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RV Books provides the most extensive and most reliable information available for anyone wanting to explore their world via travel trailer, motorhome, camper trailer - any sort of RV.
If you find this site useful you will find our books even more so. They are all available in a number of formats designed to make them as useful as possible as reference guides for all your travels. As well as a paperback version there are versions for Kindle, Nook, Kobo and for all Apple devices.
The information on this site is provided without charge, without sponsorship and without advertising. All our activities are funded by the sales of our books.

The Camper Trailer Book. Free!
Not currently available as an eBook or paperback, RV Books is publishing The Camper Trailer Book on this site. Every week new sections will be released until the complete, fully revised, version is available.
Visit Solar Books
At solarbooks.com.au you'll find exclusive articles dealing with the intricacies of setting up and using solar power to run your home, cabin, travel trailer or motorhome. Solar Books is about how to use solar to shrink your power bill to where your energy provider is paying you - and to do it all economically.
Featured article
Interconnecting batteries in series or parallel- here’s how and why
by Collyn Rivers - Updated October 2020
Interconnecting Batteries
Interconnecting batteries in series or parallel is feasible but you need to know how it works. And its limitations. Interconnecting your batteries in series increases the voltage. Your current remains as before. Interconnecting your batteries in parallel increases the current. Your voltage remains as before. No matter how connected, your stored energy remains the same.
Batteries consist of cells (each of about two volts when fully charged). A 12-volt battery has six such cells. The cells are connected end-to-end.
Series connection increases battery voltage. Most car and travel trailer batteries are twelve volts. Some big motorhomes, however, have 24-volt systems. These typically have two 12-volt batteries in series. Many large solar systems use 48-volt storage - of banks of four 12-volt batteries in series.
Parallel connection increases battery capacity (i.e. the amount of energy it can store). It is often used to limit individual battery weight. For example, a 12-volt 240 amp-hour lead-acid battery weighs about 65 kg (145 lb). To ease handling, it's common to parallel-connect two 12-volt deep-cycle 120 amp-hour batteries.
Large solar systems typically parallel-connect banks of four 12-volt batteries to store energy at 48 volts.
That shown above is a bank of 16 batteries (each of 12-volt). They are connected in series/parallel. This provides 48 volts at approximately 960 amp-hours. Pic: author's previous all solar house north of Broome.
Interconnecting batteries in series or parallel - the pros and cons
Each way of interconnecting has advantages and disadvantages. These, however, are not the same advantages and disadvantages. Nevertheless, if you need over twelve volts, and/or substantial capacity, you must increase voltage, current or both.

Batteries - series connection
Connecting two batteries end-to-end results in the total voltage being the sum of each battery. The available current and voltage are that of the 'weakest' cell. read more...
Recently updated articles
[Caravan] Length and Stability
For decades both travel trailer owners and vendors have emphasised the need for a laden tow vehicle to at least weigh as much as the laden travel trailer. Length and travel trailer stability, and where weight is distributed over that length, is now being seen as more significant.
Making [caravans] more stable – here’s how and why to do it
Making travel trailers more stable is readily possible by design, loading, and tow vehicle use and choice. This article by Collyn Rivers explains how. It also provides practical guidelines for buying a travel trailer and tow vehicle, their loading and on-road usage. For a full technical explanation of why rigs can be unstable please see my Travel Trailer and Tow Vehicle Dynamics/. See also Why Caravans Roll Over/
Solar regulators with current shunts – how to fix misleading readings
If connected incorrectly, solar regulators with current shunts can register twice your true solar input. Here’s why – and how you can to fix it.
Australian RV rules and regulations – a constantly updated general guide
The current (February 2018) Australian RV rules and regulations are outlined here by Collyn Rivers of RV Books. Those for trailers under 4500 kg (9920 lb) will change in late 2018 but details are not yet available. These rules often change and this article will be regularly updated to reflect those changes.
Articles by Category
Electrical (general)
- [Caravan] fridge problems – how to fix the most common faults
- [Caravan] twin-wire or chassis return – here’s why twin-wire is usually better
- 12 volts dc from 24 volts dc
- AGM batteries for [caravans] – they are still worth using
- Battery charging and battery chargers – how to do it properly
- Battery charging via generator – how to speed it up
- Blade fuse problems in [caravans] – they may burn or melt
- Blade fuse problems in [caravans] – they may burn or melt
- Circuit breakers and fuses in [caravans] – how to know which to use
- Dc-dc charging – how to speed alternator charging
- Electrical converter problems in [caravans] – problems when used for free camping
- Electrical converters in RVs – they’re unsuitable for free-camping
- Fuel cells for [caravans] – great idea, but cost is too high
- Grid connect solar modules for RVs – here’s how you can use them
- Imported RV electrics
- Interconnecting batteries in series or parallel- here’s how and why
- Inverters for [caravans] – and motor homes too
- Lead acid batteries for [caravans] – they are still a good buy
- LiFePO4 jump starters really do work – they power other things too
- Lighting for [caravans] – it makes every sense to install LEDs
- Lithium battery rival
- Make [caravan] fridges work as claimed – here’s how to do it
- Quietening [caravan] water pumps – easy and cheap to do
- RV Alternator Charging Problems
- RV Batteries
- RV Solar Basics
- Solar regulators with current shunts – how to fix misleading readings
- Speeding battery charging from generators – cheap, effective and relatively simply
- Supply cables for [caravans] – choices of current capacity and length
- TV interference from LEDs – here’s what causes it
- Variable voltage alternator problems with [caravans] – how to fix
Batteries & Battery Charging
- [Caravan] twin-wire or chassis return – here’s why twin-wire is usually better
- 12 volts dc from 24 volts dc
- AGM batteries for [caravans] – they are still worth using
- Australian Battery Breakthrough
- Battery charging and battery chargers – how to do it properly
- Battery charging via generator – how to speed it up
- Battery ventilation is vital – why take any risk?
- Blade fuse problems in [caravans] – they may burn or melt
- Connecting [caravan] batteries – there’s no magic way of doing it!
- Dc-dc charging – how to speed alternator charging
- Electrical converter problems in [caravans] – problems when used for free camping
- Electrolysis corrosion in vehicles – how to find and fix it
- Fuel cells for [caravans] – great idea, but cost is too high
- How long can lead acid batteries last
- How to tell [caravan] battery charge – energy monitoring explained
- Imported RV electrics
- Interconnecting batteries in series or parallel- here’s how and why
- Lead acid batteries for [caravans] – they are still a good buy
- Lead acid batteries for [caravans] – they are still a good buy
- LiFePO4 jump starters really do work – they power other things too
- Lighting for [caravans] – it makes every sense to install LEDs
- Lithium batteries in [caravans] and motorhomes
- Lithium battery rival
- Lithium battery safety in [caravans] – are they all the same?
- RV Alternator Charging Problems
- RV Batteries
- Speeding battery charging from generators – cheap, effective and relatively simply
- Variable voltage alternator problems with [caravans] – how to fix
Travel Trailer/Tow Vehicle Behaviour & Suspension
- [Caravan] and motorhome tyres
- [Caravan] and tow vehicle dynamics
- [Caravan] and tow vehicle dynamics
- [Caravan] design need for change
- [Caravan] Dynamics Simply Explained
- [Caravan] Length and Stability
- [Caravan] nose weight – it’s vital for safe towing
- [Caravan] suspension – it is mostly misunderstood
- [Caravan] Tow Ball Weight – how much
- [Caravan] weight safe to tow – depends on what tows it
- [Caravan] wheel placement
- Choosing a [Caravan] Tow Vehicle
- Do [caravans] need independent suspension – the answer is no.
- Do Not Trust [Caravan] Declared Mass
- Fifth-wheel [caravans] are safer – here’s why they are
- Gross Combined Mass Upgrades
- How [caravan] and tow vehicles interact
- How to Load a [Caravan] Safely
- Making [caravans] more stable – here’s how and why to do it
- Mechanical sway-control has little value at speed
- Need for a WDH – avoid using one if possible
- Overhung [Caravan] Hitches
- Overweight RVs – a police point of view
- Reducing [caravan] sway – here’s how to minimise the causes
- RV Accident Data (Australia)
- RV Industry Changes Needed
- Should I grease my tow-ball?
- Ten Tips for Safe [Caravan] Towing
- Tow Vehicle/[Caravan] Weight Ratio Explained
- Towing Without a WDH – Weight Distributing Hitch
- Weight Distributing Hitch limits cornering
- Weight distribution hitch setting up – how much correction is needed
- Wheels falling off trailers – and how to stop it happening
- Why [caravans] sway and roll over – how to prevent it
Cooling and Heating
- [Caravan] fridge problems – how to fix the most common faults
- Air conditioning a [caravan] – here’s how
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Diesel heating in [caravans] and motorhomes – it’s easy, effective and safe
- Interconnecting batteries in series or parallel- here’s how and why
- Make [caravan] fridges work as claimed – here’s how to do it
- RV Fridge Basics
- Safe [caravan] and motorhome heating – use diesel or LP gas
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 14: Fridges
General
- [Caravan] & Tow Vehicle Weight Definitions
- [Caravan] common sense – a rare commodity?
- [Caravan] design need for change
- [Caravan] facts and opinions – the nonsense so often on forums
- [Caravan] fault issues – who is responsible?
- [Caravan] suspension – it is mostly misunderstood
- Air conditioning a [caravan] – here’s how
- All solar house – self-building an off-grid all solar house
- Australian RV Road Rules – Summary
- Blade fuse problems in [caravans] – they may burn or melt
- Buying a New RV in Five Steps
- Buying used [caravans] – what to check
- Choosing a [Caravan] Tow Vehicle
- Choosing the right interior fittings for an Australian RV
- Driving across Africa – in 1956/60 the very last time it was possible
- Electrolysis corrosion in vehicles – how to find and fix it
- Fuel savers do not work – almost all are scams
- How much solar input – here’s how to find out
- How to Choose the Best [Caravan] Layout
- How to free camp legally in Australia
- Interconnecting batteries in series or parallel- here’s how and why
- Is four wheel drive needed for motorhomes
- Is Napisan a Safe Toilet Chemical?
- Lightning risk in [caravans] – how to reduce that risk
- Living with solar – how make it all work
- Napisan and Look-Alikes safe for Septic Tanks – a professor’s view
- Overhung [Caravan] Hitches
- Problems with stand-alone solar – much applies also to RVs
- Quietening [caravan] water pumps – easy and cheap to do
- Retarding rust electronically – claims are exaggerated
- RV Books’ Top Ten RV Accessories
- RV Toilets – Which is Best?
- Safe toilet chemicals – can Napisan be used in septic tanks?
- Should I grease my tow-ball?
- Ten Tips for RVing Around Australia
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 14: Fridges
- Top 10 Australian RV Apps
- Tow Vehicle/[Caravan] Weight Ratio Explained
- Ultra-light [caravans] – they are rare but feasible. Here’s how to do it
- Weight distribution hitch setting up – how much correction is needed
- What off-road really means
- Wheels falling off trailers – and how to stop it happening
- Why [caravans] sway and roll over – how to prevent it
Solar
- All solar house – self-building an off-grid all solar house
- Australian Battery Breakthrough
- Grid connect solar modules for RVs – here’s how you can use them
- Grid connect solar problems – what vendors may not reveal
- How much solar input – here’s how to find out
- How to tell [caravan] battery charge – energy monitoring explained
- Interconnecting batteries in series or parallel- here’s how and why
- Lithium batteries in [caravans] and motorhomes
- Lithium battery safety in [caravans] – are they all the same?
- Living with solar – how make it all work
- Our solar equipped RVs – all proved a major success
- Problems with stand-alone solar – much applies also to RVs
- RV Batteries
- RV Solar Basics
- Solar input available for [caravans] – know what’s available and increase it too
- Solar regulators with current shunts – how to fix misleading readings
Travel
- [Caravan] and motorhome tyres
- [Caravan] common sense – a rare commodity?
- [Caravan] design need for change
- [Caravan] Length and Stability
- [Caravan] tare weight issues – some declared weights may not be correct
- [Caravan] Tow Ball Weight – how much
- [Caravan] wheel placement
- Australian Road Rules Confuse
- Australian RV Road Rules – Summary
- Australian RV rules and regulations – a constantly updated general guide
- Best Way to Drive an RV Around Australia
- Buying a New RV in Five Steps
- Choosing a [Caravan] Tow Vehicle
- Choosing the right interior fittings for an Australian RV
- Claims for dual-cab ute towing capacity mislead [caravan] buyers
- Do Not Trust [Caravan] Declared Mass
- Driving across Africa – in 1956/60 the very last time it was possible
- Electrical converters in RVs – they’re unsuitable for free-camping
- Free camp safely in Australia – this article shows how
- How to Choose the Best [Caravan] Layout
- How to free camp legally in Australia
- How to Load a [Caravan] Safely
- How to Reverse a [Caravan]
- Is four wheel drive needed for motorhomes
- Microwave oven power draw – it’s more than many users think
- Need for a WDH – avoid using one if possible
- Overhung [Caravan] Hitches
- Quietening [caravan] water pumps – easy and cheap to do
- Reducing [caravan] sway – here’s how to minimise the causes
- Retarding rust electronically – claims are exaggerated
- RV Books’ Top Ten RV Accessories
- RV Fridge Basics
- RV Toilets – Which is Best?
- Safe toilet chemicals – can Napisan be used in septic tanks?
- Sleep apnoea machines for camping – correct choice is vital
- Solar input available for [caravans] – know what’s available and increase it too
- Ten Tips for RVing Around Australia
- Top 10 Australian RV Apps
- TV interference from LEDs – here’s what causes it
- Ultra-light [caravans] – they are rare but feasible. Here’s how to do it
- Weight Distributing Hitch limits cornering
- What off-road really means
Health & Safety
- [Caravan] and tow vehicle dynamics
- [Caravan] nose weight – it’s vital for safe towing
- [Caravan] weight safe to tow – depends on what tows it
- Battery ventilation is vital – why take any risk?
- Blade fuse problems in [caravans] – they may burn or melt
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Circuit breakers and fuses in [caravans] – how to know which to use
- Claims for dual-cab ute towing capacity mislead [caravan] buyers
- Diesel heating in [caravans] and motorhomes – it’s easy, effective and safe
- Fifth-wheel [caravans] are safer – here’s why they are
- Free camp safely in Australia – this article shows how
- Gas risk in [caravans] – deaths & brain damage still occurs
- How to Reverse a [Caravan]
- Is Napisan a Safe Toilet Chemical?
- Lightning risk in [caravans] – how to reduce that risk
- Making [caravans] more stable – here’s how and why to do it
- Mechanical sway-control has little value at speed
- Napisan and Look-Alikes safe for Septic Tanks – a professor’s view
- Overhung [Caravan] Hitches
- Overweight RVs – a police point of view
- RV Accident Data (Australia)
- RV Industry Changes Needed
- Safe [caravan] and motorhome heating – use diesel or LP gas
- Safe toilet chemicals – can Napisan be used in septic tanks?
- Sleep apnoea machines for camping – correct choice is vital
- Supply cables for [caravans] – choices of current capacity and length
- Ten Tips for Safe [Caravan] Towing
- Towing Without a WDH – Weight Distributing Hitch
Legal & Compliance
- [Caravan] & Tow Vehicle Weight Definitions
- [Caravan] and motorhome compliance – the Caravan Council of Australia explains all
- [Caravan] design need for change
- [Caravan] fault issues – who is responsible?
- [Caravan] tare weight issues – some declared weights may not be correct
- Australian Road Rules Confuse
- Australian RV Road Rules – Summary
- Australian RV rules and regulations – a constantly updated general guide
- Buying used [caravans] – what to check
- Gross Combined Mass Upgrades
- How to free camp legally in Australia
- Imported RVs – there can be major problems re-registering private imports
- RV Compliance – Here’s how to know
The Camper Trailer Book
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 1: Camper Trailer Overview
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 2: Where to Go in Australia
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 3: What can be towed where
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 4: Tow vehicles
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 5: Chassis and suspension
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 6: Trailer hitches
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 7: Trailer brakes & braking
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 8: Wheels and Tyres
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 9: Batteries
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 10: Battery and Alternator Charging
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 11: Generators
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 12: Fuel cells
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 13: Energy monitoring
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 14: Fridges
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 15: Water
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 16: Internal and water heating
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 17: Lighting
- The Camper Trailer Book – Chapter 18: Supplementing with Solar
Want to find out more? Our books cover all these topics and a lot more.
Whether you’re buying your first RV or updating to a bigger, more comfortable rig, there are a great many things you need to know and consider. How to Choose and Buy an RV breaks things down so that you can decide what you want and whether or not what you’ve found is right for you.
Solar That Really Works! explains every detail of designing and installing solar in boats, camper trailers, travel trailers and motorhomes.
Caravan & Motorhome Electrics covers every aspect of designing, installing and fault finding of the electrics in fifth wheel and conventional travel trailers, camper trailers and motorhomes.
The Caravan & Motorhome Book covers every conceivable aspect of camper trailer, travel trailer and fifth wheel travel trailer, campervan and motorhome usage.

Caravan & Motorhome Electrics covers every aspect of designing, installing and fault finding of the electrics in fifth wheel and conventional travel trailers, camper trailers and motorhomes.
How to Choose and Buy an RV
Here's how to get it right first and every time.
Whether you're buying your first RV or updating to a bigger, more comfortable rig, there are a great many things you need to know and consider. This book breaks things down so that you can decide what you want and whether or not what you've found is right for you. It's technically sound and comprehensive so that you can proceed with complete confidence. How to Choose and Buy an RV is the ultimate guide for those times when you want to, well, choose and buy an RV.
Travel Trailers and their tow vehicles rarely jack-knife and roll over - but when they do the results are catastrophic. The cause, and how to prevent it, is explained here. Why Caravans Roll Over offers solid advice for keeping yourself safe on the road.

The Caravan & Motorhome Book covers every conceivable aspect of camper trailer, travel trailer and fifth wheel travel trailer, campervan and motorhome usage. Like all of Collyn Rivers' books it is technically sound yet written in plain English.
Solar That Really Works! explains, in clear English, every detail of designing and installing solar in boats, camper trailers, travel trailers and motorhomes. It is up-to-date, valid globally and technically accurate. It is clear, concise and easy to follow without sacrificing important detail.
This is Collyn Rivers' newest book. Building on his years of experience and extensive knowledge of engineering and all things travel trailer and RV, this is the book you need with you when shopping for an RV.
Collyn Rivers has done it again! – if you need to know anything about motorhome electrics, then this book is for you... Collyn must be, without doubt, the foremost authority in Australia on this subject.
Why Caravans Roll Over....and How to Prevent It
Should be compulsory reading for everyone involved with Travel Trailers: Design / Engineering, Marketing, Journalism (print & electronic), Regulations, Inspections, Driver-Training, Travel Trailer Clubs, Towing and Modifications.
Collyn is an accomplished engineer who knows how to design and build successful systems. It is refreshing to see practical advice written in plain language when there is so little solar information around. . . this is an essential text . . . you won’t find a better guide.
Without doubt, this is the best book we have ever read . . . it will be treasured, and read on a regular basis.