An RV Systems Monitor Panel is the information center for most of the systems in your RV. The monitor panel is a convenience device designed to give the user a basic idea of the fluid levels in the RV’s many storage tanks. They generally display the electric power left in your deep cycle RV battery(s) as well. The monitor panel makes everything needed to keep an eye on the RV conveniently located in a single area of the unit.
Monitor Panel Location
Basic Monitor Panel
The panel may be located anywhere in the RV, but it is normally found in the kitchen area either near the stove or the entry door. It will always be found in an easy to read location such as the kitchen or hallway.
Older models are very basic and you might find some of the information (ie battery or generator hours) located in a separate area.
Information on the RV Systems Monitor Panel
A newer RV monitor panel shows individual levels for the battery, fresh water tank, gray water main, black water main, gray water number two (“galley”) and black water number two. It also shows the generator fuel level if here is a generator onboard.
You can also start the water pump, LP gas water heater and operate all of the lights in different zones of the RV from one single control panel. Being able to control the lights
Toy Hauler Monitor Panel with Fuel Station Gauge
from the RV monitor panel makes it possible to turn the lights off all at once, rather than having to go switch to switch.
Depending upon the RV unit, the monitor panel also controls the slide room mechanisms and any other mechanical features the RV has. Also, a newer RV monitor panel comes with more options and offers a lot more information to the RV owner.
An older RV monitor panel may have a single switch for the water pump and there may be some other switches for the water pump in the bathroom or outside. There is also a water heater on and off switch at the panel. The older models are very basic.
Checking the Monitor Panel
Typical Class C Monitor Panel
While the monitor panel is accessible at all time, there are better times to check fluid levels. The best time to check the levels is when the RV has been stable for an hour. This allows fluids that may have splashed to have leveled causing inaccurate readings.
Some of the newer models make it possible to adjust the sensitivity of the RV monitor panel. This comes in handy when the readings are not matching what the actual levels are.
Furthermore, RV’s come with varying size tanks and all of us users are different in the way we use them. Consequently until you are familiar with your RV, check your systems monitor panel frequently.
