The Springers Solar Guide to 12V Electrics: How to make a great 12V system

We have previously looked at all the components that make a great 12V system for your RV, caravan or vehicle. There are a multitude of products and a huge number of ways that we use the power from our battery…


May 11, 2020

We have previously looked at all the components that make a great 12V system for your RV, caravan or vehicle. There are a multitude of products and a huge number of ways that we use the power from our battery systems

The 12V system

One definition of a system is “a set of things working together as parts of a mechanism or an interconnecting network; a complex whole” – this describes a 12V-battery system very well. To construct the most effective and efficient 12V-battery system, you need to consider all the components and their uses.

If everything is high quality but connected with too small a cable, then the power loss will turn a quality system into less than an average one. Adding an expensive lithium battery to an existing AGM system without changing other components may be next to useless. When considering a new van purchase or upgrading existing components, we need to ensure all the components match, or we could be wasting money.

The power of a good match

All technology keeps improving, and what was the bee’s knees last year, may only be the norm this year. If the battery system you installed met your needs last year, it should match your needs now. A quality system should last for many years, so it’s a good idea to try a bit of crystal-ball gazing before laying down your cash.

If you are buying a new van or RV, the standard battery system will often be very basic and suit someone with low power needs. It’s one way that a manufacturer can cut costs. An AGM battery system will be substantially cheaper than a lithium one. If an AGM system suits you now, consider choosing a charging system that has a lithium profile, so if you decide to upgrade in the future, you may only need to upgrade the battery.

Enerdrive custom-made, pre-wired main component system

A battery monitor will also be necessary if you upgrade to lithium. Checking only the voltage on a lithium battery will not tell you how much energy is left. Lithium and AGM work quite differently. Many lithium batteries now come with Bluetooth so you can check the state of charge (SOC) directly with the battery.

Venus GX is the brains of the display system for this van

Talk to experts

Buying different 12V components online may save you money, but how do you know if they will all work well together, particularly if you are buying cheaper no-name brands? The best place to purchase components is from brands that install systems and repair them as well. With constantly-evolving technologies, it’s sometimes difficult to keep up with the latest changes.

There are a few major suppliers to the RV industry, and they will offer great service as well as quality products. Look for products with good back-up and those that offer online advice. I have found Redarc particularly good at providing this. Some companies such as Enerdrive can supply pre-built backboards with equipment attached, wired and custom-designed to fit into different locations for new RVs and for upgrades. Companies like Springers Solar can assess current systems and upgrade them by providing equipment and installation. When installing large solar panels and 240V components, you will need a licenced electrician.

Once upon a time, I serviced my vehicles, but these days even a basic service may require specialised equipment; I now leave it to the experts. Battery systems used to be simple and straightforward. The latest components and 12V systems are getting more complicated as battery and monitoring technologies become more complex.

Redarc Redvision and app screen

The new world of monitoring and control

One of the newest technologies is the use of one screen to replace multiple switches and gauges. However, this approach is where the wiring back-end gets more complicated as different circuits are brought to one place. It’s all the more reason to get the installation done professionally.

Redarc has its RedVision, BMPRO offers multiple options, while Enerdrive uses Simarine (also used in the boating industry). Jayco has JHub that uses an Android device and allows Springers to incorporate its management system into the JHub device using a Victron Venus GX. There are others out there as well.

Most of these new monitoring/control systems have Smartphone apps that will replicate some or all of the functions in the fixed display. For people with mobility issues, these will be a necessity. For others, you’ll be able to sit by the barbecue and turn your lights on or off in the van while monitoring the battery and water levels. Certainly not a necessity, but nice not to have to move and miss the fireside stories.

The new monitoring/control displays have easy-to-understand visuals. They are able to give us information that we didn’t even know we needed.

Simarine 12V system app screen

Suit the system to you

When you are getting a new RV, or upgrading your current one, work out how much power you need. Then size the batteries, solar and type of batteries that will supply this for as long as you need to be off-grid, taking into account potential weather.

Springers info is integrated with the JHub

Words and images Gary Tischer.

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