Technical Questions on New RV Hardware
We've been RVing with a 1964 Four Seasons Travel trailer for 27 years now, permanently set up on our own property. The old girl had only basic conveniences, and we just upgraded to a 2015 Jayco Fligh...
Forum Discussion
Q1. No electric on site. We are powering the unit with a portable inverter generator. How can I tell if the 12 v battery is being charged? Should the battery show 13+ volts with the gen on?
A1: Yes, 13.6 give or take a very small amount is the float voltage, if you have a 3-stage converter it may show higher on the monitor panel during bulk charge but lower at battery terminals. But if it is over 13 it is likely either charged or charging.
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Q2. The fridge and water heater vents have large openings. Our RV is set up basically in the woods at our camp property and we are there only on weekends. Can I put a screen door type metal screen on the plastic vent covers to prevent ants and spiders from entering?
A2: They actually make special screens for that already cut to fit you can get 'em at most any RV store.
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Q3. We have a beautiful retractable TV antenna. Can I leave it up permanently? The trailer is permanent and won't be driven. I'm afraid if we go in the winter when snow is on the roof and try to raise it the ice will break it.
A3: Should not be a problem less a tree fall on it.
Q4. How level does the unit have to be to allow complete draining of the gray, black and fresh water tanks? If it is off a little, would it be better to tilt toward the right side (drain side) or away from it (door side)?
A4: Well I'd want it tilted no more than a quarter bubble and toward the drain. How level, there is information in your REFRIGERATOR's owner's manual on that for it is the device that needs to be level But 1/2 bubble is uaually ok on a bubble level or comfortable sleeping.
NOTE: once you use it, the tank sensors will likely never again show empty.. Even if you take a flashlight and visually verify it's empty.. Such is the nature of those sensors.
A1: Yes, 13.6 give or take a very small amount is the float voltage, if you have a 3-stage converter it may show higher on the monitor panel during bulk charge but lower at battery terminals. But if it is over 13 it is likely either charged or charging.
-
Q2. The fridge and water heater vents have large openings. Our RV is set up basically in the woods at our camp property and we are there only on weekends. Can I put a screen door type metal screen on the plastic vent covers to prevent ants and spiders from entering?
A2: They actually make special screens for that already cut to fit you can get 'em at most any RV store.
-
Q3. We have a beautiful retractable TV antenna. Can I leave it up permanently? The trailer is permanent and won't be driven. I'm afraid if we go in the winter when snow is on the roof and try to raise it the ice will break it.
A3: Should not be a problem less a tree fall on it.
Q4. How level does the unit have to be to allow complete draining of the gray, black and fresh water tanks? If it is off a little, would it be better to tilt toward the right side (drain side) or away from it (door side)?
A4: Well I'd want it tilted no more than a quarter bubble and toward the drain. How level, there is information in your REFRIGERATOR's owner's manual on that for it is the device that needs to be level But 1/2 bubble is uaually ok on a bubble level or comfortable sleeping.
NOTE: once you use it, the tank sensors will likely never again show empty.. Even if you take a flashlight and visually verify it's empty.. Such is the nature of those sensors.
