Electrical & Batteries

“Will an RV fridge run off battery while driving?” We hear this question several times, and the answer is… maybe. But it depends on a couple of factors. Today we’ll answer the question based on the type of RV fridge you have in your rig. What Is an RV Fridge? You may have seen our …

We’ve posted on the battery disconnect switch before. We’ve even addressed the question “Should I disconnect my RV battery when plugged in?” (meaning plugged into shore power). But we’ve never discussed whether or not to keep the RV battery disconnect switch on or off while the rig is in storage. Should you keep your RV …

In our post on RV power converters, we talked about the differences between an RV power converter, an RV battery charger, and an inverter/charger. Because these devices and their use can get confusing, we’re dedicating this post to the RV battery charger in hopes that it might clarify the importance of the proper charging of …

Thet terms “RV converter” and “RV battery charger” are often used interchangeably, but what are the differences between an RV converter vs battery charger? The term “battery charger” is pretty self-explanatory. A battery charger charges your RV batteries. But there’s a bit more to it than that. Likewise, an RV converter charges your rig’s batteries, …

Should you wire RV batteries in series vs parallel? That’s a great question and knowing the correct answer is really important. If we had a dollar for every time we’ve been asked, “Are RV batteries wired in series or parallel?” we’d have enough to fill our diesel pusher’s fuel tank. But we can’t just give …

“How much solar do I need for my RV?” That’s a question we’ve heard over and over again from RVers who are considering moving to solar. And we’re always glad to answer because we think RV solar power is fantastic. We’ve spent lots of time running on solar power for many years, and we absolutely …

Like the rest of our equipment, we take very good care of our batteries. But there comes a time when even well-maintained batteries start to lose their juice. That’s why knowing how to replace an RV battery is important. In this post, we’ll show you exactly how to do that, even if your battery bank …

Batteries are a critical part of any RV. Your RV battery gives you the power you need to operate a variety of features, including appliances, devices, and lights. If you have a motorized RV, you also need a battery to start and drive your rig. But there are several different types of RV batteries, and …

Have you heard the chatter about a California generator ban? Well, in this post we’ve got some fact-based details to share that we hope will clear up some misconceptions about the use of an RV generator as a power source in the State of California. In December of 2021, the California Air Resources Board approved …

Deep cycle RV batteries are one of the three commonly-available types of RV batteries, but they’re the ones that are most often misunderstood. With this post, we hope to change that, at least to some degree. An RVer’s access to power is no minor consideration. We all appreciate traveling with the ability to run a …

30-amp RVs are the most common rigs on the road. As a result, 30-amp RV plugs and outlets are also very common. The ability to utilize a 30-amp outlet, even if you have a 15- or 50-amp RV, allows you to take advantage of that power regardless of your own rig’s plug. That’s why we’re …

When hooking up to electrical power, the outlet or power pedestal you’re connecting to isn’t always conveniently located. That’s why it’s important to carry an RV extension cord. The question is which cord to carry because using an underrated cord for the load your RV will require could lead to problems, including fire. Which cord …

RV wiring has traditionally been installed in a similar manner to electrical wiring in a house. In recent years, however, multiplex wiring systems for RV use have become more common. RV multiplex systems make the wiring throughout the RV more like that of a computer network which can have some real benefits. But what, exactly, …

The 50 amp RV plug is a powerful thing! In fact, it has the capacity to power everything in your RV no matter what size rig you’ve got.  People often wonder how much a single 50-amp plug can really handle. Well, we can power our entire motorhome on a 50-amp plug when we’re connected to …

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 …