Will applying a coat of wax to the solar panel help to repel dust?
No. Wax will cause pooling on the panel and reduce charge. Keep them clean by periodically wiping with an ammonia-based window cleaner on a soft cloth.
Where is the solar panel charge controller located?
It may be installed near the batteries in the battery compartment, in the interior hallway on a control panel or in a storage bay.
How do I determine if a panel is charging the chassis battery?
Disconnect the chassis fuse holder at the battery and place a meter across the fuse to confirm power.
Why does the inverter come on when I plug into shore power?
It engages automatically to check the battery state of charge.
How many battery amps does the inverter draw?
Refer to the inverter operations manual. When dry camping and not using the generator, it is a good idea to only turn on the inverter when needed.
Can I change the inverter remote panel settings?
Yes. The inverter remote panel provides adjustable settings to allow for individual parameters.
Why do I even need an inverter?
To work in concert with shore power or the generator to charge the batteries, and when dry camping without generator power, to run appliances that cannot operate directly from battery power.
When driving down the road, should the inverter be on or off?
Either way is fine, but if the generator is not running, the inverter will put a load on the alternator.
What can I do to preheat the water in the shower without letting it all run down the drain?
Move the water through the pipes towards the bathroom. Fill the coffee pot using the shower faucet immediately before taking a shower, brush your teeth in the bathroom, etc.
Any dry camping tips for the bathroom?
Save water by using a conditioner that requires no rinsing, and conserve battery amps by waiting to dry hair until it is 75% air-dried.
How long will freshwater stay potable while dry camping?
If the freshwater tank is maintained with a purifier, regularly drained, and outdoor temperatures are not extremely high, usually five to six days.
How do I clear stagnant water out of the freshwater holding tank?
Flush the tank 4-5 times with fresh water and drain. Add a purifier solution, and drive the RV to slosh the liquid around. Flush a couple more times, and keep the tank drained when the RV is not in use.
Can I add liquid detergent to the black tank?
It won’t harm the black tank but is prohibited at most campgrounds and public sewer stations.
What is a good load to put on the generator?
If it is cold outside, start one roof A/C on heat mode while the generator is operating. If it’s hot, start one A/C on cooling mode.
Will engaging the generator automatically charge the batteries?
Yes, but specific charging is performed by the inverter/converter.
How does Auto Gen Start work?
This allows you to program the inverter to engage the generator upon a particular battery state of charge. Auto Gen Start can also command the system to prohibit operation during certain times, regardless of battery state of charge.
If my RV doesn’t have Auto Gen Start, when can I manually turn off the generator?
When the batteries reach 80% state of charge.
Will it hurt to turn on the generator while pulling off the road to make lunch?
No. In fact, it is recommended.
Will DC power to the refrigerator cease if I disengage the battery cut off switch at the entry door?
On certain RVs, yes. To find out if your RV refrigerator will receive DC power with the battery cut off switch disengaged, check the eyebrow above the refrigerator door to see if it is illuminated.
What is the difference between the battery cut off switch at the entry door and the one at the batteries?
The entry door switch discontinues battery power to the interior lights and switches, as well as the 12-Volt DC panel in the bedroom. Cut off switch at the batteries will disconnect the batteries for storage purposes.
What is the minimum state of charge for the batteries?
At 60% state of charge, it is time to recharge the batteries.
Can I leave the water pump switch on at all times?
Only turn on the water pump switch when necessary to avoid damage to the motor in the event of a drained fresh water tank. Always insure that the water pump switch is off when leaving the RV for any amount of time.