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- Why Does The Voltage In My RV's 12 Volt System Keep Fluctuating?
Why Does The Voltage In My RV's 12 Volt System Keep Fluctuating?
by Bob
(Hilton Head, SC,USA)
On my 12 volt system the voltage will go down to 12.4 and then go back up to 13.5 volts. Is this normal or is there a problem and what should I look for?
ANSWER: Greetings Bob thanks for submitting your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.
This is one of those rare occasions when I get to give an RVer good news when answering a question submitted on our Ask An RVing Question Page. What you are experiencing with your RV's house batteries voltage fluctuations is completely normal.
When your RV's House Batteries get to about 12.3 to 12.5 volts the battery charger on your RV kicks in and starts to top off the house batteries. Depending on how low the house batteries are and the type of charger you have, you may even see the charging voltage going above 14 volts.
Not to worry, this minor fluctuation in the DC voltage will not damage anything in your RV. The one step you should take is to check the electrolyte levels in your house batteries at least once a month. If they are low you need to top them off using Distilled Water (not tap water or bottled drinking water).
I am happy to be the bearer of good news for once.
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Happy RVing
RVing Al
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