Ive been installing 12v electrics in cars/caravans for 20 something years, I still watched your video through till the end. The time you have taken to plan and deliver a concise message for this install is commendable. I’ll definitely be sending this video to people who are asking me for help in the future! Well done
I share Scott's opinion. This is about as close to a proper "how to" video as you can legally get on TH-cam. Excellent reference material. I plan to install a similar system in my 50A RV and will be referencing this video as well as visiting your store for the applicable install kits.
I am paraplegic laying down in my bed for two years. I don’t have a convention van and I’m watching this video for almost an hour. More like 160,000 people watching this video
This is also a tutorial on how to make tutorials. I'm not building a camper any time soon but the explanations of the principles of how to wire up solar and batteries is so good that I can't stop watching. Also appreciate that you didn't edit out your small mistakes, instead explaining what you did to fix them. And the fact that you provided links to the sections. You've set a new standard here for tutorial videos.
I know right. There's no way I could do this I was having dreams about it because I'm messing with solar. I was having dreams that I could almost try to start doing this kind of thing for people. But there's no way I don't think I could get good enough. I didn't realize people have been doing this for so long. There are quite a few people that are very good at it
Your video was so professional I thought I was watching an episode of How It's Made. Absolutely amazing video quality and narration. Extremely well done, thank you for the content!!
*Hey there! Thanks for tuning in. I've got a metric ton of additional info hidden behind the 'read more' link below, so be sure to click that to check out all of the supplemental info for this video as you'd definitely be missing out on some important stuff if you don't.* System Cost Analysis: th-cam.com/video/Tkbj51mOhKg/w-d-xo.html *Parts for this system:* ➤EXPLORIST.life Wiring Kit: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/complete-wiring-kits/540ah-3000w-24v-multiplus-580w-to-1700w-solar/ ➤Heated 270Ah Battle Born Batteries: battlebornbatteries.com/product/12v-gc3-lifepo4-heated-battery-kit/?afmc=explorist_bb67 ✅Use code 'explorist' for $50 off per battery. ➤Wiring Diagram: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/plans-and-diagrams/solar-wiring-diagrams/540ah-battery-bank-3000w-24v-multiplus-580w-1700w-solar-wiring-diagram-explorist-life-2021-ford-transit-camper-van/ ➤*Other wiring kits that may be helpful:* shop.explorist.life/product-category/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/ ➤*Wiring Diagrams for other systems:* www.explorist.life/solarwiringdiagrams *Binge the Transit Van Build:* th-cam.com/play/PLmvhcyi4n0TVfA4XCYJBkzfUXunSON1zX.html *OTHER ELECTRICAL PROJECTS ON THIS VAN WE TACKLED BEFORE THIS VIDEO:* ➤INSTALLING OUR ROOFTOP SOLAR ARRAY: th-cam.com/video/zspCRKAFxKA/w-d-xo.html ➤INSTALLING OUR 24V DC AIR CONDITIONER: th-cam.com/video/G1oqnxNJDog/w-d-xo.html ➤HOW TO WIRE USB OUTLETS: th-cam.com/video/X1tQWYXY2Fc/w-d-xo.html ➤HOW TO WIRE 12V OUTLETS: th-cam.com/video/_nGbtOH5Dk0/w-d-xo.html ➤HOW TO WIRE PUCK LIGHTS: th-cam.com/video/o-YlpzrnuzI/w-d-xo.html ➤HOW TO WIRE 12V DIMMERS: th-cam.com/video/dn77-CbxR4g/w-d-xo.html ➤HOW TO WIRE 12V 3-WAY SWITCHES: th-cam.com/video/WRQuVMFlric/w-d-xo.html ➤HOW TO WIRE RELAYS: th-cam.com/video/mTH1Uc_L2M8/w-d-xo.html ➤WIRING 120V OUTLETS, SWITCHES, AND GFCI: th-cam.com/video/en6Q2L6Bf3A/w-d-xo.html ➤INSTALLING A 30A SHORE POWER INLET: th-cam.com/video/WDAzwaEWUT4/w-d-xo.html *Regarding the shore power wire gland referenced at **44:24**.* Check this video at 30:22: th-cam.com/video/01F4QDVJUq0/w-d-xo.html *We installed our enclosure to the L-Track in the floor. Here's a video of us installing that:* th-cam.com/video/6H7TvKNrwN0/w-d-xo.html *Aluminum Extrusion Enclosure Info:* Working on it. Comment if you want it and I'll follow up with you when it's ready. *Programming Parameters*: I've added the basic settings we used to the product description of our wiring kit here: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/complete-wiring-kits/540ah-3000w-24v-multiplus-580w-to-1700w-solar/
Once again, thanks for your comprehensive videos! My biggest hurdle (after buying the van) has been sourcing materials. Stuff like "what kind of wood should this be?" or "what's a good price for x?" It's incredibly frustrating to buy something only to realize you've been taken for an extra 50-100%. Because of its popularity there is just so much out there. Your shop and material recommendations are solid, with good prices. It's definitely possible to get lower prices, but if one doesn't have 3 months to wait for a sale, or does not want to endlessly pick up metal shavings around the garage, your shop is a fantastic place to start.
Wow! Such a professional video. The detail you included, the explanation of each step you were performing, the description of all the parts that you used is much appreciated. You deserve a TH-cam Creator Award for this!!! Thanks for all the time and effort you put into it.
Wow!!! The quality of your tutorials is light years ahead of anything I have ever seen on youtube! The attention to detail, the professional filming/editing, the pedagogical explanations, everything! Having this freely available is mind-blowing. And this comes from a non-native English speaker from Europe used to the simplicity of the metric system, who gets the chills every time some weird units pop up, like 4/0, 5/16", 6 gauge and whatnot :D. Kudos for the work on the Closed-Captions that make even these confusing units/words accessible :) Unfortunately, the mismatch in units/electrical systems means I probably won't be buying many kits from your website, but I wish your business to prosper nonetheless and I will for sure keep on watching more of your videos :).
One of the best all around electrical videos on the internet for van builds, thank you so much for putting this together! I’m in the process of gutting and upgrading the electrical system in our class C, and while I can’t quite afford all the high end stuff you have here, it’s still extremely useful from a planning perspective. Now if only the price of copper would go down… 🤨 Keep up the good work, the world of DIY really appreciates it!
Thank you for such amazing content! This tutorial is certainly worth paying for, but you clearly spent considerable time and effort putting it out there for everybody to learn from. Thank you, again, for sharing your knowledge so freely!
The most helpful video I have ever watched on TH-cam. Being a good van builder I’ve always had a fear of the electrics. This is helping me a lot. This video needs to reach near and far, to help people out. Well done
Your content is incredible in every way. Id really expect to be paying for this kind of tutorial but you are giving it away for free - how awesome is that!
Wow!, Just Wow! Never seen such a detailed installation video like this before. I'm not even in the market for a job like this but still watched every minute of it.
Holy fuck. What a tutorial. I'm in disbelief at the amount of knowledge you managed to compress in just about an hour. You sir deserve all the good that's coming to you!
It's super cool. Definitely takes more planning than wood only, but I love how easy it is to put together and take apart as the plan changes or we want to add stuff.
yeah, i back all of the kudos mentioned here. im not new to electrical but am in diapers with all this solar stuff. this guy makes it easy to wrap your mind around solar if you have electrical working knowledge of residential 110/240v applications. even if you have not a clue about electrical......if youre not scared of electrical and follow what he does..........you're golden. Good Job
One of the best most comprehensive build videos I have seen. As a tech who builds these systems in mobile command posts I have two pieces of advise. First, Only use the washers and nuts that come with the battery fuse terminals. These terminals pull current through the first washer and simply tossing a stainless steel washer in there will heat up enough to burn your hands, melt plastic and even start a fire. Second, would be to include some active cooling in that enclosure. Inverters get very hot and a simple PC fan on a thermal switch circuit can extend the life of everything in that enclosure. Less of a technical comment and more of a preference would be to hit all that birch plywood with some wipe on poly, wax or some other clear coat to keep the wood from staining. Even the sweat from your hands can leave marks on the birch ply and if you are OCD your gonna go nuts.
Hey TheReefaholic, thanks for watching! Re: 1: Of course! That's exactly what we did. Battle Born batteries come with two lengths of bolts for their battery terminals. We used the shorter of the two they supplied. Re: 2: There is about 27sq/in of ventilation around the back of the enclosure and around the lid, which should be adequate based on the hundreds of systems I've consulted on. *If it's NOT adequate*, I'll add a fan controlled either by enclosure temperature or have the fan turn on when the multiplus fans turn on. I'll make a video teaching how to do this if I end up needing to do it. I don't anticipate needing this, but that's the plan if I do. Re: 3: We did back when we installed the walls. Here's the video for that: th-cam.com/video/cf2BjQxMKDI/w-d-xo.html
Amazing! I think I'm going to do the exact same layout and really love the details in this video. Can't wait for the alternator install video. Going to the store to get these new plans. Thanks again for the killer tutorial.
@@joshedcostanza I really like that dc-to-dc charger. I can't believe how much I like that install. It is so amazing glad you did yours had are having a great time
A magnificent demonstration! I have always respected your skills and talent for explaining so concisely. Bravo! One point that gave me a shiver; the PCB ground connection wire on the negative buss has a RED terminal ring on the end!! That is a bit misleading. Design flaw at Victron?
Hey George, I sure appreciate that! It means a lot coming from someone who has the impeccable attention to detail that you do. Thanks for watching! I also hate how smaller ring terminals like that are color coded. Traditionally, the small ring terminals (18-22awg) have red heat shrink on them (14-16 are blue, 10-12 are yellow, and then red again for 8ga (because there are apparently only three colors?) but this definitely leads to a bad feeling when trying to connect a small wire with red insulation because of it's size to a negative busbar.
I am a qualified electrician and telecommunications technician in Australia (40+ years in the trades) I have recently taken ownership of a mobile home with 2.5Kw of solar on the roof with 800AH of lithium batteries, via a Victron EasySolar 3000VA Found your video to very well put together and should go a long way to make DIY van electrical system builders a lot more confident in what they are doing and therefore a lot safer for the industry as a whole...very well presented.
I'm a fairly experienced solar system builder (non Pro), having built a handful of systems for our multiple full-time RV rigs over the years. This video is simply astounding in terms of content detail, product knowledge, delivery, editing, camera work. It does not get better than this. I wish that I could justify the multiple blue box systems used here, but, for me, really cannot. The only aspect of the entire system that I am not thrilled about, is the use of multiple drop-in batteries to power the system and the resulting reliance on charge and load devices each being programmed and managing their own charge and load parameters through network systems that, in my years of IT experience, I find not to be 100% reliable. Other than that personal preference, this is simply the de factor reference for DIY solar & LFP systems builds on TH-cam. Thank you for the effort, and your kits are extremely well designed and built. I wish you every success in this venture, and am amazed that you are not over 1 million views on this video already! I will do my bit! :-) Oh, one tiny niggle I forgot to mention - the Orion runs VERY hot and it's best to mount it vertically as it is designed to exit the rising internal hot air through the top. It cannot do this when mounted horizontally.
I have never seen a "How To" video of this quality that didn't have something to do with nuclear weapons! You deserve a BZ (Bravo Zulu) for this video!
This is a fantastic install video. It gave me a lot of inspiration for the system that I am currently building for my Jayco Alante. As a professional ambulance mechanic, I see rat's nest wiring jobs on the daily. Its so satisfying to see someone take pride in their work and have a thoughtfully laid out system. I will provide one piece of advice for future installs... Purely from a technician's POV; I would recommend having a short loop of excess wire (we call it a service loop) at each connection to a mounted component. It very marginally increases the amount of wire you use, however as the name implies when it comes to servicing and trouble shooting components it helps to have a little built-in slack in the system.
You have set the gold standard of van build TH-cam wiring tutorials - seriously. You two should be very proud - and worn out - after making this totally complete video. Boom! My van build went almost totally opposite in wiring complexity, using a simple 12v Blue Seas fuse block, 12v wiring to puck lights, USB panels, MaxxAir fan and ICECO fridge/freezer all powered with one of my Ecoflow Delta lithium power units. But, then again, we are not off-gridders on BLM land, or forest land. The most "off-grid" we get is a Cracker Barrel,, Bass Pro, highway rest area or national park campground. And we do trips, not van life. You always do great videos, but you outdid yourself this time! : )
Wow, you did/do a lot of work .... for this update. Good job .. this one will be around for years. I am glad Battleborn and maybe Victron has given a lot that would cost me more than I can imagine.
Perfect timing for this to show in my feed since the nephew was asking for ideas on _HIS_ van/camper setup. His is just in a Dodge Caravan though and right now he has one of those el-cheapo Amazon bundles with a 100W panel and a charge controller. I shared it to him hoping it will give him some ideas.
Thanks for the video. Because this is the best video I have ever seen on building a system like this one, I watched every minute of it. I have never seen so much detail in any video on TH-cam. You have a new subscriber.
Not one on one; no. I'd rather focus on making these videos to help thousands simultaneously instead of spending my time focusing on only the people who can pay for my time. Everything you need to design and build these systems is already available through my videos, no one-on-one help required.
This has to be my 10th time watching this full video (along with the other installation videos from the channel). I'm still planning my build before I even begin to think about starting but each time I see this video, it makes more and more sense and I chuckle at how "deer in headlights" I felt that first time seeing this video 🤣🤣
I feel like I shouldn’t be watching this video for free. It’s so precise and efficient. Even down to the order the bolts and washers go on, each time! I will definitely be doing this set up because of y’all. I will link y’all’s video when I get to that point in my you tube channel. Thank you so much for your dedication in making a quality electrical system how to video.
This is an outstanding video, I'm at 55:40 and still watching with the other 5. I have been researching this topic for about a week, and this is the best, most detailed explanation of how this is done. Although, I realize that you have to "remove/replace the nuts, washers, and lock washers" 😂👍🏻😁🥰
I have not seen a better explained video done by anyone else. Very nice work making it so pretty much anyone can understand and follow. Did catch the oops on the breaker knockout lol your human.
Really enjoyed this video. I’m upgrading to a Multiplus and working on the layout. I’ve tried several ways that didn’t work out and learned a lot along the way from when I started with Renogy products. Victron is awesome!
Just finished watching the whole video. The system is very elaborate. The explaining the system is very through. Congratulation to all of you. Nate , Just let you know that you have inspired me so much is beyond explanation. Thanks to you I am building a 48 volt capable of off grid system at our farm with Victron system.Thank you .
Great video, I almost wish I would’ve watched it before I built my system. When I installed my cerbo GX device I use an extension cable for both the HDMI and the USB and I’ve had zero issues with it.
So love the use of 80/20! So many projects at work I've done with this magnificent extrusion. Have a habit of forgetting about 80/20 at home though. Great video and thanks for covering all the "basics. Be well!
Oh man; I am so stoked on this video. With the exception of the battery, my system is identical to what you just built. Now I just need to order all the kits from you guys to make my life easier. Thanks guys!!!
By far the best electrical tutorial for a van conversion. Thanks so much y'all when I start my rig I will def. look up and buy your products. Bookmarking this page.
The best part about building your van is finding really cool ideas after and being super happy you chose to use bolts for your install!!!! This setup is going on my wish list for my first remodel❤ Thank you for putting so much effort into your videos!
I love this entire video so much, I have my phone on a tripod and I hit play>then pause> catch up to you on my van>hit play again (repeat as necessary). I would LOVE a video on Wire Management. ie: when do you zip tie, loom, feed through ribs? Will's top ten mentioned not zip tying "too many" together for heat dissipation. How do you attach wires to the ceiling/walls so they don't rattle? Where do you put extra support on corners so the wire doesn't get cut by the van walls with vibration. Do you use electrical tape? Zip Ties? Do you try and feed through the van walls or just behind wall panels? Sorry if this exists in your library but I haven't seen it. Thanks for your consideration!
12/10 video, honestly super amazing.. now if only this whole electrical setup wasn’t worth more then my mini bus I just bought 😅😅. God victron stuff looks good.
Nate, as I have commented before as a retired aircraft electrician/avionics guy, you do top notch installations. And, uh, Colorado? I thought "y'all" were in NC.
I would love to build out something like this (electrician by trade). Great video, very detailed. At 1:09:48 when you were plugging the 30amp shore power cord into the shop's 15 amp duplex receptacle you had to invert the cord which would cause it to fall out of the receptacle in short order. Flip the receptacle over so that the cord hangs down.
If that were a more permanent connection, I would. Pretty much only using that outlet like that for the 3 minutes it took to shoot the video so it's not worth the effort to change.
Thank you for taking time explaning how things got to be done correctly. As usual very informative video i am sorry that you are far away. in between i enjoy watching your videos.
@@EXPLORISTlife Were you able to get in between the buck boost 100A. there are no useful Videos about this element and i am looking forward to watch how you are going to present it which i hope your video will be a good reference as usual which can be watched Internationaly to. best regards from Vienna
This is about as close to a proper "how to" video as you can legally get on TH-cam. Excellent reference material. I plan to install a similar system in my 50A RV and will be referencing this video as well as visiting your store for the applicable install kits.
I appreciate that! Here is our recommendation for a 50A OEM RV Retrofit: www.explorist.life/50a-camper-inverter-with-solar-alternator-charging-wiring-diagram/
Thanks guys!!! I watched the entire video and this is just what I needed. Super clear instructions. Thanks for taking the time to make this detailed video!
Hello guys, awesome video these one but also all the how to series from top to bottom, incredible clear and precise information. As a starting TH-camrs ourselves builders of our own 1982 RV (and I say builders because we demolished it and started over from zero) I feel ashamed of showing our rudimentary adventures about how we (me and my wife) do things. Every time I watch your videos I feel enlightened and afraid at the same time, thinking about building and electrical codes that I might’ve not followed 😮. People who watch our videos consider me smart and creative but I feel embarrassed of mi self when I see the clean and professional work you guys do, we admire you’re talents and thanks you for sharing with us rookies.
Great video ! My wife and I will not have need for solar, as the shuttle bus we are going to convert will be used either in a park or the driveway of friends/family - in other words - shore power only for AC. No need to convert DC to AC. Will need a converter for charging the battery. It's been a challenge to eliminate all of the components so many videos use.
Yeah, that's a pretty minimal system and atypical for viewers of this channel so I don't have any direct tutorials for something like that at this time, unfortunately; but I suspect if you check out some of our DIY camper and electrical play lists and watch through those, you'll be able to learn enough to be able to design one yourself.
Great video and very informative. Thank you. I do have one suggestion, however. For the Lynx data cable that was too long for your application, instead of trying to wrap up the excess within the tight space available, I'd recommend shortening it. A simple RJ type crimper and connectors can be sourced at any electronics shop or even your local Home Depot for less than $20. The tool is easy to use and has a multitude of applications from providing hidden and factory looking power cable for a dash cam, wiring a built-in or hidden radar detector, or even making custom lengths or repairing regular phone cable around the home.
I would not recommend that, no. Historically, a diy crimp of the victron RJ45 connectors leads to a poor connection and issues. When somebody is having communication problems, making sure an unaltered victron cable is the first troubleshooting step.
@@EXPLORISTlife Interesting opinion. I've worked in the telecommunications field for a number of years and used these types (RJ11, 12 and 45) of connectors without issue. If done correctly, with quality materials, they have proven to be robust and reliable.They are even used in installations for medical equipment, in what might be considered 'life safety' conditions such as nurse call systems, by design from the device manufacturer. I'm just thinking that in a cramped space such as what you showed, and in an environment subject to vibration and shock, it might prove to be detrimental to the longevity of the cable to be excessively twisted around or bent. This is just me spitballing and posing alternatives to a situation which may be inconsequential and doesn't need an alternative. I tend to be a little OCD when it comes to cable routing and protection. So many trouble shooting repairs have come down to damaged cable.
What an awesome video, just what I was looking for. I know you are selling products, yet it is videos like this that make me want to buy the products from you. Informative, thorough, great details. New subscriber here.
I couldn’t have done the electrical without your How to videos! Now I watch them just for fun 🤩 Not only are you thorough on your explanation but as a filmmaker I love the editing and production on your videos!
This is a lengthy video but very much well worth watching in its entirety. Some fantastic tips and tricks here and a very neat installation. As long as you do not abuse your batteries, this install will last you a very, very long time indeed. Thank you for the time and effort to produce this.
What an amazing video. you guys are so good.. Whatever money some person spent that wanted a van like that would be so worth it to have you are guys doing the job. You really do everything so correctly correctly ...anyways you're right thanks to battleborn for sponsoring the video. well I didn't read any of the other comments but I'm sure there's some similar ones to mine. Thanks again you really break it down great all the wiring and everything. Wire size. What tools to use and everything. It is amazing, so helpful. At the end of the video You said I hope you learned something while I sure did. Thank you...😁
I'm curious if you could speak more about why you chose Battle Born batteries? They seem to be the popular option for DIYers, but the few engineers I know that are upgrading their battery systems in their RV/camper van (both in real life and on TH-cam) have all gone with Lithionics. The Fit RV did a factory tour of Lithionics that made it seem like a better option. I'd love to hear you talk about your view on the different battery brands (if you can - I'd understand if you weren't able if Battle Born is your sponsor). Thanks!
Sure! So it really comes down to customer support. When I am recommending a battery, the brand I am recommending needs to: ->Be able to sell the battery (aka: keep it in stock) ->Have fast shipping times ->Have great customer support to answer questions about their products (pre and post sale) ->Have great tech support to help troubleshoot if something isn't working properly ->A no-hassle warranty process where they don't try to weasel out of warranty coverage. Battle Born checks ALL of these boxes AND they have high quality batteries to match. There are other battery manufacturers out there who have great batteries, but they just don't check the rest of those boxes in my own personal experience.
Hi, I am always amazed by the precision in the assembly of the electrical systems, and on the editing of the videos. All very informative. For the next time I suggest you use the compasses to screw on the wood to keep the Victron devices suspended. Thanks and good job. Matteo
Wow. So much detail. All I was looking for was how to wire up a 100/30 charge controller and I still watched the video start to finish. One question though - is the heater circuit for the batteries fused? I have a self heating BattleBorn battery and they sent a massive wire kit with it but it seems to standard jumper wire is not fused.
First of all, this is an absolutely fantastic video! You guys really go above and beyond in detailed explanation. I do still have one question however that I cannot find a straight answer to. I am building out a composite flatbed camper with the only metal structure being a under floor aluminum subframe and external aluminum trim all the way around. I am using all Victron equipment + BB batteries. DC-DC charger is the isolated version. Everything else is as you would expect (3K inverter, solar on the roof, shore power, no generator, etc.). My only remaining uncertainty on installation is if I need to tie the camper electrical ground back to the truck chassis ground. My gut tells me no, since the camper electrical system truly is isolated from the truck electrical (with exception of the isolated DC-DC charger.). I'm also not certain if I need to find a way to tie the camper ground to the aluminum subframe & trim. Any insight you can offer would be very appreciated! If you already have a video on this, my apologies I didn't see it. Thank you!
This is an “Incredibly & Complete” educational video well worth the time to watch. You cleared all my questions that I had with the 24V VE Equiptment (especially with the solar controllers and VE system to chassis grounding). Well done! Kudos! Looking forward to seeing your next video. Thank you. Blessings to y’all.
THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT DETAILED VIDEO AS TRULY GOOD TO WATCH THE SECTION SIDE OF YOUR VAN BECAUSE HAVE A ISUZU 4X4 TRUCK WHICH IS A 24V SYSTEM OPERATION THAT BUILDS IN TOURS FOR CAMPING IN AUSTRALIA
Dang, I always love watching these videos, so easy to follow! Have you guys ever thought about creating a mobile solar trailer?? It would be awesome for house backup, EV charging, powering sheds, ebikes etc..
Thanks for watching! We 'almost' did a video earlier this year that would have been a HUGE 48V split phase system that would have been a mobile solar trailer for farmers markets, events, concerts, etc; but the trailer was in an accident a few weeks before install and they couldn't get a replacement, so we had to scrap the project for now.
Ive been installing 12v electrics in cars/caravans for 20 something years, I still watched your video through till the end. The time you have taken to plan and deliver a concise message for this install is commendable. I’ll definitely be sending this video to people who are asking me for help in the future! Well done
Hey, Scott Doyle! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
I share Scott's opinion. This is about as close to a proper "how to" video as you can legally get on TH-cam. Excellent reference material. I plan to install a similar system in my 50A RV and will be referencing this video as well as visiting your store for the applicable install kits.
Thanks Sean! 😁👍
@@EXPLORISTlife great video only thing missing is how to wire your alternator and starter battery to your house bank. can we get a video on this?
@@willyum1208 Did you perhaps see the section of the video that specifically addressed that?
Incredible. I've spent the last two weeks researching how to do just this. I wake up to this tutorial. Unbelievable. Thank you so much
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
hes talented no doubt
Thanks 88corinutza! 😁👍
Best instructional video on anything ever! Clear video, clear audio and no music!!
Glad it was helpful!
I am paraplegic laying down in my bed for two years. I don’t have a convention van and I’m watching this video for almost an hour. More like 160,000 people watching this video
💕🙌
You still have a great mind and are using it. God Bless you 😊
Best wishes
This is also a tutorial on how to make tutorials. I'm not building a camper any time soon but the explanations of the principles of how to wire up solar and batteries is so good that I can't stop watching. Also appreciate that you didn't edit out your small mistakes, instead explaining what you did to fix them. And the fact that you provided links to the sections. You've set a new standard here for tutorial videos.
Hey, Steve Foster! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
Excellent comment, Steve!
I know right. There's no way I could do this I was having dreams about it because I'm messing with solar. I was having dreams that I could almost try to start doing this kind of thing for people. But there's no way I don't think I could get good enough. I didn't realize people have been doing this for so long. There are quite a few people that are very good at it
Nate and Steph, Thank you! Finally a power supply instructional installation video! Thank you for clearly and explaining everything in layman's terms.
Hey Daniel Vermeer, No problem! Glad it helped! :)
Your video was so professional I thought I was watching an episode of How It's Made. Absolutely amazing video quality and narration. Extremely well done, thank you for the content!!
Wow, thank you!☺️
*Hey there! Thanks for tuning in. I've got a metric ton of additional info hidden behind the 'read more' link below, so be sure to click that to check out all of the supplemental info for this video as you'd definitely be missing out on some important stuff if you don't.*
System Cost Analysis: th-cam.com/video/Tkbj51mOhKg/w-d-xo.html
*Parts for this system:*
➤EXPLORIST.life Wiring Kit: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/complete-wiring-kits/540ah-3000w-24v-multiplus-580w-to-1700w-solar/
➤Heated 270Ah Battle Born Batteries: battlebornbatteries.com/product/12v-gc3-lifepo4-heated-battery-kit/?afmc=explorist_bb67
✅Use code 'explorist' for $50 off per battery.
➤Wiring Diagram: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/plans-and-diagrams/solar-wiring-diagrams/540ah-battery-bank-3000w-24v-multiplus-580w-1700w-solar-wiring-diagram-explorist-life-2021-ford-transit-camper-van/
➤*Other wiring kits that may be helpful:* shop.explorist.life/product-category/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/
➤*Wiring Diagrams for other systems:* www.explorist.life/solarwiringdiagrams
*Binge the Transit Van Build:* th-cam.com/play/PLmvhcyi4n0TVfA4XCYJBkzfUXunSON1zX.html
*OTHER ELECTRICAL PROJECTS ON THIS VAN WE TACKLED BEFORE THIS VIDEO:*
➤INSTALLING OUR ROOFTOP SOLAR ARRAY: th-cam.com/video/zspCRKAFxKA/w-d-xo.html
➤INSTALLING OUR 24V DC AIR CONDITIONER: th-cam.com/video/G1oqnxNJDog/w-d-xo.html
➤HOW TO WIRE USB OUTLETS: th-cam.com/video/X1tQWYXY2Fc/w-d-xo.html
➤HOW TO WIRE 12V OUTLETS: th-cam.com/video/_nGbtOH5Dk0/w-d-xo.html
➤HOW TO WIRE PUCK LIGHTS: th-cam.com/video/o-YlpzrnuzI/w-d-xo.html
➤HOW TO WIRE 12V DIMMERS: th-cam.com/video/dn77-CbxR4g/w-d-xo.html
➤HOW TO WIRE 12V 3-WAY SWITCHES: th-cam.com/video/WRQuVMFlric/w-d-xo.html
➤HOW TO WIRE RELAYS: th-cam.com/video/mTH1Uc_L2M8/w-d-xo.html
➤WIRING 120V OUTLETS, SWITCHES, AND GFCI: th-cam.com/video/en6Q2L6Bf3A/w-d-xo.html
➤INSTALLING A 30A SHORE POWER INLET: th-cam.com/video/WDAzwaEWUT4/w-d-xo.html
*Regarding the shore power wire gland referenced at **44:24**.* Check this video at 30:22: th-cam.com/video/01F4QDVJUq0/w-d-xo.html
*We installed our enclosure to the L-Track in the floor. Here's a video of us installing that:* th-cam.com/video/6H7TvKNrwN0/w-d-xo.html
*Aluminum Extrusion Enclosure Info:* Working on it. Comment if you want it and I'll follow up with you when it's ready.
*Programming Parameters*: I've added the basic settings we used to the product description of our wiring kit here: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/complete-wiring-kits/540ah-3000w-24v-multiplus-580w-to-1700w-solar/
How about listing out some of those electrical tools - lug crimpers etc - and links? Thanks.
@@5FWS5 For sure! I've got all of that listed out here: th-cam.com/video/KGDMaoe63zk/w-d-xo.html
Hi, did I miss the Sketchup file? I don't see it listed here. Thanks folks!
Once again, thanks for your comprehensive videos! My biggest hurdle (after buying the van) has been sourcing materials. Stuff like "what kind of wood should this be?" or "what's a good price for x?" It's incredibly frustrating to buy something only to realize you've been taken for an extra 50-100%. Because of its popularity there is just so much out there.
Your shop and material recommendations are solid, with good prices. It's definitely possible to get lower prices, but if one doesn't have 3 months to wait for a sale, or does not want to endlessly pick up metal shavings around the garage, your shop is a fantastic place to start.
Hey thanks so much for this info. Can you please link out the aluminum extrusion info? Thanks!
Wow! Such a professional video. The detail you included, the explanation of each step you were performing, the description of all the parts that you used is much appreciated. You deserve a TH-cam Creator Award for this!!! Thanks for all the time and effort you put into it.
Ya’ll have done it again! Great walk through of an efficient 24v system. Thanks Nate and Steph!
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
You have been our go to guide. Our system has been going strong for 2 years now off grid in Ireland. Brilliant channel
Wow!!! The quality of your tutorials is light years ahead of anything I have ever seen on youtube! The attention to detail, the professional filming/editing, the pedagogical explanations, everything! Having this freely available is mind-blowing.
And this comes from a non-native English speaker from Europe used to the simplicity of the metric system, who gets the chills every time some weird units pop up, like 4/0, 5/16", 6 gauge and whatnot :D. Kudos for the work on the Closed-Captions that make even these confusing units/words accessible :)
Unfortunately, the mismatch in units/electrical systems means I probably won't be buying many kits from your website, but I wish your business to prosper nonetheless and I will for sure keep on watching more of your videos :).
I appreciate that! Thanks for watching.
I totally agree you spoke it so much better than my comment. What an amazing video. Everything you said was right on the money
I don't have solar anything and I don't have a van but I watched the whole thing just because it's well produced and very cool.
One of the best all around electrical videos on the internet for van builds, thank you so much for putting this together! I’m in the process of gutting and upgrading the electrical system in our class C, and while I can’t quite afford all the high end stuff you have here, it’s still extremely useful from a planning perspective. Now if only the price of copper would go down… 🤨 Keep up the good work, the world of DIY really appreciates it!
Hey, Jordan B! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
I'd love to see a video where you just do wiring with some background music. This level of wiring perfection is like therapy
Thank you for such amazing content! This tutorial is certainly worth paying for, but you clearly spent considerable time and effort putting it out there for everybody to learn from. Thank you, again, for sharing your knowledge so freely!
Glad it was helpful!
The most helpful video I have ever watched on TH-cam. Being a good van builder I’ve always had a fear of the electrics. This is helping me a lot. This video needs to reach near and far, to help people out. Well done
Hey, BigBadKoz! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
@@EXPLORISTlife he's si right and thanks again‼️
Thanks Battle Born for your sponsorship of Explorist Life ! You have teamed up with a winner !!
Your content is incredible in every way. Id really expect to be paying for this kind of tutorial but you are giving it away for free - how awesome is that!
I appreciate that!
You're so correct space shed this will come back to him in many ways I'm sure. What great Karma. To be helping all of us like he is
Wow!, Just Wow! Never seen such a detailed installation video like this before. I'm not even in the market for a job like this but still watched every minute of it.
Hey, Greg McKay! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
This video is a masterpiece! Thank you guys for such a hard job, putting all that together and sharing it with us!
Hey, Victor and MJ! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
Holy fuck. What a tutorial. I'm in disbelief at the amount of knowledge you managed to compress in just about an hour. You sir deserve all the good that's coming to you!
Nice box we did something similar a couple months ago! Love using 80/20, best DIY friendly building material out there!
It's super cool. Definitely takes more planning than wood only, but I love how easy it is to put together and take apart as the plan changes or we want to add stuff.
One of most comprehensive information videos since my IC-A school in 73, and Gyrocompas school in 75. excellent job.
Glad it was helpful!
I couldn’t thank you enough for this very precise video. I keep watching it over and over this is by far the best out there ❤ thank you
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
I know you're right. And I really have to watch it a lot of times
Even remotely think I'm going to get it right
yeah, i back all of the kudos mentioned here. im not new to electrical but am in diapers with all this solar stuff. this guy makes it easy to wrap your mind around solar if you have electrical working knowledge of residential 110/240v applications. even if you have not a clue about electrical......if youre not scared of electrical and follow what he does..........you're golden. Good Job
Hey, Danny Roy! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
One of the best most comprehensive build videos I have seen. As a tech who builds these systems in mobile command posts I have two pieces of advise.
First, Only use the washers and nuts that come with the battery fuse terminals. These terminals pull current through the first washer and simply tossing a stainless steel washer in there will heat up enough to burn your hands, melt plastic and even start a fire.
Second, would be to include some active cooling in that enclosure. Inverters get very hot and a simple PC fan on a thermal switch circuit can extend the life of everything in that enclosure.
Less of a technical comment and more of a preference would be to hit all that birch plywood with some wipe on poly, wax or some other clear coat to keep the wood from staining. Even the sweat from your hands can leave marks on the birch ply and if you are OCD your gonna go nuts.
Hey TheReefaholic, thanks for watching!
Re: 1: Of course! That's exactly what we did. Battle Born batteries come with two lengths of bolts for their battery terminals. We used the shorter of the two they supplied.
Re: 2: There is about 27sq/in of ventilation around the back of the enclosure and around the lid, which should be adequate based on the hundreds of systems I've consulted on. *If it's NOT adequate*, I'll add a fan controlled either by enclosure temperature or have the fan turn on when the multiplus fans turn on. I'll make a video teaching how to do this if I end up needing to do it. I don't anticipate needing this, but that's the plan if I do.
Re: 3: We did back when we installed the walls. Here's the video for that: th-cam.com/video/cf2BjQxMKDI/w-d-xo.html
Amazing! I think I'm going to do the exact same layout and really love the details in this video. Can't wait for the alternator install video. Going to the store to get these new plans. Thanks again for the killer tutorial.
No problem. Happy to help!
I know right amazing Josh
@@VinceBadovinatz88 ended up doing this plan minus solar and added 2 12-24V DC+to+DC chargers. Love it so far with 4 weeks on the road and counting.
@@joshedcostanza I really like that dc-to-dc charger. I can't believe how much I like that install. It is so amazing glad you did yours had are having a great time
A magnificent demonstration! I have always respected your skills and talent for explaining so concisely. Bravo!
One point that gave me a shiver; the PCB ground connection wire on the negative buss has a RED terminal ring on the end!! That is a bit misleading. Design flaw at Victron?
Hey George, I sure appreciate that! It means a lot coming from someone who has the impeccable attention to detail that you do. Thanks for watching!
I also hate how smaller ring terminals like that are color coded. Traditionally, the small ring terminals (18-22awg) have red heat shrink on them (14-16 are blue, 10-12 are yellow, and then red again for 8ga (because there are apparently only three colors?) but this definitely leads to a bad feeling when trying to connect a small wire with red insulation because of it's size to a negative busbar.
Y'all put so much into this I'm very impressed with the energy and dedication y'all have 👍🏻👍🏻 and thanks again for the help on wiring you gave me.
Hey, Indubitably! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
I am a qualified electrician and telecommunications technician in Australia (40+ years in the trades)
I have recently taken ownership of a mobile home with 2.5Kw of solar on the roof with 800AH of lithium batteries, via a Victron EasySolar 3000VA
Found your video to very well put together and should go a long way to make DIY van electrical system builders a lot more confident in what they are doing and therefore a lot safer for the industry as a whole...very well presented.
Absolutely outstanding! I love all the detail and precision in your work and explanations!
Very impressive presentation with all the information and no irrelevant chatter. Well done and thanks.
Glad you liked it!
I'm a fairly experienced solar system builder (non Pro), having built a handful of systems for our multiple full-time RV rigs over the years. This video is simply astounding in terms of content detail, product knowledge, delivery, editing, camera work. It does not get better than this. I wish that I could justify the multiple blue box systems used here, but, for me, really cannot. The only aspect of the entire system that I am not thrilled about, is the use of multiple drop-in batteries to power the system and the resulting reliance on charge and load devices each being programmed and managing their own charge and load parameters through network systems that, in my years of IT experience, I find not to be 100% reliable. Other than that personal preference, this is simply the de factor reference for DIY solar & LFP systems builds on TH-cam. Thank you for the effort, and your kits are extremely well designed and built. I wish you every success in this venture, and am amazed that you are not over 1 million views on this video already! I will do my bit! :-)
Oh, one tiny niggle I forgot to mention - the Orion runs VERY hot and it's best to mount it vertically as it is designed to exit the rising internal hot air through the top. It cannot do this when mounted horizontally.
Your videos are the optimum gold standard for all instructional videos! Incredible!
Wow, thanks so much! Cheers!
I have never seen a "How To" video of this quality that didn't have something to do with nuclear weapons! You deserve a BZ (Bravo Zulu) for this video!
Hey, Brian Ford! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
props for the good detailed explanation, watched the entire video without even needing the information because its just so well made!
I appreciate that!
This is a fantastic install video. It gave me a lot of inspiration for the system that I am currently building for my Jayco Alante. As a professional ambulance mechanic, I see rat's nest wiring jobs on the daily. Its so satisfying to see someone take pride in their work and have a thoughtfully laid out system. I will provide one piece of advice for future installs... Purely from a technician's POV; I would recommend having a short loop of excess wire (we call it a service loop) at each connection to a mounted component. It very marginally increases the amount of wire you use, however as the name implies when it comes to servicing and trouble shooting components it helps to have a little built-in slack in the system.
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
These video's and wiring kit packages are just plain Awsome Nat and his crew have taken so much guess work out of the processes and planning.
Hey, @richardroberts1090! We appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
You have set the gold standard of van build TH-cam wiring tutorials - seriously. You two should be very proud - and worn out - after making this totally complete video. Boom!
My van build went almost totally opposite in wiring complexity, using a simple 12v Blue Seas fuse block, 12v wiring to puck lights, USB panels, MaxxAir fan and ICECO fridge/freezer all powered with one of my Ecoflow Delta lithium power units.
But, then again, we are not off-gridders on BLM land, or forest land. The most "off-grid" we get is a Cracker Barrel,, Bass Pro, highway rest area or national park campground. And we do trips, not van life.
You always do great videos, but you outdid yourself this time! : )
Hey, Charles Moman! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
This satisfies my electrical OCD so much! nice job!
Cleaning all terminals with alcohol was pretty hardcore
This video is amazing! Sometimes it is hard watching videos until the end but this one leaves you wanting more. Thanks for such great content.
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
This is a fantastic tutorial. Well done. I plan to watch it twice, I also enjoy your quality of work.
Wow, you did/do a lot of work .... for this update. Good job .. this one will be around for years. I am glad Battleborn and maybe Victron has given a lot that would cost me more than I can imagine.
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
I wish I found you guys before I I bought my electrical system.
Perfect timing for this to show in my feed since the nephew was asking for ideas on _HIS_ van/camper setup. His is just in a Dodge Caravan though and right now he has one of those el-cheapo Amazon bundles with a 100W panel and a charge controller. I shared it to him hoping it will give him some ideas.
Glad it was helpful. Cheers!
Thanks for the video. Because this is the best video I have ever seen on building a system like this one, I watched every minute of it. I have never seen so much detail in any video on TH-cam. You have a new subscriber.
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
Do you offer one on one classes? I’ve been converting buses for about 2 1/2 years now and I have a lot of knowledge but you my friend are incredible.
Not one on one; no. I'd rather focus on making these videos to help thousands simultaneously instead of spending my time focusing on only the people who can pay for my time. Everything you need to design and build these systems is already available through my videos, no one-on-one help required.
This has to be my 10th time watching this full video (along with the other installation videos from the channel). I'm still planning my build before I even begin to think about starting but each time I see this video, it makes more and more sense and I chuckle at how "deer in headlights" I felt that first time seeing this video 🤣🤣
I feel like I shouldn’t be watching this video for free. It’s so precise and efficient. Even down to the order the bolts and washers go on, each time! I will definitely be doing this set up because of y’all. I will link y’all’s video when I get to that point in my you tube channel. Thank you so much for your dedication in making a quality electrical system how to video.
I'm impressed with the detail and quality of your work. Kudos to you and your staff.
Thank you very much!
This is an outstanding video, I'm at 55:40 and still watching with the other 5. I have been researching this topic for about a week, and this is the best, most detailed explanation of how this is done. Although, I realize that you have to "remove/replace the nuts, washers, and lock washers" 😂👍🏻😁🥰
I have not seen a better explained video done by anyone else. Very nice work making it so pretty much anyone can understand and follow. Did catch the oops on the breaker knockout lol your human.
Glad it was helpful!
Really enjoyed this video. I’m upgrading to a Multiplus and working on the layout. I’ve tried several ways that didn’t work out and learned a lot along the way from when I started with Renogy products. Victron is awesome!
Just finished watching the whole video. The system is very elaborate. The explaining the system is very through. Congratulation to all of you. Nate , Just let you know that you have inspired me so much is beyond explanation. Thanks to you I am building a 48 volt capable of off grid system at our farm with Victron system.Thank you .
Nice! Sounds like an awesome project!
Wow. What a video! I've got a background in mechanical and electrical and this has to be one of the best videos ever! Thank you!
Hey, joekool5005! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
Thank you for teaching me 90% of what I now know! Any reason you chose 100% copper lugs vs tinned copper lugs?
Tinned lugs are more expensive and are really only necessary for marine environments like boats where the salty sea air corrodes exposed metal.
Great video, I almost wish I would’ve watched it before I built my system. When I installed my cerbo GX device I use an extension cable for both the HDMI and the USB and I’ve had zero issues with it.
That's great! Glad that worked out for you. Definitely one of those hit-or-miss kind of things with the USB extension.
at 1:07 when you were programming the shunt, you programmed it to 270ah. You have 2 x 270ah, so wouldn't that be 540?
Nope. 270ah @24v
Outstanding! Great images and editing. When your narrative isn't clear, your video images are descriptive (1 + 1 = 3).
Wow, hands down the best instruction i have ever seen. You could do an instructional on chewing gum and would have us captivated. Great job!
😂🤣 I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
After watching your video I almost believe I can do the power system in my rv. Such a great video. Thank you.
Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!
So love the use of 80/20! So many projects at work I've done with this magnificent extrusion. Have a habit of forgetting about 80/20 at home though. Great video and thanks for covering all the "basics. Be well!
Hey richard mccabe, Thanks so much! Cheers!
I just completely geeked out on this. Always looking for new projects for my rig. This is awesome.
Oh man; I am so stoked on this video. With the exception of the battery, my system is identical to what you just built. Now I just need to order all the kits from you guys to make my life easier. Thanks guys!!!
Hey Herman Gareis, No problem! Glad it helped! :)
By far the best electrical tutorial for a van conversion. Thanks so much y'all when I start my rig I will def. look up and buy your products. Bookmarking this page.
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
The best part about building your van is finding really cool ideas after and being super happy you chose to use bolts for your install!!!! This setup is going on my wish list for my first remodel❤ Thank you for putting so much effort into your videos!
That is looking incredibly awesome, actually nicest I’ve ever came across. Cheers Albert 🇳🇱
This was incredibly complete, fantastic effort and thanks for sharing this with the community!
Glad you enjoyed it! cheers!
I love this entire video so much, I have my phone on a tripod and I hit play>then pause> catch up to you on my van>hit play again (repeat as necessary). I would LOVE a video on Wire Management. ie: when do you zip tie, loom, feed through ribs? Will's top ten mentioned not zip tying "too many" together for heat dissipation. How do you attach wires to the ceiling/walls so they don't rattle? Where do you put extra support on corners so the wire doesn't get cut by the van walls with vibration. Do you use electrical tape? Zip Ties? Do you try and feed through the van walls or just behind wall panels? Sorry if this exists in your library but I haven't seen it. Thanks for your consideration!
We do have a video on that actually. Check this out: th-cam.com/video/LifVE28FfmU/w-d-xo.html
12/10 video, honestly super amazing.. now if only this whole electrical setup wasn’t worth more then my mini bus I just bought 😅😅.
God victron stuff looks good.
Nate, as I have commented before as a retired aircraft electrician/avionics guy, you do top notch installations. And, uh, Colorado? I thought "y'all" were in NC.
I would love to build out something like this (electrician by trade). Great video, very detailed. At 1:09:48 when you were plugging the 30amp shore power cord into the shop's 15 amp duplex receptacle you had to invert the cord which would cause it to fall out of the receptacle in short order. Flip the receptacle over so that the cord hangs down.
If that were a more permanent connection, I would. Pretty much only using that outlet like that for the 3 minutes it took to shoot the video so it's not worth the effort to change.
Great content and explanation of the install. The best I’ve seen on TH-cam yet.. Great job!
Hey Chris Shockley, Thanks so much! Cheers!
Well count me as one of the 6. This was an excellent series.
Thank you for taking time explaning how things got to be done correctly. As usual very informative video i am sorry that you are far away. in between i enjoy watching your videos.
Glad it was helpful!
@@EXPLORISTlife Were you able to get in between the buck boost 100A. there are no useful Videos about this element and i am looking forward to watch how you are going to present it which i hope your video will be a good reference as usual which can be watched Internationaly to. best regards from Vienna
Thanks!
Hey @chuckbruni1230, Thanks so much! Cheers!
You make this tutorial so cut and dry….you sir definitely 👍🏾 rock 🎸
Hey Patrick Robinson, Thanks so much! Cheers! Hey Patrick Robinson, Thanks so much! Cheers!
This is about as close to a proper "how to" video as you can legally get on TH-cam. Excellent reference material. I plan to install a similar system in my 50A RV and will be referencing this video as well as visiting your store for the applicable install kits.
I appreciate that! Here is our recommendation for a 50A OEM RV Retrofit: www.explorist.life/50a-camper-inverter-with-solar-alternator-charging-wiring-diagram/
Thanks guys!!! I watched the entire video and this is just what I needed. Super clear instructions. Thanks for taking the time to make this detailed video!
Hey PWags, No problem! Glad it helped! :)
So true
Hello guys, awesome video these one but also all the how to series from top to bottom, incredible clear and precise information. As a starting TH-camrs ourselves builders of our own 1982 RV (and I say builders because we demolished it and started over from zero) I feel ashamed of showing our rudimentary adventures about how we (me and my wife) do things. Every time I watch your videos I feel enlightened and afraid at the same time, thinking about building and electrical codes that I might’ve not followed 😮. People who watch our videos consider me smart and creative but I feel embarrassed of mi self when I see the clean and professional work you guys do, we admire you’re talents and thanks you for sharing with us rookies.
Hey, Maurice y Katia! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
Great video ! My wife and I will not have need for solar, as the shuttle bus we are going to convert will be used either in a park or the driveway of friends/family - in other words - shore power only for AC. No need to convert DC to AC. Will need a converter for charging the battery. It's been a challenge to eliminate all of the components so many videos use.
Yeah, that's a pretty minimal system and atypical for viewers of this channel so I don't have any direct tutorials for something like that at this time, unfortunately; but I suspect if you check out some of our DIY camper and electrical play lists and watch through those, you'll be able to learn enough to be able to design one yourself.
A very detailed video with impeccable visuals and narration. Thumbs way up!
Hey calevel florida, Thanks so much! Cheers!
Great video and very informative. Thank you.
I do have one suggestion, however. For the Lynx data cable that was too long for your application, instead of trying to wrap up the excess within the tight space available, I'd recommend shortening it. A simple RJ type crimper and connectors can be sourced at any electronics shop or even your local Home Depot for less than $20.
The tool is easy to use and has a multitude of applications from providing hidden and factory looking power cable for a dash cam, wiring a built-in or hidden radar detector, or even making custom lengths or repairing regular phone cable around the home.
I would not recommend that, no. Historically, a diy crimp of the victron RJ45 connectors leads to a poor connection and issues. When somebody is having communication problems, making sure an unaltered victron cable is the first troubleshooting step.
@@EXPLORISTlife Interesting opinion. I've worked in the telecommunications field for a number of years and used these types (RJ11, 12 and 45) of connectors without issue. If done correctly, with quality materials, they have proven to be robust and reliable.They are even used in installations for medical equipment, in what might be considered 'life safety' conditions such as nurse call systems, by design from the device manufacturer.
I'm just thinking that in a cramped space such as what you showed, and in an environment subject to vibration and shock, it might prove to be detrimental to the longevity of the cable to be excessively twisted around or bent.
This is just me spitballing and posing alternatives to a situation which may be inconsequential and doesn't need an alternative. I tend to be a little OCD when it comes to cable routing and protection. So many trouble shooting repairs have come down to damaged cable.
The best video of it type i have seen. Thanks from the land down under.
Hey Andrew Leeson, Thanks so much! Cheers!
Excellent job & so professional. Didn’t think I would last to the end, but I did, really informative, precise & well presented, thanks for ur efforts.
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
What an awesome video, just what I was looking for. I know you are selling products, yet it is videos like this that make me want to buy the products from you. Informative, thorough, great details. New subscriber here.
Hey, John Green! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
I couldn’t have done the electrical without your How to videos! Now I watch them just for fun 🤩 Not only are you thorough on your explanation but as a filmmaker I love the editing and production on your videos!
Hey Jessica Costales, Thanks so much! Cheers!
This is a lengthy video but very much well worth watching in its entirety. Some fantastic tips and tricks here and a very neat installation. As long as you do not abuse your batteries, this install will last you a very, very long time indeed. Thank you for the time and effort to produce this.
I know such an amazing video. There's no way I could do something like this.
Hey, Adam Kuklych! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
Superb work. Amazing production. Incredible teaching and sharing. Many thanks. Very well done. Maestro’s!
Glad you enjoyed it!
What an amazing video. you guys are so good.. Whatever money some person spent that wanted a van like that would be so worth it to have you are guys doing the job.
You really do everything so correctly correctly ...anyways you're right thanks to battleborn for sponsoring the video. well I didn't read any of the other comments but I'm sure there's some similar ones to mine. Thanks again you really break it down great all the wiring and everything. Wire size. What tools to use and everything. It is amazing, so helpful. At the end of the video You said I hope you learned something while I sure did. Thank you...😁
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
@@EXPLORISTlife my pleasure of course
I'm curious if you could speak more about why you chose Battle Born batteries? They seem to be the popular option for DIYers, but the few engineers I know that are upgrading their battery systems in their RV/camper van (both in real life and on TH-cam) have all gone with Lithionics. The Fit RV did a factory tour of Lithionics that made it seem like a better option. I'd love to hear you talk about your view on the different battery brands (if you can - I'd understand if you weren't able if Battle Born is your sponsor). Thanks!
Sure! So it really comes down to customer support. When I am recommending a battery, the brand I am recommending needs to:
->Be able to sell the battery (aka: keep it in stock)
->Have fast shipping times
->Have great customer support to answer questions about their products (pre and post sale)
->Have great tech support to help troubleshoot if something isn't working properly
->A no-hassle warranty process where they don't try to weasel out of warranty coverage.
Battle Born checks ALL of these boxes AND they have high quality batteries to match.
There are other battery manufacturers out there who have great batteries, but they just don't check the rest of those boxes in my own personal experience.
Hi, I am always amazed by the precision in the assembly of the electrical systems, and on the editing of the videos. All very informative. For the next time I suggest you use the compasses to screw on the wood to keep the Victron devices suspended. Thanks and good job. Matteo
Thanks! I appreciate that! What is 'the compasses' you speak of?
Wow. So much detail. All I was looking for was how to wire up a 100/30 charge controller and I still watched the video start to finish. One question though - is the heater circuit for the batteries fused? I have a self heating BattleBorn battery and they sent a massive wire kit with it but it seems to standard jumper wire is not fused.
First of all, this is an absolutely fantastic video! You guys really go above and beyond in detailed explanation. I do still have one question however that I cannot find a straight answer to. I am building out a composite flatbed camper with the only metal structure being a under floor aluminum subframe and external aluminum trim all the way around. I am using all Victron equipment + BB batteries. DC-DC charger is the isolated version. Everything else is as you would expect (3K inverter, solar on the roof, shore power, no generator, etc.). My only remaining uncertainty on installation is if I need to tie the camper electrical ground back to the truck chassis ground. My gut tells me no, since the camper electrical system truly is isolated from the truck electrical (with exception of the isolated DC-DC charger.). I'm also not certain if I need to find a way to tie the camper ground to the aluminum subframe & trim. Any insight you can offer would be very appreciated! If you already have a video on this, my apologies I didn't see it. Thank you!
This is an “Incredibly & Complete” educational video well worth the time to watch.
You cleared all my questions that I had with the 24V VE Equiptment (especially with the solar controllers and VE system to chassis grounding).
Well done! Kudos!
Looking forward to seeing your next video.
Thank you.
Blessings to y’all.
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
That’s some serious power
THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT DETAILED VIDEO AS TRULY GOOD TO WATCH THE SECTION SIDE OF YOUR VAN
BECAUSE HAVE A ISUZU 4X4 TRUCK WHICH IS A 24V SYSTEM OPERATION THAT BUILDS IN TOURS FOR CAMPING IN AUSTRALIA
Glad it was helpful!
Wow! What a great video. You are doing a great service to everyone doing campervan conversions. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful. Cheers!
Dang, I always love watching these videos, so easy to follow! Have you guys ever thought about creating a mobile solar trailer?? It would be awesome for house backup, EV charging, powering sheds, ebikes etc..
Thanks for watching! We 'almost' did a video earlier this year that would have been a HUGE 48V split phase system that would have been a mobile solar trailer for farmers markets, events, concerts, etc; but the trailer was in an accident a few weeks before install and they couldn't get a replacement, so we had to scrap the project for now.