DC to DC coverter? Laptop/Cell not charging on DC.

[Hina]

Today, my AC went out, and my laptop stopped charging, as did all other chargers (cell phone, 3G/4G Hotspot) which were plugged into the wall socket.

I'm still a newbie at the RV lifestyle, and I assumed that stuff like that would just go on the battery, but when you think about it, the chargers are AC to DC converters, which might not work when the trailer is on DC? Am I right? And is there an easy fix? Like a special extension cord or some type of wall plug converter?

Thanks ahead of time for your wisdom!

Jane

[Birdie]

Are you plugged into power or running off your battery?

[Bethers]

Your electrical outlets will not work when you aren't either running the generator or plugged into electric. The exception will be if you get an inverter which then will run them. You then have to be very careful about how much you are putting on the inverter, as it does pull from the battery - how many aux batteries do you have, and how will you keep them charged?

Also, be careful about keeping anything plugged in when you aren't plugged into electric on running the generator. Some items will continue to pull something - and thus drain the battery.

[Hina]

I'm plugged in, but there was a brief area power outage; didn't even notice at first, since the radio and lights were still on.

I've gotten suggestions from other forums too, and I've ordered a 400 watt "cigarette lighter" inverter (it's on sale, free super saver shipping, great reviews if anyone needs one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UW7JJ6/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details) I can plug it in by the TV area, or into my solar inverter.

It's good I'm parked for a while, learning all this stuff without getting stranded Before I hit the road, I'll probably get another battery, and maybe another solar panel. (And maybe a wind generator too!)

[Bethers]

If you're plugged into electric and don't have electric - go see if the box has tripped. Most likely that's what happened with the power surge. When plugged in all outlets should work. You'd only want to use that cigaratte inverter when driving - I have one. You can use them when not, but if you forget, you can drain your battery.

[Birdie]

Power surge could have blown a fuse at your fuse box. Could have caused the 'what's its' to flip so look for the reset buttons on your outlets where ever they might be. Had that happen to me once. Getting zero from the outlets, power at the pole, but nothing at the outlet. Pushed the little red reset switches on the two in the rig and then I was back working. I also have a reset switch on the exterior entertainment center. Did check the outlets with the ac volt meter and when it read 0 that gave me an idea of the problem. So check those items out. If you aren't getting any power and use anything in the rig, you will eventually run down the battery and that is very pricey to replace.

[Hina]

No, it's just that I'm plugged into an old, funky fuse box outside, and I had to go out and flip some switches. The TT electric is A-OK. One bad thing, though, apparently, I'm parked on top of some underground power lines, and I get a LOT of EMF at times, especially at night.

Jane