RV Electrical & Battery Systems: Complete Guide
Master your RV electrical system from house batteries to shore power. Covers 12V DC, 120V AC, inverters, and charging.
Master your RV electrical system from house batteries to shore power. Covers 12V DC, 120V AC, inverters, and charging.
Keep your RV generator running reliably with this comprehensive maintenance and troubleshooting guide for Onan, Generac, and Cummins units.
Fix your RV refrigerator with this guide covering Dometic, Norcold, and residential fridge issues.
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.
Essential guide for Ford E-Series Class C motorhome chassis covering suspension, maintenance, and common issues.
Underhood generators and idling work but check local idle regulations. Extended idling wastes fuel and causes engine wear. Solar, generators, or DC-DC chargers are better long-term solutions.
Yes, high-output alternators can be installed on your F53/Triton V10, but you'll need to upgrade wiring and possibly the serpentine belt system. The Tucson unit you found is a solid choice for your large inverter battery bank needs.
For 50-amp RVs, invest in a quality surge protector like Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C (hardwired) or EMS-PT50X (portable). Hardwired units prevent theft and provide superior protection, while portable units offer flexibility but require security measures.
Install low voltage disconnect relay in line feeding Ecoflow alternator charger. Victron Battery Protect or similar cuts power at set voltage. Set disconnect at 12.8V for LiFePO4 to stop at about 20% remaining capacity.
Protect alternator from lithium battery high current draw using DC-DC charger for current limiting or temperature-controlled relay. DC-DC charger is best solution. Direct connection without protection risks alternator failure.
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.
Keep your RV comfortable in any weather with this AC, furnace, and heat pump troubleshooting guide.
Everything you need to know about RV plumbing systems from fresh water supply to waste management.
12V fridges draw 3-6 amps and your tow vehicle should provide enough charging through 7-way connector. Check voltage at trailer while towing - should see 13.5V+ if charging properly.
For your 2000 E450 V10's uphill struggles in the Rockies while towing, rear end gear change will provide the most significant improvement. An SCT programmer offers moderate gains, while K&N filters and cat removal provide minimal power increases.