These sites have technical information that may be useful to those owning or considering owning an RV. Please remember that you are responsible for verifying the validity of the information these links provide.
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Electrical Information:
Index of RV Technical Files - Steve Das provides "How To" information on additions and modifications for RVers, including an extensive section on 12v & 120v RV wiring, links to technical information, an entire page dealing with his modifications & additions to "Princess", his 1998 Ultrasport 3590 Class A RV.
Creative Trailer Components, LLC (Added 10/21/06) A link to their trailer wiring page. Diagrams of 7 wire connectors & how to wire them. Also has links to many trailer components at their home page.
FF1063's DC Current Post (Added 3/18/08) This is a thread at RV.net that lists the current draw of many 12 volt RV appliances.
Electrical Service (Added 4/19/06) A useful link to information about the different types of RV electrical supplies including descriptions of adding a 30 or 50 amp connection to your home service. Les also has an excellent section describing how to test shorepower connectors to insure correct wiring. Click on "Outlet Testing" in the menu at the upper left of the page.
30 to 50 Amp Service (Added 4/12/07) Bob Hatch's description & photographs of a conversion from 30 amp to 50 amp RV shorepower connection. Check out their entire website at Bob & Mary Hatch.
All About Circuits (Added 1/23/06) Wondering about the differences between 120v & 240v AC power sources? This site can help.
Electricity in the Woodshop (Added 1/23/06) Although the title doesn't sound like it has much to do with RVs, this page & the links from it provide an excellent tutorial for AC electricity.
Bowers Power Systems (Added 1/23/06) A tutorial for working with electricity & generators. Although not specific to RV generators, lots of useful information.
Quality of power produced by various backup devices (Added 5/31/07) If you want to see the waveforms of some of the different devices available to supply power this site shows a few. Although designed for back up power supplies, they include a couple of generators.
American Wire Gauge table and AWG Electrical Current Load Limits (Added 1/9/06) If you are wondering what size wire (AC & DC) you need (including calculations for correcting voltage drop) this is my favorite calculator. They also have links for laptop power supplies, inverters, batteries and more.
Wire Gauge for Inverters (Added 5/17/07) TrippLite has a chart that can be used to determine wire size & distance for different currents when installing inverters.
No Outage (Added 6/3/06) This site was designed for those interested in back up or alternate power. Lots on info on generators, solar, etc. A good voltage drop calculator and a page showing NEMA configurations (the different types of plugs & outlets) is among the many useful pages at this site.
Leviton NEMA Straight Blade Configurations (Added 12/2/06) As the name implies, this is a page from the Leviton site that diagrams most of the NEMA configurations for straight plugs & receptacles. Unfortunately, it does not include the NEMA TT-30 series used for RVs & trailers. That can be found at Steve Das' site also listed above.
Meltric Corporation (Updated 3/9/07) A source for high power connectors & other electrical supplies. An unusual & useful connector set is available from them - LC Connector. Rated from 75 to 200 amps, both the male & female connector contacts are enclosed & protected against shorting, and it uses a spring loaded lever to make & break as well as lock the connector.
Rochester Public Utilities (Added 5/26/08) For those wondering what the difference is between VA & Watts, the Rochester Public Utilities site provides a good description.
Power Werx (Added 3/5/06) A good source for 12 volt electrical connectors & supplies.
RV Projects (Added 5/11/07) A pictorial of a project to add a transfer switch for a 5th wheel & portable generator on Ray & Karen's web page.
Progressive Industries (Added 3/19/07) One of the few sources available for cord mounted 50 amp RV connector bodies (RV14-50R).
Power Solutions (Added 6/20/07) Power Solutions provides electrical connectors & adapters for almost any configuration of RV needs.
How Electricity Affects the Human Body (OSHA) (Added 10/2/07) There are many lists describing how much current will cause what effect on the human body. This is OSHA's list.
Generators & Bonding (OSHA) (Added 10/2/07) This is a letter explaining why OSHA does not require bonding on the identified conductor (sometimes called the "neutral") on a 120V generator. This is not the full definition, although it does contain references to the appropriate sections of the OSHA Standards.
NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code (Added 1/28/08) For the complete 2002, 2005 or 2008 NEC code book click on the year & follow the instructions. You cannot save the files & ifyou let the page sit too long it expires, but a good way to look up a question without paying $75.00 for the book. Article 551 covers RV wiring. There is also a link to NFPS 1194 - Standard for Recreational Vehicle Parks and Campgrounds, 2008 Edition online and NFPA 1192 - Standard on Recreational Vehicles.
General Information:
Phrannie's Poop Sheets Phred Tinseth has put together an incredible collection of pages he calls "Poop Sheets" containing lots of information & links.
Mark's Fulltime RV Resource Mark's web page started as a journal for his 4 1/2 year journey in his 1978 Ford 250 & a 30' Jayco 5th wheel. He's back in the working world, and his redesigned web site provides us with information on Full Timing & a number of excellent technical articles.
Tire Tech (Added 7/11/07) This site describes how to determine the age of your tires, both those made before 2000 & the present system.
Trailer Life's Tow Ratings (Added 9/23/07) Tow ratings for 1999 to current vehicles. (PDF files)
Towed Brake Requirements State by State (Added 5/2/08) "This table documents statutory requirements pertaining to brakes on a motor vehicle in tow behind a motorhome or other vehicle in non-commercial applications. Information was compiled from an analysis of each state's published statutes pertaining to motor vehicle brakes. Note that this a layman's interpretation of the statutes, not expert opinion. It is presented for information only."
NADA's Ten Minute Tech Tips (Added 9/23/07) Technical tips for your RV. Be sure to also check the archives.
Tire Chains (Added 2/8/08) Although the site is designed to sell chains, they have links to chain laws for many US states.
2manytoyz (Added 8/7/07) Lots of tips & information on maintaining your RV and other "Toyz", including a good section on inverters.
Elwood Controls (Added 7/20/07) Although expensive, this is the ultimate in monitor systems for RVs & boats. You can even have the system text message your cell phone to let you know your power went off, your generator started, or your RV is getting too hot for your pets.
Dry Ice Information.com (Added 7/20/07) " The Web's leading source of Information about Dry Ice." There is a section on using dry ice for traveling & camping.
Klenger.net (Added 7/20/07) Ken & Janet provide a web site with links to all kinds of technical information. Particularly useful to Arctic Fox owners, but links useful to all.
CEA Antenna Information (Added 3/9/07) All you need to do is enter your street address & zip code in the "Choose an Antenna" menu & you get a list of analog & digital TV stations, the distance away & compass directions for your antenna.
TV Fool (Added 8/22/07) Another site that will help you determine the direction of TV stations from your location. This one provides more information than CEA Antenna Information (listed above), including necessary antenna height & estimated signal strength.
Comparison of CECB units (Added 5/26/08) Wikipedia's list with specifications of coupon eligible Digital to Analog TV converters.
Backwoods Solar (Added 3/9/07) Backwoods solar provides all kinds of solar equipment, including a section for RVs & boats. Check their low power 12v lamp page for 12v compact fluorescent & LED lamps.
Bryant RV Services (Added 10/15/06) Chris & Patti Bryan run a RV repair service based in DeLand, FL. Their site includes links to troubleshooting techniques and service & owner's manuals for many RV appliances.
The RV Doctor (Added 10/2/07) "The RV Doctor Column has been regularly published in RV magazines and mainstream newspapers somewhere every month over the last quarter-century." Links to many columns published by Gary Bunzer.
Wolf's Motorhome Modifications and Other Stuff (Added 1/7/07) Steve's page linking to his motorhome modifications. Be sure to also check out his "Trips" link for his travels back to 1984!
WiFi Anywhere (Added 6/24/06) Some interesting methods of boosting WiFi USB Dongles.
USB Adapters & DIY Antennas (Added 11/7/07) Another link to more methods of improving signal strength of WiFi USB dongles.
RV Wireless Repeater (Added 10/2/07) "The following pages explain how I setup a Universal Wireless Repeater in my RV, which allows me to increase the signal strength (or rather, extending the signal) of a campground's WiFi service, in and around my RV. I'm hoping these instructions help someone else."
WEP Key Generator (Added 7/20/07) If you enable WEP on your WiFi router (and you should) this unusual web page will let you generate a key using a phrase of your choice. A lot easier to remember than a 29 character number!
RadioLabs (Added 10/15/06) If you are using WiFi with your laptop and need a stronger link, Radio Labs offers a USB based solution.
User Manuals (Added 2/8/08) "User Manual and User Guide for many equipments like mobile phones, photo cameras, monther board, monitors, software, tv, dvd, and others." Most are free PDF files.
EVDO Discussion Forum (Added 6/24/06) For those considering purchasing Broadband access through their cell phone supplier, this forum may be useful. Discussions on compatibilities, card types, external antennas & amplifiers, etc.
MyRV (Added 6/7/06) Although there is a link to this site under travel journals, it also has a great deal of repair & maintenance information, so I added a link here. Use the General Information menu on the right to link to many useful pages.
RV-Motorhome-Answers (Added 3/5/07) Ray Oberreuter's website designed to answer your questions about RV systems. Quoting his introduction: "If you're looking for real "nuts and bolts" answers for your RV problems you've come to the right place. Now that RV dealer service shop rates are approaching $100/hr it is in your best interest to understand as much as possible about your RV."
RVing Outpost, LLC (Added 3/26/07) "RVing Outpost, LLC, in north-central Wisconsin is your one-stop shop for all your RV and camping parts, supplies and accessories. We carry a large and diversified array of products to satisfy most everyone."
Motley RV Repair (Added 6/3/06) Quoting from their homepage: "Our intent is to provide a web page that will be of interest to all RV owners. We will use this page to help the RV users with maintenance tips and things to expect. We will also try to keep you up on some of the manufactures updates. In order to take full advantage of this web site you will have to come back often to see the updates." Some useful suggestions for RV Repair & Maintenance at RV Care & Use.
WiFi Savvy (Added 3/19/06) Jim & Chris (from "Oh Boy We're on the Road") have been living and traveling in their motorhome since 2003. They work independently and with Coach Connect to help RVers use their computers and stay connected to the Internet. This is their "Technology Blog by RV Travelers for RV Travelers."
RV Service Review (Added 4/13/06) Quoting their home page:"994 reviews and counting! To tell us about your good experiences or your bad experiences click here. This site contains actual reviews of RV service facilities made by the RV owner's themselves. You can research where to take your RV for service and what establishments you should avoid."
SilverAvion (Added 10/15/06) A web page for owners of Avion trailers. If you need a manual, check here. Even if you don't own an Avion, there are links to manuals for many brands of appliances on the manual page.
Air Dream Sleeper Sofa Mattress (Added 12/24/06) Although not specifically an RV product, for those that want a better mattress for their sleeper sofa this might do the trick. Combines springs & air!
RV Part.com (Added 1/9/06) An Amazon store listing many hard to find replacement parts for your RV.
RV Surplus (Added 12/8/05) Either purchase on line or visit their 65,000 sq ft warehouse in Elkhart Indiana. They have just about everything that goes inside or outside your RV.
All-Rite RV Repair Parts Specialist (Added 10/15/06) All-Rite has many RV parts in stock. If they don't have what you need, they will make it for you. Check their products page for doors, windows, hatch covers, molding & more.
Colaw RV Parts & Salvage (Added 10/15/06) Colaw is based in Carthage, MO, and provides both new & used parts for all brands of RVs. Over 40,000 square feet of indoor inventory.
RV Doctor George (Added 10/15/06) George is based in Sacramento CA. Doctor George, along with nurse Sue can either repair your RV or provide parts from their huge inventory.
Picture Me Perfect (Added 3/5/06) Lots of modifications of a Jayco 25G.
Artic Fox 27-5L (Added 4/28/06) Ken has a web page devoted to the Artic Fox 5th wheel that includes modifications as well as tow vehicle setup. Also many family links.
Jack & Danielle Mayer (Added 3/5/06) "Welcome to out website. We are Jack and Danielle Mayer. We have been full-time RVer's since August of 2000. It seems like we just started! " Their site has lots of information for those interested in making a choice between a MDT & a Class 8 tow vehicle as well as useful information on modifying & maintaining RV systems.
DIY Guy's RV Site (Added 4/24/06) From his web site: "The site is set up more to detail the process rather than serve as guidance for others. Make no mistake, we are learning every day with our brains and pocketbooks. Less pocketbook and more brain would be nice, but it doesn't always work that way now does it."
ScanGuage II (Added 6/24/06) If your vehicle has On-Board-Diagnostic version 2 (OBD2 or OBD II) (most cars & light trucks built since 1996) this gauge can be used as a scan tool, provide digital gauges, and function as a trip computer.
Ford Car & Truck CDs (Added 12/24/05) Some Ford Service Manual files that can be used to burn CDs for 1992 - 2002 cars & trucks.
The RVers' Corner (Added 12/24/05) From their website "This website contains free, no nonsense "how-to", "where-to" and "when-to" information on RV maintenance. Changes, new items and new articles are being added almost daily. Take some time to explore this website ... it is well worth it!" Lots of links to do-it-yourself articles.
YoDude's personal web page (Added 11/17/05) Lots of RV links as well as Projects & Downloads.
Jane & John's RV Pages (Added 1/23/06) Although the menu shows a number of links, at this time only the 1sr (RV Mods) seems to be working. Great photos of a number of additions & modifications to their 40' 2005 Itasca Horizon AD.
The Squidget Tiny Travel Trailer Plans (Added 6/27/08) "Do you want a camping trailer like no other sold anywhere? You can build your own Squidget Tiny Travel Trailer using my set of plans that are both VERY DETAILED AND EASY-TO-FOLLOW. Samples of the plans can be viewed on the "Order The Plans" page. These are true examples of the quality and detail of the plans."
A Variation on the Kuffel Creek Teardrop (Added 5/2/08) Uffda's web page describes the process of building a teardrop trailer.
Chad's RV Project (Added 7/27/06) Photos & descriptions of a project to build a home made fifth wheel. The page is a bit rough, but some of the links are working.
RV Roof Replacement Project (Added 1/9/06) Christy and her husband replace the roof on their 1992 32' Georgie Boy Swinger. Lots of pictures and text describing the process.
Rebuilt Project 81 Citation TT (Added 9/21/05) Let's say you get the thought "Why not buy an old beat up travel trailer & fix it up" Well, to help support or dissuade you here is Bob's very detailed and photographed project.
Bus Building (Added 6/20/07) "This website went live in March, 2006, and currently contains only the bare bones of the fascinating endeavor of building your custom bus conversion. Rather than build a ’static’ website which rarely changes, BusBuilding.com will be continually updated and feature ‘fresh’ information every day or two. There is much more to cover and we hope you will come back frequently to see what’s new in the world of building your own handcrafted motorcoach."
My Sister's RV Overhaul (Added 1/7/07) Check out the process of rebuilding a Palomino travel trailer. Lost of photos of the project. Also check the link on the left to "Chevy Autopark". Lots of information about this sometimes troublesome parking brake.
RV Know How (Added 7/20/05) Joe & Vicki have been presenting RV lifestyle seminars at RV shows, rallies and educational events since 1990. They also provide articles, books, and videos useful to RVers.
Roy's RVing in the USA Roy's site is listed here and in the Blog / Journal section. His "RVAid provides both information he has generated & hundreds of links useful to RVers.
RV Information (Added 1/14/07) "On the following pages are several things that I have done to my trailer to make camping easier and more comfortable. All underlined topics are active links. Also you will find useful information regarding batteries. More information will be posted as I find new things to share."
My Prime Years Mike & Donna are also listed in the Blogs & Journals section. Here, check the "RV Lifestyles / RV Articles links for sections called "Getting Started," "Lifestyle," "The Basics," "Technical," and more.
A Water Powered RV Sewer Pump Just what its name implies - a "do it yourself" sewer pump. I don't know if it works, but it looks like it should, and for under $50.00 for parts it's worth a try.
RV Wireless Internet (added 7/10/05) Have a question about adding WiFi to your RV? A forum that lets you ask.
WiFi FreeSpot Directory (Added 12/16/05) A listing of campgrounds that offer free WiFi.
RV Net's WiFi Enabled Campground List (Added 12/16/05) An Adobe Acrobat PDF file listing both paid & free WiFi connections at campgrounds across the US that is updated monthly by the moderator of the "Campgrounds, Resorts & Attractions" page of RV.net. If you don't have Adobe Acrobat Reader click here.
Speedtest.net (Added 2/27/07) A global, easy to use site that lets you check the speed of your network connection with one or two clicks.
Footloose Also listed in the Blogs & Journals section. If you are interested in bus conversions, check the links to their modifications.
RVers On Line Again, this site is also listed in the Blogs & Journals section, but since it contains hundreds of pages & links of interest to anyone buying or maintaining an RV it is also listed here. Plan to spend some time looking through the many articles listed in the menus & links.
RVing with Frieda & Norm Their home page is self explanatory, but click on the "Table of Contents" link to find links to specific information for full timer and casual RVers.
RV Roadie: RV Full timing, What is it really like Check Derek's links to "Technical Articles." Lots of other useful links are available from his home page.
R V Cams (Added 9/21/05) If you are looking for a back up camera, RV Cams offers a number of options.
This page is maintained by: vermilye@oswego.edu
Last Update:
June 27, 2008