DIY Network

RV Electrical Information Kevin Tetz shares Web extra RV electrical information. From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-209

Host Kevin Tetz shares exclusive DIYnetwork.com information on RV electrical systems.

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	Power Converter
	Power Inverter

RVs and travel trailers have both DC 12-volt battery power and 110 AC (120-volt) power capabilities. The DC power comes from the battery, which is a "deep cycle" Marine/RV battery. General accessories such as lights, fans, pumps and some appliances are DC 12-volt. There are also DC outlets throughout our Airstream to plug in 12-volt items such as lamps and kitchen appliances. When the tow vehicle is hooked up to the trailer, the system draws from the car's battery as well as the trailer's battery.

The 110 AC power is supplied when hooked up to a campsite, or on "city power" (also called "shore power"). Major appliances and accessories such as the air conditioning run on AC power. There are also AC outlets throughout our Airstream.

In addition to the DC and AC electrical power, the project Airstream has a power converter. When the trailer is hooked up to city power, the converter converts the AC power to DC 12 volts thus allowing the AC system to run the 12-volt accessories such as the lights and fans. It also charges the battery in the process.

When "boondocking"--camping without access to city power (or "off grid")--the DC 12-volt power is the main power source. It's necessary to have a power inverter to run the AC accessories. The inverter uses the DC power from the battery system and inverts it to AC output.

RV and Marine appliances are usually DC 12-volt but many are available in either 2-way (DC and AC) or even three-way (LP gas/DC/AC) models. These appliances check for the best possible system--or they can be manually selected. The advantage is that one can conserve power sources as necessary.

Choosing and upgrading the power source options for a travel trailer or RV depends on what type of camping you do and what accessories and appliances you use. Some campers also bring along a generator (diesel, gas or LP) for additional electrical power. Others still add solar panels.

To calculate your needs, you need to add up your power usage, keeping in mind that you won't use all of your accessories at the same time. But you still need to be selective when using heavy-power items such as the air conditioner, which can draw 15 -16 amps when the compressor engages.

To calculate power usage, check the data plate on each appliance and use these general formulas:

Watts divided by Volts = amps.
Amps times Volts = watts.

So an appliance that uses 1000 watts divided by 120 volts = 8.4 amps AC. 1000 watts divided by 12 volts = 83.4 amps DC.

In the final Airstream episode, Kevin upgrades and completes the hitch work, installs a new electric leveling tongue jack and anti-switch hitch, installs new aluminum LP cylinders and gas valves, installs a new vehicle harness, polishes the aluminum exterior of the trailer and finally, he installs new awnings to complete the restoration project.

RESOURCES :

Dremel Tools
Website: www.dremel.com

Aluminum Wheels
Alcoa Wheels
Website: www.alcoawheels.com

Marathon Tires
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
1144 E. Market St.
Akron, OH 44316-0001
Phone: 330-796-2121
Fax: 330-796-2222

Electric Dump Valve
Phase Four Industries
Website: www.drainmaster.com

SeeLevel Tank Monitor System
Garnet Technologies Inc.
125 M and M Ranch Rd.
Granbury, TX 76049
Phone: 877-668-7813
Fax: 817-573-0005
E-mail: sales@rvgauge.com

Power Converter
Parallax Power Supply
425 Sycamore St.
Anderson, IN 46016
Toll-free: 800-443-4859
Fax: 765-608-5235

GUESTS :

Gary Bunzer
The RV Doctor
Bunzer Consulting
PO Box 2074
El Cajon, CA 92021
E-mail: gbunzer@cox.net
Website: www.rvdoctor.com

Terry D. Cooper
Instructor
Recreational Vehicle Program, Industrial Maintenance Engineering
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX 76705
Phone: 254-867-4878 (office)
Fax: 254-867-3570
E-mail: terry.cooper@tstc.edu

Jeff McCoy
Parallax Power Supply Expert
4118 E. 900 St.
Warren, IN 46792
Phone: 260-519-2799
E-mail: jmccoy@parallaxpower.com