Does Install of Victron Orion XC RV Converter Ground to Battery and Chassis
Updated 08/17/2026 | Published 04/15/2026
Question:
2018 Ford F-150 SuperCrew with Max Tow package, 240W alternator. Installing this unit in travel trailer to charge lithium battery. If I connect negative truck lead directly to starting battery, do I need an additional ground to chassis, or will it be grounded through the battery terminal connections? I understand I will need to ground the XS on the camper side. Also, should I remove the truck fuse that allows charging through the 7-wire connection from the truck to the RV?
asked by: Ken
Expert Reply:
Hey Ken, when wiring up the Victron charger part # VN93VR you do need to run the ground from the negative battery post as well as to a chassis ground. I know that seems redundant but in every diagram in the instructions that step is shown.
I attached a wiring diagram for you to check out as well.
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Victron Orion XS RV Converter - DC to DC - 12V/12V - 50 Amp
- Power Converter
- Converter Only
- Manual Switch
- 12V
- 50 Amps
- DC to DC
- AGM
- Gel
- Lead Acid
- Lithium
- Marine
- RV
- Truck
- Van
- Multi-Stage Charge
- Victron
more information >
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on Power Converter
Greg G.
8/16/2026
I was confused by this recommendation. I bought a wiring kit from Explorist.life, so I asked their advice and received the following: For the Orion XS, it is acceptable to connect the negative wiring directly to the vehicle battery negative and trailer battery negative (or their respective negative busbars). Since your truck batteries are already grounded to the vehicle chassis and your RV battery is grounded to the trailer chassis, no additional Orion-specific chassis ground connections are required. Victron's manual shows chassis grounding because many installations use the chassis as part of the negative return path. The important requirement is that all negatives remain properly bonded with a low-resistance connection. (I also installed the Orion XS for a Dodge RAM 3500 diesel, so asked which battery to connect to and received the following:) Regarding the truck batteries, either battery can be used. The two batteries are generally factory-connected in parallel and function as a single 12V battery bank. We recommend connecting to whichever battery provides the shortest and cleanest cable run while maintaining proper fuse protection near the battery.