RV batteries go dead, even while plugged into shore power Dear Gary, What runs off the electrical when you’re at an RV park? Been here two days and last night my lights dimmed to nothing and the water pump quit. I switched the fridge over to propane just to be safe. The clock on...
RV batteries go dead, even while plugged into shore power
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Dueling dual batteries? Here’s a fix for your tow vehicle
By Russ and Tiña De Maris Many diesel tow vehicles have dual starting batteries — it takes a lot of muscle to turn over that starting motor and fire up the glow plugs. But how do you take care of dual batteries? The routine as far as physical care is much the same as...
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Phantom electrical loads can spoil your dry-camping adventure
By Bob Difley Phantom loads are electrical connections to your batteries that continually draw power, however small. Loads that are run off the house batteries will not be a problem as they are slight. Since you will be charging your house batteries with solar panels or a wind turbine, generator, or by running your...
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Dutch company Epsilon solves RV battery limitations
By Bob Difley A new lithium battery, developed by Dutch battery expert Super B, offers campers and boaters huge power and energy reserves, so people no longer have to worry about energy provision, charging points or limited power. The Epsilon weighs substantially less and will last five times longer than conventional batteries, is fully...
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Charging 6-volt RV batteries
Hello Gary, Is there a way to charge my two 6-volt batteries with a regular stand-alone battery charger? If so, how would you hook up the positive and negative charger clamps —George Hi George, I’m going to assume you are referring to a stand-alone battery charger that is 12 volts only. I mention this...
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Advantages of AGM batteries in motorhome
Dear Gary, I’m thinking my coach batteries may need replacing within the year. I asked my RV dealer whether AGM batteries are a good idea. Currently it has the older flooded-cell type that came from the factory (two chassis batteries and three house batteries). The answer I got from my dealer was to stick...
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RV battery wiring explained
Hi Gary, I have an older Nash 5th wheeler. I have one completely dead battery in it now. I want to replace it with two (Group 24) 12-volt batteries. I’m not sure how to hook them up. There is not enough room for two small 6-volt batteries, as the space is quite small. Can...
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Winter boondocking – time to prepare “electrically”
By Bob Difley We’re well on the way to winter. Depending on how weird the warming planet skews the weather, you may be spending more days in the northern climes as days stay hotter longer before winding down to shorter days and a chillier autumn climate. Then again, old man weather may decide he’s tortured...
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How to add RV batteries
Hey Doc, I recently purchased a used Class A Newmar coach. Where do I find out what rating of battery needs to be used for replacement? The specific gravity on the existing batteries is low and after charging, is not coming up. The batteries are weak after only eight hours of using a very light...
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Steps to conserving and supplying power for RV boondocking
Here’s a question from a reader of RVtravel.com about boondocking. Hi Bob, My wife and I have boondocked a couple of times and like it, but it seems that we run out of power too soon. What are the best ways for boondockers to increase their available power supply without breaking the bank buying an...
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Why would you want a lithium battery pack?
By Greg Illes Lithium batteries have truly extraordinary advantages for certain types of RV life — but they have their “dark side” as well. You need to be very well informed to make the “lithium decision.” First off, NO, they won’t catch fire There are literally dozens of lithium battery chemistries extant, and the one...
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Keep those expensive RV batteries alive!
By Russ and Tiña De Maris A critical factor for RVers who boondock – camp away from utility hookups – is that of a viable battery bank. Keeping those batteries properly charged can make the difference between an enjoyable experience and a bust. Even more important, a battery that is discharged too much is a...
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Avoiding “mysterious” RV battery deaths
By Russ and Tiña De Maris A dead RV battery is always a frustration, and oftentimes a mystification. Why did it die? RV batteries are good for a limited number of use/charge cycles. As we’ve often commented, the “deeper” you draw a battery down, the fewer use/charge cycles you’ll get out of it. We...
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Is reverse osmosis water safe for your RV batteries?
By Russ and Tiña De Maris Not long ago we got a message from a reader who was traveling across the United States. Before he left home, he’d hit the local shopping centers looking for distilled water for use in his RV batteries and, much to his dismay, couldn’t find any. Could he use RO...
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Why are RV batteries setting off CO detector?
Dear Gary, On a recent camping trip, we were connected to 30-amp shore power. During the night, our CO alarm went off. Since there was no stove or furnace operating, I felt the alarm was defective. I did notice the coach battery compartment felt warm. Later when entering the coach from outside, I noticed a foul...
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Batteries for boondocking
Here’s a question from a reader of RVtravel.com about boondocking. Hi Bob, Thanks for the great information. Mike and I prefer to boondock and stay away from campsites whenever possible. I think this spring I’ll need to replace our batteries. They are going on their 4th season and last week when I gave them a...
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RV Electricity – Can a 9-volt battery start a fire in your RV?
Dear Mike, I recently read where a 9-volt battery thrown away in a trash can started a fire in a garage. Can this really happen? What do we have to do to keep safe in our RVs? —Donny F. Dear Donny, In a word, YES, a 9-volt battery can start a fire. So let’s explore...
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Should you box up your batteries?
By Russ and Tiña De Maris If a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, a battery in the box is worth at least two in the junk pile. Eh? If your rig doesn’t provide “inside storage” for your house batteries, leaving them out in the weather, unprotected, can be most unprofitable....
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Why are my RV batteries drying out?
By Chris Dougherty Chris Dougherty is a certified RV technician. Here is a letter he received from a reader while he was serving as RVtravel.com’s technical editor. Dear Chris, I have a 50-amp transfer switch. My question is if the power from the converter/charger goes through the transfer switch? I’m boiling batteries and trying to...
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Why is RV battery bank leaking electrolyte?
Dear Gary, I have a 2002, 31-foot Jayco. Why is my battery bank leaking acid? I have two batteries and two solar panels with a PWM charge controller. When we bought it, it was hooked up to power; now we keep it stored. One battery was leaking in the first two months so we replaced...
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