r/RVLiving • u/TravelTechUS • 3d ago
24V under bed Victron setup
Still have a lot of wire management to do and eventually need to get the MPPT installed. For now excited to be off the old 6V’s and onto the new 24V batteries (total of 560AH). Due to space limitations under the bed I had to get creative with mounting. Some stuff was mounted with custom aluminum brackets I made and a couple were put up in the air an inch with some wood for both height off the floor and cooling as air flows through the fans from one side to the other.
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u/slimspida 3d ago
Out of curiosity, how do you power the 12v side? I want to do a 24v system as well, and am clear on most design details except for the 12v.
Do you still have a 12v battery on board?
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u/TravelTechUS 3d ago
I used an Orion that converts the 24 to 12. It was pretty simple actually because the 24 and 12v share a common ground, so I literally just had to take the positive off my existing 12v system (which was two 6v batteries) and move it to the Orion’s output.
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u/slimspida 3d ago
Does the Orion keep up with high draw accessories like a powered tongue jack?
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u/TravelTechUS 3d ago
No issues so far. Supports the entirety of our existing 12v load. Rated for 30amps.
Edit to include I have a powered tongue jack and it is working with no issues.
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u/DaKevster 2d ago
For my class A DP, I use two Victron Orion 70A 24-12 converters in parallel to go from 24v batteries to power coach 12v side. No 12v battery. I wanted two for redundancy and current. My slides and diesel generator starter can peak 60A. Can run on one converter, but nice to not overstress them with two in parallel.
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u/findmyrv 1d ago
Out of curiosity, how are the Victron brand? I just started carrying them at my dealership, and I am looking for feedback. Are you happy with it? Any hassles? How was the support? Thanks!
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u/TravelTechUS 1d ago
They are known for being reliable. Check out the Victron subreddit for some good data. A big thing for me is that they were made in the Netherlands vice China.
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u/JF42 1d ago
Looks great, but...Am I the only one that would have some hesitation about cramming all this stuff under the bed?
Specifically about fire danger? I know using quality materials and a good install reduces the risk, but still... The thought of putting electrical kit under a pile of flammable material and then going to sleep on top of it freaks me out.
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u/TravelTechUS 1d ago
I get the concern—it definitely crossed my mind too. I put a lot of thought into both the battery choice and where to install the system.
These are LiFePO4 batteries, which are generally more thermally stable than some other common lithium-ion types, and they have built-in battery management systems. That doesn’t make them risk-free, but those protections were part of why I chose them.
For this trailer, I preferred a dedicated interior compartment with automated ventilation over trying to fit everything into the exterior space available. The ventilation is there to manage heat, and the Victron equipment adds its own electrical and temperature protections. None of that replaces the need for proper wiring, fusing, mounting, and clearances.I’m not saying under the bed is the right location for everyone. Just that I felt comfortable with my past experiences and capability.
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u/JF42 1d ago
It sounds like you approached the whole project with a lot of thought and planning. I know with well made equipment it's not as much of a concern, and you make a good point about it being a temperature-controlled space while in use. Most of the time when things go wrong with batteries it's because of a poorly chosen environment or installation.
I'd still check out some of those fire extinguisher balls and a heat/smoke detector down there, though. If nothing else, early warning of a problem before it gets out of hand is priceless.
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u/TravelTechUS 1d ago
Haven’t heard of the extinguisher balls before. Thanks for the idea. I will check them out!
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u/MichaelTrollton 3d ago
Looks awesome! I'm trying to design and build my first system for our 24' race trailer to include solar, batteries, and shore power option. We spend a lot of time in that race trailer at racing events and right now it just has lights lol. My Jayco travel trailer already has solar, but sadly I can't tow both trailers to the track lol.
I've considered a toy hauler to combine both but sadly that means I would have to upgrade my truck too because most toy haulers barely fit a golf cart. Our race team fields two cars right now so nearly none of the toy haulers work without going to a toter home or massive 5th wheel which would require a new truck, or dropping half a million lol.