RV Battery Basics: A Beginner’s Guide

With the proliferation of electronic devices and more and more accessories relying on them, storage batteries are essential for RVing. Many owners ignore their batteries until there’s a problem. Unfortunately, that may be too late to save the expensive items, so it’s worth taking a little time to understand the RV battery basics and how to care for them to get the best service.

RV batteries consist of individual cells inside the case that are connected together in series. Each cell produces about two volts. Therefore, three cells in series yields six volts, and six in series gives you a 12-volt battery.

Related video: Improving RV Battery Charge and Extending Battery Life

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Types of RV Batteries

Batteries used to power the coach in an RV must be a deep-cycle design to withstand the frequent and deep discharges and recharging they typically receive. Engine-starting batteries won’t last long if used in place of deep-cycle batteries, so this practice should be avoided.

Deep-cycle RV batteries are made in three different common designs listed here in ascending order of price:

  • Liquid electrolyte wet cells (conventional flooded-cell batteries)
  • Gelled electrolyte (gel batteries)
  • Absorbed glass mat (AGM or “dry” batteries)

Lightweight lithium-ion (li-Ion) batteries are starting to enter the market. Li-Ion batteries are maintenance free, extremely light, and provide far more power storage for a given size and weight, but they are still too costly for most RVers.

Flooded-cell batteries are often installed as original equipment and deliver good capacity at a relatively low price. These “wet” cells require periodic filling with water, which should be distilled to prevent mineral buildups. If batteries run low on water and electrolyte to the point where plates are exposed, they may be ruined. Wet batteries use more water in hot weather and when frequently discharged and recharged, so service them more frequently in these conditions. Wet batteries also need regular terminal cleaning.

Gel batteries contain a thick gelled electrolyte instead of liquid, so they don’t spill if briefly tipped on their side and don’t require refilling with water. They cost more and typically last longer than wet-cell batteries.

AGM batteries also don’t require water, as their electrolyte is soaked into fiberglass matting, which is wrapped around their lead plates. They can be mounted on their sides and are costlier than gel or wet cells, but last considerably longer and are maintenance free.

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12-Volt vs. 6-Volt

Typically, smaller coaches will have one or two 12-volt batteries wired together in parallel to provide 12 volts to the electrical system. Some larger coaches have either one pair of large six-volt batteries wired in series, or even two pairs of six-volt batteries wired in series/parallel to deliver 12 volts with enough wattage when running the coach from the batteries.

Related video: RV Battery Maintenance Techniques for Extending RV Battery Life

Six-volt batteries must be installed in pairs wired in series so their combined voltage will be 12. When 12-volt batteries are used in pairs they must be wired in parallel. If 12-volt batteries are parallel-wired in pairs, there’s a problem called “cannibalism” where the weaker battery draws current from the stronger one. That’s why matching batteries should be replaced in pairs, even if only one dies. A significant advantage of six-volt batteries paired in series is they don’t cannibalize each other. Also, for heavy power demands, six-volt golf-cart type batteries offer the most storage for your money. Many RV owners upgrade to them when replacing batteries, especially those using solar panels.

Battery Ratings

Battery ratings are important to know. Ampere-hour (A-H) ratings are a way of rating how long a battery can handle a load. A-H ratings are determined by multiplying output current in amps by time (in hours) that the load is applied, until the voltage drops to 1.75 volts per cell (considered to be discharged). The higher the A-H rating, the more powerful the battery.

Reserve Capacity (RC) is how long in minutes (at 80°F) a 100% charged battery may handle a load of 25 amps, until it dips to 1.75 volts per cell (10.5 volts for a 12-volt battery, or 5.25V for a 6-volt battery). This is more for engine-starting use, where the engine may be off but lights and accessories left on.

Cold cranking amperes (CCA) is the amount of amps a 100% charged battery can provider at 0°F for 30 seconds while maintaining a minimum 7.2 volts (with a 12-volt battery). Marine Cranking Amperes (or MCA) is the same as CCA, only measured at 32°F, which makes it a less difficult test. Cranking ratings are only important for engine-starting batteries.

Charging Batteries

Discharging batteries deeply (below 50% capacity) shortens their life. Therefore, it’s important to have sufficient battery capacity, particularly if you dry camp. Charge discharged batteries as soon as possible. Use a maximum charging rate of 20% of the amp-hour rating (for example: with 100 A-H batteries, use maximum 20 amps charging rate). Don’t allow a battery to remain at a low state of charge for an extended period, even overnight. Leaving a battery discharged causes the cells to become “sulfated” and they lose their ability to receive and hold a charge.

Related video: Testing RV Battery for Charge & Condition

Batteries lose charge over time, and most RVs also have small parasitic current draws that will kill a battery in days or weeks. Non-smart basic power converters damage batteries if left on for long periods such as during storage. That’s because they produce a steady current that overcharges and causes damage once the battery is fully charged. If you don’t have a “smart”-type power converter with a sophisticated multi-stage battery maintenance program, use a separate portable maintenance-type charger during storage (not a trickle charger, which can overcharge and damage a battery if left on).

Cautions

Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear rubber gloves and eye protection whenever working with batteries. Water and baking soda can neutralize the acid and should be kept on hand when working around batteries.

Related video: Simple RV Battery Maintenance To Keep Them Going Longer

Batteries produce hydrogen when being charged, which can explode if there’s a spark nearby. Connect the positive (red clamp) jumper cable to the positive (+) battery terminals first. Then to keep sparks away from the battery, connect the final negative (black/ground) jumper cable to a grounded unpainted metal portion of the chassis, rather than on the battery itself.

Closing Thoughts

To get the best service and longest life from your batteries, be sure to use the right type for your particular RV’s needs and power usage. Add distilled water to replace water lost during operation in conventional flooded-type batteries. Avoid discharging batteries below 50% of their capacity, and recharge them as soon as possible. Many RVs have monitor panels which display battery states of charge. This can also be measured with a voltmeter at the battery terminals.

A fully charged battery at rest (no load or charging being done) should read 12.6 volts or higher. A 75% charge should yield a 12.4 volt reading, 50% charge would be 12.0 volts, and a 25% charge 11.7 volts. Use a maintenance type charger (or smart-type power converter) during periods of storage.

With a comprehensive understanding of your RV batteries and proper ongoing care, you can add years to a battery’s life.

Have something to add to the story? Leave a comment below.

Reply to Chuck McGann
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436 Responses to “RV Battery Basics: A Beginner’s Guide”

  1. Ned De'Niro

    How long will a 10amp 12volt battery last and how big should the battery be when I buy it,please

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Ned,

      Great question! The ‘ask an expert’ feature is for members only. If you already have a paid membership, please provide me with your email address. If you want more information regarding the membership benefits and registration, please chat or email: RVlifestyleandrepair@program-director.net. Thanks!

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  2. Steve

    I have a 30 foot four Winns camper. It is an 05 what size battery would you recommend as far as a deep cycle? How many amp hours and how many cold cranking amps

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert knowledge. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hundreds of hours of Premium content.
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      Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Jeffrey,

      You would have to compare the size and placement of your current batteries to determine what size the replacements should be. The chassis batteries are all different sizes based on the area and how it needs to be installed. The house batteries can be whatever size you want based on what can fit in the battery compartment. Often group 24 batteries are common for initial install but many upgrade based on their needs.

      Sincerely,

      Dan
      RV Repair Club Technical Expert

      Reply
    • Customer Service

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  3. Michael

    When a camper is in storage where shore power is available, does this damage the batteries by being connected all the time? Should I turn off the battery connection (via the built in switch on the camper) when stored for periods of time? Thanks

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert knowledge. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hundreds of hours of Premium content.

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      Reply
    • Customer Service

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  4. Holly

    AGM Battery takes a charge that gives a voltage reading, but gives a zero reading for amperage hours. Is the battery ruined?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Holly,
      Thank you for your question. The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for paid members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will also receive access to our full-length videos, articles, and discounts on products.
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      Sarah
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    • Customer Service

      Hello Philip,
      Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert knowledge. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hundreds of hours of Premium content.
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  5. Chris

    Been try to start this diesel engine on this motor home a help person of mine said he know what he was doing to the chassis batteries he put them in series and not in parallel by doing this he increased the voltage instead of the amps is it possible that he destroyed either the relay or the starter is it possible because it’s not turning over because I do now have the right voltage in parallel in the back starting the engine that the starter is shot because of this cuz he shot 24 volts to it instead of amps I don’t know could you please help

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Chris,

      Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hundreds of hours of Premium content.

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      Sarah
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  6. Diane Greene-Wenham

    My coach battery is not powering when not plugged in. I can do a bypass and get lights, fridge, water pump. What do I need to replace to fix this? My hydrolic levelers do not work period. No power to them at all.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Diane,

      Thank you for contacting us.

      What is the year, make, and model of your RV?

      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Diane Greene-Wenham

        RV Make: Coachman, RV Model: Coachman Leprechan, RV Year: 1998

        My coach battery is not powering when not plugged in. I can do a bypass and get lights, fridge, water pump. What do I need to replace to fix this? My hydrolic levelers do not work period. No power to them at all.

        Reply
        • Customer Service

          Hi Diane. You will need to check the battery connections and trace them inside of the unit to the fuse panel. There could be bad connections, bad circuit protector or bad switch. You have to trace the circuit and test components as you go along to see what could be preventing the lack of voltage inside. Most of the time the issue comes down to a loose or bad ground connection from the negative wire or a faulty circuit protector. The hydraulic system usually connects directly to the batteries so when tracing for the main issue you might come across why the jacks aren’t working either. They could be sharing the same connections and same ground. Check the chassis ground. The battery negative terminal connects to the chassis frame at some point for a ground connection. If this is bad, multiple things might not be working. Finding out where this is would be the best place to start.
          Dan
          RV Repair Club

          Reply
  7. Diane Greene-Wenham

    My coach battery is not powering when not plugged in. I can do a bypass and get lights, fridge, water pump. What do I need to replace to fix this? My hydrolic levelers do not work period. No power to them at all.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Diane,

      Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.

      If you are interested in becoming a member, please click on the special offer below:

      https://go.rvrepairclub.com/a19774/

      Thanks!

      Reply
  8. Shawn Smith

    What is the battery groups that I need for my RV I have replaced the chassis battery already but there’s 3 more batteries n have no idea what they go to

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello,

      Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.

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      Unapprov

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  9. Edward

    Can I replace my 2 chassis batteries with 2 lithium batteries?
    Does the inverter charge the chassis batteries?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi Edward. You can replace the chassis batteries with lithium if you want without issue. You just don’t want to replace the house batteries with lithium unless you change the converter. Most converters aren’t equipped to charge lithium batteries so this might need switched if you ever change your house batteries too. The chassis batteries don’t normally get a charge from the converter unless you turn on a switch to do so. Most of the time these systems are isolated so the house batteries don’t drain the starting chassis battery and leave you stranded if there was an issue with the converter. Some units do have a switch that combines the two when plugged into shore power, typically it is on the dash. Without this type of switch, the chassis batteries will only be charged during travel.
      Dan
      RV Repair Club

      Reply
  10. Zillar

    Hi there. Question hope u can help. My motorhome was wrking fine then took it out n as soon as turned off couldn’t start again needed boosting. Came home parks it went to move it today. Tried to start t n a huge bang went off. The two batteries blew up inside the hood.
    Thank goodness it wasn’t bad. N no one got injured. Do you know what happend. I’m new to this ty.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Nicholas,

      Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hundreds of hours of Premium content.

      If you are interested in becoming a member, please click on the offer below:
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      Sarah
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
  11. Kim

    What Is A Good Battery For My 1981 Couchman RV Engine 454 Chevrolet, For The 12v Battery That Runs The Inside Electricity System ?

    Reply
  12. Patty Kidder

    Is the battery panel switches over the door that say, “Main” and “Aux” just talking about the cabin batteries or is one of them for the engine battery. The coach has room for 3 batteries but currently only has 2. I recently bought the motorhome used and I forgot to ask the previous owner now I can’t reach them for an answer. Thank you for your help.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Patty,

      This is for members to our online community. We do have a $3.00 USD annual entrance offer if you are interested? This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Below is the link to join if you are interested: https://go.rvrepairclub.com/C30541

      Sincerely,
      Sarah
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
  13. Phil

    I bought a used Trailer which has two 12 v deep cycle batteries but appears to have no water in them. How do you know if a deep cycle battery is beyond charging? Can I just a distilled water and restart them?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Phil,

      Thank you for contacting us.

      What is the year, make, and model of your RV?

      If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3536, or chat with us on our site.

      We greatly appreciate your business!

      Sincerely,

      Sarah
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
  14. Elmer Eaton

    When I lower or raise the Lippert jacks I get a low voltage and the system shuts down. Also, when opening and closing the slide outs they stop until the invertor fan slows. Then the slide out switch can be pressed again to open or close the slides. I have to press the switch several time on the leveling system and the slide switch until complete with process. I installed new batteries and they show full charge with an amp meter. Any suggestions on what could be wrong.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Elmer,

      What is the year, make, and model or your RV?

      If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3536, or chat with us on our site.

      We greatly appreciate your business!

      Sincerely,
      Sarah
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
        • Customer Service

          Hello Elmer!

          Most likely it is a bad connection or if there is a circuit safety like a resettable breaker then that could be bad as well. The batteries will connect to a circuit safety at some point and if this is weak, has bad connections or there is an issue with the wiring then it won’t allow enough amperage to run the high powered systems. It is possible the connections at the components themselves are bad but when multiple things don’t work it usually points to the batteries or connections.

          Sincerely, Dan RV Repair Club Technical Expert

          Reply
  15. STEPHEN

    I’m still learning about my little RV and have just found out there is a battery disconnect switch that I need to know where it is located. I’ve looked around but can’t seem to find it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Stephen,

      Here’s what the experts had to say about your question:
      These can be placed anywhere, usually in a visible area though. Often they are installed near the batteries themselves. The battery positive cable will go to the switch so if you don’t see it by the battery then you will have to trace the wires to see where they lead. If it isn’t near the batteries it can be mounted on the wall in a storage compartment or if you have a motorhome it can be by the dash or the entrance door. Again, they can be anywhere so if you can’t locate it you might have to contact the manufacture to see where they install them.

      Sincerely,
      Dan
      RV Repair Club Technical Expert

      Reply
  16. Cline Cook

    I have replaced the 2 6 volt batteries on my allegro bay 2003 Class A motor home. The generator would not work so I thought this was the problem. Now I don’t have a diagram to put the wires back properly. Any help

    Reply
  17. Dave

    I am trying to install new house battery. I have negative cable, then out of another sleeve I have 3 red and a loose white wire. What is that and where does it go?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. I would be happy to send your question off to the experts. To get started, please send the email associated with your paid membership account. Thanks!

      Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello William,

      We would love to answer this expert question for you but I would need the year, make, and model of your RV. Once we receive the information, we can pass it along to the experts.

      Please let us know if you have any further questions
      Sincerely,
      Danesha
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
  18. Martin Byrdal

    My shower seems to have low P.SI., and G.P.M.
    I have checked it at home where I’m on well water, and has 48-50 P.S.I., not sure about the G.P.M. have not checked that, anyway my shower pressure is low.
    Anything I could do to increase my water flow? The bathroom, and kitchen sinks have plenty of pressure and volume of water.
    Thank you in advance for your help.
    KR
    Martin

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi Martin. If your pressure is fine at other fixtures most likely the only thing that can be done is to try a different fixture. Most of the time RV manufactures install water saving fixtures in the showers so if people are boondocking they don’t waste more than is needed. Many people have issues with the shower faucets, they can even create the water pump to fluctuate since it doesn’t allow high flow through it. The head of the shower hose is usually what is made to conserve water, not the whole fixture. Usually getting something with a larger head helps the water flow.
      Dan
      RV Repair Club

      Reply
  19. Brian

    Very good article about batteries; however, for those that do not have any electrical knowledge, it may have been good to explain the differences between series and parallel circuits, i.e. positive to positive for parallel and positive to negative for series.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Brain,

      Thank you for your feedback. I have forwarded your comment to the proper department. We value your opinion, and it will help with the development of our online streaming community. We will continue to listen and work hard for your complete satisfaction.

      Sincerely,
      Danesha
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
  20. TOM

    Can I put a/1 battery minder on the two house batteries. 6 or 12 volt?
    Thank you,

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Tom,

      Thank you for contacting us.

      Yes you can do this. During storage is fine but if you leave the RV plugged in all of the time the minder won’t really do anything until you disconnect the converter charge from the system. The chargers will be in 12v so if you have 6v batteries make sure to keep them in series when connected so it works properly. We do have a video going over this, I will share the link below.
      https://www.rvrepairclub.com/video/rv-battery-maintenance-techniques-for-extending-rv-battery-life-007801/

      If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3536, or chat with us on our site.

      We greatly appreciate your business!

      Sincerely,

      Lindsay
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
  21. Jim

    Is this a true statement someone said to me;
    You should never press the button on your dash that says start boost, as it could cause your starting battery to explode as the 2 types of batteries, lead acid and LiFePo-4 are not compatible.

    Reply
  22. Dana

    My husband and I are buying our first RV. My question is where is the engine cranking battery

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Dana,

      Thank you for contacting us.

      What is the year, make, and model?

      If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3536, or chat with us on our site.

      We greatly appreciate your business!

      Sincerely,

      Lindsay
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
  23. Dave

    Just purchased a used motor home. In cleaning up the marine battery I took the battery out for the winter and put it on a trickle charge. Like an idiot I didn’t think to label the cable ends and now I am not sure which is which. I did mark which way the battery sits in the tray with the negative closest to the door. I believe that the longest cable is the negative as when the tray is extended one cable is longer which in my mind is necessary to extend the tray. Can you give me any advice. Thanks

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Dave,

      Thank you for contacting us.

      What is the year, make, and model of your RV?

      If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3536, or chat with us on our site.

      We greatly appreciate your business!

      Sincerely,

      Lindsay
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello James,

      Thank you for contacting us.

      Please contact the manufactory of the electronics for the manual.

      If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3536, or chat with us on our site.

      We greatly appreciate your business!

      Sincerely,

      Lindsay
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
  24. JIM PASQUALE

    New trailer and would like to add a second battery. It comes with a group 24 agm deep-cycle battery does the second battery need to be a similar group 24 or can I add a group 27 or 31??

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Dave,

      Thank you for contacting us.

      It really depends on what your RV has, they are all different. Without being able to see what wires you have and where they go I won’t be able to tell you how they need to be hooked up. It also depends on if you have 6v or 12v batteries as well, both have different hookups. The best advice I can give is power wires are usually red and connect to a fuse or breaker. Negative wires can be black or white and connect to the chassis frame or other metal as a ground. Positive can be black as well so you have to test to wires to see which they are before connecting. If you have a multi meter you can test continuity from the wire ends to bare metal to see if it is a negative wire.

      If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3536, or chat with us on our site.

      We greatly appreciate your business!

      Sincerely,

      Lindsay
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Ann,

      Thank you for contacting us.

      Without being able to see what wires you have and what they are connected to I am unable to tell you exactly what needs to be done. It also depends on what batteries you have, 6v or 12v. They connect differently to every RV. What I can tell you is that 12v batteries need to be connected in parallel and 6v batteries need to be connected in series. I will share a diagram that explains the difference. If you have multiple batteries you need to connect them in one of these configurations. Every RV is different and can have multiple positive and negative connections. If you aren’t sure which is which you will have to test the circuits and trace the wires to see if they lead to a power source or fuse, this will indicate a positive wire. Most negative wires connect to the chassis frame at some point to create a chassis ground. This is the only way of knowing how to properly connect the wires. I hope this helps!

      If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3536, or chat with us on our site.

      We greatly appreciate your business!

      Sincerely,

      Lindsay
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
  25. Angel Magobet Serrano

    What batteries to use for coach batteries. What is the greatest recommendation for new RV drivers

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Angel,
      That’s a great question!

      The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!

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      Lindsay
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
  26. Chantel Basulto

    I just purchased my RV and am very new to RV living and know nothing about them, my battery completely died and I se t them to get charged and was told that they were no good prior to disconnected them I did not paying attention to how they were conducted now that I have new batteries to replace the old batteries I don’t know how to connect my batteries can you help

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi Chantel,

      Great question! I will need additional information from you to get that answered. What is the year, make and model of your RV?

      If you have further questions, please chat, email or call Customer Service at 1-855-706-3536.

      Sincerely,

      Shelley
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
  27. Stephanie

    My RV won’t start….just click click click..And the stairs don’t retreat. I wonder if the problem is related to recently having the microwave removed? Any thoughts?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi Stephanie,

      That’s a great question!

      The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!

      Please follow the steps below to receive the annual membership at the introductory rate:

      1. Click on the email link: https://go.rvrepairclub.com/C24088
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    • Customer Service

      Hello Llarry,

      That’s a great question! What do you need to know about it and please include the make , model and the year of the RV.

      The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!

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      Joan
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

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  28. THOMAS COGGINS

    I have 5 cables going to the positive side of my chassis battery. Is that normal or was it rigged up to make something work? Got the unit used. If it is normal, what is each cable for?It is a real struggle to get that many cables connected to one side of the battery. My dealer says it it normal. I am having a hard time believing that.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Thomas,

      That’s a great question!
      The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!

      Please follow the steps below to receive the annual membership at the introductory rate:
      1. Click on the email link: https://go.rvrepairclub.com/C23896
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      Joan
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Steve!

      What is the year, make, and model of your RV?

      Thank you!

      Jessica
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
  29. Ray

    I’m looking for the location of the house batteries on this unit? I think that the batteries may need replacing, because the RV has been in storage.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Ray,

      Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge in RV batteries. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.

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    • Customer Service

      Hello Lynne,

      Thank you for contacting us. Great question! There are many videos on the refrigerator on the web site. By becoming a member, you will have access to our complete video library. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.

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  30. wendell wiley

    When checking for campsite, we saw some sites only had 50 amp service. Our RV is 30 amp. Can a 30 amp be plugged into 50 amp service?

    Reply
  31. HUGH

    The coach comes with 4 six volt wet cells batteries. What AGM battery may I upgrade to and what amp capacity?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi Hugh,

      Thank you for contacting us. I’m sorry for the inconvenience but the experts will need the make, model and the year of the RV. Will you please re-submit your question and include that information as well.

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      Joan
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    • Customer Service

      Hello Toussaint!

      That’s a great question!

      The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!

      Please follow the steps below to receive the annual membership at the introductory rate:

      1. Click on the email link: https://go.rvrepairclub.com/C23062
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      Jessica
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
  32. James Gilmore

    There is a down side to using 2-6 volt batteries in series vs using 2-12 volt batteries in parallel. If one of the 6 volt batteries goes bad, the camper is stranded without any usable power. If one of the 12 volt batteries goes bad, it can just be unhooked and the camper is good to go. Most wet cell failures comes from one cell shorting out internally due to oxidation. The idea of 2-6 volt batteries having more available energy is not necessarily true. If the combined capacity of the two 12 volt batteries is the same as the two 6 volt batteries, there is no difference. However, most folks simply compare their standard 12 volt RV battery against a Golf Cart battery, which does have more storage capacity. I have always chosen to go with two 12 volt batteries so that one can fail and I am good to go. If discharged, I can charge the good battery, but if one of the 6 volt batteries goes bad, I can not charge the remaining battery up to 12 volts!

    Reply
  33. Don Abbott

    Brand new 12V batteries. Measuring both sides of the battery disconnect at 13.04V, the solenoid one side has 13.04V while the other side is 11.8V. Is this a bad solenoid? My house lights won’t work on batteries,

    Thanks,
    Don

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Don!

      That’s a great question!

      The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!

      Please follow the steps below to receive the annual membership at the introductory rate:

      1. Click on the email link: https://go.rvrepairclub.com/C22462
      2. Click on the Premium Membership offer.
      3. The Checkout page will display your Premium Membership purchase.
      4. Fill in your Billing Details and create an account password.
      5. Fill in your debit/credit card information.
      6. Finish by clicking Complete Order.

      If you have any further questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-855-706-3536 at your earliest convenience, or chat with us on our site.

      We greatly appreciate your business!

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      Jessica
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
  34. Julie White-Dahlgren

    Will not start, was starting fine 2 days ago. Replaced 2 starting batteries

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Julie!

      We’d love to help! What is the year, make, and model of your RV?

      Thank you!

      Jessica
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
  35. Cher

    Do AGM batteries work with solar I may add in the future. What type of inverter do I need if I get lithium?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Cher,

      Thank you for contacting us. Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge in RV repair. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.

      If you are interested in becoming a member to RV Repair Club, please click on the special offer below:

      https://go.rvrepairclub.com/C22462

      If you have any further questions, please chat, email, or contact Customer Service at 1-855-706-3536.

      We greatly appreciate your business!

      Sincerely,

      Joan
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Laura,

      Thank you for contacting us. The experts will need the make, model and the year of the RV to better assist you.

      Sincerely,

      Joan
      RV Repair Club Video Membership

      Reply
  36. Steve Sprinczeles

    Can the 12 volt house batteries be disconnected if the motor home is on shore power all the time? Will the 12 volt systems still function?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Steve,

      Thank you for contacting us. Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge in RV Repairs. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.
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      https://go.rvrepairclub.com/C21974

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      Joan
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      Reply
  37. Gary Howard

    We bought brand new RV Dec. 2019. About February we experience the battery to start engine was too drained to start the engine. We needed to use the cross connect switch to start the engine. Mercedez Benz checked it and said drain well within standard. Also said its normal to have low battery after a few weeks just sitting. We live in San Diego, warm climate. I don’t think this is normal, but what do you say? Essentially they are saying if I buy one of their vans or cars, its normal to have a dead battery after a few weeks if not used.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      If the battery was fully charged and the vehicle just sat without use, it should be closer to two months before the battery was too low to start the engine. There is something pulling a little bit of amperage and draining the battery that shouldn’t be. The circuits would have to be isolated to trace what could be causing it but there is something happening that really shouldn’t be. A few weeks is a little too soon to be dying, especially a new battery. It is possible the issue is with the battery and not the RV too. There could be something wrong within the plates and the testing they did might have only been the amp draw on the RV which could have been within specs. You could have the battery tested at auto parts stores for free and see if they find and issue with it. I have seen this happen with new batteries, rare but it does happen.

      Sincerely,

      Dan
      RV Repair Club Technical Expert

      Reply