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 …
Batteries
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 …
There’s a lot of talk about lithium RV batteries, and with good reason. RV lithium batteries are rechargeable 12-volt batteries that have become a popular alternative to lead-acid batteries, particularly for RVers who spend a lot of time off the grid and/or who use solar power. RV lithium batteries are based on a newer, more …
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 …
The weather is warming up, the snow is melting fast, the birds are chirping even in the northeast, and here we are – spring is just around the corner! It seems as though we were just sharing our RV winterizing tips when lo and behold it’s almost time to de-winterize your RV! Spring is an …
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’ve never been shy about saying how much we love boondocking. It’s far and away our favorite way to camp, and we’ve long encouraged everyone to try it. One of the main reasons why many people are intimidated by the idea of boondocking is the limitation on power. We get that – we’re fairly big …
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 …
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 …
So you love RV travel and especially enjoy camping off the grid… but you ALSO love your modern electrical conveniences. You work on a computer. You like to use a coffee maker in the morning or a microwave to warm up something for dinner. Or it’s raining hard outside and binge-watching a few episodes of …
When you first move into an RV or take it on an extended vacation, there can be an unexpected learning curve regarding how devices and appliances are powered. It’s important to understand how your RV house batteries work. Questions like “What does the RV battery actually power?” or “Do RV batteries charge when plugged into …
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 …