Working on purchasing my first LQ trailer and need some help understanding how the power works in these things.  Looking at a pro conversion not a DIY so I would assume (I know dangerous) most are similar. Here is what I think I understand from reading here.

The trailer will most likely have two systems, 12 volt and 110.  The 12 volt will operate lights, radio, and pump.  The 110 will run microwave, fridge, ac and 110 plugs located through the trailer. 

Here is what I don't understand:

I would think the 12 volt system will always be a 12 volt system,  when the trailer is plugged in to power the advantage is that the batteries are charging at the same time as they are being used.  In other words the 12V system always operates the same regardless of wheather or not the trailer is plugged in.

If this is the case what does an invertor do?  Does it just clean up the power from a generator or is my assumption wrong and when the trailer is plugged in the batteries are bi passed?

Mike

http://www.mrtrailer.com/hosspuller.htm

gard...thanks for the reply.

So if the trailer is equiped with a convertor does it go:

shore cord > convertor > batteries > 12 volt system

or

Shore cord > convertor > 12 volt system

For the most part we will be going to small open horse shows, 4h shows, and barrel runs.  My objective in purchasing an LQ trailer is to have a place for our Special Needs son to sleep, a place to change him, a place for grandma and grandpa to sit down.  At some point I will probably purchse a quiet genertor but currently mine is a little loud and may be obnoxious in this setting.  I see many places sell 12 volt coffee pots, cooking stuff, fans, etc.  Does it make more sence to purchase 12 volt gadgets or to find an inexpensive invertor, the kind you use in a vehicle, and wire that into the 12 volt system as a power source?  Is there another option I haven't thought of>

Mike

If you need any 110v appliances, Buy a generator or use shore power.  You just can't haul enough batteries to supply enough power for a weekend of use through the invertor. As stated invertors are very rare in LQs and usually something added by the owner.

Usually the Power cord comes from the source ( shore power or Generator) to the break out box.  The 110v goes through the breakers and out to the various outlets, microwave, A/C, hot water heater if electric, etc. At that same breakout box, they usually incorporate a convertor with converts the 110v to 12v.  From here it will charge the batteries, and run all your 12v lights, radio, etc. Refridgerators can be either two way or  three way devices. A three way fridge can run on 110 when it's present or Propane or 12v. vs a two way only running on 110v or gas.

If you want a comfortable spot for grandpa to sit, you will probably want the A/C to run. Which will require shore power or generator. Most of the furnaces in LQs operate on gas with a 12v fan. So no 110v needed for heat.  Some A/C units come with heat strips. These will need 110v to operate the ehat strip. and personaly I've not found that they put out enough heat for cold climates.