Read this for a description of the electrical system in an RV. We present this article in two parts. Tips given here help you avoid dead batteries and ensure that you will always have power when you want it. Many of the systems in an RV interact and one system can affect the performance of another. The information below is based on a dual battery system, where one battery is used for engine start and the other is used for coach accessories. That's the basic system, yours is probably more elaborate as modern systems are. We will use this model - I'd say for simplicity's sake but let's face it we are talking about electricity.

Let's look at the Battery Systems which supply DC electrical power.

Most RV's contain a minimum of two batteries. Each is dedicated to a purpose and they aren't interchangable. Just like your car, your RV has a battery used to start the engine. A big RV needs the biggest battery you can lay your hands on to ensure you can start up your engine.

The second battery in our system powers up the coach. The lights and fans in the living quarters work on an entirely different type of battery. Where the engine starter gives a great burst of energy, the coach battery paces itself and gives you reliable power for a long time. The lights will stay bright until the battery is almost run out. I'll mention here that your RV lifestyle can be supported - roughing it - one battery - lavish - add more batteries to deepen the power pool.

Understanding how your two batteries are charged will help you avoid an engine that won't start or darkness when you want light. You will have to charge your batteries to keep up with demands. By design your batteries are separated from each other but you can decide to connect them together by a switch on your power panel. Do this to harge the batteries and never run them to low to start the engine. Especially if you like to lone wolf it in the middle of a vast wilderness. Connecting the batteries together lets the engines' alternator charge them when you are driving. A circuit breaker is used to keep the coach battery and power use from overloading the alternator. Easy enough to maintain power and battery strength when you are driving - the engine / alternator gives you what you need. Eventually you will reach your destination and turn off the engine. What now? Look for the answers in part two of this article.