A quality, highly protective RV surge protector can appear at first glance to be a bit pricey. But when you consider the cost of replacing your RV’s electronics, the cost of surge protection becomes inconsequential. Plugging your RV into unknown power sources like those at RV parks, campgrounds, state parks, etc. is always risky. Any …
Because most RVs have two electrical systems – a 12V DC system as well as a 120V AC system – there can be some confusion about some matters related to the two systems and how they function, both together and separately. For example, we’ve often heard the question “Should I disconnect my RV battery when …
As full-time RVers and chronic DIYers, we carry lots of tools and supplies, and we use them all regularly. But even part-time and occasional RVers need a few tools and supplies. Today we’re looking at RV electrical supplies in particular because RVing means you’ve got a home-on-wheels with not just one, but TWO electrical systems …
A battery in good condition is a critical component of every vehicle. But that’s especially true for RVs, that rely on their batteries to keep their systems up and running. Everything from lights and vent fans, to the water pump and slide-out motors. Just about everything on board relies on a steady supply of power …
If you’ve ever found yourself asking the question, “Why does my RV battery keep dying?”, then this post is for you. And actually – this post is for every RVer with a battery! Proper care and maintenance is important for all sorts of reasons, not the least of which is to preserve the integrity of …
RV fire safety – it’s something we don’t think about all the time, and yet it’s one of the most critical pieces of preparedness an RVer can undertake. As we roll down the road in our homes-on-wheels, often carrying multiple types of fuel in, electrical components throughout the rig, and appliances that use both electricity …
You may have seen reports of RV hot skin issues in the news from time to time. It’s a real thing, and it can be extremely dangerous. So, we’re here to lay out the details on what the term “RV hot skin” means, how to test your RV for a “hot skin” condition, and how …
An RV power converter may be one of those things we rarely think about, but without a working power converter, our RV life would be very different. In fact, our 12V power system would be pretty useless without a working power converter. An RV power converter is a critical component of your electrical system, which …
When we hear the term “thermal runaway,” it’s generally associated with lithium batteries. But what is thermal runaway, and how (and why) does it occur? We’ve all heard stories about lithium batteries catching fire or exploding in smartphones, laptops, and even electric cars. But what factors lead to this reaction? And is it a danger …
Today we’re investigating the function of a battery management system. Most of us are familiar with lead-acid batteries. They’ve been around since the mid-1800s, so they’re certainly time-tested. But they’re heavy, they require regular maintenance, and even with that, they don’t last as long as newer technology… such as that found in lithium-ion batteries. Lithium …
We recently published a post explaining the significance of a battery monitor for your RV. In today’s post, we’re taking a look at five of the best RV battery monitors on the market today, and we’ll share some insight into why these particular monitors are worthy of being described as being among the best. Let’s …
Today’s post is all about the RV solar charge controller. “The what?”, you may ask. This essential component of an RV’s solar power system is seldom the focus when people talk about solar. Solar panels and battery banks seem to get top billing. But the solar charge controller is a critical element of any RV …
RV batteries are a critical feature of the RV lifestyle, especially for those of us who need to be connected to technology on an ongoing basis. But RV batteries can also provide the power for lights, refrigeration, heat, water pumps, and other comforts that we’ve all grown accustomed to being integral to RV life. One …
As we head into the season when many (but not all!) RVers store their rigs for the winter, this is a good time to create a post about the RV battery disconnect switch – an easy, inexpensive way to preserve the life and good health of RV batteries. Let’s get right to it before the …
One of RVing’s most common questions, particularly from those considering off-grid camping, is “Are RV Lithium Batteries worth it?” Even experienced RVers have had a tough time determining whether the investment will pay off. “Should I just stick with the lead-acid batteries that came with the rig, or will it be a meaningful upgrade to …
RV boondocking, solar panels, and lithium batteries are huge topics. But what if your solar panels are blocked by trees or other obstructions? You can save power while boondocking by following some basic guidelines. Solar panels are fantastic for turning the power of the sun into electricity to power many items RVers use daily. But …
After installing our new Xantrex inverter/charger last summer, we promised to provide an update. Now with 6 months of flawless performance under our belts, we’re also sharing our AGS system and our ComBox, which is one of the coolest pieces of elec-tech ever! Not only can we set our generator to operate autonomously, but we …
Our RV’s original inverter/charger has been acting up a bit lately. So when Xantrex asked us if we’d be willing to test out one of their Freedom series Pure Sine Wave models, we said “Sure!” Since we’d had a trouble-free experience with a Xantrex inverter in our first RV, and they’re now included as standard …
While the “chassis” batteries start your RV’s engine, it’s the “house” batteries that power the interior lights, vent fans, water pump and other 12-volt equipment. Through the use of an inverter, which converts 12-volts DC into 110-volts AC, they also power the coffee maker, TVs, microwave oven and other household appliances. Like the rest of …
Most RVs are equipped with lockable outside storage compartments, including our first motorhome, a 2002 Fleetwood Bounder Diesel. Since our basement doors had no central locking mechanism, we got used to carrying the keys whenever we were working outside around the RV. We got so tired of locking and unlocking compartments, that we put “Power …
WARNING: IF YOU’RE UNSURE ABOUT WORKING WITH ELECTRICITY, CALL A PROFESSIONAL. Although this video is about replacing an RV park circuit breaker, the concept is the same as the breakers inside an RV. Replacing a circuit breaker on an RV power pedestal is not something that the vast majority of RVers will ever need to …
We demonstrate how to properly service, maintain and equalize the 6-volt deep-cycle golf cart batteries in an RV. The “house” batteries are one of the most misunderstood systems on any RV. The proper care and maintenance of your battery bank will help it perform better and last longer. Flooded, lead-acid batteries are the most …