Disclaimer

Researched guidance, not professional advice. Everything on this site is compiled from published standards, manufacturer specifications, owner manuals and the consensus of verified owner reviews. It is not an engineering assessment of your particular rig and it is not a substitute for a qualified professional.

Electrical safety

Never exceed a conductor's rated ampacity. Fuse every positive conductor as close to the battery as practical, because everything between the battery and the fuse is unprotected. Use correctly crimped lugs, support cable so it cannot chafe, and keep battery compartments ventilated.

Permanent AC wiring is work for a qualified RV technician or a licensed electrician. That includes anything connected to the shore power inlet, the distribution panel or a transfer switch.

Lithium batteries

A LiFePO4 bank needs chargers with a genuine lithium profile at every source: converter, solar controller and DC-DC charger. Charging lithium below freezing causes permanent damage, so a cold-weather bank needs a low temperature cutoff in the BMS or a self-heating design. Never connect a lithium bank directly to an alternator.

Generators and carbon monoxide

A generator must never be run in an enclosed or partly enclosed space. That includes a garage with the door open, under an awning against the rig, and inside a pass-through compartment. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless and kills quickly. Fit a working CO alarm inside the rig and keep generator exhaust pointed well away from windows, vents and neighbours.

Accuracy

We work carefully and we still make mistakes. Figures and specifications change without notice. Always confirm against your own equipment manuals and data plates before acting, and tell us if you find an error.