Community Forums

Broman5thflo · 04-25-2017, 12:03 AM

I got a 81 pace arrow that is completely gutted. Im currently on the wiring stage.

I heard DC is direct current. Aka what powers the rv components and AC is for household appliances. I'm going to run the AC to the generator.

Now can I run the generator to power the outlets while I drive? Have both the AC power running with the DC power running or will that blow a fuse/ a battery?

Is there any risk? Do I have to turn on the generator everytime I want to use an outlet? Will I have to connect a limit number of outlets to alternate between AC and DC current? Is that even safe?
Eg. Can I turn on the tv while I'm driving down the street or on the freeway? How could I get it to work?

Are their any repair / maintenance manuals out there?
Like Chilton manuals?
Sorry I'm asking for a lot. It's my first RV ever and I want it to be functional.

Old-Biscuit · 04-25-2017, 02:40 AM

Not enough bandwidth to educate you properly on DC and AC SYSTEM.....and electricity in general

Sorry to be so blunt BUT from your post you have very little understanding of electrical systems let alone how to install and wire them.

Need an AC MAIN Panel with Circuit Breakers which feed outlets, major components/appliances etc and then a DC Panel with FUSES that feed lighting, appliances/control boards etc.

A converter/charger to maintain rv battery and run fused system when you have AC power
Converter takes 120V AC and has 12V DC output

A transfer switch to swap AC power cord and Generator power to MAIN Panel

Toss in an Inverter that takes 12V DC and has 120V AC output

Primer...electrical basics
http://rveducation101.com/articles/b...city_savvy.pdf

12 Volt Side of Life
The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)

Typical RV power system with just converter

Block diagram of RV Systems with BOTH converter & inverter

computerguy · 04-25-2017, 07:16 AM

Yeah, Old Biscuit is on point here. Way too complex of a subject to properly answer in a forum.
Lots of good websites out there including the ones already suggested.
It's not hard. There are a lot of little details you need to be aware of.

Need to be fully aware of how to wire (anything carry current) in a moving vehicle as the movement can easily wear through something and cause a short and ultimately a fire.
Properly ground things. And when it comes to AC power this topic becomes complex when you add in a shore power connection - Lots of discussion on how and when to bond the neutral to ground.
When in doubt consult a qualified electrician.