Motorhome Electrical Systems continued --
Common ground systems can cause just as many, or even more, problems as "supply-side" wiring and connections in motor vehicle electrical systems. (Obviously, that includes our motorhomes.)
First, people tend to overlook this very important second connection that completes the circuit. Compared to the clearly visible wires on the "supply-side" connections, the ground-side is not readily apparent and people often don't consider the problems they're trying to fix may be on that side of the circuit.
(I have fallen prey to this lapse, although repeated experience has taught me to keep it in mind.)
The same problems that arise on the "supply-side" connections due to dirty, loose, or corroded connections can occur on the ground-side. When these problems occur on the ground-side, it becomes much more laborious to find and fix the problem due to the difficulty in identifying connection paths.
Metal bodywork and chassis is less than ideal for connections versus copper wires. Likewise, the absence of a clear connection path can lead to inadvertently interrupting the connection. Furthermore, almost all the metal in a vehicle is effectively a ground and can lead to unwanted connections, usually in the form of a short circuit.
