Rookie question - boon docking and 120v

[WearyTraveler]

Ok - rookie question... we’re spending the night in a Walmart lot. So - we’re not connected to shore power. All the lights are working, but none of the 120 AC are working unless I run the generator. I was under the ASSumption that while boon docking, DC power would run thru an inverter for AC devices. Is there a switch I need to change? The RV is a 2017 Thor Outlaw 38RE.

[m1noel]

I don't have an Outlaw, but in my experience with most gas coaches the inverter only powers the TV's and if you have one, a residential fridge or outside mini-fridge. Hope this clears the muddy water just a little.
Mike

[The_Breeze]

Originally Posted by WearyTraveler

Ok - rookie question... we’re spending the night in a Walmart lot. So - we’re not connected to shore power. All the lights are working, but none of the 120 AC are working unless I run the generator. I was under the ASSumption that while boon docking, DC power would run thru an inverter for AC devices. Is there a switch I need to change? The RV is a 2017 Thor Outlaw 38RE.

If you don't have an on-board inverter, 120 will never work without the gen. If you do, try to make sure your battery bank is up to snuff.

[rcharrette]

We have a 2018 37RB. When boon docking the inverter will power the fridge, TV's and a couple of 110V outlets (up front by passenger feet). The inverter does not power the microwave, stove or any other outlets. I need to fire up the generator for those items. I"ve looked into running those items through the inverter as well for boon docking and it seems to be pretty involved (expensive) between wiring it up and beefing up the batteries.

[Bob Denman]

When you're boondocking: the RV's power distribution is det up to "protect" the batteries by not trying to power everything in the unit. You get the basic necessities, and not a whole lot more...
Once your generator is "tickled to Life": that's when you can start the Party!

[WearyTraveler]

Originally Posted by rcharrette

We have a 2018 37RB. When boon docking the inverter will power the fridge, TV's and a couple of 110V outlets (up front by passenger feet). The inverter does not power the microwave, stove or any other outlets. I need to fire up the generator for those items. I"ve looked into running those items through the inverter as well for boon docking and it seems to be pretty involved (expensive) between wiring it up and beefing up the batteries.

Hmmmm..... neither the fridge, br fan or any electric sockets were live. Is there a switch that I have to change to get the inverter to do its thing? I knew that not everything would get power but ASSumed that some things would work...

The only things that worked are the furnace fans and the LED lights throughout.

Since we weee in a Walmart lot I didn’t want to be “that guy” and run the gen, so I slept without my CPAP.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by WearyTraveler

Ok - rookie question... we’re spending the night in a Walmart lot. So - we’re not connected to shore power. All the lights are working, but none of the 120 AC are working unless I run the generator. I was under the ASSumption that while boon docking, DC power would run thru an inverter for AC devices. Is there a switch I need to change? The RV is a 2017 Thor Outlaw 38RE.

120 VAC devices and outlets will work through an Inverter if, and only if, the inverter is turned on. You do not mention whether you turned on the inverter and there is an issue but it appears from your post that you assume there is one and it is always on.

If you haven't done so you need to locate the inverter's power swith and make sure it is on. The switch/control panel may be located next to a Maxnum AGS switch. I attached a picture of the control panel that was in the previous coach (Challenger). You are looking for the control panel label Xantrex (top left).

If you have verified the Inverter is turned on disregard this post.



As a note, the inverter itself is more than likely mounted in a storage compartment next to your battery bay. Mine was mounted on the storage compartment ceiling.

[petefoss]

Originally Posted by WearyTraveler

Since we weee in a Walmart lot I didn’t want to be “that guy” and run the gen, so I slept without my CPAP.

Do you have a residential fridge? If not you may not even have a inverter installed.

If you don't a small inverter that plugs into a 12V socket will run a CPAP. My wife's CPAP has a 200+ watt power supply but I can't even see it's power demand on my inverter.

[EA37TS]

The 2017 Outlaw 38RE floorplan indicates the unit came with a residential fridge so there is an inverter somewhere on the coach, unless someone removed it before you bought the coach. You need to locate it and the inside power switch/control panel for the inverter. My bet is you have a Xanterex Pro 1200 inverter which is the same one they put on the Challengers.

[petefoss]

Oops I was looking at RF which mentioned dual fuel fridge and no inverter.

[WearyTraveler]

Thanks all, folks! I found the inverter in a bay. The switch is right inside the door of the RV. Had it been a snake it would have bitten me!
So now the refrigerator and some electric sockets are powered up.
Thank you all...

[Bob Denman]

Glad to hear that your RV is all "juiced-up"!

[EA37TS]

Glad we could be of service.