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...
View ArticleWhy 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...
View ArticleBatteries 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...
View ArticleRV 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...
View ArticleShould 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...
View ArticleWhy 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...
View ArticleWhy 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...
View ArticleRV Electricity – Troubleshooting 101: Over-current testing
Mike, I have a question but, as I said at the RVillage Rally, it’s a little long. What would cause a pair of 2kW generators to overload when charging my batteries? Looking for your guidance in what...
View ArticleAre “maintenance-free” batteries really maintenance free?
Dear Gary, How do I know if I have maintenance-free batteries in my motorhome or if I have to periodically check the water levels? —Kirk P. Dear Kirk, I’m guessing you’re referring to the automotive...
View ArticleStoring RV batteries during a harsh winter
Dear Gary, I have a new motorhome and this will be its first winter. What is the best way to handle RV batteries during the winter? Should I leave the batteries in and keep the coach plugged in or...
View ArticleDiagnosing “boiling” and stinky batteries
Dear Gary, I just bought a used coach equipped with dual auxiliary batteries. I used my voltmeter to test them and only got a reading of 8.5 volts. When I checked the cells I found they all were almost...
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