Good morning, everyone! I started from scratch converting my Ford Transit 250 by following a Van Life course, as I had no prior knowledge on the subject. However, I’m having issues with the voltage in my electrical system.
All the components we installed are from RENOGY:
- 60Amp DC-DC charger
- 3 x 200Ah batteries
- 2 x 200W solar panels with a 40A charge controller
- 3000W inverter
When we first connected everything, it worked perfectly, but the voltage quickly dropped from 12 to 10 in less than two hours. I had to start the van to charge it back up with the DC-DC charger. During the day, the system stays charged thanks to the solar panels, but at night, I have to start the van twice to raise the voltage. I’ve even resorted to turning off the entire system and spending the night without power.
I don’t know what’s causing this, nor how to check or fix it.
On some occasions, when I start the van, the DC-DC charger gets extremely hot.
I’ve been looking for professional help with RV electrical systems, but it seems most experts are fully booked, and I can’t get an appointment for another month. I need to solve this soon, as I’ve been living in the van for 15 days now. I’m in New Jersey and can drive to nearby areas to get help.
If any of you think that one of the componets is causing the problem, how can I individually test each one to find the issue?
I really appreciate any assistance, as I’m not sure what else to do at this point.
Greetings!
Okay, let’s start at the top… What do you have connected that’s drawing power? Is the inverter being left on? They can draw a lot of power, even when turned on but not in use.
It’s likely that something is drawing power, so I’d start there. Disconnect the solar panels, then the controller. so you have no power coming in. Then use a clamp on 12v amp meter to trace where the loads are, and how many amps each thing is drawing.
Are any of your wires getting warm or hot? That can be a telltale sign too.
Cheers!
"A wise man learns from both the successes & failures of others." ~ Off Grid
Hi!
Yes, we thought the inverter was causing the voltage drop in the batteries, but during the night we turned off the inverter and still had the same issue. Then we thought it could be the solar controller, so we disconnected it, but the voltage continued to drop.
During the nights when we didn’t turn off the 12V system, we only had the fridge connected, and we are seeing the same results. If I connect anything to the 110V, like a computer, iPhone, or shaver, the voltage drops very, very quickly. That’s why I don’t think it’s any specific appliance that’s connected—I believe there is something wrong with the system itself.
When we connect the DC-DC charger and leave it on for more than 30 minutes, it gets hot. I have it connected to the secondary battery in my van, and between the battery and the DC-DC charger is a 60-amp fuse that is part of the van. I’ve had to replace it twice already in the last two weeks.
I made sure all the wires are secured tightly to avoid the issue of any loose connections.
I have a clamp meter, but I’m a beginner with this. I measured all the cables—the fridge gave me 0.026 amps, and the inverter to the bus bar showed 7.00 amps. The others gave me 0.00. Again, I’m not sure if I’m doing it correctly.
Thank you for your response and help!
Greetings!
That sounds like the DC-DC charger might be the culprit…
Cheers!
"A wise man learns from both the successes & failures of others." ~ Off Grid