#Rv smart converter charger how to

Secondly, if you’re RV can’t be packed up to leave without battery power for the levelers and slides, then you should consider carrying a simple 10-amp battery charger for your tow vehicle. Read about it using a meter to measure a 12-volt battery HERE. So now is a good time to start with something like this one.

#Rv smart converter charger how to

If you don’t know how to use one, I have a number of articles on RVtravel that go over the basics. Here’s a Southwire 10030S which is a great choice. I like the inexpensive manual ones from Southwire and Klein which you can get at any big box store for $20 or so. They’re just too useful for troubleshooting any RV electrical system and can save you a ton of time (and money) in the long run.

So this is how I make things work.įirst of all, everyone who travels in an RV needs a basic Digital Meter. Yes, I know you all say I carry too much, but many times I’ve been 3,000 miles from home solo and needed to make things work. Okay, there’s one basic tool you should never leave without, and one extra gadget which I think would be very useful to carry with you.

How can that be since I’ve been plugged into shore power for days? – Stuck in Duck (NC) Also the lights inside of the RV are really dim and my monitor panel says the battery is dead. I’m stuck at a campground and can’t get my hydraulic levelers to work or my slides to retract. What do you do when your converter fails and the house batteries die? I’ve received several questions like this one in just the last week, so I think it’s a great JAM session. Send your questions to Mike Sokol at mike (at) with the subject line – JAM. If you’re a newbie who’s never plugged in a shore power cord (or ask – what’s a shore power cord?), or wonder why your daughter’s hair dryer keeps tripping the circuit breaker, this column is for you. (Just Ask Mike) Session, a weekly column where I answer your basic electrical questions.