Maybe a dumb ?

[timandleslie]

hey everyone, im new to the site and i was wonder, with the stock inverter that i have in my trailer, shouldnt i be able to run the lights and exhaust fan and plug ins from a standard 120V sorce if plugged into my trailer, or will they only work off of the battery, because it doesnt seem to work from the 120V.

thanks

Tim and Leslie

[Trailman]

Yes the converter should run the 12 Volt lights and fan if plugged into shore power, there is a connector at the top of the kitchenette wall that must be connected and disconnected for set-up/striking.
That is if it is still in working order after 30 plus years, the one in my 74 wasn't I run the lights and fan of a rechargeable 12V power pack. The old converters are way below the power needs for todays campers, I need to upgrade to a modern converter.
If the road-cover fan is not working try spraying a tiny amount of WD40 into the switch and work the switch a few times to clean it, let it dry and then try it, that worked for mine.

[timandleslie]

thanks trailman, i think it was the plug in on the roof.  everything works fine now.  but i am contemplating putting a larger converter in the trailer.  i had an electric heater plugged into it, but i couldnt stand the heat, so it kept tripping.

thanks again

[73apache]

you would probably be better off just upgrading to a 30 amp service for the camper and keep the converter that is still working for the lights and vent fan.  just my .02

[Bobster]

I am thinking of upgrading to a 30 amp service also.  Looking right now for a breaker/distribution box for 30 amp.  I would like to make the shore line plug into the side of the camper but am havng a problem aquiring a 30 amp plug to mount in the side.  They are very expensive.  Anyone else ever do this?  Was 3below here yesterday morning.  Too cold.  Browsing this site helps keel me focused.  Bob

[79Ramada]

I am thinking of upgrading to a 30 amp service also.  Looking right now for a breaker/distribution box for 30 amp.  I would like to make the shore line plug into the side of the camper but am havng a problem aquiring a 30 amp plug to mount in the side.  They are very expensive.  Anyone else ever do this?  Was 3below here yesterday morning.  Too cold.  Browsing this site helps keel me focused.  Bob

Yes, I have installed a twist lock 30A plug on my Ramada. The main reason is the original 20A cord and hatch is on the rear ABS bezel. It is not too bad to pull the 20A cord out of the hatch and push the cord back inside the bezel for storage. Doing the same thing with thicker 30A cord might risk cracking the ABS, and 30A cord is not as flexible and would coiled itself inside the rear bezel. I could have moved the converter to the side of camper but that is going to take up precious cabinet space for cord storage.

Unfortunately there is no inexpensive way of doing this. The kit Camping World sells is basically what I have. I just went to the Marine Supplies and get them in pieces, which is much more than getting the whole kit. The Marinco connectors are designed for boats and it is also water proof. You could use connectors from home centers but you are going to have installed them in waterproof housing or inside a service hatch. I went with purchasing seperate pieces instead of a kit because I have some parts already.

Assembling the 30A connector: http://www.apachepopups.net/albums/album10/AUT_6001.jpg
30A connector installed. Will required plywood backing behind bezel: http://www.apachepopups.net/albums/album10/AUT_7008.jpg
30A connector in use: http://www.apachepopups.net/albums/album10/AUT_6106.jpg

I believe this is the conversion kit http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/30-amp-parkpower-8482-conversion-kit/20300
You'll also need a 30A cord http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/heavy-duty-30-amp-10-3-stw-cord-25-/24488 .