Because we often boondock in wide open spaces, we can face our RV in any direction. Any spot on the compass is available to us, so why do we always face East when we have the option (especially in the winter)? In this post, we’ll tell you exactly why we do that, and it might …
Electrical & Batteries
Postings related to RV Electrical systems & batteries
No matter how you slice it, keeping your RV batteries topped up is an important focus when camping. If you love boondocking as much as we do, or even if you stop for a quick overnight at a Wal-Mart or a rest area, you need battery power to run lights, the water pump, vent fans, …
“Can I plug my RV into a dryer outlet?” If only we had a nickel for every time we’ve heard that question over the past 20 years. But it stands to reason that RVers might wonder about the compatibility of their RVs with standard household outlets, including the dryer outlet. Because a dryer outlet can …
At the heart of most RVs lies a fairly complex electrical system powering everything from the refrigerator to the water pump to the lights to the electric outlets and more. In this post, we offer a guide to the RV electrical system, a sort of “RV Wiring for Dummies” (no offense meant!) We’ll unravel the …
“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 …