Teardrop Campers • nucamprv.com
43
Teardrop Campers • nucamprv.com
42
12V DC SYSTEM
When not connected to 120V AC shore power, the 12V system uses power
from the 12V (or double 6V) battery(s) onboard the camper and functions
much like the 12V system in your tow vehicle. When 120V AC shore power
is connected, current runs to the 12V power center via the converter and
provides power to the 12V appliances and features. The negative terminal
on your battery serves as a ground to your electrical system when shore
power is disconnected.
These components and appliances work off 12V power:
• Lights
• Water Pump
• Refrigerator
• Stereo System
• TV
• nuCamp Control Panel
• Vent/Fan
• 12V Outlets
• Propane/CO Alarm
BATTERY(S)
Battery Maintenance:
• When the 120V AC shore power cord is connected, the converter
system automatically charges the trailer battery(s) if the battery
disconnect switch is turned ON.
• Battery charging speed depends on the power being used for lights
and appliances. Only surplus power goes to charging the battery.
• On extended stays keep your trailer hooked up to a 120V AC shore
power if available. This will keep your batteries charged.
• If you have the 7-way connector plug attached to the tow vehicle
(depending on tow vehicle make/model), your battery will be re-
charged while driving.
• Battery charge fill levels can be monitored and checked via the
nuCamp monitor panel.
• Always make sure the battery is secured in place while traveling.
• Battery cables must always be secured tightly to the terminals.
Loose connections can cause power loss or arcing power between
connections.
• Keep the terminals and cables clean and free of corrosion. Clean
periodically with a wire brush.
• Before using your camper in the summer season, have your dealer
check your battery life and perform all necessary maintenance on
your system. This will avoid unforeseen maintenance issues during
your trips and heighten your enjoyment of your experience.
When installing a battery (s), always
observe polarity. Connecting a battery
in reverse polarity will blow the power
converter main fuses located in the 12-
volt DC distribution center.
CAUTION
BATTERY DISCONNECT SWITCH
About the battery disconnect switch:
• The battery disconnect switch separates the battery(s) from the 12V distribution center and
converter charging system.
• When 120V AC shore power is connected and the switch is turned ON, the power center is
activated, and the battery(s) will be re-charged.
• When 120V AC shore power is connected and the switch is turned OFF, the 12V distribution
center will still receive power from the converter, but the battery(s) is disconnected from the
system and will not be re-charged.
• The battery will not be discharged or recharged if the switch is OFF.
POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
The power distribution center was designed to use a 30 AMP main breaker with branch circuits. Should
a breaker become faulty, replace with the same type breaker only. Only use approved circuit breakers
and 12V fuses. In all cases refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on proper operation.
• Generally, each 12V DC circuit in the distribution center was designed for a maximum 20-amp
automotive style fuse. One or more fuses may be specified at 30-amp. This is the only place a
30-amp fuse should be used.
• Replacement fuses must be the same type and amp rating as originally supplied by the nuCamp
factory. Replacing it with an improper size fuse could result in malfunction.
• The power converter is equipped with reverse polarity fuses. If these fuses “blow” while
connecting the battery, replace with the same type and rating fuse as originally provided with
the equipment.
• While appliances and accessories are connected to the 120V receptacle, the wiring is protected
by circuit breakers in the power distribution center.
• In the event of a failure of a 120V circuit, first check your trailer circuit breakers and the breaker
for the outlet into which your trailer shoreline cord is plugged.
• If a breaker continues to trip after you have reset it several times, your circuit may be overloaded
with appliances or there may be a short in the circuit. Try lessening the load on the circuit
by shutting off appliances, such as the air conditioner and microwave, that consume high
amounts of electricity. If that does not solve the problem, consult an authorized nuCamp dealer.
CONVERTER
The converter is built into the power distribution center where the breakers and fuses are.
About the converter function:
• The converter transforms 120V AC into 12V DC and enables you to use the interior lights, fans,
pumps, and 12V appliances, whether operating on 12V battery power or 120V shore power.
• When on 12V battery power only, everything works normally except the 120V outlets and
appliances. Some appliances, if connected and equipped, will still work with propane gas supply.
• The converter system is designed to maintain constant output voltages, thus named DC (direct
current), regardless of the variances that occur in shore power systems which are AC (alternating
current)
• The converter is energized only when the trailer is hooked up to 120V AC shore power.
• The power converter is not weather-resistant. It must be protected from direct contact with water.
