FAQ
We get asked a lot of questions. See below to find out if we've already answered yours. You can also check out our full support area.
Installation & Ordering
Where can I go for RoamRig upgrades?
At RoamRig HQ in Connecticut we do all upgrades – usually in a day or two.
Partner Installers: If a trip to CT isn’t on your route, then we also partner with installers across the country (map here) to make it easy for you to get your upgrades done close to home.
DIY: Some of our smaller upgrades are also sold as DIY kits in our online store. You can install these kits yourself or purchase them and take them to your favorite upfitter.
How do I get in line?
To schedule any upgrades at RoamRig HQ in Connecticut, get in touch to tell us which upgrade you want and when/where you’d like the installation to happen. We're happy to do multiple upgrades at the same time! We're also happy to introduce you to installers in your area.
Please read our Ordering Overview page for details about what to include in your email and what you can expect during the booking process.
How much do installations cost?
Visit our pricing page to view the cost of upgrades that are installed at RoamRig HQ in Connecticut. If you'll be working with one of our partner dealers, their labor and sales tax rates may vary.
Can I pay extra to get it done ASAP?
No. RoamRig doesn’t play favorites for whoever has the biggest checkbook.
Planning a visit to RoamRig HQ?
All visits to RoamRig are by appointment only. We're a very small team and a very busy shop, so please do not drop in without a confirmed appointment. Let us know if you'd like to come by!
When have an appointment for upgrade(s), please carefully read our Visiting RoamRig guide before you arrive to make sure that you and your van are ready.
We do not have a waiting room, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. Visiting New York City is a great option! The New Haven commuter train goes straight to Manhattan so you can see the city without needing to find parking for your Revel.
DIY Upgrades & Installation Guides
Some RoamRig upgrades are available as DIY kits in our online store. You can find the installation instructions for these upgrades in the product listings or by visiting our Installation Documents page. This page also includes guides for replacing/swapping components, which you should ONLY do if instructed by RoamRig.
Power System Performance
Will Solar charge this system?
Solar will charge the batteries the same way that it did before. Keep in mind, when you have A LOT more capacity (larger battery bank), it will take solar A LOT longer to charge from 0 to 100%. The amount of electricity generated by solar doesn't change, but the overall time to fill the system will be much longer due to the larger battery bank.
How long can I run my A/C?
A lot of variables here. If it is a hot day, sunny, no window covers, and no other load on the electrical system, 4 or 6 hours depending on how many batteries your system has. This estimate assumes 100% duty cycle of the compressor and fan running on high speed. If you are judicious with use and primarily use it on low at night when you are sleeping and there’s no sun beating down on the van, the number can be 2-3x more than that.
A lot of variables here. If it is a hot day, sunny, no window covers, and no other load on the electrical system, 4 or 6 hours depending on how many batteries your system has. This estimate assumes 100% duty cycle of the compressor and fan running on high speed. If you are judicious with use and primarily use it on low at night when you are sleeping and there’s no sun beating down on the van, the number can be 2-3x more than that.
A lot of variables here, but the calculation is roughly one hour of A/C per 100ah. This assumes worst case conditions defined as direct heat, daytime, no shade, etc. If it is a hot day, sunny, no window covers, and no other load on the electrical system, expect to get 4 or 6 hours out of most systems (depending on the number of batteries). This estimate also assumes 100% duty cycle of the compressor and fan running on high speed. If you are judicious with use and primarily use your A/C on low, at night when you are sleeping and there’s no sun beating down on the van, you could get as much as two to three hours of A/C per 100ah.
How will cold weather affect my system if there are no battery heaters?
The batteries are inside the heated/cooled space in your van, which means as long as the van heat is on, battery temperature is not an issue in cold weather. If the batteries are below freezing while the vehicle sits, they cannot be charged. If the batteries are below -4 °F while the vehicle sits, they cannot be discharged. The batteries protect themselves and they cannot be damaged if you try to use them when they are below -4 °F. When they warm up, they will wake up and act normally. It is extremely difficult to get the inside of your van to -4 °F even if it is much colder outside. If the sun is shining on your van, it will be passively heated from that.
Does RoamRig sell alternators?
All RoamRig power system upgrades include an upgraded alternator (except 1st Generation Stage 1 systems). Currently, we are NOT selling individual alternator, alternator pulley and/or regulator kits to ANYONE unless it is part of a full power system upgrade by RoamRig or one of our installation partners. You can read about this decision on our blog.
About RoamRig Power Systems
Why did you change the inverter?
The chosen 3000w inverter is able to run the air conditioning with no soft start. Additionally, it can run the air conditioning while you use other high power appliances like the inductive cooktop. Finally, it has a built-in 100 amp DC battery charger for quickly charging your house battery bank when you are plugged into shore power.
Why not use heated batteries in stock locations?
How much do you want to read? In short, it is less than optimal for many reasons regardless of what you may be sold by others about heated batteries. Heated batteries, regardless of claims of being non-parasitic, all take energy to heat. That energy comes from charge sources (decreasing charge rate) or from external sources. The location of batteries under a stock 2020 or prior Revel is not conducive to rework such that a lithium system can perform optimally.
Why do you remove so much Winnebago wiring?
The Winnebago wiring is adequate to work, but is not optimal for an efficient lithium system that is installed in a central location under the bench seat. It is easier/cheaper/higher quality to remove the original wiring and start fresh.
What is the warranty?
Each component of the RoamRig system has a manufacturer warranty. The batteries have a lifetime warranty! The interconnecting components and installation will be warrantied by RoamRig (not the installation partner) for 1 year from the completion of the installation. For simple repairs or issues, RoamRig will provide direction for you so that you can quickly get back on the road, exploring the world!
How about seat safety?
Seat belts can stay. The OEM seat from Winnebago is not certified in any way, as there are no regulations in the US regarding passenger seating crash or pull tests.
Plumbing Upgrades
What gets upgraded?
This is a total tear-out and overhaul! RoamRig plumbing completely replaces all freshwater components in the stock plumbing system. We use brass fittings, braided stainless steel hoses wherever possible and minimal connections. The upgrade features a custom valve that allows one simple port to control all water functions. Read more here.
Can you upgrade my water tank?
First Generation Revels: no, we cannot upgrade/change any of the tanks during the plumbing installation.
Second & Third Generation Revels: Yes! We can swap out your fresh water tank for an upgraded 35 gallon tank that fits in the same spot.
We do not upgrade the gray tank. For many folks, not all the water ends up in the gray tank. Some of it is consumed, some ends up in the cassette toilet, some of it is used for outdoor showering.
I’ve already replaced some of my plumbing, can you do partial upgrades?
Nope. This is a full bespoke system. It would likely cost us more to integrate portions of our kit with your existing work and we wouldn’t be able to warranty the partial upgrade.
Other Questions?
Please visit our blog FAQ for more information about plumbing upgrades. If you already have the RoamRig plumbing upgrade, learn how to use it here.
Beatbox Stereo Upgrade
What vans does the Beatbox fit in?
The Beatbox fits Sprinter cargo vans that have OEM seat swivels, the 10" radio, and nothing under the passenger seat base.
If anything about your van is different, installation will need to account for those variables, which is up to you or your installer. RoamRig cannot help with installation modifications. Visit this FAQ page to read about the different Sprinter features we use for installation to help determine if installation can be modified for your van.
Does the Beatbox fit my "XYZ" factory RV?
Can I DIY install the Beatbox?
Yes! But please read the Beatbox Blackbird installation guide before deciding if this is an upgrade that you are comfortable making.
Can I upgrade my 8” or 10” Beatbox to the Beatbox Blackbird?
We are actively working on upgrade kits for both versions! If you tell us you're interested, we will notify you when the upgrade kits are ready (we do not have a timeline).
Where can I go to install the Beatbox?
At RoamRig HQ in Connecticut we do all upgrades – usually in a day or two.
If a trip to CT isn’t on your route, then we also partner with installers across the country (map here), to make it easy for you to get your upgrades done close to home.