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Old 06-03-2019, 07:50 PM   #1
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Cab Over TV Power Idea?

Hello!

My 2018 Freedom Express 30FE automatically cuts the power to the outlet that my over the cab TV and DVD player when I turn the ignition to the cab. I thought that I should be able to run an extension cord from another outlet...but wondered what others have done?
I figure this is a safety feature, but my kids want to be able to watch a movie while we travel. Thanks for your input!

-Matt

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Old 06-03-2019, 08:42 PM   #2
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Change the wiring from that outlet to the inverter.
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Old 06-06-2019, 04:15 PM   #3
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just find the relay that is interlocking it, and bypass it.
if you are going to be such a Rebel!

(disclaimer: I do not condone or suggest this be done in any way. Do not try this at home. For off-road use only, check your local laws and consult an attorney)
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Old 06-06-2019, 04:19 PM   #4
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...(disclaimer: I do not condone or suggest this be done in any way. Do not try this at home. For off-road use only, check your local laws and consult an attorney)
Don't forget the most important one: "Your mileage may vary..."
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Old 06-06-2019, 05:17 PM   #5
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Are you sure you have power to the other outlets when traveling? My 30FE doesn’t have an inverter so the only way to have AC power while driving is to run the generator while on the road.
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Old 06-06-2019, 05:19 PM   #6
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I think he means it cuts the power out to that outlet (auto lock-out) when he turns the key, while running the generator.
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Old 06-06-2019, 08:02 PM   #7
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Under the rear dinette seat you will find a square metal electrical box that has a low voltage connector that plugs into a relay inside. Unplug this low voltage connector and you should be good to go.
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Old 06-06-2019, 08:03 PM   #8
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I think he means it cuts the power out to that outlet (auto lock-out) when he turns the key, while running the generator.
Could be, I never tried operating the bunk TV while in motion.
I’ll have to try that sometime
Thanks
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Old 06-06-2019, 08:33 PM   #9
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For those units without inverters...install one and run the TV plug to it. You can also run the fridge from it with 120V power instead of LP while traveling.
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Old 06-06-2019, 11:05 PM   #10
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For those units without inverters...install one and run the TV plug to it. You can also run the fridge from it with 120V power instead of LP while traveling.
Interesting idea, but how would one go about determining how large of an inverter is needed and can be powered using the existing alternator on my RV, which is built on the Ford E450 chassis?
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Old 06-07-2019, 10:54 AM   #11
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Interesting idea, but how would one go about determining how large of an inverter is needed and can be powered using the existing alternator on my RV, which is built on the Ford E450 chassis?

Connect inverter to house or chassis battery bank. AMPS X VOLTS = WATTAGE necessary. Usually a 1000W - 1200W inverter would work for that usage. Find out what Amperage your TV draws. Multiply this by 120. That equals the Wattage necessary. For the fridge, use the surge amperage for calculations. Add together all devices you will run at one time.
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Old 06-07-2019, 12:46 PM   #12
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Are you sure you have power to the other outlets when traveling? My 30FE doesn’t have an inverter so the only way to have AC power while driving is to run the generator while on the road.
I’m not sure. My rig is stored off-site, so I plan to tackle this over the weekend.
My generator will run my AC while traveling though.
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Old 06-07-2019, 12:48 PM   #13
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Under the rear dinette seat you will find a square metal electrical box that has a low voltage connector that plugs into a relay inside. Unplug this low voltage connector and you should be good to go.
Thanks for the tip. I’ll try this too!
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Old 06-08-2019, 04:15 AM   #14
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Thanks for the tip. I’ll try this too!
I looked all over for that didn’t think about looking in the rear dinette. What I ended up doing was this.
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Old 06-10-2019, 02:14 PM   #15
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Under the rear dinette seat you will find a square metal electrical box that has a low voltage connector that plugs into a relay inside. Unplug this low voltage connector and you should be good to go.
There was no box under my dinette, so I just ran an extension cord.
There's an outlet under the cabinet that houses my DVD player, so it was a short run and isn't very noticeable.

Thanks again for the replies fellas!
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Old 06-10-2019, 03:53 PM   #16
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So...do you have to run the generator all day so the kids can watch TV or do you have an inverter? If no inverter...add on...the savings on fuel and generator life would be huge.
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Old 06-10-2019, 05:58 PM   #17
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So...do you have to run the generator all day so the kids can watch TV or do you have an inverter? If no inverter...add on...the savings on fuel and generator life would be huge.
I do have to run the generator while driving for the kids to watch the overcab TV. My technician said that running the generator while in motion, and also running the rooftop AC, is cheaper than the running the cab AC. I've also been told that the worst thing you can do for a generator is not run them.
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Old 06-10-2019, 07:04 PM   #18
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My technician said that running the generator while in motion, and also running the rooftop AC, is cheaper than the running the cab AC.
Interesting, can anyone confirm this?

Jeff
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Old 06-10-2019, 07:34 PM   #19
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Basically besides me running it for 30 mins a month the only time it gets used is to run the tv and house AC while driving. I haven’t noticed getting worse mileage running it. The gen only uses about half a gallon per hour. Having an inverter would be nice but when you are out west you basically have to use the house AC while driving
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Old 08-19-2019, 08:46 PM   #20
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Under the rear dinette seat you will find a square metal electrical box that has a low voltage connector that plugs into a relay inside. Unplug this low voltage connector and you should be good to go.
Does it effect anything else? or just the power cut out with the truck on.
Any chance of a picture? They are worth a thousand words you know...:-)
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