RV Tip: Troubleshooting a 12-volt DC Problem

!±8± RV Tip: Troubleshooting a 12-volt DC Problem

If you like campers already know, this is a big part of the fun away from it all with RVing. You can simply pack up the camper and head out for some well deserved rest and relaxation, without dealing with the hassles of day trading days of life. This quiet, relaxing, RV storage should not make trips ruined by something as simple as a 12-volt problem your vacation at risk.

If you're RVing for any amount of time you have already known that a goodPart of the equipment and accessories in your RV away for 12-volts DC. 12-volt DC or direct current electricity is supplied by RV batteries. Current flows in one direction, from negative to positive. 12-VDC power is in the RV batteries and power supplies for components, equipment and devices that operate from 12-volts stored.

This 12-volt gas appliances include ceiling light detectors, water pump, vent fans, fan oven, extractor hood, LPStereo, TV and refrigerator, 12 volt, if it operated in the LPG mode. When you go camping are based on this 12-volt items to work properly, especially when you are camping dry without connections. So, what if one of these 12-volt products to stop the problem?

For the sake of example let's say that we are dry camping, and our 12-volt water pump stops working.

I am convinced that almost everyone is capable of solving problems in a 12-VDC, and repair in many casesthe problem without ruining your camping. To begin, you need a few simple tools to help in troubleshooting RV 12-volt electrical system.

1). An inexpensive 12-volt test light.

2). A multimeter can be used for the test DC.

Both should be available in the local auto parts. It should also be some electrical tape, various size wire nuts, light bulbs, 12 volt and 12 volt fuses on hand. Check the amperage of the fuses in the powerDistribution box and to keep a selection. If you use a knowledge of the fuse in line on a 12-volt appliances to keep them on hand.

Now try to determine the last time the water pump actually worked. You have the RV for a certain period with the pump on? There is water in the tank into the water? They're working around something or other that could have affected the operation of the water pump? Think about all the possible scenarios. Something might jar your memoryleading to a rapid solution to the problem.

Otherwise, it is the first step to ensuring that the battery is fully charged batteries coach or enough to provide these products to 12 volts. There are a few ways to run a quick test on batteries coach. You can use the control panel to check the status of the car to check the batteries. To ensure an accurate reading that the RV is not plugged into electricity and turn instead of a couple of ceiling lights, a small load on the battery. Check the 'Reading displayed on the monitor. (If you check the reading on the display when the RV is plugged in, you're reading is fully charged) A more accurate method is to test the battery with a multimeter. Set the meter to read 12-VDC and the place of the negative test probe to the negative and the positive probe to the positive terminal of the battery. A fully charged battery in the range 12.6 to 12.7 volts reading. If it is less than 12 volts under a readingThe 50% state of charge and must be recharged.

If the battery is fully charged, the next step is to ensure that each of the battery switch is turned coach. If the power switch to ensure that other 12-volt appliances are working properly in the RV. If there are 12 volts of power to the inside of the camper you need to check the fuse for the pump station water supply. Determine which fuse is for the water pump (fuses are usuallyshown) and a suitable ground for 12-volt test light. Try both sides of the fuse for 12-volts. If the test light is lit on one side of the fuse, replace it with the correct size fuse and retry the water pump. If there is power on both sides of the control fuse 12 volts to change the water pump. If there is tension, and the switch is operated under effective control of wiring for a water pump in-line fuse.

Find a good ground for the 12-volt test light and probe the wireon both sides of the fuse. If there is only power on the one hand, the fuse, replace fuse with correct size pump and try again. If there is power on both sides of the fuse to check the cable connections for the water pump wire nuts. And 'possible connections to come loose due to heavy vibrations. Correct any loose connections and retry the pump. If the pump still does not hear the engine to see if it's too hot to touch. When the engine is hot, a thermal switch has beenactivated. Let the time of the pump to cool off and see if you re-set.

If you complete all these tests and there are 12 volts DC to the engine water pump, and still has not come, it is likely that the water pump is bad and must be replaced.

Solving a 12-volt electrical problem in your RV is not that difficult. Follow the logical path of the device you are troubleshooting and see if you can determine where the problem lies. It may be possible for youto save the well-deserved vacation, some money and a trip to the RV dealer.

Note: If you do not feel comfortable performing your own maintenance or troubleshooting of the 12-volt electrical system, you take your RV to a reputable repair shop to have it inspected and repaired

Camping happy!