TV interference from LEDs is an issue worldwide. It is mostly caused by LEDs in the same home (or RV) as the TV. This can be checked by turning them off. Another indicator of TV interference from LEDs is good daytime reception until lights are turned on. In the worst cases, TV reception is unwatchable, or not even obtainable.
Caravan fridge problems are due to poor ventilation, inadequate cable size and/or insufficient power to drive them. Here’s how to fix them.
Buying inverters for caravans can confuse. Prices vary for products that may seem identical but are not. Here’s what to buy.
Despite their very small batteries LiFePO4 jump starters really do work. This article by Collyn Rivers explains how and why. A lot of power (the rate at which energy is used) is needed. The amount of energy (the ability to perform work) required, however is surprisingly small. In the days of vintage cars, a strongish 55 kg (120 lb) girl could hand crank start a 4.5 litre Bentley with relative ease.
Lithium batteries in caravans and motorhomes pack a lot of energy but need specialised knowledge to use safely and reliably. Here’s how and why – and how to install and use them.
Knowing how to tell caravan battery charge is not easy. Get this wrong and good batteries are scrapped and bad ones retained. Here’s why, and how to tell.
Circuit breakers and fuses in caravans both cut the current, but in different ways. Here’s how to know which best suits circuits and appliances protected. Those for 230 volt grid or inverter supplied circuits must be specified and installed by a certified electrician – who will install circuit breakers etc anyway. Circuit breakers and fuses for RVs (for 12/24 volt circuits) can be self-installed by those familiar with such work.
Imported RV electrics are often not fully compliant. Their owners often wrongly believe they are. They cannot legally be sold unless remedied.
Driving across Africa is now politically impossible. Our 1960 such two-way expedition across all Africa was the very last known. We started in mid 1959 – and exited the Sahara on 28 April 1960. The track was closed that night. It has never re-opened. Further, Africa’s centre, right down to Zambia, has ever since, been far too dangerous to even consider.
Interconnecting batteries in series or parallel is totally feasible. But its best to know how it works – and the limitations of each. Collyn Rivers explains.
Microwave oven power draw is far greater than many users think. In this article, RV Books’ Collyn Rivers explains why – and how. This is a particular problem in caravans and motor homes. Their deep cycle lead acid batteries cannot sustain the energy draw they require. AGM and lithium-ion batteries are thus better suited.
AGM batteries for caravans, camper trailers, motor homes charge faster and deeper than lead acids and are more rugged mechanically and electrically. They have far less internal discharge. If initially fully charged, they retain 60% or more for over 12 months (except in very hot areas).
Problems with stand-alone solar include over-selling, vendor claims, poor installation etc. Here’s plain English answers to the most common questions.
How long can lead acid batteries last affects millions. Most written and believed, however has little factual basis. What people really buy are amp hours
Gelion is in an exciting phase of its development program for battery systems. With their London-based counterparts, they are well advanced in planning their commercialisation and supply-chain strategies from initial prototypes all the way through to demonstrating commercial production capacity this year (2020).
Gelion’s small, low-cost battery cells can be used in flexible configurations, depending on the required applications. This could range from street lights, domestic use, commercial buildings and grid support.
Before 2000 or so most alternators produced 14.4 – 14.7 volts, and a few close to 15 volts. This situation changed in 2014 in the quest to reduce emissions. Reducing alternator voltage assists, but introduces problems if the alternator also charges RV batteries. This article by Collyn Rivers explains what causes these alternator charging problems – and how to fix them.
Electrolysis corrosion in vehicles eats away engine and particularly cooling system parts such as water pumps. It is often caused by a broken earthing lead. These are often accidentally disconnected, or broken. If so, return current travels through components such as the radiator cooling system. Also metal around them. This corrodes parts that have dissimilar metals.
CHAPTER 3 - Caravan & Motorhome Electrics Sample Chapter Overview of an RV’s electrical needs There are two main approaches to RV electrical power. The first, mostly in the USA, is to stay only in ‘trailer parks’ where ample and reliable 120-240 volt (60 Hz)...
Conventional caravans are towed via an overhung hitch attached to the rear of the tow vehicle. This is an inherently unstable combination. A side force on a caravan causes swaying. Caravan swaying is undesirable. Furthermore, at speed, it is dangerous The longer caravan hitches overhang the worse the effect. It is undesirable at low levels. It is dangerous at high levels. And even more so at high speeds. This RV Books article explains why.
RV batteries store energy from your RV’s or tow vehicle’s alternator and solar modules and grid or generator power via a battery charger. This article explains all about the many types of battery now available.
Whether you’re building a new home or adding solar to an existing structure, this is the one book you can’t afford to be without.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Solar Success. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6487945-4-7
The essential handbook for anyone with an RV of any kind. Everything you need to know to make the electrics in your rig work for you.
The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Caravan & Motorhome Electrics. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-8-5
Explains in detail every aspect of tow vehicle and caravan stability. This is what you need to know to be safe on or off the road.
The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Why Caravans Roll Over. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-6-1
Whether you’re building a new home or adding solar to an existing structure, this is the one book you can’t afford to be without.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Solar Success. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6487945-4-7