On-board electrical systems for recreational vehicles and marine applications

The on-board electrical system forms the heart of electrical energy supply in the motorhome. It ensures that generated energy is used, stored and distributed efficiently, reliably powering all electrical appliances. At the same time, it takes on essential control and monitoring functions, enhancing comfort, safety and energy efficiency in the vehicle.

The AL-KO VT portfolio comprises a comprehensive range of components for modern on-board power systems:

• Solar modules and solar charge controllers
• Batteries and chargers
• Inverters
• Digital control and monitoring systems
• Control and display units
• Switches and sockets

The components are available for different on-board system concepts and vehicle requirements. Which products can be combined depends, among other things, on system voltage, battery type, power requirements, interfaces and existing installation.

Whether for original equipment or retrofitting: with the right components, you’ll create a reliable power supply and high-performance energy management system – for greater independence and comfort on every journey.

The on-board power system in a motorhome ensures that electrical energy is reliably generated, stored, distributed and used. Every component has a clearly defined task – from generating electricity and charging the battery to supplying power to electrical consumers and providing central control for the whole system.

A solar system produces electricity during the day, charging the habitation battery via a solar charge controller. The charge controller manages the energy supplied by the solar module and adapts the charging process to the specific battery type. It also protects the battery from overcharging. Further protection functions, such as against deep discharge, short circuits or polarity reversal, depend on the particular model.

The habitation battery stores the recovered energy and makes it available for lighting, water pump, fridge and other 12-volt appliances as needed.

If you also want to use 230V appliances independently of a hook-up, you need an inverter. This converts the battery voltage into household-standard alternating current. Digital control and monitoring systems also oversee energy flows, battery status and further vehicle functions, enabling comfortable operation directly in the vehicle or – depending on the system – by app.

Together, these components form a coordinated on-board system that ensures reliable energy supply and high levels of comfort in the motorhome.

A high-performance on-board electrical system involves more than just individual components. The crucial factor is that the solar system, charge controller, battery, charger, inverter and other systems are optimally coordinated. Only then can the generated energy be used efficiently, the battery charged reliably and a safe power supply ensured in the motorhome.

Professional installation is just as important. Suitable cable cross-sections, correct fusing and matched components all contribute to the reliability and safety of the on-board system. Especially for lithium batteries, it is essential to make sure that chargers and solar charge controllers support the appropriate charging profile. This allows all components to work efficiently together and ensures a long service life for the entire system.

AL-KO VT develops tailored electronics solutions designed to meet the specific technical and functional requirements of recreational vehicles. Individual components and functions are combined to create the ideal complete solution. This results in electronic systems that can be integrated into different vehicle concepts and adapted to the demands of each project.

AL-KO VT offers electronics solutions for a range of industrial applications – from battery charging and energy systems to control and operating panels, power distribution, sensors and system communications. The various components and functions can be combined to meet the technical requirements of a given application and integrated into existing or new system architectures. This results in coordinated electronic solutions for a wide range of industrial uses.

Do you have questions about an AL-KO VT electronics solution or need assistance with a technical matter? In Electronics Support, you’ll find further information and the right contact options for our electronic products and systems. From questions about individual components to support for existing system solutions, you’ll find the direct route to our experts here.