Forum Discussion

ependydad's avatar
ependydad
Explorer
Jul 16, 2019

Battery Bank - wire for 12v, 24v, or 48v?

I have four 12v 100Ah Battle Born lithium drop-ins. I'm looking towards the future using Victron components:
- 3,000W inverter w/ hybrid load-support
- solar charging

Currently I have a built-in generator for charging batteries.

If I went with 24v or 48v, I'd need a DC-to-DC converter to step down to 12v to run the existing RV systems (slides, lights, thermostat, fans, etc.).

So, what would you go with? 12v, 24v, or 48v? And why?
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2019
    48 volt. The higher the voltage the better. It will give the most margin between "full" and "empty". It also greatly reduces cable complexity and voltage drop losses.

    A DC-DC converter is super easy, get one with a read-out on it so you can dial in a nice stable 13.5 volt output and leave it.

    Something like this unit:

    DROK

    Install it in your distribution panel, rip out the old 12v converter.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jul 16, 2019
    Is there any loss in stepping down? Becomes important when you go solar.

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