GoRV - Digital Magazine Issue #85 | Page 47

RV FEATURE
My parents used to have a small pop-top . It was a basic thing with very little in the way of creature comforts and electronic technology . By today ’ s standards , it was archaic , to say the least . Today , caravans and other RVs have a plethora of electronic components and gadgets to make your camping experience as enjoyable as possible . The issue is that this technology is not infallible . Problems do arise from time to time .
Fortunately , with a small amount of knowledge and the right gear , it is possible to diagnose the cause of many of these issues and fix them yourself .
This month , we look at the five most common electrical issues you ’ re likely to face and how to go about diagnosing and fixing them so you can continue to enjoy your modern caravanning experience .
A good quality multimeter is an essential tool for diagnosing any electrical issues .
12V compressor fridges operate much like their domestic counterparts but they rely on good quality power to work effectively .
WARNING !
Before we begin , I have to provide the standard warning and disclaimer . Do not attempt any of these procedures if you are not confident with electrical systems . You can cause more harm than good . Further , never do any work on your RV ’ s electrical system while it is connected to 240V mains and , preferably , without any power to the 12V systems .
Many RVs will have an isolation switch for the 12V system . Make sure this is off before doing anything . Preferably , it would be better to isolate the batteries completely as some items may not be turned off by the switch . A compressor fridge comes to mind . This can be done by removing any wires and cables attached to the negative terminal of the battery .
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