Support the Podcast
Contacts
Info
RV Power Systems is an RV power podcast for boondockers and weekend RVers upgrading batteries, solar, and converters with real power-budget math—not influencer gear dumps. We own amp-hour budgeting, battery...
show more
RV Power Systems is an RV power podcast for boondockers and weekend RVers upgrading batteries, solar, and converters with real power-budget math—not influencer gear dumps. We own amp-hour budgeting, battery monitor myths, solar sizing for weekend vs full-time use, inverter pitfalls, and shore-power vs off-grid tradeoffs. Short how-tos that keep the lights on without frying electronics. Search RV Power Systems on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for weekly boondocking power and RV electrical episodes. Audio for this show is produced with AI assistance. Episodes are researched, scripted, and reviewed for accuracy before release.
show less
Support the Podcast
Episodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
Transcribed
25 AUG 2026 · In this episode of RV Power Systems, Zara tackles the frustrating gap between what battery monitors claim and the real power available during boondocking trips. Many weekend setups rely on optimistic readings that ignore temperature swings, lithium cell behavior at partial charges, and hidden losses from inverters and cycling appliances like fridges. Learn why voltage-based monitors fall short for lithium banks and how a simple device audit—tracking actual amp draws over 24 hours—reveals where your energy budget is leaking. Discover practical steps to measure real-world consumption with a clamp meter, factor in startup surges and efficiency losses, and switch to a shunt monitor for accurate amp-hour tracking. Zara also covers recalibrating your system, adding temperature sensors, and maintaining batteries above 20% to prevent long-term capacity fade.
Key takeaways:
- List every load’s amp draw and compare totals against actual battery output after losses
- Use a shunt monitor instead of voltage-only readings for reliable lithium SOC tracking
- Measure real cycles with a clamp meter and add a 20% buffer for temperature and inverter heat
- Recalibrate monitors against rested voltage and install external temperature sensors
📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at rv@senseofthisshit.com.
Support the show: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/rv-power-systems--7171847/support
Transcribed
18 AUG 2026 · In this episode of RV Power Systems, Zara tackles the frustration every boondocker faces: batteries that drain faster than expected, leaving lights dim by night two despite optimistic monitor readings. She breaks down why paper estimates fail and shows how simple, real-world measurements transform your power planning. Learn to log actual device draws, calculate true watt-hour totals, account for inverter and wiring losses, and compare them against your battery bank's safe capacity—whether lead-acid or lithium. Discover the myths that mislead monitor users and how to verify readings with quick tests. Zara also covers tracking solar input over multiple days and adjusting for charging inefficiencies to avoid surprise generator runs.
Key takeaways:
- Measure each device's real amp draw before trips instead of relying on specs
- Build a device log with watt ratings and hours, then update it after every outing
- Verify battery monitors against known loads and adjust for chemistry and losses
- Track solar amp-hours in versus out to spot when panels fall short
https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/rv-power-systems--7171847/support
📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at prettyscumbag.nick@gmail.com.
💛 Join Our Supporters Club ($3 a month) 💛 Ad-free listening + early episodes — help keep independent media alive. Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/rv-power-systems--7171847/support
Transcribed
11 JUL 2026 · In this episode of RV Power Systems, we break down the straightforward math of boondocking power budgets and debunk common battery-monitor myths that lead to early power shortages. Learn how to track real amp-hour draws from fridges, lights, pumps, and hidden standby loads like inverters, then compare them against your battery bank for multi-day trips. Discover why monitors drift without weekly full charges and resets, plus simple voltage checks that keep you accurate without new gear.
Key takeaways:
- Add every 12V load over a full day, including short bursts and always-on items, to find your true daily budget.
- Factor in 15%+ for standby draws to avoid underestimating needs.
- Reset monitors after forcing a 100% charge weekly and verify with terminal voltage readings.
- Test your usage at home first—if it exceeds 20% of bank capacity, adjust habits before heading out.
These quick how-tos build reliable off-grid routines using what you already have. 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at rv@senseofthisshit.com. Support the show at
📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at rv@senseofthisshit.com.
💛 Join Our Supporters Club ($3 a month) 💛 Ad-free listening + early episodes — help keep independent media alive. Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/rv-power-systems--7171847/support
Join “RV Power Systems” Supporters Club
Start supporting this podcast and become part of their community.
RV Power Systems is an RV power podcast for boondockers and weekend RVers upgrading batteries, solar, and converters with real power-budget math—not influencer gear dumps. We own amp-hour budgeting, battery...
show more
RV Power Systems is an RV power podcast for boondockers and weekend RVers upgrading batteries, solar, and converters with real power-budget math—not influencer gear dumps. We own amp-hour budgeting, battery monitor myths, solar sizing for weekend vs full-time use, inverter pitfalls, and shore-power vs off-grid tradeoffs. Short how-tos that keep the lights on without frying electronics. Search RV Power Systems on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for weekly boondocking power and RV electrical episodes. Audio for this show is produced with AI assistance. Episodes are researched, scripted, and reviewed for accuracy before release.
show less
Information
| Author | Let's Work This Sh*t Out |
| Organization | Let's Work This Sh*t Out |
| Categories | Leisure , Society & Culture |
| Website | www.senseofthisshit.com |
| rv@senseofthisshit.com |
Copyright 2026 - Spreaker Inc. an iHeartMedia Company
