RV batteries go dead, even while plugged into shore power
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...
View ArticleDueling 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...
View ArticlePhantom 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...
View ArticleDutch 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,...
View ArticleCharging 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...
View ArticleAdvantages 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...
View ArticleRV 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...
View ArticleWinter 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...
View ArticleHow 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...
View ArticleSteps 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...
View ArticleWhy 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...
View ArticleKeep 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...
View ArticleAvoiding “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...
View ArticleIs 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...
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