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diy solar

50A RV need to power almost everything off grid.

mtnvalleylover

New Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2025
Messages
7
Location
Colorado
Looking to build a system that can run the entire RV, that I can add to over time.
Phase 1
Inverter and Battary Looking at the EG4 6000XP and 2 48V golf cart type battary's. (not sure I need the Rack mount in the RV)
Removing the current charger

Phase 2
Adding solar at least 1,500 to 2,000 watt's.
I would use a generator to charge until completed. Have a small solar at the moment.

Question, is the 6000XP a good choice or should I look at othe inverters? Seems like this would make things much simpler. Other wise it looks like I have to get 2 inverters so I can run both legs at the same time.

On my rig Ihave two AC's that are tied togerther and not sure I can run just one at a time. Looking into that.
I work remotly like most do, so reliablity is also a factor. I have looked at the Victron system and seems like I would need 2, inverters, not sure if the Quattro II 2x120 would work or not.

Thanks in advance. If anyone is using the 6000XP in an RV already your advise would help.
 
You want to run the entire RV... what do you mean by this? Do you want the equivalent capabilities of 50A shore power? Do you want to have the option of running everything, but not necessarily all at once? For how long? Do you want to be able to simply/easily switch back and forth between 30A and 50A shore power?

6000XP is limited to 3000W per leg, and it might struggle to start an A/C unless the A/C has a softstart like a microair.

The 6000XP is limited to 120/240V input on the A/C, so you won't be able to charge from 30A shore or pass it through.

Assuming it can start them, your proposed initial setup would be able to run your two AC's for about 3-4 hours per day, and 2000W of PV in near perfect conditions would be able to just replenish this with no other items powered.
 
You want to run the entire RV... what do you mean by this? Do you want the equivalent capabilities of 50A shore power? Do you want to have the option of running everything, but not necessarily all at once? For how long? Do you want to be able to simply/easily switch back and forth between 30A and 50A shore power?

6000XP is limited to 3000W per leg, and it might struggle to start an A/C unless the A/C has a softstart like a microair.

The 6000XP is limited to 120/240V input on the A/C, so you won't be able to charge from 30A shore or pass it through.

Assuming it can start them, your proposed initial setup would be able to run your two AC's for about 3-4 hours per day, and 2000W of PV in near perfect conditions would be able to just replenish this with no other items powered.
Would like to be able to operate like we are on 50A shore power but be mindful that we are not. So runing a TV 1 AC and my computer and 2 monitors at minimum.
Now the 30A shore pass through might be an issue, have to look into that. What other option might I have? Two EG4 3000 or is the Victron a better option?
 
The RV question always makes the inner Smurf pop out in me. I'll spare you too many details - I am revamping my 50A right now. Feel free to PM if you'd like more info on specifics.

That said: I did take a peek at AIOs. There's nothing on the market that comes close to Victron's capability in the mobile/marine space. I've yet to find an AIO where the MPPT has a startup voltage < 100V. Any 48V capable MPPT from Victron will work as long as you're at least +5V above your battery voltage. Remember you've got limited real estate on an RV roof, so you'd have to get the 'special' 24V RV panels with a higher Vmp. They're overpriced.

If you're doing 48V - which I'd encourage - you should opt for 2 Multiplus 2 48/5000's. Unfortunately, the 2x120 models are only available in 12 & 24V. There's a 48/3000, but that's going to give you around 2400W continuous on a single leg. Two RV AC's will eat that up pretty quickly, depending on how your rig is wired. (Almost all of my 'non-essential' stuff is on L2; AC, microwave, fireplace/space heater). Only look at Quattro's if you really need the second AC input for a built in generator.

Yep, blue is more $ and maybe a bit more complicated, but it's a known quantity when it comes to not always having a 50A shore supply and still being able to charge / run loads from what is available where you are.

If you're strictly opposed, I'd suggest 2 EG4 3000's and perhaps a Chargeverter rigged up to work on 120V. Less than my 48/5000 proposal without the limitations you'd run into on a 6000XP when L2 isn't present. (Unless they have some new firmware capability to handle that, I couldn't say). I know people have also had success with Growatt inverters in mobile application.
 
also look at medium sized residential panels 2 x 370w 40" x 70 " sit side by side with a small walkway
37v SCV produces around 33v at my location.... good for series strings when you need the higher voltage on All In One
 
I helped install a Victron system in a friend's Northwoods Arctic Fox. It's a 50 amp trailer. He used a Multiplus II 12/3000 2x120. There is only one A/C unit in trailer and no softstart on the A/C. If he had two A/C units he would want the softstart and/or a bigger inverter. This all runs on four 100Ah 12v LiFePO4 batteries.
 
Would like to be able to operate like we are on 50A shore power but be mindful that we are not. So runing a TV 1 AC and my computer and 2 monitors at minimum.
Now the 30A shore pass through might be an issue, have to look into that. What other option might I have? Two EG4 3000 or is the Victron a better option?

The Victron 2x120 inverter/chargers are designed specifically for 50A RVs to handle switchover, BUT they are ONLY 120V inverters.

Scenario:
Inverting: same single phase 120V passed to both legs of panel - whole RV powered like on 30A shore.
30A shore: same single phase 120V passed to both legs of panel - passthrough from shore and charging from shore.
50A shore: L1 passed through to loads and charging from inverter/charger. L2 passed direct to L2 side of AC panel. No charging from L2.

You can parallel multiple 2x120 units for additional power, but you must be mindful of the 50A limitation on the neutral, i.e., you're effectively limited to 6000W since you're sending the same phase to both legs, and the current on the neutral is doubled. Think of it as though you're on 30A shore power with 50A available.

Lastly, 2X standard Victron inverter/chargers can be run in parallel to provide true split phase input into the RV and be able to switch back and forth automatically between: 15/30A single phase shore, 50A split phase shore, and 50A shore powered by two legs of a 3 phase system.
 
The RV question always makes the inner Smurf pop out in me. I'll spare you too many details - I am revamping my 50A right now. Feel free to PM if you'd like more info on specifics.

That said: I did take a peek at AIOs. There's nothing on the market that comes close to Victron's capability in the mobile/marine space. I've yet to find an AIO where the MPPT has a startup voltage < 100V. Any 48V capable MPPT from Victron will work as long as you're at least +5V above your battery voltage. Remember you've got limited real estate on an RV roof, so you'd have to get the 'special' 24V RV panels with a higher Vmp. They're overpriced.

If you're doing 48V - which I'd encourage - you should opt for 2 Multiplus 2 48/5000's. Unfortunately, the 2x120 models are only available in 12 & 24V. There's a 48/3000, but that's going to give you around 2400W continuous on a single leg. Two RV AC's will eat that up pretty quickly, depending on how your rig is wired. (Almost all of my 'non-essential' stuff is on L2; AC, microwave, fireplace/space heater). Only look at Quattro's if you really need the second AC input for a built in generator.

Yep, blue is more $ and maybe a bit more complicated, but it's a known quantity when it comes to not always having a 50A shore supply and still being able to charge / run loads from what is available where you are.

If you're strictly opposed, I'd suggest 2 EG4 3000's and perhaps a Chargeverter rigged up to work on 120V. Less than my 48/5000 proposal without the limitations you'd run into on a 6000XP when L2 isn't present. (Unless they have some new firmware capability to handle that, I couldn't say). I know people have also had success with Growatt inverters in mobile applicatio
Someone needs to come out with a simple solution for RV's that works. They would make a killing.
 
The Victron 2x120 inverter/chargers are designed specifically for 50A RVs to handle switchover, BUT they are ONLY 120V inverters.

Scenario:
Inverting: same single phase 120V passed to both legs of panel - whole RV powered like on 30A shore.
30A shore: same single phase 120V passed to both legs of panel - passthrough from shore and charging from shore.
50A shore: L1 passed through to loads and charging from inverter/charger. L2 passed direct to L2 side of AC panel. No charging from L2.

You can parallel multiple 2x120 units for additional power, but you must be mindful of the 50A limitation on the neutral, i.e., you're effectively limited to 6000W since you're sending the same phase to both legs, and the current on the neutral is doubled. Think of it as though you're on 30A shore power with 50A available.

Lastly, 2X standard Victron inverter/chargers can be run in parallel to provide true split phase input into the RV and be able to switch back and forth automatically between: 15/30A single phase shore, 50A split phase shore, and 50A shore powered by two legs of a 3 phase system.
That explains why I see so many RV's with 2 Inverters installed. May have to go that way. Was hoping for a simpler solution.
 
That explains why I see so many RV's with 2 Inverters installed. May have to go that way. Was hoping for a simpler solution.

Your need isn't simple. You need to be able to switch back and forth between single and double phase shore. There is a simple solution, it's just not cheap or powerful enough in a single inverter config.

IMHO, you'd be giggly happy with 2X standard MP-II 5000 in split phase config. Your wallet would be miffed.

If you're willing to compromise your needs, you can simplify.
 
Someone needs to come out with a simple solution for RV's that works. They would make a killing.
I don't disagree. Honestly, something that paired 2 EG4 3000's or a 6000XP that handled loss of L2 with MPPTs that start working at low voltage would get you pretty close. 30A RV's are easier because there's only one phase.

My current setup is 12V with a single 2x120V Multiplus 3000. I have soft starts on both AC's, and it'll run. The problem I've had is even 4/0 wire gets *really* warm under load. I did some testing last year on a hot day, and I'm glad the inverter shut down. The 4/0 got warm enough the adhesive in the heat shrink oozed out. If you're wanting to run air con on inverted power, 24V is a bare minimum. You could parallel 2x120 MP2 3000 24V's for a middle ground.
 
A pair of 24v 2x120s would be really slick. 24v can be easier on the solar side vs trying to get enough voltage out of the panels on the roof of the RV for 48v. Easier to converter 24/12 for onboard systems, easier to convert 12/24 for on the road charging.

All in ones tend to have high self consumption.
 
Looking to build a system that can run the entire RV, that I can add to over time.
Phase 1
Inverter and Battary Looking at the EG4 6000XP and 2 48V golf cart type battary's. (not sure I need the Rack mount in the RV)
Removing the current charger

Phase 2
Adding solar at least 1,500 to 2,000 watt's.
I would use a generator to charge until completed. Have a small solar at the moment.

Question, is the 6000XP a good choice or should I look at othe inverters? Seems like this would make things much simpler. Other wise it looks like I have to get 2 inverters so I can run both legs at the same time.

On my rig Ihave two AC's that are tied togerther and not sure I can run just one at a time. Looking into that.
I work remotly like most do, so reliablity is also a factor. I have looked at the Victron system and seems like I would need 2, inverters, not sure if the Quattro II 2x120 would work or not.

Thanks in advance. If anyone is using the 6000XP in an RV already your advise would help.
This is what I do.. I have a 50a fifth wheel with 6000xp powering it .. I started with 3 eg4 batteries, and somehow found room to mount 10 370w panels on the roof..

It’s can and is being done.. I live life like normal and do not count every watt, wife likes a/c at 61f at night so that’s what we do … I work from home, have 2 dogs, and spend all day and night in RV now,,

I recently added a DIY battery to double the battery … this was not entirely necessarily, but I really wanted to build on and purchased cells when wife was not looking …
 
This is what I do.. I have a 50a fifth wheel with 6000xp powering it .. I started with 3 eg4 batteries, and somehow found room to mount 10 370w panels on the roof..

It’s can and is being done.. I live life like normal and do not count every watt, wife likes a/c at 61f at night so that’s what we do … I work from home, have 2 dogs, and spend all day and night in RV now,,

I recently added a DIY battery to double the battery … this was not entirely necessarily, but I really wanted to build on and purchased cells when wife was not looking …

Do you ever plug into 30A service? if so do you have any issues's?
Can you run 2 AC's at the same time?
 
If you want run 2 a/c on 30 amp get a soft start for each
and make sure your battery is charged so converter is not working hard
and water heater is on propane

should work...
easy to test... get a 30amp adapter
turn off all the 120v loads and then try seeing what you can and can't do

worse that will happen is you'll trip the 30amp breaker.... and it cost you nothing cause it belongs to the campground.
 
Today I added meter for hot water heater on electric … I think most of the year I have enough power to not use the gas.
But like I said it was just installed a few hours ago .. so no useful data yet .. it’s a standard RV 10 gal gas/eectric … I would Ike to not pay for the gas if I can run it free on electric most of the time..
IMG_4766.jpeg
 
I have 50a plug to inverter and chargverter, but I have 30a and 20@ and even 15a plug for chargeverter .. now 6000xp should support them directly but did not when I build everything is was a firmware addition … so I just never needed it. .. cause I would run generator through chargeverter anyhow.

So yes, I have and can use all RV park plugs, even limit it to small generator once when I was too lazy to bring big generator with me.. I was charging then with only 10a .. (works well for house extension cords also)

The only downside side you may have is the 3000w for L1/L2 side of your 50a panel… depends on RV if it has two legs or one leg.. mine is two legs(no 220v but two legs are used), so some times early morning … coffee, heat pump, and water heater can trip the pass thru to grid, if there is no grid, then blink…
 
Neat, How do you get RV and LivingRoom AC metered? That's a neat display, what is it?

Do you do AC charging, or all solar? 120V AC charging?
I use solar assistant, with home assistant on raspberry pi for reporting, this is all running on the starlink for 24x7 portable internet access. (There is a few extra things on the Victron side also connected but they are passed to home assistant for exporting…

The meters are Shelly inline meters.. they run $15-20 each allow me to monitor key usage..
 

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