tag:blog.outsidesupply.com,2008:/RV//6 2008-05-06T17:30:56Z Information and ideas on RV living and traveling. Movable Type 4.1 tag:blog.outsidesupply.com,2008:/RV//6.146 2008-05-06T17:14:46Z 2008-05-06T17:30:56Z

We carry a 50 Amp RV automatic transfer switch. This auto transfer switch is designed to switch between different sources of power. It is available at Outside Supply by clicking the 50 Amp Transfer Switch Link. It is a heavy...

We carry a 50 Amp RV automatic transfer switch. This auto transfer switch is designed to switch between different sources of power. It is available at Outside Supply by clicking the 50 Amp Transfer Switch Link. It is a heavy duty transfer switch that is often used in Class A RVs and Fifth Wheel Trailers. ]]>
Close Up of wiring Diagram on RV 50 Amp Transfer Switch
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We get a lot of questions about using solar panels on VW Vanagon Westfalia models. We have on basic question regarding solar panel setup for our Outside Supply customers. Do you prefer permanent mount or portable solar panels. The reason...

Outside Supply customers. Do you prefer permanent mount or portable solar panels. The reason why this is important is because it will change the entire design and type of solar system and equipment recommended. A Vanagon Westfalia with a permanent roof mounted panel would most likely use a preconfigured Solar RV kit. The second choice would be our unbreakable selection of solar panels. Running a few of these panels in parallel can create a great portable system. Portable Solar Panels Check out the video below that covers these unbreakable panels. ]]> ]]> tag:blog.outsidesupply.com,2007:/RV//6.123 2007-09-30T23:26:21Z 2007-09-30T23:37:09Z

We have a lot of customers who are using power inverters to power their cordless phones in their RVs. The reason is they find the power in RV parks can be very noisy. The extra noise and voltage fluctuations in...

Their solution has been to add a 300 Watt True Sine wave inverter to always power their cordless phones in their RVs. This way the cordless phone has clean reliable power from their sine wave power inverter.]]> They basically have taken their cordless phone off grid and used the RV's 12 volt power to power the inverter to create clean reliable Sine wave AC power. Some customers even use the power inverter to run their wireless networks and cellular gateways as well. More articles to come on the use and inverter powering of Cellular Gateways and Wireless Routers in RVs. tag:blog.outsidesupply.com,2007:/RV//6.122 2007-09-30T23:02:58Z 2007-09-30T23:20:13Z

There are many Pop Up camper owners who have wanted to break free of constant generator usage or the RV park umbilical cord. These campers are now finding that with the simple addition of a power inverter from Outside...

There are many Pop Up camper owners who have wanted to break free of constant generator usage or the RV park umbilical cord. These campers are now finding that with the simple addition of a power inverter from Outside Supply they can now do many of their normal activities off grid. For example one customer wanted to run his laptop to check sports scores and read email while on his trip. He often went into the crowed campground wash room to have access to electricity.]]> Then we sold him a 600 watt True sine wave inverter for his pop up camper. Now life couldn't be sweeter in his pop-up. This is because he can now run many of the 110 volt items that were off limits before. Items like the family's TV/DVD player and his kids XBOX. While he doesn't always want his family vegging out when on vacation, he admits it is nice when it is raining and they are locked in the camper for a whole day. He chose the 600 watt sine wave inverter because it had enough power to cover all the electronics he needed to run. It also had the reliable sine wave power that would allow for better TV viewing and would be better for running his laptop. He purchased an install kit and also installed a remote switch to allow for easy shut offs. Now he is looking at adding some solar panels to his Pop-Up Camper trailer.]]> tag:blog.outsidesupply.com,2007:/RV//6.114 2007-09-15T03:17:27Z 2007-09-15T03:32:34Z

There are many different types of solar chargers that we carry at Outside Supply. One of the types is a group of panels designed to be used as a Solar RV Charger. These solar chargers can be used to maintain...

There are many different types of solar chargers that we carry at Outside Supply. One of the types is a group of panels designed to be used as a Solar RV Charger. These solar chargers can be used to maintain rv batteries from low use drain and our larger RV Solar Panel Kits can be used to actually charge batteries when Drycamping or Boondocking. Most of the Solar RV Charger panels we carry are 12 volts DC. We do have access to a wide range of 24 volt solar chargers as well.]]> Figure on how many amps need to be replaced in the batteries. What voltage is the circuit? Is this a simple solar maintainer for an RV start battery? Where do you have to mount the panel? If you are planning an exterior install, do you have a place to use a quick connect/disconnect. Is your solar charger/ solar panel for your RV likely to be damaged easily? These are only a few of the issues that you may address or need to address when choosing a good solar charger for your RV. Remember you will also need to consider wire size, charge controllers, and mounting hardware during installs. Always follow safe wiring guides from the manufacturers instructions. If you have issue consult a local electrician. Be Safe, Rather Than Sorry! Hire someone if in doubt. Check out our wide selection of other solar products as well.]]> tag:blog.outsidesupply.com,2007:/RV//6.112 2007-07-24T00:28:54Z 2007-07-24T01:13:56Z

Outside Supply always tries to provide our customers with accurate information with as much details as possible. This allows our customers to make better and more informed purchases from our store. Here are the pictures for our 30 Amp Transfer...

Outside Supply always tries to provide our customers with accurate information with as much details as possible. This allows our customers to make better and more informed purchases from our store. Here are the pictures for our 30 Amp Transfer Switch for RV Applications ]]> As you can see it is a pretty simple relay system. The transfer switch has a wiring diagram located under the panel. These transfer switches are often used in RV, Marine, and remote applications. They can switch between shore or backup inverter power. ]]> tag:blog.outsidesupply.com,2007:/RV//6.99 2007-06-09T03:56:27Z 2007-06-09T04:07:10Z

Do you need a RV Solar Battery Charger? At OutsideSupply.com I often get asked about RV Solar Battery Charger kits and panels by many of our great RV customers. This is because sometimes when you are not using your RV...

Do you need a RV Solar Battery Charger? At OutsideSupply.com I often get asked about RV Solar Battery Charger kits and panels by many of our great RV customers. This is because sometimes when you are not using your RV it can be stored for extended periods of time. A good RV Solar Battery Charger can really help protect your batteries during these long down times.]]> Here is a link to our complete section of RV solar products and more. It is important to note that any of the panels over 10 watts will need a charge controller to keep the RV Solar Battery Charger from overcharging your RV batteries. It is also important to note that when installing solar panels for RV Battery Charging it is important to install the panels or kits using the manufacturers instructions. Especially on wire size and correct installation. It is always better to do something right the first time rather than find your RV Solar Battery Charger flew off the roof of your RV due to an improper install.]]> tag:blog.outsidesupply.com,2007:/RV//6.91 2007-05-29T20:32:14Z 2007-05-29T20:50:04Z

Did you know, that dry camping is one of the most common question topics or area of requested information at Outside Supply. This is because many of our customers like to head to the great outdoors. This means little or...

dry camping is one of the most common question topics or area of requested information at Outside Supply. This is because many of our customers like to head to the great outdoors. This means little or no services. In fact sometimes our dry camping customers may go a month without electricity. How do the power their RV, camper, or motorhome while drycamping?]]> Dry Camping Power Inverters can be purchased at Outside Supply. ]]> tag:blog.outsidesupply.com,2007:/RV//6.89 2007-05-26T05:37:16Z 2007-05-26T05:52:02Z

Mark for New Hampshire called today to enquire about a solar panel and inverter that could charge his cell phone using an AC power jack. He really wants the inverter to run from the Pop-up Camper's battery and then use...

Mark for New Hampshire called today to enquire about a solar panel and inverter that could charge his cell phone using an AC power jack. He really wants the inverter to run from the Pop-up Camper's battery and then use the solar panel to charge the battery. He doesn't use much power, in fact he says his 100Ah battery last about 4 days when dry camping. This is with no charging. So he won't need much solar and the 7 watt AC load for 2 hours a day won't add much additional usage either. 150 True Sine Wave Power Inverter This has enough power to also run a small TV if he later decides to add one. It will also connect directly to the 12 volt sockets in his POP-UP camper. Solar Panel: Unbreakable Solar Panels 10 Watt Solar Panel For solar he wants to lay the panel on the ground around his POP-UP. He doesn't plan on walking on it, but I still suggested a nice 20 Watt Unbreakable. Here is the article on Unbreakable Solar Panels. http://blog.outsidesupply.com/solar/solar-panels/unbreakable-panels-are-great-for-rv-use.html]]> tag:blog.outsidesupply.com,2007:/RV//6.86 2007-04-28T22:38:16Z 2007-05-02T19:52:20Z

tag:blog.outsidesupply.com,2007:/RV//6.80 2007-04-28T16:21:15Z 2007-04-28T16:38:27Z

http://www.outsidesupply.com/power-inverters.htmDry camping is made easier through the addition of an RV Power Invertor. This because an invertor will allow you to run household AC devices in your RV without running your generator. Outside Supply sells Power Invertors convert DC power...

http://www.outsidesupply.com/power-inverters.htmDry camping is made easier through the addition of an RV Power Invertor. This because an invertor will allow you to run household AC devices in your RV without running your generator. Outside Supply sells Power Invertors convert DC power into AC power. This allows you to power AC devices off of your RV batteries and a Power Invertor.]]> Many RV'ers look for invertors to power everything in their RV coach. While this is possible, you may want to limit you power invertor to only running your most necessary devices. This is because large heavy continuous loads will drain your battery ban very quickly. So keep in mind when dry camping that you have a finite amount of battery power. When you decide what to run check out our full line of Power Invertors. tag:blog.outsidesupply.com,2007:/RV//6.76 2007-04-20T22:06:03Z 2007-04-20T22:17:16Z

Using a transfer switch in an RV when installing an inverter can be a wise choice. Transfer switches are available at Outside Supply and here is why we usually suggest you use a transfer switch for basic inverter applications. Using...

Using a transfer switch in an RV when installing an inverter can be a wise choice. Transfer switches are available at Outside Supply and here is why we usually suggest you use a transfer switch for basic inverter applications. Using a transfer switch can provide extra protection to you inverter if shore power is connected. A transfer switch merely kicks out the inverter side of the circuit and switches to shore power automatically. When shore power is lost, the transfer switch again automatically switches to the inverter side of the circuit. This allows for continuous operation in case of power outage or disconnection.]]> 50 amp transfer switch for RV installs that we carry on Outside Supply.]]> tag:blog.outsidesupply.com,2007:/RV//6.72 2007-04-17T04:25:04Z 2007-04-17T04:33:16Z

One Outside Supply customer had a question regarding using the power inverter he bought for his travel trailer. He wanted to be able to make sure he could run an outlet to the outside of his travel trailer to power...

Outside Supply customer had a question regarding using the power inverter he bought for his travel trailer. He wanted to be able to make sure he could run an outlet to the outside of his travel trailer to power his TV so he could watch the game outside. I advised him that it is easy to get the power outside, but it is important to make sure that a GFCI power outlet is used to help create a safer environment.]]> He said that he would get an outdoor GFCI outlet to allow an exterior connection for his inverter. Since his inverter was hardwire-able he simply properly connected the GFCI outlet to the inverter. This allowed him to take some of his favorite games outside while he barbecued or tailgated in his travel trailer. tag:blog.outsidesupply.com,2007:/RV//6.71 2007-04-17T03:03:47Z 2007-04-17T03:15:09Z

Camper Power Inverter and Converter These are two different itemsin your camper. Outside Supply sells both kinds but lets give you a bit of information about each. Most power inverters converter DC voltage to AC voltage. This can allow us...

Camper Power Inverter and Converter These are two different itemsin your camper. Outside Supply sells both kinds but lets give you a bit of information about each. Most power inverters converter DC voltage to AC voltage. This can allow us to power houeshold appliances like TV's and Microwaves in our camper. Power converters are different. They take 110 volts AC and create 12 or 24 volts DC depending on which type you have. There are other voltages available in power converters but 12 and 24 volts DC are the most common. This allows us to run 12 volt appliances and lights in our camper while we are plugged into shore power at a campground. Both power inverters and power converters are usefull in your camper, but they do provide different tasks. If you have questions or need to purchase either a power inverter or power converter for your camper, Don't hesitate to call, we'd love to help. tag:blog.outsidesupply.com,2007:/RV//6.70 2007-04-17T01:57:46Z 2007-04-17T02:34:47Z

Keep the Leaks away! Water leaks can be bad in just about any environment. It can be a catastrophe in an RV, Travel Trailer, Teardrop Camper, Motorhome, Pop-Up or other portable camping equipment. There are a couple rules I like...

Keep the Leaks away! Water leaks can be bad in just about any environment. It can be a catastrophe in an RV, Travel Trailer, Teardrop Camper, Motorhome, Pop-Up or other portable camping equipment. There are a couple rules I like to follow when adding any new electronics to my RV. Outside Supply wants you to honestly judge your experience level before taking on any project. This is because it is sometimes better to hire someone with more experience at sealing and installing items in your RV than make some costly mistakes. While many projects on an RV can be simple and easy to accomplish, certain task can require more skill, tools and experience than others. Just make a good decision about hiring a professional before starting. Many times if you are supplying the parts for a job, the installtion labor can be very reasonable. ]]> First I limit any and all holes in my RV to an absolute minimum. This is because additional holes are additional paths for water. So I always try to handle any new projects that require holes at the same time. When I installed my Solar Panel, I knew I might want to install another panel later, so I used a larger wire size than necessary for one panel so I could easily add another panel without any new holes or even much fuss. Second I make the holes in my RV water tight. To do this I use the smallest hole possible and use generous amounts of well placed silicone sealant. Clean the area to install the sealant thoroughly according to the manufacturers instructions. Doing this insure you will get the best possible seal the sealant can provide. Make sure you install the sealant in a fashion that insures the best watertight seal, this is usually laid out in the instructions as well. Remember if you give water any path it will find its way into your RV. Good luck and don't rush, a careful and good install will help keep the leaks away!