Electrical, Plumbing, Propane
About 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 Sportsmobiles have 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!
The 12 Volt System
Water Pump | Lights | Fan | Refrigerator | TV | Furnace | 12v/48 Air Conditioners | On Board Air Compressor | Exterior Lights
- The batteries we use are AGM Deep Cycle Batteries. These state-of-the-art batteries use more advanced AGM technology for increased safety, efficiency and durability over most other existing battery types.
- The battery is completely sealed and has an exceptional, non-maintenance life cycle.
- 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 Inverter/Battery Charger will charge your Auxiliary Batteries in several hours depending on the battery bank size.
- 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
- A Battery percentage read out is part of the Standard Equipment Package
- A Battery Separator will prevent any drain from your van’s starting battery when key is in “on” position.
- A 12V Cut-Off Switch also is included so you can cut off all 12V drain from your auxiliary batteries when you will be gone for a while or storing your Sportsmobile. Note, this includes the refrigerator which also runs on 12V.
- Two AGM batteries (car size) 100 AMP/Hour = 200 AMP/Hour
- or one large AGM battery 200 AMP/Hour
- Lithium Battery Upgrade
- Or add solar panels. Solar panels are 115 watts each.
Solar systems up to 400 watts work good when frequently parked in the sun. Portable systems are gaining popularity. The Sportsmobile can be in partial shade then place the panel in the sun. Storing the panels, however, can be a challenge.
For more info see Solar Panels.
Sportsmobile has been installing these systems since 2012. Most of our customers only keep their Sportsmobile for 10 to 15 years. In this time you would need to replace your AGM battery around 3-4 times, with a lithium battery you may need to replace it only once in this timeframe. Soon, lithium batteries will be part of the Standard Equipment Package.
Advantages of Lithium over AGM batteries
- Faster Charge
- More usable amp hour capacity-estimate 100% more
- Consistent voltage
- About 50% lighter
- Longer life-about 10 years per lab test. Real-world results may vary
- Our lithium batteries come in a UL listed fire proof box from the manufacture.
The 110 Volt System
- Microwave
- Air Conditioner
- Hot Water Heater, 110V
- Portable Heater
- Any item that needs to be plugged into a 110 outlet
- For 110V power you must have a 110V park hookup Generator or Inverter
- It changes 12V power to 110V (A Converter changes 110V to 12V).
- If you will not be plugging into shore power or having an onboard generator you will need a sufficient battery bank and an inverter to run your 110 items.
- A 120 Amp battery charger is built-in.
- With the standard 3000 Watt Inverter, you can power such items as a computer, microwave and other 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.
- For more info on running an A/C while driving or parked, see the Heating & Cooling page.
Inverter/Charger is a pure sine wave inverter. 3000W, 120A charger.
Touch screen control panel is simple to use.
Battery Monitor is a “fuel gauge” type meter for your auxiliary batteries. It monitors the battery bank and reports the percentage state of charge, real-time amps, voltage, amp-hours in/out, and the minimum/maximum DC volts.
The Propane System
- Propane is required for a propane stove, furnace, water heater, or generator.
- The tank is located under the van’s floor in a protected area. Exterior access is included 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 option 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!
- With advancements in lithium batteries, going all electric is more common than having propane. But here at Sportsmobile, we’re still trained and certified at installing and servicing propane systems to fit your needs.
The Water System
- When you have a park fresh water connection at your camp site, you can connect it to the side of the Sportsmobile and run all fixtures off of the city water supply.
- You will then have fresh water to the sink, interior and/or exterior shower, marine, cassette, macerator toilet and water heater.
- All Sportsmobile water lines are high pressure and rated to minus 20º 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 Sportsmobile, near the city hookup.
- 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.
- There are two types — grey Water and black water.
- 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 option holding tank is used for toilet waste.
Let Us Help
With more than 60 years of experience, we can help you choose the right options for your needs.