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Old 03-03-2015, 06:27 PM   #1
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Boondocking with a CPAP machine

My wife has just received her first CPAP machine so I have a question. We like to boondock. I am thinking of adding a separate battery just for a small inverter to run her CPAP machine. I am thinking of using a battery isolator so that the RV converter, and tow vehicle can charge the seond battery, but nothing from the RV could draw from it EXCEPT the CPAP inverter. Anyone here wire an isolator in for two batteries? Or any other ideas to help settle the wife's fear of the battery draining while using the heater and such in the coach??
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Old 03-03-2015, 06:39 PM   #2
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I have known two different couples over the years that used a cpap machine.
Both were able to continue to camp happily, and successfully with the aid of a small Honda generator.
Which also eliminated the fear of the battery problem.
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Old 03-03-2015, 06:46 PM   #3
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What are the specs on the CPAP machine? How many ways to run it?
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Old 03-03-2015, 07:02 PM   #4
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My Wife uses one. We added a 12v outlet right next to the 110v outlet on her side of the bed on our Crossroads. When we somethings stay at a location without power, we just plug a 400 watt inverter into the 12v outlet and her cpap into that. Works just fine.
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Old 03-03-2015, 07:04 PM   #5
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I forgot about it. I did wire in a set up on an older ford truck I had. We use to go to Canada a couple times a year fishing. I was afraid we would kill the battery running lights sitting there at the lake shore and not be able to get the truck started when we got ready to come home. I don't remember how I did it, but I don't think it was to complicated.
You should be able to pick up what you need for the job at just about any auto parts store. Just explain to them what you are trying to do and they should be able to get you the parts.

The battery/inverter setup would be OK if a person wasn't going to be sitting in one spot for very long.

Personally I would go the Honda route.
That way you got something to charge the batteries when ever needed. Especially if you have to run your furnace very much.
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Old 03-03-2015, 07:15 PM   #6
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But what is the price of a Honda??
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Old 03-03-2015, 07:18 PM   #7
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But what is the price of a Honda??

After spending a few thousand on a camper, I think the price of a Honda is pretty minimal. Especially for what it would be used for.
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Old 03-03-2015, 07:20 PM   #8
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They make batteries for CPAP machines.

CPAP.com - CPAP Battery
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Old 03-03-2015, 07:45 PM   #9
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Quote:
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They make batteries for CPAP machines.

CPAP.com - CPAP Battery
This would be a good option.
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Old 03-03-2015, 07:55 PM   #10
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yes I do agree that a Honda would be used for more then just the cpap. But I am thinking they want to do something a little cheaper and something can be hooked up inside the RV for them to plug into. Just my opinion..
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Old 03-03-2015, 08:14 PM   #11
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The Respironics battery pack reviews state they are getting 4 nights w/out heated humidification when using the ResMed. You could charge it in the truck when out running around.
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Old 03-03-2015, 10:21 PM   #12
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I would use my jump starter / air compressor / 12v source / 400 watt 120 vac Power Station. Stanley, B&D, and many others make them. Last I checked, CPAPs only use about 40 watt. Get the kind that can be charged by 12 volts (cord with cigarette light plug on both ends) so you can charge it in the TV while riding around. This is a very valuable device for many needs.
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Old 03-04-2015, 03:22 PM   #13
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I would use my jump starter / air compressor / 12v source / 400 watt 120 vac Power Station. Stanley, B&D, and many others make them. Last I checked, CPAPs only use about 40 watt. Get the kind that can be charged by 12 volts (cord with cigarette light plug on both ends) so you can charge it in the TV while riding around. This is a very valuable device for many needs.
Another good idea. But I would use your CPAP at home and determine what kind of battery life to expect. Keep in mind if you have a heated humidifier that time may be cut in half. You could still use the humidity with heat off if it's a problem.
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Old 03-04-2015, 08:46 PM   #14
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Here's a site for cpap camping help
CPAP Batteries
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Old 03-05-2015, 07:58 PM   #15
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Thanks everyone for all the suggestions and advice. Wife's machine runs on 24 volt, and the boondocking usually is no more than one night at a time, and every blue moon two nights but the second night would never be a problem as we can run the industrial type genny we have to recharge the batts. We are afraid to run the genny at night as it sits in the bed of our truck under our bedroom. Afraid of fumes entering the trailer since it wasn't set up for a genny.
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Old 03-05-2015, 08:42 PM   #16
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Remember if you have any close campers those industrial Gennys can be annoying.Been there!
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Old 03-06-2015, 12:51 PM   #17
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Great ideas everyone I have had my cpap machine for about 15 years and never knew they had battery units for them, thanks for all the ideas!
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Old 03-07-2015, 07:34 PM   #18
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A Honda EU2000I companion would be a good investment as they can run between 4-9 hours on a tank of fuel, depending on the load. They also make extended fuel systems for these generators that hold 6-gallons of fuel...enough for a few days of boon docking. I have two of the hondas and run them in parallel with an extended fuel system. I place them at the back of the trailer and run a monster cable through everything and lock them to the frame. Depending on the year, I can run both of my electric heaters to keep warm or crank the AC if it is summer.
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