I've recently had to diagnose different R.V. electrical problems. Low and behold, although different symptoms existed, all the problems were related to the batteries. So let's talk batteries.

Motor homes have two different 12-volt battery systems. The engine battery is used to start the motor and is only charged by the engine's alternator. This battery is a standard battery, rated by the amount of cranking amps that are necessary to start the various different horsepower and type of power plant installed in your motor home, be it gas or diesel. Your local auto parts store is equipped with the necessary information on your R.V. to be sure that you have the properly rated engine battery.

The house battery in a motor home is designed to run the interior systems, appliances, lighting, etc. and, if so equipped, start the generator. It is extremely important that this battery be of the deep cycle nature as it is subject to constant discharging and recharging. A regular automotive battery will not stand this abuse and will prematurely fail. The house battery is isolated from the engine battery, and, although it will charge while the engine is running, when the engine is shut off, using the interior systems will not discharge your engine battery. The house battery in a motor home also gets its charge from a running generator (RV generators have a built in 12-volt charging system). The 110 volt electric output of your generator will power up the convertor in your RV. This device changes 110-volt A/C power to 12-volt DC power and not only will run your interior systems but charges your house battery at the same time.

Now, this is where the problems start. A convertor is always on as long as your camper, trailer or motor home has some type of shore power. A convertor has an output of 30 to 75 amps DC power and will cause a battery to use excessive water, especially in hot weather. You must check the water in your battery once a month, as long as your camper is in use or just left plugged in. Lack of maintenance will cause damage to the battery causing the convertor to overload and failure to occur.

All modern R.V. appliances require 12-volt DC power to function. Electronic ignitions, hot water heaters, water pumps, furnaces, refrigerators on electric or gas -- all need 12 volt DC power. A popular misconception is, "I'm camping only in campgrounds and don't need a battery, I plug my camper in and everything works."

A battery holds and stores usually around 900 cranking amps of pure 12 volt power; a convertor output averages about 40 amps. As you can see there is quite a difference. The 12 volt load of your camper is a strain on just a convertor without a deep cycle battery installed, and is the leading cause to erratic appliance circuit board operation and failure. It's a great thing that the new refrigerators will automatically change from a/c power to gas when a power failure occurs. (This never happens when I'm camping, how about you?)

Now, if you do not have a battery in your camper, you not only have no lights but also no refrigeration, no hot water, no water, no heat, nothing works. It has been known for power failures to last long enough to defrost your refrigerator and if this happens, you know how long it takes to get that unit cold again. Save yourself the aggravation and added expense of spoiled food and purchase a battery now. If your battery is five years old or older replace it; if it doesn't hold a charge, replace it; and if it doesn't exist, get one.

If your problems are 12-volt related, check that battery first, this may save a costly trip to the dealer and you will still have to purchase a battery.

Just a note: If your battery is missing from your travel trailer, white is ground and red or black is hot. Always follow the battery cables to see which one is attached to the frame. This is the negative connection, reversing the cables will cause instant convertor failure. Take your time, be sure to connect the battery properly and perform regular maintenance.

If you have questions about batteries or any other R.V. related problems please call. We are here to help you. Have fun, introduce someone new to camping and above all be safe.