You can make RV solar and alternator charging work. It is complex on post-2014 vehicles. This ongoingly updated article explains how.
RV Solar and Alternator Charging
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Articles
Solar Shadowing – reducing the losses
Solar shadowing is like blocking a water pipe. If one cell is fully shadowed, it does not just block current through that cell, it blocks the entire string. Because of this, only a few shadowed cells can block your total solar output. If partially shadowed, (e.g. by light cloud) the loss is proportional to the amount of sunlight being blocked. The higher quality solar modules produce some output unless clouding is severe. It is, however, rare to have zero during ‘daylight hours’.
Solar Modules for Homes and Properties
Top quality solar modules for homes and properties catch 18% to 20% of the solar energy available. This is typically 140 watts-180 watts per square metre in full sun from about 10 am to 2 pm. Input tapes off before and after. The most efficient are priced accordingly.
Caravan design need for change
Australia has two main and seemingly interdependent caravan industries. One makes caravans of varying stability. The other makes devices (of varying effectiveness) intended to increase that stability. Both are curious. Not all makers appear to understand the more basic laws of physics involved. Or perhaps assume immunity from them. So presumably do owners of ultra-long caravans. With a few rare exceptions, there is a caravan design need for change. And for caravan owners to realise a caravan’s inherent stability issues.
Blade fuse problems in caravans – they may burn or melt
Blade fuse problems in caravans include fuses and fuse holders burning or melting. Fire risk is high because the fuses may continue to conduct. Ongoing current flow, however, may heat the fuse holder to burning point. This article by RV Books explains why and how to overcome the risk.
Towing Without a WDH – Weight Distributing Hitch
A weight distributing hitch is not needed if the laden weight of the tow vehicle is equal to or exceeds that of the laden caravan. Nor is a weight distributing hitch needed for any trailer under about 4 metres.
Caravan suspension – it is mostly misunderstood
Caravan suspension has requirements that are very different from tow vehicles. This is only too often misunderstood. Here’s why and what it should be.
How much solar capacity do I need?
How much solar capacity do I need This article answers how much solar capacity do I need. It's valid anywhere in the world that has enough sun. It can save you a lot of money. The map below shows the amount you typically have available in Australia. Generally, solar...
Lighting for caravans – it makes every sense to install LEDs
Lighting for caravans has changed. Now, by far the most practical and least energy drawing are LEDs (light emitting diodes). This article shows why.
RV supply cables – choices of current capacity and length
This article shows the sizes and lengths of electric supply cables for caravans and motor homes legally required in Australia and NZ.
Solar input available for caravans – know what’s available and increase it too
Knowing the solar input available for caravans is vital, especially up north. This article shows how to know that available and increase it too.
Fast battery charging from generators – cheap, effective and relatively simply
Speeding battery charging from generators is cheap, effective and relatively simple. This article by RV Books’ Collyn Rivers explains how to do it.
Generators for Home and Property Systems
A backup generator is close to essential for home and property stand-alone solar. You can choose to down without but doing so may triple the cost of that system.
Quietening caravan water pumps – easy and cheap to do
Quietening caravan water pumps is simple to do at no or trivial cost. This article from RV Books’ Collyn Rivers shows how.
Lightning risk in RVs – how to reduce that risk
Lightning frightens but lightning risk in caravans is very low. That risk however is far from random. Here’s how to reduce it yet further.
Grid connect solar modules for RVs – here’s how you can use them
Using grid connect solar modules for RVs is readily done but needs an MPPT regulator. This article by Collyn Rivers explains how and why it is done.
Motorhome and trailer tyres
Caravan and motor home tyres take a far greater beating than those in general use – an industry report noted that such tyres are subject to major abuse greater than any other form of use. In particular, stated the report, caravan and motor home tyres are often grossly under-inflated and overloaded.
Make caravan fridges work as claimed – here’s how to do it
To make caravan fridges work as claimed, and draw less energy, is cheap, simple and easy. Many can be transformed. This article shows how.
Weight Distribution Hitch limits cornering
Tow ball weight pushes down the rear of the tow vehicle – thereby increasing the weight on its rear tyres. A WDH, in effect, is a semi-flexible springy beam that levers back up the rear of the tow vehicle and levers down its front. In doing so, however, it reduces the imposed load on the tow vehicles rear tyres and partially restored it on its front tyres. Reducing the load on the tow vehicle’s rear tyres reduces their ‘cornering ability’. This is why a weight distributing hitch limits cornering.
Dc-dc charging – how to speed alternator charging
Initial charging of a deeply discharged battery is generally limited to a basic dc-dc charger’s capacity: not the alternator’s. Dc-dc chargers under 20 amps thus usually take longer to charge close to flat batteries to half charge. Thereon, charging is hugely faster.
Solar That Really Works!
Solar that Really Works! covers the design, installation and use of solar in cabins, camper trailers, caravans, fifth wheelers, campervans and motor homes.
eBook versions
Paperback version
The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Solar That Really Works! Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-3-0
Caravan and Motorhome Electrics
The essential handbook for anyone with an RV of any kind. Everything you need to know to make the electrics in your rig work for you.
eBook versions
Paperback version
The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Caravan & Motorhome Electrics. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-8-5
Solar Success
Whether you’re building a new home or adding solar to an existing structure, this is the one book you can’t afford to be without.
eBook versions
Paperback version
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Solar Success. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6487945-4-7
Caravan and Motorhome Electrics
The essential handbook for anyone with an RV of any kind. Everything you need to know to make the electrics in your rig work for you.
eBook versions
Paperback version
The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Caravan & Motorhome Electrics. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-8-5