When installing a Victron inverter in an RV, one question comes up repeatedly: Does it have to be mounted vertically, or can it be installed horizontally? The short answer is that permitted mounting positions depend on the exact inverter model and its installation manual. When space allows, however, vertical mounting is generally the preferred option because it supports better heat dissipation. But mounting position is only part of the equation. In many RV installations, poor

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.

Choosing between a 12V, 24V, or 48V battery system is not as simple as saying one is always better than the others. It really comes down to how much power you need, how many batteries your system will use, what size inverter you want to run, and how much space you have available. For smaller setups, a 12V system can still be a great fit. It works well for lighter power needs and smaller battery banks. As you start adding more batteries, though, the system can become more comp

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.

When you are traveling in an RV, there are a few simple habits that can save you from major problems on the road. One of those habits is using an IR or Temperature gun to check the temperature around your wheel hubs, spindles, and bearing areas when you stop for fuel. But now, systems like the Halo View BT7 TPMS with temperature sensors are making that process much easier. Why RV Wheel Temperature Matters Your RV’s wheel bearings, brakes, tires, and hubs all deal with heat wh

Before your next long RV trip, use this pre-trip checklist to inspect the key systems that keep your rig roadworthy. From suspension grease points and propane fittings to generator service, hydraulic fluid, sealant, and full system checks, a quick walkaround can help catch small problems before they become major issues on the road.

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

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 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

If you’ve got solar equipment installed in your RV storage bay, humidity is something worth paying attention to, especially if you spend time in places like Florida or along the Gulf Coast. It’s not always obvious, but moisture can slowly build up and cause issues over time. Why Humidity Matters Most RV solar components, including Victron equipment, are rated IP20 or IP22. That basically means they’re protected from solid objects, but not from moisture in the air. So if your

In this Two-Minute Tech Tip, Todd from Big Beard Battery explains ESS (Energy Storage System) functionality in lithium batteries and how smart BMS-controlled charging improves performance in RV and off-grid solar systems.

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.