Most RV solar systems range from 200-800 watts using 12V panels wired in parallel with PWM or MPPT controllers. Wire gauge depends on amperage and distance, with 10-12 AWG typical for most installations.
Dual purpose lithium batteries work for coach use but dedicated deep cycle lithium is better for house banks. Dual purpose compromises between starting and cycling. For RV house batteries, deep cycle LiFePO4 provides better value and cycle life.
Low amp charging from solar panels is typically caused by loose connections, incorrect controller settings, or battery issues rather than a bad controller. Start by checking all wiring connections and battery voltage before replacing the charge controller.
LiFePO4 lithium batteries like the Dyness can replace lead acid batteries, but you'll likely need to upgrade your converter/charger to a lithium-compatible model. The BMS protects the battery from overcharging and provides longer life with faster charging.
RV batteries draining overnight typically indicate a parasitic drain from components staying powered when they shouldn't. Use a multimeter to test each circuit systematically, starting with the main disconnect and working through individual fuses to isolate the problem circuit.
For three 400W panels (1200W total), you'll need an 80-100 amp MPPT controller. Calculate by dividing total wattage by battery voltage, then add 25% safety margin.
Sawtooth patterns in Victron MPPT readings are often normal during float charging. The controller pulses current to maintain voltage. Check if battery is charging properly - if so, patterns are normal.
Yes, you can use a spare DC/DC charger to maintain chassis batteries during winter storage by connecting it between your solar-charged house batteries and chassis batteries. This creates an effective battery maintenance system for long-term parking.
Your Renogy lithium batteries showing different charge percentages indicates a communication or cell balancing issue. Check wiring connections, perform a manual balance cycle, and consider firmware updates through Renogy's app.
The 2017 Ford E450 has a 175-220 amp alternator depending on configuration. For DC to DC charging of LiFePO4 batteries, size your charger at 30-50% of alternator rating, typically 40-60 amps.
Your 30 amp generator will power any RV converter charger. For lithium, get charger with proper LiFePO4 profile. Progressive Dynamics, IOTA with IQ-Lifepo4, or Victron all work well. Match amp rating to battery bank capacity.
When AGM batteries won't fully charge after voltage fluctuations, the most likely culprits are a damaged converter/charger, faulty charge controller, or sulfated batteries. Test your charging system voltage output and battery condition to identify the root cause.
For your 2005 Southwind with 400W solar and 4 6V batteries, upgrade to a 2000W pure sine wave inverter like the Aims Power or Renogy models. A 2500W unit may strain your battery bank unless you upgrade to lithium or add more lead-acid capacity.
Beyond batteries: verify converter is lithium-compatible, add DC-DC charger for alternator charging. Choose LiFePO4 batteries with built-in BMS. Check if 2023 GT7 has lithium-ready charging system - some newer models do.
Yes, you can likely replace your 2018 Georgetown's original lead acid house batteries with lithium, but you'll need to check your converter's charging profile and possibly upgrade it. Most 2018 Georgetown models came with converters that may not have lithium-compatible charging algorithms.