John McGilvary i started a camper project and took it down to the frame leaving the walls I wanted to redo the electric and be able to plug a 10 gauge extension cord and have the new outlets work how would I do that
Bro! This video was EXCELLENT!!! Im a brand new RV owner (only 8 days) and even after the 2 hour walk through when I took delivery, I was still left with a ton of questions that I didn't think to ask. You broke this subject down to such a simple level that it made sense to me and all the other pieces came together. On behalf of all us "dummies", thanks for taking the time to make this video.
9 years later Eric and this video really helped me today. Understanding the rate at which my batteries are getting charged kept me from getting ripped off.
I bought my first RV 4 days ago, so this is all new to me. The dealership and all other TH-cam videos I found could not compare to yours on this subject. Very well done. You explained it in the simplest way even for the many people with no understanding of electrical. Your video answered every question I had. I have been an industrial electrician/electronics technician for 30 years. Great job! Thank you.
Nice explanations! This video definitely follows your goal of simplify. One thing to note - if you buy a "smaller" inverter to start with, then upgrade to a larger one the original inverter can be left in place while the larger one can take over some of the larger loads. So incremental inverter purchases are very cost effective. I have four separate inverters that are now each dedicated to one "job" or area. For instance one runs my computers while another runs my video / sound system and so on. Again, thanks for sharing ! ! !
Marilynn Arnold take it with a grain of salt, not all of this information is true. Expecially what he said about plugging into a smaller 20amp service. Most A/C will run on 20amp service and very much liveable.
You should think about making this (RV dumb down 101) a permanent addition to your show. This particular video confirmed my suspicions about my RV that I just got. I am a complete newbie at this whole RV’ing thing and this video helped a great deal, thank you!
I installed a 1000 watt inverter in our 5th wheel so we can stop and watch TV while taking a break at a truck stop without running the generator, and agin you are right we have sat and watch TV, movies from our DVD player for over 4 hours and still had power. We also just ran the wire from our battery to a central place in the RV so if my wife needed a 110 plug device she could use it as well. but do use a heavier gauge wire for every 6 feet from the battery to prevent power loss or heating of the wire.
I know this is one of your older videos but you just answered so many of my questions that nobody else had. Thank you for this!!! My wife and I have been full time RVing since July 1st, 2018. I just started doing some TH-cam videos for our family's so they can stay updated. Thanks for the inspiration!!!
I am new to living in an rv probably as my permanent retirement. I was a broadcast engineer, animatronics, and a few more tech jobs but I would have never got an understanding on the building blocks of my new lifestyle in an rv without your perfect way of putting it the way u did. I can build well on your experience. Thank you so much for your efforts. Thats what friends are for.
Thank you SO much. I am in Australia so our words are a little different but for the first time I understand HOW it all works, please keep making these "for dummies" videos!
I made it thru the video and definitely got a better understanding of power in my RV. I have a Class B that I am converting into a mobile salon. I had my shampoo sink installed today!!! So now I am waiting on a deep cycle battery and 3000 watt inverter to run maybe my A/C or heater (its a combo unit)....and my hairdryer/flat irons....maybe TV. Love your videos. Learning lots of interesting stuff. Love watching you and your cat on your adventures.
I just bought a class b rv camper and yesterday I found that my house battery was dead. I couldn't understand why?? After viewing your video, now I understand and know what I have to do. Awesome video. Thank you Eric.
Nice job explaining everything in a more simple manner than others have! I'm looking to move off grid and into a RV over the next few months and have been looking for as much practical advice as I can find beforehand.
I am new to Travel Trailers. I have no idea how this all works but I am excited to learn! Thanks for the video! It has helped out our family. I am looking forward to watching more videos and learning more. Thx again for this. I think you're helping more people than those who complain to you.
This is incredible voluminous information for dummies like me. So many of the other van and RV dwellers have overlooked basic content like this video. Thanks for sharing!
I love when people take the time to explain anything is a simplified manner. This was great Eric. I go out of my to find these helpful resources. This information is always relevant. I appreciate it. Say hi to Jax; love pets!
Eric, this is a fabulous video. You have a knack for sharing your knowledge. I'm thinking you'd make a great teacher. Can't wait to see what you do with the solar once you get it. Stay safe.
Thank you for the explaining what the battery runs while boon docking. I have looked at many videos, but your video was the easiest to understand and it was exactly what I was looking for. Now, I understand the difference between the two.
This is a good video. If you up the size of your big inverter, you will also need more battery capacity. Finally, I'd suggest you get a small, "pure sine wave" inverter to charge your computer and anything electronic. Most things don't need it, but you will eventually fry your power supply for your laptop (that modified sine wave inverter is slowly beating on it and will definitely shorten its life). You need maybe a 300 watt one and they aren't absurdly expensive.
Maybe that is what happened to mine? We had just arrived to Fl, and has been a day or 4 when I plugged in my Laptop. My wife and I both heard a "pop" and has not worked since.
Thanks for the explanation. My husband & I are new owners (after only a weekend trip in the RV & two weeks of playing around with it parked) that were scratching our heads over the outlet power. When they worked & when they didn't. This helped our understanding of the electrical. ***SUBSCRIBED*** Keep up the good work and pet Jax for me. ;-)
Thanks for breaking it down and explaining all the terms. Some videos throw terms out there expecting we all know them. Going full time next year. Thanks again
thank you sooo much for offering a simple and accesible way of beginning to understand all this ... I perceive it as a very solid trustworthy "diving board" to launch myself off to deepening my understanding of how all this works - its given me quite a few start off information to start studying and investigating also online ... great work!!! so grateful.
Thank you for sharing in a way that has made it somewhat easier for me to understand the 12 volt system in my little RV Trailer. My trailer is 15 feet long, does not have a fan or refrigerator or air conditioning. It does have a power convertor and I assume it must have an inverter. It has 12 volt RV Lights that are working just fine running on the 12 volt batteries and on hard power. It does have a little car type steroe and that is also working fine. When I plug the RV into hard power at home the 110 outlets work just fine. However, the 12 volt power / cigarette lighter type outlets do not work at all. There are two 12 volt outlets inside the rv trailer and two in the storage compartments that are only accessible from the outside of the trailer. The trailer is a True North, Outdoor Support Utility Vehicle made by Northwoods, it is a 2008 model and has had very little use power wise. For the most part I have used solar rechargeable lanterns and other equipment that I have purchased for tent camping. I do however like to use the 12 volt outlets to charge and maintain a charge in my laptop, cell phone, etc. I've checked the fuses and found that one fuse was burnt out and I have replaced the burnt fuse, but it hasn't made any difference. Do you know if there is something else I could check before booking an appointment with an RV dealer. To be honest, it seems my little RV is of very little interest to any of the repair facilities, I always seem to sit at the back of the line waiting for service.
Eric, I want to thank you for this video and all the videos that you do. You are teaching me SO MUCH... I learned more during this video that I have in awhile. I really didn't understand exactly what an inverter was, how ac vs dc worked within an RV, and how it all changed when plugged in or boondocking or using generators or solar... So I need you to know that people are paying attention, I am paying attention. YOU ARE HELPING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.As you said in a previous video about how you got to your rv.... I am standing at that cliff... I'm doing my research... I'm watching all the rv'ers on youtube, and I'm learning and learning... and stepping closer and closer to that magic decision of CAN I DO THIS. I already know I want to do this.... but can I do this... You are helping me more than you know.I know that I am FAR FAR behind in your videos. Forgive me for that. I just discovered you and I am binge watching your playlist of vlogs in chronological order. You looked so sad at the beginning. Then you seemed to perk up, but during this 10 day rain storm, leaks in the roof, school ending, documentary interview problems, Les Misables shows craziness... you looked not so perked up anymore. I was getting alittle worried about you. So.. anywho...I just want you to know that there is a woman over her in Pennsylvania, that is listening to everyword you say, taking it all in and learning from them. Threating them as the advice that they are. I would love to donate to your repairs fund, but I barely have enough to keep myself and my 80 year old alz mom fed and warm. But you still have my support for whenever you are feeling down or overwhelmed.... I'm here for you....Thank you.I hope this made sense and didn't ramble too much. Safe travels!
Thanks for the vid! I am purchasing an old 1989 Class C Ford Coachmen Catalina in one week. I got scared when the guy told me he only has the chassis battery. I'm thinking he hasn't looked for the other one or I have to get one. He hasn't been able to get a few things to work in the house so videos like this are a great help to me as I am not rich and plan on boondocking with my 2 dogs for the most part! Thanks!
Dude, I have been watching your videos all night and you have no IDEA how much you have helped me. I just purchased an 84 tioga 23ft so almost an identical RV and it's been confusing the crap out of me as to why those outlets didn't work. Looks like a need to get a small inverter for a temporary solution and look into installing a larger one when I can. My demands are low though, just need to charge my macbook pro and my smartphone. Me and my wife will be boondocking it until our life turns around, both unemployed but don't qualify for unemployment so we have basically zero income. An RV, as you pointed out, is hella lot cheaper than rent. Situation is almost identical, RV is almost identical. Thanks brother for all your help.
I can message them or email them or something. We picked it up a couple of days ago and still have the apartment to the end of the month so we are in the process of selling and packing and moving. Let me know how you want the pics and is be glad to send them. One quick question, do you prefer the loft bed or the rear bed? Loft actually looks really comfy.
Thanks man, my wife and I will have to experiment I suppose and see what works best for us. If we like the lost we were talking about turning the rear bed into a raised sitting area/lounge.
This is wonderful! Thanks so much for this valuable information. I thought my rv was broken because the plugs didn't work, lol. As a semi truck driver, I should have known about the inverter option, I guess I just assumed it wasn't needed.
I am so glad that I came across your video.. I'm glad that you made a video for people that don't have a lot of money that need to power their RV and a simple way. I too I'm going to be living in my RV because it's cheaper than renting and I just need ideas how to do the basic living and things I can do by myself. here in Virginia I thank you for making these videos please keep on
I know this is an older video but first time I am seeing your work. Definitely helping me wrap my head around the process but DC is definitely the better way to go especially if you go solar.
I love this guy...Thanks for all the cool videos and for letting all of us live vicariously threw you...If I wasn't tied down to the business I have this would be my dream...Ever think of wintering in a warmer climate?
I'm always wondering about different ways to make a living on the road...I saw your video on that but was wondering how much you can make with different means...I mean it's nice that you get by but it would be so much nicer if you had the money when something major happens to your motorhome:)...any more ideas?...I personally am a dog groomer and I know I could do that here and there by it's not something I want to do forever...maybe once in awhile:)...I've heard people get paid for blogs or ads on Facebook...Don't know anything about it though:)
This video has answered all my questions. I needed the basics of what converts to what, etc. I have a mini bar fridge & freezer 110volt 1 amp each, no battery & SUV only 4 flat harness. Now i can power up yellow wire to camper, use an inverter off 12V socket for power during transport. Subscribed :)
Eric, Thanks. I bought split charge relay, 6 x 100 W solar panels, and charge 4 leisure batteries 110amp, and 2 inverters 3000 W pure sine and 1000 modified sine. This runs all fridge, electric hobs, pc, laptop, phones,lights, bluetooth speakers and hoover. Best advice i give for travel living is cleaning, I got to do that everyday because dust and carpets quickly build up. take care, Garvin
Harbor Freight has some pretty awesome inverters for a fairly reasonable price. Only thing is you will have to most likely add another deep cell battery and use some heavy duty cables, but i do recommend them
To clarify, Harbor Freight sells modified-sine inverters, which can damage sensitive electrical equipment, but modified sine inverters are much cheaper than pure sine inverters.
Eric you rock! Just found your videos, I really appreciate your explanations. You definitely have an audience that are at the level where you are sharing/teaching/educating! And I love how your cat looks HUGE on your new T shift.
Great video for the basics. I have thought of an idea for those people that want all their "normal" outlets to always work, but haven't tried it. I would think a person could plug their shore power into the inverter. But like you I don't see that as all that necessary.
It's nice to see someone doing things on tight budget.. A lot of videos forget that we plebs don't have buckets full of cash hanging out our arses...... keep it real 🚮
No coffee! Get a French press. Boil water, put grounds in press and viola! Coffee! Options are good.😉 You did a wonderful job on explaining it. I'm a noobie to RV'ing so appreciate the simple overview. Question: How long will two 6 volts batteries run lights and possibly charge a phone? Thanks again.
Thank you for this video! Great explanations & it really helped me (I had no idea that I shouldn't use a standard extension cord for extended periods). One thing that weirded me out when I bought my RV was a switch on the left side of the driver's seat that says "Dual" & "Mom". I guess Dual is to charge both batteries while driving while Mom is for 'momentary' for connecting the coach battery to help start the RV.
Always trying to see what I can get away with plugging in to mine. Fans, computers, and small appliances usually run with no issues. If only I could find a low powered A/c unit. So far, a Luma swamp cooler is the best I can do. Thanks for this 12 volt explanation and breaking it down so simple!
Thanks for this, very helpful. We are having an issue with our battery disconnect switch, it won’t stay in either the “Use” or “Store” position. This seems to be preventing us from accessing the 12V power?
Thank you so much for this information! I just got a 1976 Winnebago Chieftain to restore and cannot find the control panel??? All in time, I have LOTS to learn!!
If you have a large enough battery bank, and a proper sized inverter, you could run it for short periods. I wouldn't cook a turkey using the inverter though.
@@Kenweb619 Depending on type of battery and if you choose pure sine inverter (minimum 2000 watts). The install itself can be DIY. Watch videos on proper wire sizing. Around $500 if you DIY.
Thank you that was very helpful I'm buying a 95 Winnebago Brave and I don't know how to do anything on it I've never been camping but you've been a lot of help thank you so much
id like to say thank you that you made this video i been trying to figure this out all night i bought a rv the other day and its not got any manuals for it and couldn't figure it out
I appreciate your educational vids. I am in the process of buying a Class B and a lot of this is new to me. Being able to watch these informative videos are helpful. My unit will have lithium ion batteries. I hope their operation won't be much different.
Hi Eric This Elias from so cal again, I don't spend that much time in my RV, I do have a portable instant power device just like yours, I bought it from Wal-Mart, when it comes to lightening the RV I use two 2AA battery operated led lamps, and I only use the portable power device to charge my cell or tablet. Twice a week, I do not use running water in the RV, instead of that I always carry gallons and whenever and wherever I see a faucet I fill up my gallons,
Nice explanation, thanks. I am leaving this weekend on a two week adventure but my A/C and microwave have stopped working. I wanted to know where the second set of fuses and breakers are, I have a converter and my RV looks like yours.. 1983 Ford. Thanks
For the benefit of others since this reply is to an old post- If you are plugged into shore power, open up your main circuit breaker panel. There is only one. If the fuze on the converter is good and you hear it running. All AC (house) current runs through breakers on the panel. If they all show "on", fully switch them off, then flip them back on to reset the breaker. If on generator, there is a switch at the front right corner which is the breaker for the generator. Flip it off and back on to reset it. Hope this helps.
Haven't thought it right thru yet but I'm thinking if you made up an extension cord with male plugs on each end you could run it from your inverter to your shore power with a 15 amp converter plug to get power to all of your 115V outlets in the rig. You'd just have to watch that you don't overload it by plugging in too much at a time.
Eric, this video was so helpful. Thank You. Question... Since you live full time in your RV and you are mostly boondocking without using your generator, do you pretty much solely run your fridge with LP gas?
Nomadic Fanatic Thanks again man! I'm set to leave full time on Sept 5th in a 99 Coachman Catalina. I've been watching the hell out of your videos, so much good information.
Another great video! Boondocking is very similar to go tent camping... Technology has made possible to have some first need artifacts able to work, but its just to make you go through more smoothly. If people really need all the outlets, then there is a cost to it! If they can manage, great! If any other person can't, then they have to start at the bottom and work their way up! 👍
This helped a lot thank you! I'm still not sure i have made a great decision to live in this RV, but i hope i can figure it all out fast. You have been very helpful
Last year I started using solar last year with our tent camper. After doing things wrong it works so much better. 100 Watt Panel, marine battery with reserve of 180, control box and a 500 watt pure sine inverter. I bought everything off of Amazon. FYI: I got the 100 Watt panel for FREE, long story.
Hello, this video has been relatively helpful in understanding more basics... I'm in a situation right now... I had just recently come up on a 1982 Chevy P30 Aluma-Lite Motorhome. I got a smoking deal on it, and the interior is in excellent condition, but it had been sitting for years. It's my new permanent home on a 11 acre property in Paulden. I had a few more questions regarding the generator and overall wiring. I've been told that I can't cross any wires from solar with anything else that already exists. I guess that would fry wiring from what I was told. We live pretty minimally, so I'm trying to figure out a way to provide some heat via solar panels for this upcoming winter. Trying to avoid using too much propane or gasoline... Is this an unreasonable exception for me to want to achieve? I appreciate any feedback and instruction. I'm considering making a short TH-cam video kind of going over the RV and asking questions that arise and seeing what folks have to tell me. I've been having trouble finding content on my particular RV, even Manuel's. Would that be advantageous to do or a waste of time?
You are going to love having some solar (sure you do by now). a buddy of mine used a large higher watt, and volt (36? 48?) house rooftop panel (he scored used) and the right "step down" controller. Thanks for pointing out that the "power center" often only trickle charges, even when generator is running? It may be faster (but higher risk of CO to run the vehicle to charge house batts. I have to figure that out. It is generally fairly EZ and inexpensive to add more deep cycle house batts. Good points about the 1000 W converter. Wont run say a vacuum. I get as many cordless quality tools as i can, Have a great 20V vacuum from DeWalt. you can charge such batteries with a lighter plug style inverter. changing out all 12v lights to LED saves huge house batt power. I have found out that the furnaces fan is pretty inefficient (uses far more house batt than I had imagined) want to do upgrades to keep the heat going, but the catalytic heaters IMO ( and many others) not for sleeping. Good simple explanation. to run an AC for any amount of time on DC we'd need a tesla batt and a hella high watt inverter. In arid hot climates swamp coolers are golden esp 12v. There are 12V to other DC voltage converters that are much more efficient that 12v DC to 110 ac back to say 18v dc for dc items like laptops, Modern TVs as well cheap. I learned the hard way that external generators like a quiet honda or yamaha (or loud ones) that have a 12v charge are weak trickles. I like you know have an external "smart charger" (mines from West Marine) and it will charge my house or starting batts PDQ. My rig's alternator will do so more quickly......one can upgrade their alternator if needed PS. Having a bunch of aa aaa c d and such lights and other dc gadgets and investing in rechargeable batteries is also a great way to have longer boondocking and important backup.
Very well done, I am an electrician, and saw nothing that I would not be completely comfortable with in your explanation. Thanks!
John McGilvary i started a camper project and took it down to the frame leaving the walls I wanted to redo the electric and be able to plug a 10 gauge extension cord and have the new outlets work how would I do that
Bro! This video was EXCELLENT!!! Im a brand new RV owner (only 8 days) and even after the 2 hour walk through when I took delivery, I was still left with a ton of questions that I didn't think to ask. You broke this subject down to such a simple level that it made sense to me and all the other pieces came together. On behalf of all us "dummies", thanks for taking the time to make this video.
9 years later Eric and this video really helped me today. Understanding the rate at which my batteries are getting charged kept me from getting ripped off.
I bought my first RV 4 days ago, so this is all new to me. The dealership and all other TH-cam videos I found could not compare to yours on this subject. Very well done. You explained it in the simplest way even for the many people with no understanding of electrical. Your video answered every question I had. I have been an industrial electrician/electronics technician for 30 years. Great job! Thank you.
Nice explanations! This video definitely follows your goal of simplify. One thing to note - if you buy a "smaller" inverter to start with, then upgrade to a larger one the original inverter can be left in place while the larger one can take over some of the larger loads. So incremental inverter purchases are very cost effective. I have four separate inverters that are now each dedicated to one "job" or area. For instance one runs my computers while another runs my video / sound system and so on.
Again, thanks for sharing ! ! !
This is the closet I've come to understanding how the power works in an RV.
Marilynn Arnold take it with a grain of salt, not all of this information is true. Expecially what he said about plugging into a smaller 20amp service. Most A/C will run on 20amp service and very much liveable.
Same here.
Just found this video! You are so fantastic and very informative for us “less then rich”, single boondockers! Much love!
I agree with this vid being great for those on a budget but there's no way you're single... No offense but, not buying it.
You should think about making this (RV dumb down 101) a permanent addition to your show. This particular video confirmed my suspicions about my RV that I just got. I am a complete newbie at this whole RV’ing thing and this video helped a great deal, thank you!
thanks much. I know this is 7 years old, but I just bought our RV 6 mos ago and getting ready for an overnight boondocking soon!
I have watched a lot of videos on RV electrical systems and this is the most understandable introductory overview for a person new to the RV world.
An oldie but goodie😁. I am a total greenhorn and this gave me some basics. Still have more to learn though. Thanks!
Great stuff!!
Thanks for taking the time to simplify it, especially for people like me who are just starting out.
I installed a 1000 watt inverter in our 5th wheel so we can stop and watch TV while taking a break at a truck stop without running the generator, and agin you are right we have sat and watch TV, movies from our DVD player for over 4 hours and still had power. We also just ran the wire from our battery to a central place in the RV so if my wife needed a 110 plug device she could use it as well. but do use a heavier gauge wire for every 6 feet from the battery to prevent power loss or heating of the wire.
This is one of the most calmly-rational, helpful videos I’ve ever found on the Internet. Kudos and thanks for the awesome content.
I know this is one of your older videos but you just answered so many of my questions that nobody else had.
Thank you for this!!!
My wife and I have been full time RVing since July 1st, 2018. I just started doing some TH-cam videos for our family's so they can stay updated. Thanks for the inspiration!!!
I've been a sub since you were in college. Sometimes I just like to watch some of your old stuff. Takes me back to calmer times.
I am new to living in an rv probably as my permanent retirement. I was a broadcast engineer, animatronics, and a few more tech jobs but I would have never got an understanding on the building blocks of my new lifestyle in an rv without your perfect way of putting it the way u did. I can build well on your experience. Thank you so much for your efforts. Thats what friends are for.
Thank you SO much. I am in Australia so our words are a little different but for the first time I understand HOW it all works, please keep making these "for dummies" videos!
I made it thru the video and definitely got a better understanding of power in my RV. I have a Class B that I am converting into a mobile salon. I had my shampoo sink installed today!!! So now I am waiting on a deep cycle battery and 3000 watt inverter to run maybe my A/C or heater (its a combo unit)....and my hairdryer/flat irons....maybe TV. Love your videos. Learning lots of interesting stuff. Love watching you and your cat on your adventures.
I just bought a class b rv camper and yesterday I found that my house battery was dead. I couldn't understand why?? After viewing your video, now I understand and know what I have to do. Awesome video. Thank you Eric.
Nice job explaining everything in a more simple manner than others have! I'm looking to move off grid and into a RV over the next few months and have been looking for as much practical advice as I can find beforehand.
I am new to Travel Trailers. I have no idea how this all works but I am excited to learn! Thanks for the video! It has helped out our family. I am looking forward to watching more videos and learning more. Thx again for this. I think you're helping more people than those who complain to you.
ooh! a dumbed down version! this may be the one that i need! lol. watching now....
This is incredible voluminous information for dummies like me. So many of the other van and RV dwellers have overlooked basic content like this video. Thanks for sharing!
This old vid just came up on my feed. Wow been 7 years I've been subscribed and have felt you and Jax consider me a friend.
I love when people take the time to explain anything is a simplified manner. This was great Eric. I go out of my to find these helpful resources. This information is always relevant. I appreciate it. Say hi to Jax; love pets!
Eric, this is a fabulous video. You have a knack for sharing your knowledge. I'm thinking you'd make a great teacher. Can't wait to see what you do with the solar once you get it. Stay safe.
Thank you for the explaining what the battery runs while boon docking. I have looked at many videos, but your video was the easiest to understand and it was exactly what I was looking for. Now, I understand the difference between the two.
This is a good video. If you up the size of your big inverter, you will also need more battery capacity. Finally, I'd suggest you get a small, "pure sine wave" inverter to charge your computer and anything electronic. Most things don't need it, but you will eventually fry your power supply for your laptop (that modified sine wave inverter is slowly beating on it and will definitely shorten its life). You need maybe a 300 watt one and they aren't absurdly expensive.
Maybe that is what happened to mine? We had just arrived to Fl, and has been a day or 4 when I plugged in my Laptop. My wife and I both heard a "pop" and has not worked since.
Thanks for the explanation. My husband & I are new owners (after only a weekend trip in the RV & two weeks of playing around with it parked) that were scratching our heads over the outlet power. When they worked & when they didn't. This helped our understanding of the electrical. ***SUBSCRIBED*** Keep up the good work and pet Jax for me. ;-)
Thanks for breaking it down and explaining all the terms. Some videos throw terms out there expecting we all know them. Going full time next year. Thanks again
thank you sooo much for offering a simple and accesible way of beginning to understand all this ... I perceive it as a very solid trustworthy "diving board" to launch myself off to deepening my understanding of how all this works - its given me quite a few start off information to start studying and investigating also online ... great work!!! so grateful.
Thank you for sharing in a way that has made it somewhat easier for me to understand the 12 volt system in my little RV Trailer. My trailer is 15 feet long, does not have a fan or refrigerator or air conditioning. It does have a power convertor and I assume it must have an inverter. It has 12 volt RV Lights that are working just fine running on the 12 volt batteries and on hard power. It does have a little car type steroe and that is also working fine. When I plug the RV into hard power at home the 110 outlets work just fine. However, the 12 volt power / cigarette lighter type outlets do not work at all. There are two 12 volt outlets inside the rv trailer and two in the storage compartments that are only accessible from the outside of the trailer. The trailer is a True North, Outdoor Support Utility Vehicle made by Northwoods, it is a 2008 model and has had very little use power wise. For the most part I have used solar rechargeable lanterns and other equipment that I have purchased for tent camping. I do however like to use the 12 volt outlets to charge and maintain a charge in my laptop, cell phone, etc. I've checked the fuses and found that one fuse was burnt out and I have replaced the burnt fuse, but it hasn't made any difference. Do you know if there is something else I could check before booking an appointment with an RV dealer. To be honest, it seems my little RV is of very little interest to any of the repair facilities, I always seem to sit at the back of the line waiting for service.
Exactly what I was looking for to explain all the components I hear mentioned in various videos. Thanks!
Great video. Simple, but not too simple, straightforward and accurate. Thanks!
Very helpful info for people not having $$$$ to spend on energy options. Thanks for a great video as always
Thank you for filming this and putting it up. Helped out immensely!
Good job, great simple explanation of converters and inverters, how they work and what they do!
Finally a video i can understand on how power works on an RV. Thank you, your videos are easy to understand..
Thank you for not jumping straight into lingo!!!!! Awesommme vid for us rv beginners. The best one ive seen, actually.
Thank you for stating how many things you can run off of a 1000 watt inverter, that gives me a much better understanding of what to get.
Eric, I want to thank you for this video and all the videos that you do. You are teaching me SO MUCH... I learned more during this video that I have in awhile. I really didn't understand exactly what an inverter was, how ac vs dc worked within an RV, and how it all changed when plugged in or boondocking or using generators or solar... So I need you to know that people are paying attention, I am paying attention. YOU ARE HELPING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.As you said in a previous video about how you got to your rv.... I am standing at that cliff... I'm doing my research... I'm watching all the rv'ers on youtube, and I'm learning and learning... and stepping closer and closer to that magic decision of CAN I DO THIS. I already know I want to do this.... but can I do this... You are helping me more than you know.I know that I am FAR FAR behind in your videos. Forgive me for that. I just discovered you and I am binge watching your playlist of vlogs in chronological order. You looked so sad at the beginning. Then you seemed to perk up, but during this 10 day rain storm, leaks in the roof, school ending, documentary interview problems, Les Misables shows craziness... you looked not so perked up anymore. I was getting alittle worried about you. So.. anywho...I just want you to know that there is a woman over her in Pennsylvania, that is listening to everyword you say, taking it all in and learning from them. Threating them as the advice that they are. I would love to donate to your repairs fund, but I barely have enough to keep myself and my 80 year old alz mom fed and warm. But you still have my support for whenever you are feeling down or overwhelmed.... I'm here for you....Thank you.I hope this made sense and didn't ramble too much. Safe travels!
This is one of the most helpful videos out there for new RVers... thank you!
I went looking for this video and the Renogy install one to understand the workings of my RV power. Thanks for the plain language. I finally get it!
Make sure that each and every wire you have coming off the positive terminal of the battery goes through a fuse or circuit breaker or risk a fire.
Thx! Is it necessary to hv a ground as well or only if you don't have a fuse?
@@jennyorky1378 grounding doesn't replace a fuse. Thats why your house has both. Grounding gives current a path other than through you.
Thanks for the vid! I am purchasing an old 1989 Class C Ford Coachmen Catalina in one week. I got scared when the guy told me he only has the chassis battery. I'm thinking he hasn't looked for the other one or I have to get one. He hasn't been able to get a few things to work in the house so videos like this are a great help to me as I am not rich and plan on boondocking with my 2 dogs for the most part! Thanks!
Dude, I have been watching your videos all night and you have no IDEA how much you have helped me. I just purchased an 84 tioga 23ft so almost an identical RV and it's been confusing the crap out of me as to why those outlets didn't work. Looks like a need to get a small inverter for a temporary solution and look into installing a larger one when I can. My demands are low though, just need to charge my macbook pro and my smartphone. Me and my wife will be boondocking it until our life turns around, both unemployed but don't qualify for unemployment so we have basically zero income. An RV, as you pointed out, is hella lot cheaper than rent. Situation is almost identical, RV is almost identical. Thanks brother for all your help.
I can message them or email them or something. We picked it up a couple of days ago and still have the apartment to the end of the month so we are in the process of selling and packing and moving. Let me know how you want the pics and is be glad to send them. One quick question, do you prefer the loft bed or the rear bed? Loft actually looks really comfy.
Thanks man, my wife and I will have to experiment I suppose and see what works best for us. If we like the lost we were talking about turning the rear bed into a raised sitting area/lounge.
This is wonderful! Thanks so much for this valuable information. I thought my rv was broken because the plugs didn't work, lol.
As a semi truck driver, I should have known about the inverter option, I guess I just assumed it wasn't needed.
I am so glad that I came across your video.. I'm glad that you made a video for people that don't have a lot of money that need to power their RV and a simple way. I too I'm going to be living in my RV because it's cheaper than renting and I just need ideas how to do the basic living and things I can do by myself. here in Virginia I thank you for making these videos please keep on
Just found this today and glad I did!! I’m a newbie And of all the videos out there this was the best Explaining power in simple terms!!! Thank you!!
I know this is an older video but first time I am seeing your work. Definitely helping me wrap my head around the process but DC is definitely the better way to go especially if you go solar.
So glad I went back to see from the beginning. I really needed this course. Thank you.
I love this guy...Thanks for all the cool videos and for letting all of us live vicariously threw you...If I wasn't tied down to the business I have this would be my dream...Ever think of wintering in a warmer climate?
I'm always wondering about different ways to make a living on the road...I saw your video on that but was wondering how much you can make with different means...I mean it's nice that you get by but it would be so much nicer if you had the money when something major happens to your motorhome:)...any more ideas?...I personally am a dog groomer and I know I could do that here and there by it's not something I want to do forever...maybe once in awhile:)...I've heard people get paid for blogs or ads on Facebook...Don't know anything about it though:)
keep us posted:)
Thank you so much for your video. You were very well spoken and knew how to explain things in an understandable way.
I’m so glad I found your video. Thank you for making this! We are purchasing a camper next month so this helps a lot
This video has answered all my questions. I needed the basics of what converts to what, etc. I have a mini bar fridge & freezer 110volt 1 amp each, no battery & SUV only 4 flat harness. Now i can power up yellow wire to camper, use an inverter off 12V socket for power during transport. Subscribed :)
Awesome! I know this video might be so old but I just wanted to take the time to say "Thank you" for the time and effort. Have a great one!!
Eric,
Thanks. I bought split charge relay, 6 x 100 W solar panels, and charge 4 leisure batteries 110amp, and 2 inverters 3000 W pure sine and 1000 modified sine. This runs all fridge, electric hobs, pc, laptop, phones,lights, bluetooth speakers and hoover.
Best advice i give for travel living is cleaning, I got to do that everyday because dust and carpets quickly build up.
take care,
Garvin
Harbor Freight has some pretty awesome inverters for a fairly reasonable price. Only thing is you will have to most likely add another deep cell battery and use some heavy duty cables, but i do recommend them
To clarify, Harbor Freight sells modified-sine inverters, which can damage sensitive electrical equipment, but modified sine inverters are much cheaper than pure sine inverters.
Funny that I remember watching this video when it first came out. Here I am watching it 7 years later guess I’m a fan.
Eric you rock! Just found your videos, I really appreciate your explanations. You definitely have an audience that are at the level where you are sharing/teaching/educating! And I love how your cat looks HUGE on your new T shift.
thank you so much for this simple but helpful explanation. i'm new to the rv world and this really worked for me!
Great video for the basics. I have thought of an idea for those people that want all their "normal" outlets to always work, but haven't tried it. I would think a person could plug their shore power into the inverter. But like you I don't see that as all that necessary.
It's nice to see someone doing things on tight budget..
A lot of videos forget that we plebs don't have buckets full of cash hanging out our arses...... keep it real 🚮
No coffee!
Get a French press. Boil water, put grounds in press and viola! Coffee!
Options are good.😉
You did a wonderful job on explaining it. I'm a noobie to RV'ing so appreciate the simple overview.
Question: How long will two 6 volts batteries run lights and possibly charge a phone?
Thanks again.
Thank you for this video! Great explanations & it really helped me (I had no idea that I shouldn't use a standard extension cord for extended periods). One thing that weirded me out when I bought my RV was a switch on the left side of the driver's seat that says "Dual" & "Mom". I guess Dual is to charge both batteries while driving while Mom is for 'momentary' for connecting the coach battery to help start the RV.
Thank You!!! I’m closer to understanding the whole system now. Working with a 1999 motorhome we are remodeling ❤️
THANK YOU! I wish I had watched this over a year ago. Great info and thanks for being not-so-technical.
Always trying to see what I can get away with plugging in to mine. Fans, computers, and small appliances usually run with no issues. If only I could find a low powered A/c unit. So far, a Luma swamp cooler is the best I can do. Thanks for this 12 volt explanation and breaking it down so simple!
A mini-split AC could work and/or installing a "soft start" device.
I just watched this for the 1st time. This is great for us non-elect person like myself but want to do it myself. Thanks for this video.
Thanks for this, very helpful. We are having an issue with our battery disconnect switch, it won’t stay in either the “Use” or “Store” position. This seems to be preventing us from accessing the 12V power?
Great advice ! I just bought a 77 Nomad travel trailer and your video was very helpful .
Thank you so much for this information! I just got a 1976 Winnebago Chieftain to restore and cannot find the control panel??? All in time, I have LOTS to learn!!
Eric keep up the good work. My family really enjoys your videos
This video is actually the first one I watched that made me understand. Thanks so much
This was a very good presentation. I was really confused about this topic, as I don't have my RV yet.
great explanation for us dummies!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and time! You answered all the questions I had.
Love the video I got a 2019 stealth 35 ft toy hauler and its just annoying that I have to turn the generator on everytime i want to use the microvave
If you have a large enough battery bank, and a proper sized inverter, you could run it for short periods. I wouldn't cook a turkey using the inverter though.
@@asphaltadventurer appreciate it you know of a installer is it expensive?
@@Kenweb619 Depending on type of battery and if you choose pure sine inverter (minimum 2000 watts). The install itself can be DIY. Watch videos on proper wire sizing. Around $500 if you DIY.
@@asphaltadventurer would a couple hundred bucks get you to do it 🙏🏼😂
@@Kenweb619 Are you in the greater Houston area?
You helped us in the first minute of your video to get our power back on haha thank you 💜 💚 💙
That really helped me understand a lot thank you Eric! God bless you!!!
Thank you that was very helpful I'm buying a 95 Winnebago Brave and I don't know how to do anything on it I've never been camping but you've been a lot of help thank you so much
That t-shirt is really nice! Nice clean design. Here for the info. thanks!
You are a great communicator. Thanks for the lesson.
id like to say thank you that you made this video i been trying to figure this out all night i bought a rv the other day and its not got any manuals for it and couldn't figure it out
it helped me very much
Mark Garner
I appreciate your educational vids. I am in the process of buying a Class B and a lot of this is new to me. Being able to watch these informative videos are helpful. My unit will have lithium ion batteries. I hope their operation won't be much different.
great video i just bought my first rv 22tf 1977 but its a start lol you inspired me
Hi Eric
This Elias from so cal again,
I don't spend that much time in my RV,
I do have a portable instant power device just like yours, I bought it from Wal-Mart, when it comes to lightening the RV I use two 2AA battery operated led lamps, and I only use the portable power device to charge my cell or tablet. Twice a week, I do not use running water in the RV, instead of that I always carry gallons and whenever and wherever I see a faucet I fill up my gallons,
I think I killed my battery when I let it run on extension cords all winter. Ugh, live and learn! Great video, THANK YOU!
Nice explanation, thanks. I am leaving this weekend on a two week adventure but my A/C and microwave have stopped working. I wanted to know where the second set of fuses and breakers are, I have a converter and my RV looks like yours.. 1983 Ford. Thanks
For the benefit of others since this reply is to an old post- If you are plugged into shore power, open up your main circuit breaker panel. There is only one. If the fuze on the converter is good and you hear it running. All AC (house) current runs through breakers on the panel. If they all show "on", fully switch them off, then flip them back on to reset the breaker. If on generator, there is a switch at the front right corner which is the breaker for the generator. Flip it off and back on to reset it. Hope this helps.
Haven't thought it right thru yet but I'm thinking if you made up an extension cord with male plugs on each end you could run it from your inverter to your shore power with a 15 amp converter plug to get power to all of your 115V outlets in the rig. You'd just have to watch that you don't overload it by plugging in too much at a time.
That was awesome! I will likely have to re-watch this a time or two and take notes; there was so much good info. Thanks!
Hey thanks a lot! I just acquired a 84 class A Sportscoach and I am terrible with electronics... So thanks again for any info you can provide.
Awesome video thanks I’m still trying to understand the converter and trickle charger process.
Eric, this video was so helpful. Thank You. Question... Since you live full time in your RV and you are mostly boondocking without using your generator, do you pretty much solely run your fridge with LP gas?
Nomadic Fanatic
Thanks again man! I'm set to leave full time on Sept 5th in a 99 Coachman Catalina. I've been watching the hell out of your videos, so much good information.
Another great video! Boondocking is very similar to go tent camping... Technology has made possible to have some first need artifacts able to work, but its just to make you go through more smoothly. If people really need all the outlets, then there is a cost to it! If they can manage, great! If any other person can't, then they have to start at the bottom and work their way up! 👍
This helped a lot thank you! I'm still not sure i have made a great decision to live in this RV, but i hope i can figure it all out fast. You have been very helpful
thank you Eric for your simplified explaination. it was very helpful.
Last year I started using solar last year with our tent camper. After doing things wrong it works so much better. 100 Watt Panel, marine battery with reserve of 180, control box and a 500 watt pure sine inverter. I bought everything off of Amazon. FYI: I got the 100 Watt panel for FREE, long story.
Hello, this video has been relatively helpful in understanding more basics... I'm in a situation right now... I had just recently come up on a 1982 Chevy P30 Aluma-Lite Motorhome. I got a smoking deal on it, and the interior is in excellent condition, but it had been sitting for years. It's my new permanent home on a 11 acre property in Paulden. I had a few more questions regarding the generator and overall wiring. I've been told that I can't cross any wires from solar with anything else that already exists. I guess that would fry wiring from what I was told. We live pretty minimally, so I'm trying to figure out a way to provide some heat via solar panels for this upcoming winter. Trying to avoid using too much propane or gasoline... Is this an unreasonable exception for me to want to achieve? I appreciate any feedback and instruction. I'm considering making a short TH-cam video kind of going over the RV and asking questions that arise and seeing what folks have to tell me. I've been having trouble finding content on my particular RV, even Manuel's. Would that be advantageous to do or a waste of time?
You are going to love having some solar (sure you do by now). a buddy of mine used a large higher watt, and volt (36? 48?) house rooftop panel (he scored used) and the right "step down" controller. Thanks for pointing out that the "power center" often only trickle charges, even when generator is running? It may be faster (but higher risk of CO to run the vehicle to charge house batts. I have to figure that out. It is generally fairly EZ and inexpensive to add more deep cycle house batts. Good points about the 1000 W converter. Wont run say a vacuum. I get as many cordless quality tools as i can, Have a great 20V vacuum from DeWalt. you can charge such batteries with a lighter plug style inverter. changing out all 12v lights to LED saves huge house batt power. I have found out that the furnaces fan is pretty inefficient (uses far more house batt than I had imagined) want to do upgrades to keep the heat going, but the catalytic heaters IMO ( and many others) not for sleeping. Good simple explanation. to run an AC for any amount of time on DC we'd need a tesla batt and a hella high watt inverter. In arid hot climates swamp coolers are golden esp 12v. There are 12V to other DC voltage converters that are much more efficient that 12v DC to 110 ac back to say 18v dc for dc items like laptops, Modern TVs as well cheap. I learned the hard way that external generators like a quiet honda or yamaha (or loud ones) that have a 12v charge are weak trickles. I like you know have an external "smart charger" (mines from West Marine) and it will charge my house or starting batts PDQ. My rig's alternator will do so more quickly......one can upgrade their alternator if needed PS. Having a bunch of aa aaa c d and such lights and other dc gadgets and investing in rechargeable batteries is also a great way to have longer boondocking and important backup.