Electrical

Tag: Electrical

	Water Heater Switch I really like the electric heating element in the water heater. But not having a switch inside for the heating element is stupid.
	Retractable AC Cord I use a cheap 1/2 inch drill to lower and raise the rear stabilizer jacks. To make that process easy I installed a retractable AC cord reel in the storage area.
	Backup Lights I always put backup lights on my RVs. We often leave late Friday after work for a weekend of camping and arrive at the campground after dark. Having backup lights is much better than using flashlights. I also have a switch in my truck so I can turn all the lights on from the truck. If I have to make a tight turn or do a u turn after dark I will turn on the lights so I can see where the tires are o
	Generator Wiring and Power Transfer Switch I have a Honda EU3000 generator that I love. When traveling across country we sometimes just need to put some miles behind us for 3-4 days. With the Honda we can stay in Wal-Marts or truck stops for quick overnight stays while having the comfort of air conditioning and TV. During the hot months I also run the air conditioner in the RV while on the road.
	Generator Wiring and Power Transfer Relay I have a Honda EU3000i generator and I love the thing. I bought it in Dec 2002 and have over 1000 hours on it. If it quit tomorrow I would buy another one just like it. It runs the AC with no problem. When we are just trying to get some miles behind us we will often over night in a WalMart parking lot or a truck stop. Having power gives us a lot of flexibility.
	Awning Motor Failure The awning motor failed the first time I extended the awning at home.
	Backup Lights I have added backup lights to every camper I've owned.
	Water Heater Switch I really like the electric heating element in the water heater. But not having a switch inside for the heating element is stupid.
	Generator Cord The only way to get the full 2800 watts from my Honda generator is to use the 30 amp twist lock outlet. I have a setup that works well with my generator in the back of the truck.
	Converter Switch On a recent trip out west I used my Honda EU3000i generator every day. It powered my 13,500 air conditioner, the power converter, the refrigerator and a crock pot. Everything worked fine except for one hot day near Page Arizona when the generator kicked out due to overload a couple of times.
	Voltage Meter Some campgrounds are fairly old and the electrical system may not be able to handle the power that modern RVs consume. Also since I run my generator often I like to know that it is putting out sufficient voltage. I got the meter in the photo below from Camping World.
	Fridge Fan I had a 12v fan from a computer case I was not using. These things are designed to run for a very long time. The fan was enclosed in a plastic housing. It was designed to force air through a computer case. The fan runs while the door is shut but shuts off when the door is open. The trick is to wire the fan across the switch for the light.
	Extra Water Pump Switch One of my quirks is I do not like to travel with the water pump on. 40 gallons of water inside from a loose fitting or faucet left running would ruin my day so I always turn it off when we hit the road again. I installed a convenient switch beside the main door.
	Wiring for a Generator In North Carolina the summer months can get very hot and muggy. When my boys and I travel, we use the camper frequently on the road for meals, bathroom breaks, etc. I like going into a cool camper on a hot muggy day. I have a Honda EU3000i generator that I carry in the back of the truck. I run the generator while I'm on the road so I can run the air conditioner in the camper.
	Backup Lights The local camping that I do usually involves leaving after work and school on a Friday afternoon and arriving at a campground after dark. I have added several lights to make backing into a campsite after dark much easier.
	Battery Disconnect Switch The power converter in the Wildcat does not have a 'smart' battery charger. Leaving the Wildcat hooked to 120 AC for days or weeks can overcharge the battery, evaporate the sulfuric acid and eventually ruin the battery.
	Switch for Hot Water Electric Heating Element The Wildcat has an electrical heating element in the hot water heater. I like having the heating element but it was a pain to use because the on/off switch is outside behind the water heater access door. Here is my 120 volt switch solution.
	Additional Switch for the Front Landing Gear Jack The electric jacks are great but life is too short to stand for a couple of minutes holding the button to extend or retract the jacks. They are very slow. Here is how I added double throw double pole switch to the circuit so I don't have to stand and hold the switch on my Forest River Wildcat RV.