DC to DC chargers are a game changer for rvers. Installing a DC to DC charger can allow an rver to keep their battery charged & negate the need for a noisy, messy, gas generator on many rving trips. The upfront cost is relatively high, but the installation is not that difficult. I'm 78 years old & am installing one now in our truck camper that we close to full time in. I was initially intimidated by the idea of them, but after some research & talking to a Redarc customer service tech, I realized I could install one myself. Teaching rvers how to install one would be a great service & could help to eliminate many, noisy gas generators from campgrounds.
I'm interested in advanced sessions listed above, Inverter systems, generator systems/maintenance and installation/maintenance of solar systems with lithium batteries.
I would say classes in all of the above. I am well above average in Ac/Dc theory and aplication and am still surprized by the things you turn up and the ways you get to the root of problems that I might have found in another way. Also, as your information is RV centric, adn others(like me) were from other genres(in my case aerospace) I know the DC side very well and the AC side less so. Thanks for the always very interesting articals and information!
Hi Mike, I love your columns. I am an Automotive / Software / Electrical Engineer in my daytime job, and rent a fleet of 15 motorhomes for my 'moon-lighting gig'. I can fix pretty much anything, but I often have to "come crawling back to Cummins" to fix Internal Onan/Cummins generator issues.
The Onan diagnostic manual they make for their own techs is useful, but it would be nice to have some classes on that.
BTW, I tend to put di-electric grease on all connections (low voltage sensors, 12vdc, 120vac, etc) that might get exposure to moisture or humidity... not just on 12v battery connections. It also eliminates arcing in high voltage connections. Your thoughts?
I am an owner and a General Contractor/Handyman so, I wan't to learn all areas above for RV. I really would like to become a technician and I've learned most of my knowledge form doing my own, successful, repairs/modifications, BUT, I cannot afford the tuition to go to school. THAT really hurts. I've spent MANY days troubleshooting electrical problems in our RV, my car, my truck and for friends/neighbors. I love electricity since I was a young boy! Still work with it, today. Getting ready to install an EV Charger station. Wiring, Breaker, boxes, conduit, etc. Always have my hands in something to do!
I think adding at least a section on different types of batteries. And the basics of how batteries work. Maybe a section on how to build lithium batteries.
1_ When I was a new RV'er (6 years ago), I really didn't understand where the AC in my rig came from (answer: shore power). Today, it could be from an inverter, shore power, etc. So basic AC/DC as applied in RV.
2_ I also had a GFCI trip, and didn't realize it, and started tearing apart outlets. So GFCI as applied to RV life.
3_ Battery charging. I didn't appreciate the importance of keeping flooded Lead-Acid charged above 50 %; so course on battery chemistry and associated care and feeding.
DC to DC chargers are a game changer for rvers. Installing a DC to DC charger can allow an rver to keep their battery charged & negate the need for a noisy, messy, gas generator on many rving trips. The upfront cost is relatively high, but the installation is not that difficult. I'm 78 years old & am installing one now in our truck camper that we close to full time in. I was initially intimidated by the idea of them, but after some research & talking to a Redarc customer service tech, I realized I could install one myself. Teaching rvers how to install one would be a great service & could help to eliminate many, noisy gas generators from campgrounds.
I'm interested in advanced sessions listed above, Inverter systems, generator systems/maintenance and installation/maintenance of solar systems with lithium batteries.
I would say classes in all of the above. I am well above average in Ac/Dc theory and aplication and am still surprized by the things you turn up and the ways you get to the root of problems that I might have found in another way. Also, as your information is RV centric, adn others(like me) were from other genres(in my case aerospace) I know the DC side very well and the AC side less so. Thanks for the always very interesting articals and information!
All
Hi Mike, I love your columns. I am an Automotive / Software / Electrical Engineer in my daytime job, and rent a fleet of 15 motorhomes for my 'moon-lighting gig'. I can fix pretty much anything, but I often have to "come crawling back to Cummins" to fix Internal Onan/Cummins generator issues.
The Onan diagnostic manual they make for their own techs is useful, but it would be nice to have some classes on that.
BTW, I tend to put di-electric grease on all connections (low voltage sensors, 12vdc, 120vac, etc) that might get exposure to moisture or humidity... not just on 12v battery connections. It also eliminates arcing in high voltage connections. Your thoughts?
Dave Meekhof
www.DavesRVs.com
Power users and battery life is always good. Like, I have 4. 6 volt house batteries, how long can they power my residential refrigerator?
5,7 14-19
I am an owner and a General Contractor/Handyman so, I wan't to learn all areas above for RV. I really would like to become a technician and I've learned most of my knowledge form doing my own, successful, repairs/modifications, BUT, I cannot afford the tuition to go to school. THAT really hurts. I've spent MANY days troubleshooting electrical problems in our RV, my car, my truck and for friends/neighbors. I love electricity since I was a young boy! Still work with it, today. Getting ready to install an EV Charger station. Wiring, Breaker, boxes, conduit, etc. Always have my hands in something to do!
All subjects would be helpful to just about anyone
All topics would be great!
How are you in understanding the entertainment systems in rv’s? I’m a retired electrician, but the audio/video is always a challenge for me.
I’m an A/V professional and teach advanced classes in it. Let me see if I can wrap my head around what RVs use.
3 4 15
I think adding at least a section on different types of batteries. And the basics of how batteries work. Maybe a section on how to build lithium batteries.
1_ When I was a new RV'er (6 years ago), I really didn't understand where the AC in my rig came from (answer: shore power). Today, it could be from an inverter, shore power, etc. So basic AC/DC as applied in RV.
2_ I also had a GFCI trip, and didn't realize it, and started tearing apart outlets. So GFCI as applied to RV life.
3_ Battery charging. I didn't appreciate the importance of keeping flooded Lead-Acid charged above 50 %; so course on battery chemistry and associated care and feeding.
1, 8, 14-17.
Thank you for this it is so important for a senior to be more informed to keep me out of trouble
1-7 and 12, 16 these are the most of interest but everything is something we should know a little about