Go ahead and laugh...

[bpike]

I feel semi-stupid for asking this but PLEASE keep in mind this is my first pop-up.

Here it goes...
What exactly is the battery on the tongue for? If you're plugged in why would you need the battery? Is it for those times you can't plug in?

[AustinBoston]

The battery on the tongue has two purposes.  

The first is in case of a disconnect while towing.  Imagine the havoc that could be caused by an out-of-control trailer travelling down the highway at 60 MPH.  If you have electric brakes and a battery, then you are also required to have a breakaway system.  This system is usually a small switch that is activated by a lanyard or cable connected to the tow vehicle.  If the trailer becomes detached, the switch is activated and the battery puts the trailer brakes on full to stop the trailer.  Most pop-up batteries are many times the size needed for this purpose (hold trailer stopped for 15 minutes is the rule).

The second is as you mentioned, so that you can run the trailer systems (lights, furnace, water pump, etc.) if you are camping away from 120V power (Usually called "Dry Camping").

Two things the battery should not be used for is the fridge and the air conditioner.

Austin

[bpike]

Two things the battery should not be used for is the fridge and the air conditioner.Austin

So if I'm drycamping don't use the ac or fridge? So I guess a generator is a must have when camping?

[flyfisherman]

So I guess a generator is a must have when camping?

Not necessarily ... you could toughen up. I prefer you get tough as I really don't like all that generator noise!



Fly
(who likes getting far away for the peace and quiet)

[bpike]

Not necessarily ... you could toughen up. I prefer you get tough as I really don't like all that generator noise!

That's easy to say while sitting in a state with 4 seasons.
Our seasons are frozen, warm, hot and there's no way I'm going outside hot.

I personally don't mind the heat but my wife and kids generally stay indoors when it gets over that 100 degree mark.

I prefer the silence as well. But I need to keep the peace in the family.

[wavery]

So if I'm drycamping don't use the ac or fridge? So I guess a generator is a must have when camping?

Most fridges work off of 12V (battery), 110V (plugged into house current), or propane (propane bottle on tongue of trailer). Most people just use the propane for the fridge while camping without hook-ups.

You would have to do without your AC, that's for sure. However, a battery will supply power for your lights, water pump, and electric fan on your propane furnace (if you have one).

[AustinBoston]

So if I'm drycamping don't use the ac or fridge? So I guess a generator is a must have when camping?

You only need the generator for the A/C.  

If you have a typical pop-up fridge, it will run on propane (and it uses very little of that).  In really hot situations, the propane may work better than anything else.  I know it does on ours.

BTW, many of us had similar questions ourselves when we were starting out.  If we laughed at you, we'd be making fun of ourselves.  I am sure that every time you ask a question that you feel "dumb" asking, there are 5-6 people who are too scared to ask, even though they have that same question themselves.  So ask away.  Beginner's questions are just as valid, and probably more helpful for other new owners.

Austin

[dthurk]

If you're going to be dry camping for an extended time, you would need some way of charging the battery.  A generator or solar panels would do well there.  A small generator would charge your batteries, but not run the AC.