I hope I've named this topic right....I'm very confused about something.  First of all I do not yet have a generator and it's not in the budget for some time.

I'd like to be able to plug in a few low end items in the trailer but none of the plugs run off the batteries. 

I'd also like to run the furnace w/o electric but it doesn't kick in unless plugged in.

Is there any way I can get some plugs to work for smaller items and get the furnace to run w/o electric or a generator?  Help!

You didn't describe you interior's accommodations, so I'm assuming you have a fully equipped LQ if you have a furnace. Your trailer should have one and possibly two batteries. With their switch "ON", you should have DC power to your lighting and various gas/electric appliances. Your furnace, hot water heater and refrigerator should run, using only your battery power as an ignition source. Heavier usage items such as strip heaters, micro wave ovens and air conditioners can only run on shore power cords, because of their high energy requirements.

Usually built into your electrical system will be a converter, which turns a/c power into d/c power and it is also used to charge your trailer's battery (ies). This is designed to furnish your trailer with both a/c and d/c power while not depleting the batteries.

Your trailer would have to be equipped with an inverter, to run any a/c appliance off of a battery. It's voltage life span ( ampere hours) would be used up very quickly, and it would not be able to generate enough amps to run any significant a/c loadings.

BOL  Gard

I have 2 batteries.  I tried running the furnace earlier and it didn't seem to kick in with just the batteries.  I can't remember if I tried when I had only 1 or not.  I'll try it again.

I have a fully equiped LQ but with a cowboy shower.  i know I can't get the heat strip to work w/o elec or a generator nor the A/C but I was hoping the furnace would work with just the batteries.

I still need to figure out how to get some live plugs with just battery so i can run my laptop or small TV.

um, our LQ furnace runs with 2 batteries and propane....maybe both of your batteries need to be fully charged?

If you have two 6 volt batteries, both will have to be charged for your electrical system to work properly. If you have 12v batteries one will work, but will not last as long.

When you are trying your furnace, do you have your battery switch "ON"? Do you have a built in volt meter that shows the status of the battery's condition? Are you sure the furnace isn't igniting because of the igniter, or could in be caused by air in the propane line? Is your gas tank valve on? Sorry lots of questions, but there can be several reasons why your furnace isn't working.

Gard

thanks everyone...i'm going to give it a try as I'd like to primative camp yet this year w/o freezing the buns off.

On the inverter - I'll have to check into that.  I'd like something more 'Fixed' but willing to try whatever.  I'm not super handy but am persistent and not afraid to ask questions!!!

Thanks!

http://ww2.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=92708

is this what  you got?

Make sure you have a CO detector that hasn't expired. Most do after 5 years.

Gard