RV Electrical Basics - Important Information For Motorhome
With your RV electrical system, you will have the convenience of running your vent fan, TV, RV refrigerator, kitchen appliances, HVAC system, and many others. The ease with which you can access all of these items while traveling is incredible, isn't it? You may find it a big help to know that the electrical systems of an RV work if you want everything to run smoothly. Your RV electronics and components will be protected if you use a Trailer Voltage Regulator.
Knowing the basics about RV power sources and wiring can help you in making a smart decision on where to acquire power if you plan to live in your RV full time or use it more often. Additionally, a GPS can help you troubleshoot any problems that may arise while you are driving.
RVers are not generally experts when it comes to electrical systems. Most RV tap adapters and 12 volt relays are not familiar with. Due to this, we will minimize technical terms here as much as possible! The RV electrical system will not need to be rewired completely while learning this lesson. In this article, we'll introduce you to some basic RV wiring terms and understandings. Having the knowledge of how the batteries, cables, and panels work will help you to be safe in the electrical field.
How Does an RV Get Its Electricity?
The 120-volt AC and 12-volt DC electrical systems within your RV might not be readily apparent, but they both play an important part in the system's functionality. Generators and RV electrical hookups provide the 120-volt system. Among the motorhome electrical appliances you commonly use are your TV, RV kitchen appliances, and other devices that need power. The 12-volt system, on the other hand, is powered by a single battery or multiple batteries.
Power is provided to your 12v RV refrigerator, furnace, 12Volt fans, water heater, water pump, ceiling lights in your living area, and other things in your RV. You can ensure your electrical system operates safely and effectively with 12 volt Circuit Breakers. You can charge your electrical accessories by installing 12 volt connectors, 12-volt sockets, 12 volt plug socket sets, or 12 volt plugs on your RV.
RV Power Sources: Batteries
You should have a total of 12 volts on your 12-volt DC electrical system. In other words, you should wire multiple 12v batteries together in a parallel circuit or use a 12v RV battery. A series circuit of two 6-volt batteries is more efficient than using a 12-volt battery alone, as it is much better to use two 6-volt batteries instead of one 12-volt battery. The battery life is much longer in this configuration, also known as the deeper discharge time. Although there is nothing wrong with using a single 6-volt battery, the use of two batteries will take up more space. The extended battery life is still worth it since you'll need it when camping.
You'll also be able to recharge the two 6-volt batteries in your RV if you plug into an RV electrical pedestal at a campground or any other type of power source. In contrast, if you are dry camping, also known as wild camping or boondocking, there are no electrical hookups since you are off the grid. Therefore you would use your batteries to power up 12v RV Fridge, 12v heater for RV, 12v campervan light, 12v freshwater appliance, etc.
However, if you need 120-volt appliances, then you can use an inverter to convert the 12-volt battery direct current into 120-volt electrical current. Additionally, you can recharge your RV electrics this way. Your 12-volt battery still has a lot of discharge time left, so please let me know. Remember that your RV's 12-volt system is like a regular battery. You will have to recharge it eventually if it runs out of power.
RVs are electric hogs
Having plugged in numerous appliances, it is important to understand that not all of them are using the same amount of electricity. The power consumption of some devices can be quite low. In addition, there are those that gain more power. A device that gets cold or generates heat usually requires a lot of power. You ought not to run the majority of them simultaneously, and that is why. An unusual occurrence occurs if your power cord is 30 amps.
In addition, your kitchen appliances are likely to consume quite a bit of electricity. Therefore, you are sorely tempted to use your toaster, coffee maker, or microwave. AC units consume a considerable amount of power. Moreover, many of your bathroom gadgets such as hairdryers, curling irons, etc. can consume a ton of power. However, your stereo and TV use less power. If you encounter low RV park voltage, you can use RV voltage regulators.
RV Alternatives to Renewable Energy
A great alternative is to use solar panels in order to charge your batteries and power your RV devices when camping off-grid or or camping in public campgrounds that do not have electrical hookups. It's perfect for people who enjoy dry camping or boondocking since there is no electrical connection required. The RV solar panels come in different sizes and are rated according to how much power they produce.
In order to install solar panels on your RV, you will need more roof space, and you should have this space. The inverter/charger unit and the battery are directly connected to the solar panels. You will become self-reliant in your electricity requirements even if it takes a little instinctive work to get them running.
It is also important to keep in mind that an inverter will be required so that the energy generated by the solar panels can be converted into the electrical current needed by your RV's appliances. For air conditioners, solar energy might not be adequate since it can generate enough electricity to operate small appliances. When boondocking, it is more fun to choose a location where there is really nice weather.
Routine maintenance and troubleshooting of RVs
Maintaining and inspecting your system on a regular basis can prevent a small problem from becoming larger. Additionally, keep an eye on your batteries and connections frequently. Prior to your departure is the ideal time to accomplish this. Make sure that all connecting cables are connected and the cables don't have any damage. Inspect everything for signs of corrosion and make sure it is clean. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, then you ought to investigate it further. We recommend motorhome voltage regulators for preventing low voltage damage to RV electronics.
If your RV is equipped with lead-acid batteries, be sure to add water frequently and check the electrolyte levels. However, deep-cycle batteries or lithium batteries do not require this.
In addition, you need to know where the RV electrical panels are located in your RV. It may be that a fuse is blown or the circuit is tripped when one of your devices or RV appliances is not working properly. In many cases, when the fuse blows, it is visible. However, in some cases, the fuse may never blow. If this occurs, you should use a small test light to determine whether the fuse is good.
Whenever you try to replace a fuse and it unexpectedly blows, this is a sign that there is a bigger problem. There is also an alternative of tracing the power lines to determine if the line is damaged. It may be difficult for an individual to accomplish this task without professional assistance.
To make emergency repairs, you should always have 12 volt Pigtails, RV Cable Ties, and 12 volt Studs on hand.