The electrical system of your motorhome allows you to enjoy the convenience provided by all the appliances you have in the vehicle. In addition, it’d let you make the most of your headlights and interior lighting. If you have bad wiring in your recreational vehicle (RV), you may not be able to use your refrigerator, air conditioning unit, and other devices that typically consume heavy electrical loads.
Suppose you’re planning to buy a motorhome. In that case, you need to learn more about its electrical setup. That way, you’d know the types of cables you should use or avoid and what to check should something go wrong, among other matters. Keep reading to discover some of the things you have to be aware of when it comes to motorhome wiring.
1. The Power Sources
A typical motorhome often has a 12-volt direct current (DC) electrical system that’s usually powered by a car battery as well as a 120-volt alternating current (AC) system powered by a generator. In some cases, the latter has a hookup plug—a cable connection to a power post or other sources when you’re travelling out in the open.
i. Car Battery
The batteries used in motorhomes are generally valve-regulated and lead-acid types. In choosing a battery for your RV, always consider the lead plates. These components’ size and level of electrolytes play a role in the quality of electricity the battery can produce.
You should be familiar with the batteries that could immediately provide electricity when required. Starting batteries have to be able to generate steady electricity over time. Furthermore, you need to think about their general life span, ease of use, and maintenance, including discharging and recharging.
In many motorhomes, car batteries are the preferred power sources for the following appliances:
- Water heater
- Refrigerator
- Lighting system
- RV Generator And Hookup
Generators and hookups are the other power sources for motorhomes. Many individuals prefer portable generators with 2,000 to 4,000 watts. If your RV is big enough, you could go for generators with 12,000 watts. However, these could be rather heavy and noisy.
You should have a ready-to-use cable for quick and easy connections for hookups. The cost of hookup services varies from place to place, so plan your routes early. Since hookups are highly efficient power sources, they can be used to draw power for appliances that consume a lot of electricity, such as air conditioners.
2. Projected Electrical Load
Your RV’s general and specific electrical load needs should be computed even before you set for a trip. This way, your motorhome wiring system could provide the required current and avoid troubles.
You can start gauging your total electrical loads by figuring out the wattage of each appliance you own. That information is on the power requirement label that should be found on every device. Then, look for the input voltage, which is generally 120 volts. In many cases, you have to limit your use below 30 amps at any given time to prevent overloading.
3. The Qualities Of Excellent Wires For Motorhomes
Many RV owners use aluminium and copper wires because of their good reputation as electrical conductors. But apart from that quality, it’s advisable to consider the following:
i. Durability
This refers to the ability of wires to withstand extreme heat and current. In certain cases, if wires can’t stand sudden or prolonged heat or electric current, they could melt or overload. But if they’re durable enough, they could be used for any wiring purposes inside an RV.
ii. Capacity
The thicker the wire, the more capacity it could provide in many situations. That being said, if you’re not sure what specific wire you should install and use in your motorhome, you may always look into the thicker types.
iii. Material
These are the materials used for a wire’s conducting and insulating parts. Often, the conductor is made of aluminium or copper. Aluminium wires are lighter and are generally cheaper than copper types. In contrast, copper wires have better conductivity and are more durable.
For the insulation, check the thickness of the rubber or plastic that’s wrapped around the cable. Some wires have a solid conductor that only needs one insulating material. Meanwhile, some lines have stranded conductors or several tinier wires that require individual wrapping material.
iv. Flame Retardant Properties
Fire-retardant wires could still function properly even when exposed to high temperatures. You can take this into account every time you’re planning to install or repair wires. Flame retardant properties protect the wire against fire risks and extreme heat caused by overloads and other issues.
4. Motorhome Plugs
These plugs usually come in two types: a 30-amp and a 50-amp plug. The former is characterized by its three prongs: a 120-volt hot wire, a ground wire, and a neutral wire. On the other hand, the latter has four prongs consisting of a couple of 120-volt hot wires, a neutral wire, and a hot wire. 30-amp plugs are generally used in motorhomes with lower load requirements, while 50-amp plugs are for vehicles needing 120-volt feeds.
A 50-amp plug could source out a peak of 12,000 watts. In addition, 50-amp plugs could range from 3,600 to 8,000 watts, allowing you to use an air conditioner and other power-consuming appliances. In contrast, you should note that 30-amp plugs can’t receive over 3,600 watts. With that said, before you replace, repair, or add some plugs, you need to consider your RV’s maximum load needs to decide which plugs you should use.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re going to rent or buy a motorhome, you need to know the basics of its wiring to make the most of your camping trips and other similar journeys. By doing so, you’ll understand the power needs of each RV appliance and the general load requirements of the vehicle’s electrical systems. What’s more, you could limit the use of appliances if your power source can’t supply the necessary current.
To get more information apart from what you’ve read in this article, you could exchange ideas with seasoned motorhome owners regarding better wiring installation and systems. You may also join online RV communities in order to get to know your vehicle better.
