveling and camping.
All battery packages require an "in-line" fuse and holder attached to the battery for
protection.
Maintenance on a battery is required for longer life. First, all terminals need to be kept
clean and free of corrosion. Second, a battery that is used daily or has the converter in
operation will consume water. Keep the battery filled as the cells cannot hold a charge
when the water is low. A deep cycle battery is NOT maintenance free.
In normal conditions a converter will not overcharge a battery unless (a) the battery has
low or dead cell(s), or (b) converter has a malfunction. The charging module on some
converters have a positive shut-off and on others there is a reduced charge rate to a very
low amperage.
A fully charged battery will read 12.7-volt DC and 1.265 specific gravity at 80°F. A
battery is considered discharged at 11.8-volt DC by electronic standards. When the
voltage drops below these levels, permanent damage will occur.
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