Ever wonder where the power to operate your camper comes from?
There are a variety of sources.
Here's a brief overview.

The electrical system in your camper is attached to a power panel which accepts both 12-volt DC and 110-volt AC power. If the camper is plugged into household current (110-volt AC power) at a campground, the built-in converter changes it to 12-volt DC. Your furnace fan, range hood, optional portable generator, water pump and lights are all 12-volt DC devices.

The power panel also distributes 110-volt AC to the refrigerator and to the 110-volt outlets so you can use virtually any household appliance. The converter also serves as a charger, keeping your camper battery fully-energized for the times you're not plugged into a 110-volt AC power supply.

When you're on the road, the truck alternator (if dealer wired) distributes power to both the truck battery and the camper battery – provided you've installed a battery in the battery compartment in your camper and have the camper cable plugged into the socket in the bed of your truck. The camper battery operates all of the 12-volt appliances when the camper isn't plugged into a 110-volt source.

In many models, a propane-powered generator may be ordered. Just push the button and in a few seconds you'll have power to operate your microwave, air conditioner or most any other 110-volt AC appliance – plus power for the camper's built-in converter system.

Another option is a solar panel. Mounted on the roof, the panel converts light to energy, recharging the camper battery. It can greatly increase the availability of battery power when no other form of recharging is available.

Propane is the fuel that powers the range/oven, furnace, water heater, refrigerator (when in the propane gas power mode), and if installed, the generator. When we say Lance campers are self-contained, that means you're equipped to go just about anywhere and take all the comforts of home with you.

One of the best benefits of owning a Lance truck camper is this self-containment – not having to depend on outside support to stay in a remote location. With plenty of water, propane, a quality deep-cycle 12-volt marine/RV battery and some sense of prudence, spending a weekend or more without any outside service is certainly possible.

The camper battery is wired to the truck alternator through the camper plug so you can start the truck engine and recharge your camper battery. However, that's not always practical unless you're on the move. But solar energy is. With our optional 50-watt-output solar panel with built-in regulator, recharging your battery is silent, automatic and almost always practical.  Imagine the convenience of having a fully charged battery whenever you're ready to go.

Solar panels are very useful in colder climates, where the furnace fan can draw down a battery in a day or two. The solar panel generates energy  from light even on cloudy or rainy days, although not as much. Lance factory-installed panels are equipped with a regulator to prevent battery overcharging. A red LED indicator light located beneath the sink illuminates when the solar panel is producing power.