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opinion:frater_secessus:prebuilt_van [2025/04/28 22:05]
frater_secessus [charging and chargers] 		opinion:frater_secessus:prebuilt_van [2025/07/30 15:42] (current)
frater_secessus [battery banks]
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 ===== figuring out what you have ===== ===== figuring out what you have =====
  
-The first step is figuring out what you have, both for your understanding and so others might be able to help you.  Knowing what you have helps you [[opinion:frater_secessus:beginner_mistakes#failure_to_ask_good_questions|ask productive questions]].+The first step is figuring out what you have, both for your understanding and so others might be able to help you.  Knowing what you have helps you [[opinion:frater_secessus:beginner_mistakes#failure_to_ask_good_questions|ask productive questions]].  Remember, the people you are asking for help cannot see inside your van.  You are their eyes and ears.  
  
  
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 House ("living area") battery banks are usually large and often the size and shape of the van starter battery you've seen under the hood.  There are likely thick red/black cables connecting them to the rest of the system.  There may be one or more batteries in the bank, and can be arranged in [[electrical:12v:parallel_serial|parallel or series]].  House ("living area") battery banks are usually large and often the size and shape of the van starter battery you've seen under the hood.  There are likely thick red/black cables connecting them to the rest of the system.  There may be one or more batteries in the bank, and can be arranged in [[electrical:12v:parallel_serial|parallel or series]]. 
  
 +  * do any of the electrical loads work if the starter battery is disconnected?  If so, there is an aux battery somewhere in the circuit.
   * Is there one battery or more than one?  If the latter, how are they wired together?   * Is there one battery or more than one?  If the latter, how are they wired together?
   * Do you see any capacity markings like Ah (Amp-hours) or Wh (Watt-hours)?   * Do you see any capacity markings like Ah (Amp-hours) or Wh (Watt-hours)?
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   - [[electrical:12v:b2b|DC-DC chargers]], more complex and costly chargers that can regulate current and/or voltage.  Usually mounted quite close to the battery bank.  Common brands include Victron Orion, Sterling, Renogy, etc. Since 2024 less expensive versions have come to market from China, including Li-Time, Etaker, etc.  These tend to have less extensive documenation.    - [[electrical:12v:b2b|DC-DC chargers]], more complex and costly chargers that can regulate current and/or voltage.  Usually mounted quite close to the battery bank.  Common brands include Victron Orion, Sterling, Renogy, etc. Since 2024 less expensive versions have come to market from China, including Li-Time, Etaker, etc.  These tend to have less extensive documenation. 
  
 +Either of these can be [[electrical:12v:alternator#triggering|triggered]] (turned ON/OFF) by an electrical signal or by watching the circuit voltage. If the device does not have a dedicated trigger wire heading up to a fuse box or similar it is likely triggered by voltage. 
  
 === combination DC-DC + solar charging === === combination DC-DC + solar charging ===
opinion/frater_secessus/prebuilt_van.1745877911.txt.gz ยท Last modified: 2025/04/28 22:05 by frater_secessus

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