Batteries needed?

[Max23]

So, I have the lifpo4 lithiums. I had already winterized and took the batteries out and put then in the garage, I now unforeseen need to stay in the camper for a little bit. Light furnace use as I'm using a heater for the majority of heat. I would say, other than the refrigerator which is 12v and the light furnace use probably 99% of my use is 120v items plugged in. Lights probably the only other 12v items in use. I did not put the batteries back in and everything seems to be functioning fine. Am I hurting anything by not running through the batteries?

[NH_Bulldog]

It may be okay for a very short period, but the converter isn’t necessarily designed to be used this way. The batteries are there to absorb any loads and then be recharged. For what it’s worth, lithium batteries can handle cold. If it were me, I would have at least 1 installed.

[chuckster57]

Furnace draws big gas and lots of battery, I would work the converter that hard.

[Max23]

I haven't heard the fan on the converter like it's hot or anything but I will drop one battery back in tomorrow. Just have to remember to turn the heaters on and off for it. Gets quite cold at night. Thanks guys.

[Max23]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Furnace draws big gas and lots of battery, I would work the converter that hard.

I know it uses big gas that's why I'm using a heater as much as possible. Heater just can't quite keep up by itself.

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by Max23

I know it uses big gas that's why I'm using a heater as much as possible. Heater just can't quite keep up by itself.

If "heater" is referring to electric heaters then you risking having frozen water pipes. The furnace provides heat to the undfloor area where the water lines reside.

[JRTJH]

Extending or retracting the slide, the awning or raising/lowering the stabilizers or leveling system as well as the furnace will put a big load on the converter...

Just as most 120VAC motors require a capacitor to offset the big amp draw when the motor starts turning, the same thing happens with a 12 VDC motor. So, not only the load on the slide motor, but the starting spike can damage the converter/charger and, to a lesser extent, so can the stabilizers, awning motor, fan motor.

You may not see a "dead or smoking converter/charger" as an immediate result, but the accumulative damage can shorten the life of the converter and may cause damage that will cause a failure to occur later on when certain conditions exist....

So, having that battery in the system to "carry the spike load" is always a good idea.

"Long winded essay" to say, "yes, you ought to have a battery in the system if you're going to be using the converter/charger"...

[Max23]

Originally Posted by flybouy

If "heater" is referring to electric heaters then you risking having frozen water pipes. The furnace provides heat to the undfloor area where the water lines reside.

Oh yeah. Well aware. It has been winterized. No water right now. Just trying to keep me warm. Lol.

[fjr vfr]

The charger in the converter is there to keep the batteries charged. When using it without batteries you are basically using a battery charger to power all the 12 volt stuff.

[Max23]

Originally Posted by fjr vfr

The charger in the converter is there to keep the batteries charged. When using it without batteries you are basically using a battery charger to power all the 12 volt stuff.

Makes perfect sense thanks.