Learn what an RV automatic transfer switch does, when it should stay in your system, and when it may be removed during a Victron inverter or solar installation.

Choosing the right wire size for a Victron Orion XS 1400 can be tricky, especially with long cable runs. In this tech tip, we compare 4 AWG and 6 AWG cable, explain voltage drop, and test two ways to fit larger wire into the terminal.

Get quick answers to common RV solar questions, including whether flexible panels should go directly on your roof, how to handle solar during storage, where to mount panel feet, and whether a capacitor can start a generator.

Can a 12V truck safely charge a 24V RV battery system? Here’s how a DC-to-DC charger works, why shared ground does not mean shared voltage, and what RV owners should understand before connecting truck and trailer power systems.

Before you plug your RV into shore power, it’s worth taking a minute to verify the pedestal with a multimeter. Whether you’re at a campground, RV park, rally, or borrowing power from someone else, a quick check can help you avoid plugging into a potentially unsafe outlet. In this Two-Minute Tech Tip, Todd from Big Beard Battery walks through the basics of checking 20 amp, 30 amp, and 50 amp RV pedestal outlets. Know Your Hot, Neutral, and Ground On a standard 20 amp outlet, t

If your RV washer runs fine on shore power and generator power, but suddenly shuts off mid-cycle when you're on inverter power, you're probably dealing with more than just a simple power issue. We ran into this exact problem on a recent solar build at Big Beard Battery in Athens, Texas. The RV had a newer Splendide washer, and everything seemed normal at first. It would start up, begin the cycle, and then just shut off while running on inverter power. But when plugged into sh

Choosing the right solar charge controller is key to building a powerful and efficient off-grid RV system. In this episode of Todd’s Two-Minute Tech Tip Tuesday, brought to you by BigBeardBattery.com, Todd walks you through the differences between charge controller sizes, how to avoid bottlenecks, and how system voltage impacts your setup.

In this Two-Minute Tech Tip Tuesday, Todd from Big Beard Battery breaks down DIN rail terminal blocks—a clean, safe solution for extending AC cables when your inverter isn’t close enough to your breaker panel.

In this tech tip, Todd explains how DC breakers work, the difference between polarized and non-polarized breakers, and why direction matters when interrupting DC current.

Best Way to Wire Solar Panels: Series vs Parallel Explained

Todd breaks down how to read a Victron inverter data plate — including power factor, volts amps, and the difference between peak and continuous load. Learn why a “3000VA” inverter really gives you about 2400 watts of usable power, how load type affects performance, and how to size your inverter safely and accurately for your system.

Todd breaks down the difference between volt-amps and watts, why Victron and many generators use “volts amps” on their spec sheets, and how power factor affects what your system can actually run.

Todd walks through every piece of this powerhouse setup — showing how we achieved a true luxury off-grid system that can run three A/Cs during the day and two all night, no hookups required. If you’ve ever dreamed of living off-grid without giving up comfort, this is the setup that proves it’s possible.

At the 2025 National Alliance RV Owners Rally, 18-year-old Raylea Smith took the stage to share her knowledge on DIY RV solar and lithium power systems. Raised in the Big Beard Battery family, Raylea broke down complex topics like lithium battery upgrades, solar charging, and off-grid living with confidence and clarity. Her presentation proved that the next generation of RVers is ready to power up—and take charge. Watch the full talk on YouTube!

In this episode of Todd's Two-Minute Tech Tip Tuesday, we answer a question that many RV owners face: "Why do my breakers keep tripping?" Todd explains how limited circuits in your RV—especially shared GFCI outlets—can easily overload and trip breakers, even if you're just making coffee while someone uses a hair dryer. Learn how a simple power monitor can help you understand your power usage and avoid those pesky trips.

Should you go with a 12V or 24V battery system? 🤔 From compatibility and wire thickness to inverter loads and solar controller output, Todd breaks down when 12V makes sense—and when 24V is the better choice.

We’re diving into the Victron Lynx Distribution System—a game-changer for organizing your RV solar and power setup.

What Size Inverter Do You Need for Your RV? What do they do, how do they work, and how do I choose the right size for my needs! ⚡

We’re tackling the question: “What are converter chargers?” 🤔 Learn how your RV converter works, where to find it, and why it’s essential.

Whether you decide on a 12-volt, 24-volt, or 48-volt setup, be prepared for an adventure optimized for your power needs.