New caravan help

[BruceS]

I'm going to start a thread about a subject that I've been asked about by more than one person.
Each caravan is different so if anyone in particular wishes to discuss just their particular issues without info that doesn't concern them, please start another thread in this section.

Question: I am buying a new caravan and would like to insist it has the electrical system set up so that it can initially run AGM deep cycle batteries but can at a later date run LiFePO4 batteries with out having to throw out all the initial bits of hardware. Chargers, controllers and monitors etc.
Is there some equipment that can be used for both types of batteries?

[bagmaker]

I will roll the dice
Dont get any 12v wiring or fittings at all. Wire the van up for 240 only, lights, plugs etc.
With the $ saved from that have a decent inverter fitted -size AND quality -ensure its fitted close to the battery storage area.
Finally, one cannot have too many solar panels.

[T1 Terry]

That has been about the only method I've had any success with, tell the caravan builder not to do any solar wiring, just the 240vac and 12v wiring with the min number of AGM batteries they fit as standard. Then get the solar wired by someone who really does understand about the required cable size as the manufactures are clueless when it comes to solar wiring requirements. If you can convince the caravan builder to add 4 runs of 6mm dual core auto cable from the roof to the battery compartment you are at least part way there, but get it in writing that they understand your requirement and it will be a deal breaker/breach of contract if they do not do exactly as you have asked...... that usually results in them refusing to do it at all because they had no intention of doing it properly in the first place
You have no idea how many systems I've seen come through the door with cable size suited to 125w of solar yet 400w connected to it.... and for some reason it doesn't seem to function as well as they had expected. Manufacturers will not listen "we have been building these for 20 yrs and we know what we are doing"

T1 Terry

[Mrcoolabah1au]

More good advice from this forum