Managing 12 Volts: How to Upgrade, Operate, and Troubleshoot 12 Volt Electrical Systems

This will be a reference for my RV 12 volt system. Perhaps a bit dated, but there aren't many books on the subject.

Very thorough and well written. In my "top 3" of books on batteries and I am obsessed with batteries. Get this book if you could only have one book on the subject.

This book has given me an understanding of 12 volt systems and allowed me to design one to meet my needs. The author logically lays it all out beginning with concepts and vocabulary. Next he instructs how to inventory your electrical needs. This process is like making a budget--not very popular, but essential to match up your system to your needs. It pays to do a little homework here, which includes basic math. Like so many things in life, there are many "trade-offs" on this topic. When it comes to electrical systems, the typical American macho concept of "bigger is always better" is not true. For example, if your 110 volt needs are fairly modest, it would not make sense to have a large inverter which would rapidly run down your batteries. Such an arrangement would be inefficient. The requirement to add batteries would add the additional cost and in the case of an RV further hinder gasoline mileage due to the increased weight of the vehicle. An understanding of the concept of ampere-hours (which is nicely explained in the book) is vital. The book also explains the trade-offs on the different types of batteries and charging systems. The diagrams that are included aid in the explanation. The Troubleshooting section will serve as a good reference. A Glossary is also included along with a List of Manufacturers.

i am still reading parts of it, and would suggest for future publications that the basics of batteries be provided at the beginning of the book, rather than further on. That is so that young people can view and learn how it all works from the start. I would also make the photos and wording as simple as possible so that kids can to learn the basics and recall the important parts, or else so that adults who never received that kind of do it yourself education can learn follow the directiosn with ease.

This one is not an easy read. But if you take your time and think about and at times ponder what is written you will find this very helpful. It is a great place to get to know and understand an RV (or boat) electrical 12 volt system. Go slowly enough to ensure you thoroughly understand before going further. Highly recommend.

I don't know if the author of this book is even around (hope so), but this little book is a gem. For those novices out there who haven't a clue about solar and batteries, pick up a copy of this author's work. You'll soon be "in the know."

I have a degree in electronics, but also have three traumatic brain injury diagnoses, so I wanted a book to use as a reference while working on my motor home. This book is extremely well written, and easy to follow. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to do their own work on their rig, whether outof pleasure or necessity.

This book is okay but somewhat dated in a few areas. It is marketed as "Updated 2nd edition". The problem is, that was 12 years ago (2002). Of course some things about electricity and circuits aren't going to change. But the information on solar installations, for instance, is not up to date and this bothers me. Solar figures large in the project I specifically bought this book for. It is still an okay text with a lot of information, but If Mr. Barre had written a truly updated edition, I would have been more satisfied.

;)

Managing 12 Volts is a really great book thoroughly enjoyed reading through it. Found a tremendous amount of helpful information especially towards starting to set up solar etc. Very good buy! I definitely give it 5 stars.

Fantastic addition to any library if you work on 12v systems. Well laid out, great fundamental information. Some of it might be a bit dated technology wise, but the basics never change.

Very good product. Thank you very much.

Seems a very good manual for those with minimal electronics knowledge and trying to figure out what is going on with their RV or boat electrical system. It has increased my understanding and spurred me to install a battery monitor to help manage my RV electrical system.