This morning, battery monitor working or not, it was time to get off the grid and make sure that my new electrical system works off of the new batteries.

I started by shutting off the computer UPS, the electric heater, then I threw off the necessary breakers. I am aware that breakers aren’t meant to be used like light switches and be turned on and off a lot, but I’m not going to be spending that much time going back and forth, so I’ll take my chances.

Next, I turned off the water and switched the fridge to propane. I went outside, unplugged from the house, plugged the shore power cord into extension cord leading to the inverter, and then plugged that extension cord into the new inverter.

Moment of truth. I haven’t so far been able to so much as charge my iPad with the new inverter.

The inverter switched on with nary a beep of protest. I then turned on the UPS for the computer system. All still good. I just wish I wasn’t blind and could use the battery monitor to determine my draw to know if I can still run the heater or not.

As for my printer, turning off the converter turned off the printer’s outlet! So I am going to have to snake an extension cord around the room and get the printer plugged into the UPS, too, which is something I should have done eons ago anyhow.

I located the fuses for the battery monitor, so I will change them next time I am out. If changing them does not help, I will get a professional to look at my set up and get it working 100%. I’ve done the heavy lifting, so I’m not convinced getting in a pro for and hour or two will kill my budget.

What a difference new batteries make!

I’m getting pretty excited about heading out on Sunday. I think I’ve located propane and I know where I’m spending the night. The best months of my RVing life lie ahead of me, I am sure of it!