Around half of our customers each year have never owned an RV. If you're in that group, the following may answer many of your questions about the systems. Even if you have previously owned an RV, check out the information. Things do change over the years.
While Sportsmobile has become much more sophisticated in the way of systems over the years, maintenance problems have decreased. This is due to the more advanced technologies, materials, quality controls, etc.
No manufacturer uses better appliances, components and systems than Sportsmobile. Our quality control is first rate. We learned decades ago that it's better to make it right the first time rather than have to fix things later. That's not to say something can't go wrong. But the incidence is very low for Sportsmobile. However, if you ever have a problem, you can be assured that Sportsmobile will immediately do whatever it takes to make it right ASAP!
"(O)" in information on this page indicates an additional cost option.
The 12 Volt System
What Items Will the 12V Auxiliary Battery Power?
Water Pump Lights Fan Refrigerator TV Furnace (O),12V blower fan
Why An Auxiliary Battery?
The battery we use is an AGM deep cycle battery. This state of the art battery uses more advanced AGM technology for increased safety, efficiency and durability over all other existing battery types.
It is completely sealed and has an exceptional, non-maintenance, life cycle.
It's the same battery now used in some jet fighters.
When you run your van's engine, the van's large amp alternator will charge your Auxiliary Battery and the van's starting battery.
When you have a 110V outside hookup, the Power Converter/Battery Charger will charge your Auxiliary Battery in several hours.
A Battery Level Gauge is included.
A Battery Separator, included for all vans, will prevent any drain from your van's starting battery.
A Second Auxiliary Battery (O) - can be installed to double your 12V power.
What Does The Power Converter/Battery Charger Do?
The 65A Power Converter converts 110 to 12V power, when you are connected to a 110V park hookup or have your Generator (O) running.
The Converter will provide plenty of 12V power for all 12V items.
The Power Converter/Battery Charger will charge your Auxiliary Battery in about 12 hours, instead of several days as trickle charge models do.
The Charger will not over-charge your batteries and it's totally filtered, regulated and spike protected. Charging of the Auxiliary Battery system is automatic — there is no switch to turn on/off.
110 Volt System
What Appliances Require 110V?
Microwave (O)
Air Conditioner (O)
Hot Water Heater, 110V (O)
Portable Heater (O)
Plus other 110V items such as electric blankets, tools, etc.
For 110V power you must have a 110V park hookup or Generator (O) or Inverter (O) — please see below.
What Will An Inverter Do? (O)
It changes 12V power to 110V (the Standard Equipment Converter changes 110V to 12V).
If you will not have a 110V hookup or Generator (O), and must have 110V power, this is the way to go. Keep in mind, the 12V battery system size will determine how long the inverter will run 110V items
If you have an Inverter, you can power such items as a computer, microwave and other lower amp appliances. The Inverter can run an A/C for about 1 hour max with van engine off and two fully charged auxiliary batteries. Substantially more with engine running.
A 100 Amp battery charger is built-in.
Sportsmobile Offers Two Inverter Models
INVERTER, 2000W - Triplite. 100A Charger and 30A Surge Protector. For household appliances, such as a microwave, TV, computer, etc.
INVERTER, 2000W - Xantrex. Pure sine, 100A Charger is recommended for all 110V needs and sensitive hi-tech equipment.
Formula: Amps x Volts = Watts
The Inverter is exchanged for the Standard Equipment Power Converter/Battery Charger. This is an additional cost option. A "second" 100A auxiliary battery is recommended for a total of 200 amps.
Propane System
What Is The Propane System For?
Propane is required for the Stove, Furnace (O), Three-Way Refrigerator (O), and Propane Hot Water Heater (O). The tank is located up under the van's floor in a protected area. A hinged outside access door is included for access to the gauge, master shut-off valve and fill connection.
If the tank has a 7.9 gallon capacity, it will provide 690,900 BTUs. If you turn one stove burner on, it will use 5,000 BTUs per hour, for 138 hours of continuous use. Furnace (O) uses 12,000 BTUs per hour. The furnace will run around 57 hours.
A two-stage regulator supplies very low gas pressure inside the Sportsmobile for the appliances. A Propane Detector is included. Propane tanks are manufactured, installed and tested per strict codes. Since 1961 we do not know of a single Sportsmobile propane related accident or injury. Always practice safety!
Can I Delete The Propane System And Go "All Electric"?
Yes. The Stove and/or Propane System can be deleted from the Standard Equipment Package for credit. When a 110V hookup is available, you can use a Microwave (O) or Electric Hot Plate (O) for cooking and hot water. Some owners use a portable camp stove. Small portable propane water heaters are also available. Also keep in mind, practically all campgrounds have a grill and picnic table at each camp site.
If you include an Inverter (O), which changes 12V to 110V, you would have 110V for a Microwave (O) and other 110V items. An Inverter (O) will not power the Starcool A/C.
Water System
Explain The City Water Hookup
When you have a park fresh water connection at your camp site, you can connect it and the connector in the side of the van with the 25 foot White Fresh Water Hose. You will then have fresh water to the Sink, Shower (O), Marine Toilet (O) and Water Heater (O). All Sportsmobile water lines are high pressure and rated to minus 50 F. The City Water Connection includes a built-in pressure regulator.
The entire water line system can be easily drained through a drain valve located under the van, near the City hookup. The Fresh Water Tank also includes a through-the -floor drain by the tank.
How Do I Fill The Fresh Water Tank?
If you are connected to a city water hookup, just turn on the valve by the fresh water tank. You can see the level through the side of the tank. When the tank is full, turn the valve off. We install the fresh water tank and water lines inside the van, not under the van, to help protect them from freezing. You can also fill the tank from the inside of your Sportsmobile, if you are not connected to a city water hookup. A 48 inch long hose connected to the water tank is included for this purpose. Sportsmobile does not use a separate outside fill in the side of the van. This keeps the van more attractive; plus helps ensure "no tampering" with your water supply.
Holding Tanks
There are two types — Grey Water and Black Water (O). The Grey Water tank is included in the Standard Equipment Package. Grey Water is sink and shower water — and will not harm the environment if you use biodegradable detergents. The Black Water (O) holding tank is used for toilet waste.
Sportsmobile Owner's Manual
Many Sportsmobile customers are first time RV owners. We have written, and revised our manual many times, with first time owners in mind. The manual is written in an easy to read, outlined format. There are schematics, drawings and photographs to further explain the manual.
Also see "Keeping Warm/Staying Cool" in the Ford/Chevy section and in the Sprinter section.
