Results for "50 amp"

Electrical Medium 2-6 hours 301 👍 4

RV Electrical Problems: 12V & 120V Troubleshooting Guide 2024

Around $500 in parts later — replaced the main breaker, cleaned all connections, checked the transfer switch — my 2007 Holiday Rambler Admiral SE still won't recognize shore power.

I'm pretty sure 110V is making it to the rig since I can measure it, but somewhere between the plug and my appliances, something's not happy. Energy management panel is dark too. What's the logical troubleshooting order here? I keep hearing about transfer switches and breaker panels but honestly don't know where to start without making things worse! …more

Read answer

Solar Batteries Medium 4-6 hours for inverter replacement 249 👍 1

RV Inverter Guide: Modified vs Pure Sine Wave - Safe Power

My multimeter's out and I'm ready to tackle this RV electrical mess myself — pretty sure the inverter's the culprit but need to know where to start. I have a 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Advantage with four deep cycle house batteries and recently installed a Xantrex 758 inverter to replace my old Freedom 15 unit. The first time I tried using the inverter power while unplugged from shore power, something very strange happened - a hair dryer in the bathroom started running by itself and wouldn't shut off when I tried the switch. I had to unplug it, and the handle was warm. The hair dryer appears to be ruined now.

When I bought the Xantrex 758, I paid around $725 for what I thought was a good unit, but I'm now learning there's a difference between modified sine wave and pure sine wave inverters. I wasn't aware of this distinction when I made the purchase, and it turns out the 758 is a modified sine wave unit. I've since heard that modern electronics, especially things like residential refrigerators, computers, and sensitive electronic components, can be damaged by modified sine wave power.

I'm really concerned about potentially damaging my new residential refrigerator, stereo system, and computer equipment. Should I be worried about using this modified sine wave inverter with modern RV electronics? Is the hair dryer incident a sign that I need to upgrade to a pure sine wave unit, or are there other factors that could have caused this problem? I'm trying to understand if my current setup is putting my expensive electronics at risk. …more

Read answer

Appliances Hard 8-16 hours 113 👍 0

Entegra Odyssey 26M Murphy Bed Couch Replacement and Ground Clearance Upgrade

Our 2022 Entegra Odyssey 26M's Murphy bed couch just completely failed at 11 PM and we desperately need a replacement solution before family arrives tomorrow morning. What if I could swap out that murphy bed couch for some fancy theater seats? I'm picturing myself reclining in luxury while Netflix loads at dial-up speeds thanks to campground wifi.

But here's where my engineering expertise (aka zero knowledge) kicks in - can theater seats even work with a murphy bed setup? Do the backs need to come off or fold down? And while I'm dreaming big, I'd also love to get a couple more inches of ground clearance so I stop scraping on every driveway entrance like I'm driving a lowrider.

Am I asking for the impossible, or is there actually a way to make this couch-to-theater-seat transformation happen? And what's the least complicated way to get this thing sitting a bit higher off the ground? …more

Read answer

Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Refrigerators

4.3 (9,200 reviews)

Engine Hard 4-6 hours installation 108 👍 0

SDI E-Clik vs Liquid Spring: Affordable F53 Chassis Suspension Upgrade Options

Nobody warned me that what started as minor swaying on highway trips last month would turn into white-knuckle driving every time I take my F53 chassis RV over 50mph. SDI E-Clik costs about a third of what Liquid Spring systems run, but I'm wondering what you actually get for that price difference.

Is E-Clik just electronic shock control, or does it offer more comprehensive suspension improvements? How does the ride quality compare between the two systems on F53 motorhomes? …more

Read answer

Ac Refrigeration Medium 4-6 hours 107 👍 0

RV 3-Way to 12V Compressor Fridge Replacement: Cut Power Use 80%

Three weeks into owning this RV and the previous owner left me with a power-hungry Norcold 3-way absorption fridge that's absolutely demolishing my 600AH battery bank daily.

I keep hearing people rave about switching to 12V compressor fridges like the Dometic DMC4101, claiming they'll solve all my power woes. But here's the thing - everyone says "it uses way less power" but nobody gives me actual numbers! I need the cold hard facts: exactly how much power will I save making this switch? Will it really make that big of a difference, or am I just trading one expensive problem for another?

Please tell me someone has real-world experience with the power consumption difference between these fridge types! …more

Read answer

Solar Batteries Medium 2-4 hours 107 👍 0

RV Battery Draining Overnight? Find & Fix Parasitic Drain

The day after I installed that new solar charge controller last month, my RV batteries started mysteriously draining from fully charged to completely dead overnight. I've already confirmed that all visible lights, fans, and appliances are turned off, and I've switched off the main interior power, but something is still drawing power continuously. I understand this is likely a parasitic drain where some component or circuit is staying energized when it shouldn't be, but I'm not sure how to systematically track down which specific circuit is causing the problem. I have a basic multimeter but I'm not entirely sure about the proper methodology for testing each circuit individually to isolate where exactly the power draw is coming from. What's the step-by-step process for using a multimeter to methodically work through the electrical system, starting from the main disconnect and testing individual fuses or circuits until I can pinpoint the exact source of this parasitic drain? …more

Read answer

Exterior Medium 2-4 hours 104 👍 0

How to Fix Cracked Dometic RV AC Covers & Roof Vents: Complete Repair

Already tried following a YouTube tutorial to fix the cracked Dometic air conditioner cover on my 2022 East to West 1900MMK travel trailer but somehow made the crack even worse. What are my repair options - can I fix the crack or should I replace the whole cover?

Also dealing with a broken cap on the roof tank vent. I'm curious about material choices - I've noticed galvanized steel can rust, while PVC seems to degrade in sunlight. What are the pros and cons of different vent cap materials? What's a reasonable price range for replacement?

Looking for practical solutions for both issues. …more

Read answer

Electrical Easy 10 min read 99 👍 0

RV Battery Disconnect Switch Guide: When to Use, What Loses Power & Staying Safe

Wondering if I can skip the $400 shop diagnosis for my electrical issues and just figure out this battery disconnect switch myself, even though I'm getting conflicting advice.

Specifically, I'm concerned about what happens to things like my LP gas detector, carbon monoxide alarm, and refrigerator when I disconnect the battery. Will I lose all my radio presets and clock settings? Are there certain situations where I absolutely shouldn't use the disconnect switch?

I want to use it for storage to prevent battery drain, but I'm also wondering about daily use scenarios. What are the best practices to avoid any problems or safety issues? I really don't want to mess anything up or put my family at risk. …more

Read answer

Solar Batteries Easy N/A - planning 91 👍 0

Winnebago Ekko Solar Battery Setup: Complete Boondocking Power Guide 2

Looked at our 2022 Winnebago Ekko's dual 320 Amp Hour Lithionics batteries and 450-watt solar setup after my wife mentioned it wasn't optimized for boondocking, and now I'm completely obsessing over our power management. Planning extended boondocking trips to music festivals and remote locations.

I'm particularly interested in understanding how feasible it is to run the roof AC while driving using solar panels and batteries, and ensuring enough power remains when I arrive at my destination. What's the best strategy for maximizing battery life and solar charging efficiency during extended off-grid stays? …more

Read answer

Slideouts Medium 45 minutes 90 👍 0

HWH 325 Levelers Shutting Off When Extended? Quick Fix Guide

This might sound like a warranty question, but before I start tearing into my HWH 325 series levelers that shut off when extended — am I covered or paying again? They power up just fine - all lights, sounds normal, no drama. But the SECOND I press any of the extend buttons, they shut off completely like I just insulted their mother.

I'm trying to level out while changing my motorhome's oil (because apparently I can't even do basic maintenance without my house deciding to be crooked), and these levelers are having none of it. Battery shows good on the panel, but I'm wondering if there's some kind of voltage issue happening when they try to actually work? Or maybe loose connections somewhere? Anyone dealt with this particular brand of RV stubbornness before? …more

Read answer

Slideouts Medium 2-4 hours 90 👍 0

Lippert Power Gear Slide Motor Replacement: Complete Guide to Parts &

Walked out to prep our RV this morning and discovered our Lippert Power Gear slide motor is making grinding noises and won't extend properly. My RV's slide motor is failing and I'm trying to figure out the best way to get replacement parts. The slide is getting sluggish and I suspect it's either the motor brushes or possibly something in the gearbox itself.

I've been searching everywhere for Lippert Power Gear parts but I'm not sure where to look or what my options are. As it stands, the replacement parts are ridiculously expensive - a $100 gearbox, $50 brake, and $100 motor, but Lippert wants nearly $1000 for the whole assembly. I just want to replace the brushes, but they won't even sell those separately!

Can I buy just the motor component, or do I need to replace the entire gearbox assembly? I really need to know where I can actually purchase these parts and how to determine whether it's a motor issue or a gear problem before I spend a fortune on the wrong repair! …more

Read answer

Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Batteries

4.5 (15,400 reviews)

Electrical Easy 30 minutes 89 👍 0

RV 12V Auto Reset Breaker Size Guide: 30A, 40A, 50A Selection

Opened up my RV this morning to prep for our two-week cross-country trip tomorrow and the electrical system keeps tripping the breaker every time I run basic appliances! My RV's entire 12V system just died completely - no lights, no water pump, nothing. I've checked everything I can think of and I'm pretty sure it's the auto reset breaker that's failed.

I have a WFCO converter/charger setup with dual 6V batteries, but I can't get underneath right now to read what's stamped on the current breaker. I need to order a replacement but I'm not sure what amperage to get. I keep seeing 30A, 40A, and 50A options online but I don't want to guess wrong and either undersize it or waste money.

What's the typical auto reset breaker size for this type of setup? Is there a standard that WFCO usually pairs with dual 6V battery systems? …more

Read answer

Solar Batteries Medium 4-6 hours 87 👍 0

Georgetown GT7 Lithium Battery Conversion: Complete RV Installation Guide

Turned the keys on my 2023 Georgetown GT7 and discovered the previous owner left the electrical system in complete shambles, now facing this intimidating lithium conversion nightmare. I know I need LiFePO4 batteries, but every forum post I read mentions different components and I'm getting conflicting information.

I really want to make this upgrade work - the lead acid batteries are killing me with their weight and charging limitations. What specific components do I need beyond the actual lithium batteries? I'm especially confused about whether my converter will work and if I need additional charging equipment for the alternator. Please tell me my 2023 model year gives me some advantage here! …more

Read answer

Electrical Easy N/A 86 👍 0

How to Safely Use Multiple RV Campground Pedestal Outlets: Electrical

I looked at my campsite setup and realized I need to safely tap multiple pedestal outlets for my RV without creating an electrical disaster. My toyhauler is plugged into the 50A service, but I'm thinking about also using the 20A outlet on the same pedestal for my residential washer/dryer and an electric tankless water heater.

Specifically, I want to plug in an electric tankless water heater for my toyhauler's setup, but I'm concerned about whether a 20A outlet can even handle that kind of load. Are these outlets on the same breaker as the 50A service? I don't want to trip breakers or worse, cause any damage to the campground's electrical system.

What's actually safe to plug into those extra pedestal outlets when you're already using the main 50A connection? I'm being extra cautious because I've heard horror stories about RV electrical issues. …more

Read answer

Solar Batteries Hard 4-6 hours 85 👍 0

50 Amp RV Inverter Charger Replacement: Complete Installation Guide 20

Finally moved into an RV with a 20-year-old Tradewinds inverter/charger unit that's completely dead and I have absolutely no idea how to replace it. The repair shop is offering a used Magnum MS2812 (2800VA) for $700 installed, but I'm concerned about its actual charging capacity versus my requirements.

My RV is wired for 50A shore power service, and I need an inverter/charger that can handle the full charging load. The shop claims the MS2812 will work, but the specifications seem to indicate it's only a 30A charger unit. Are there any legitimate 50A inverter/charger options available under $1000, or should I be looking at different manufacturers like Progressive Dynamics or Aims for this price range? …more

Read answer

Loading more Q&A...

You've seen all 41 Q&A articles!