Gulf Stream Owners RV Forum - View Single Post - can I set up trailer to have 2 batteries run different things

Leisure Time Larry · 10-10-2020, 01:26 PM

It seems to me that you are set up exactly how you want...

You want a second battery to power your 120v AC outlets. Well, you would need an additional battery, and you would need an inverter to change the battery's 12v DC power to AC. That is exactly what your Goal Zero is. Battery power with a built-in inverter to provide AC power. You are plugging your trailer's shore power cord, presumably with a 30 amp to 15 amp adapter, into the Goal Zero to power the trailer's outlets. Correct?

The perceived issue for you is that you do not want Goal Zero battery power going to charge your one 12v house battery via the CONVERTER. Correct? Okay, that's totally reasonable, then all you need to do is turn off the circuit-breaker in your power center for the converter circuit. Typically, the converter will be on its own circuit, so it will have its own breaker. Simply turn it off when you do not want the converter on and charging your house battery, and turn it back on when you do.

Monitor your battery and don't let it drop below 12.0 volts, and add charging if it does.

When plugging the trailer power cord into actual shore power, turn the converter circuit-breaker back on.

10-10-2020, 01:26 PM	#2
Leisure Time Larry Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Black Hills, SD Posts: 144	It seems to me that you are set up exactly how you want... You want a second battery to power your 120v AC outlets. Well, you would need an additional battery, and you would need an inverter to change the battery's 12v DC power to AC. That is exactly what your Goal Zero is. Battery power with a built-in inverter to provide AC power. You are plugging your trailer's shore power cord, presumably with a 30 amp to 15 amp adapter, into the Goal Zero to power the trailer's outlets. Correct? The perceived issue for you is that you do not want Goal Zero battery power going to charge your one 12v house battery via the CONVERTER. Correct? Okay, that's totally reasonable, then all you need to do is turn off the circuit-breaker in your power center for the converter circuit. Typically, the converter will be on its own circuit, so it will have its own breaker. Simply turn it off when you do not want the converter on and charging your house battery, and turn it back on when you do. Monitor your battery and don't let it drop below 12.0 volts, and add charging if it does. When plugging the trailer power cord into actual shore power, turn the converter circuit-breaker back on. __________________ 2005 22' BT Cruiser 5211, Chevrolet 3500 chassis w/6.0L Vortec V-8; 6'x12' Cargo Trailer; Honda CB500X motorcycle for street and ADV riding; Yamaha TW200 motorcycle for dual-sport and trail riding...All of it for fun and adventure!