Should I Keep Travel Trailer Wired In Parallel 12V Or Should I Run Series 24V With Victron Inverter?
Updated 04/22/2026 | Published 04/21/2026
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Question:
hi I'm upgrading to lithium batteries and debating if I should stay 12V or rewire everything to 24V. Is there actually a benefit to going 24V for something like the Victron VN42VR vs VN58ZR?
asked by: Brian
Expert Reply:
Hey Brian, great question!
The main advantage of going to 24V (using something like # VN58ZR) is efficiency. You’ll be moving the same amount of power with less current, which means smaller wiring, less heat, and better performance as your loads increase.
You’re not losing capacity by going to 24V - you’re just delivering that energy more efficiently.
If you stay with a 12V system, the # VN42VR still works great and keeps things simpler, especially if you’re not planning to push past moderate loads.
The tradeoff with 24V is that your RV’s 12V components (lights, fans, etc.) will need a step-down converter like # VN32ZR to run properly.
So it really comes down to this:
Staying around basic to moderate usage with light electronic use = 12V is perfectly fine.
Planning to run larger loads like air conditioning = 24V is the better long-term move.
Are you building toward a bigger off-grid setup, or just upgrading your current system?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Victron Quattro II Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger - 2,400 Watts - 50 Amps - 24V
- Power Inverter
- Pure Sine Wave
- Air Conditioner
- 24V
- 3000 Watts
- Inverter/Charger/Transfer Switch
- AGM/Gel/Lead Acid
- Lithium
- Power Center
- RV
- Victron
more information >
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Brian
4/22/2026
I did more research and I do believe 24v would be better and less current. So I'll look into the 24v # VN58ZR and the step down converter for 12v stuff.