In a typical RV solar setup, multiple devices can charge your battery bank at the same time. These may include: Victron SmartSolar charge controllers Victron MultiPlus or Quattro inverter chargers Shore power chargers Generator-powered charging systems Each device measures voltage at its own location in the system. Because of cable lengths, connection points, and normal electrical resistance, those voltage readings may differ slightly. This can lead to situations where: Your

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.

One of the biggest questions people ask when planning an RV solar system is, “How many solar panels do I need?” The honest answer is: it depends on how much power you use and how much battery capacity you’re trying to recharge. For most RVs, roof space is the biggest limitation. You don’t have as much room as you might have on a house, so a good rule of thumb is to use as much available roof space as you reasonably can, especially if you’re running lithium batteries. Here’s w

If your RV solar equipment is getting hot, Victron relays can help automate cooling fans and improve airflow around your inverter, charge controller, and electrical bay.

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

If you are planning an RV solar upgrade, one of the biggest questions you will run into is this: Should you choose a 12V, 24V, or 48V battery system? The answer depends on your RV, your power goals, and the size of the system you want to build. We hear this question all the time from RV owners who want a system that works reliably in the real world, not just on paper. Some people hear that 24V is “more efficient” than 12V. Others assume 48V is always better because it sounds

Victron Lynx Shunt M10: When to Use the Bus Bar vs a Fuse

Adjustable tiltable solar panel feet are an upgraded alternative to traditional Z brackets. They allow you to: Raise your solar panel 4 to 7 inches Clear vent stacks and rooftop obstacles Add slight tilt when necessary Maintain a strong, professional mounting setup

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

Learn how to read a solar panel data plate the right way. In this video, Todd breaks down every rating you’ll see on a panel — VOC, VMPP, ISC, IMPP, wattage, temperature coefficients, and more — so you can understand exactly what your system is capable of.

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.

In this video, Chris shares his experience at the Big Beard Battery Solar Clinic, where he installed a powerhouse RV system — featuring 4,300 watts of solar, three 24V 300Ah “The Beast” batteries, and dual Victron 3000W inverters.

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.

Thinking about solar for your RV but don’t know where to start? Bill Brooks just completed a full RV solar install at a hands-on clinic—and went from zero knowledge to full confidence. Here’s how it went.

Join us at an RV Solar Install Clinic where beginners learn as they build. We walk you through the tools, wiring, components—and even the perks of on-site amenities! http://www.bigbeardbattery.com 🔍 When is It Worth It? If you’re new to electrical systems If you want confidence installing on your own If you prefer a social, supportive environment If you don’t want to invest in all tools and parts upfront

Join Mark & Sandy as first‑timers successfully install a full solar panel and battery system at the Big Beard Solar Clinic in Texas. From tool access to community BBQs, get an inside look into the hands‑on experience, encouragement from staff, and amenities that make solar setup smoother than ever.