12 volt ground system

[Oldboy]

I have a 2010 24RL. Is the 12 volt system ( interior lights, water pump .... etc) grounded back to the battery via the frame like a car?.... Or is it done via wiring?

[dbledan]

Every trailer I have seen the DC is grounded to the frame. Sometimes folks put the disconnect on the ground rather than the positive but both solutions work for a disconnect and dont change the flow.

[TitanMike]

Using the frame for grounds cuts the possible voltage drop by running the ground all the way to the battery.

SOME devices either require a separate negative lead run to the battery or just work better if that's done.

Examples would be Inverters, items like DC-DC chargers like the Renogy unit used for charging Lithium batteries from TV alternators.

If using the frame/chassis for ground/negative connections, don't forget to give them proper attention. Just like battery cables they require periodic cleaning to remove corrosion that increases resistance at the connecting point. These connections are the most overlooked items in an RV 12 volt system and are often the most common cause of problems because of this neglect.

[hobienick]

If you are going to mix using frame ground and running a wire back to the battery negative, be careful not to create ground loops. Make sure all grounds, including the frame, go to a single point.

[Bluepill]

Don't assume that there is only a single common grounding point. It is common to use multiple points for ground connections on vehicles. Many RV 12 volt circuits will bring the negative feed wire back to the converter where the positive feed is fused.

[Jim in Halifax]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Using the frame for grounds cuts the possible voltage drop by running the ground all the way to the battery.

SOME devices either require a separate negative lead run to the battery or just work better if that's done.

Examples would be Inverters, items like DC-DC chargers like the Renogy unit used for charging Lithium batteries from TV alternators.

If using the frame/chassis for ground/negative connections, don't forget to give them proper attention. Just like battery cables they require periodic cleaning to remove corrosion that increases resistance at the connecting point. These connections are the most overlooked items in an RV 12 volt system and are often the most common cause of problems because of this neglect.

X2!!!!

[Oldboy]

Thanks guys....got it.