@mikerezny , absolutely. A little knowledge is extremely dangerous. I will go out and try to get better photos, check some voltages with my multi meter, but am nowhere near having confidence yet to start changing things. Trying to make any changes with my small amount of knowledge at this stage will probably only accelerate my need to pay someone to fix the whole mess. My plan is to investigate, measure, report back, and then gradually make little changes one at a time.
The first apparently obvious change I think would be to simply upgrade the thickness of the cable connecting the batteries. But no rush, first to be absolutely certain they are in either parallel or series. Then, understand what other changes would make sense to do at the same time as that cable upgrade. Then test what is happening with Solar panels. Then maybe figure out how to put one of those gadgets that measure current drawn on the fridge circuit and observe. But nothing yet, still too much to investigate.
Baby steps. Use a generator when out in the van to get by in the meantime.
I would still ultimately like to install a proper battery charger and better solar regulator, and probably do that all in one hit with a Battery Management System. At the moment the solar regulator is next to the fridge, which must be multiple metres from the batteries. Everything I have read says no more than a metre distance to avoid too much voltage drop. But that can be the last cab off the rank once all the basic hygiene factors are investigated and sorted. Fun project, lots to learn, thanks so much for all the direction and guidance.
MR
