DIY 12v off the grid conversion in a caravan
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ต.ค. 2024
- I converted the 12v system in my Jayco Freedom pop-top into an off the grid setup to suit my needs. This whole setup fits underneath the small bench where the outdated setec unit is which I replaced with more efficient components and a single fusebox. I believe anyone can achieve this and save thousands $$ in installation costs by doing sufficient research into how 12v systems work and which components will suit your needs.
The components in my setup:
Enerdrive 200ah B-Tech Lithium battery
Enerdrive Dc2DC charger
Victron smart blue Ac charger
2 x 180W Enerdive monocrystaline solar panels
Kings 1500w inverter
Jaycar shunt with battery monitor
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I’ve been researching off grid systems a lot recently and got to say this is probably the best how to video I’ve seen. It’s definitely something I will be aiming towards with a similar set up.
Thanks Geoff. That means alot to an amateur like me 😊
I've been doing a DYI 12V set up in our ute canopy. I have been back and forth to Jaycar to get items I should have got, one more trip and they'll be saying hi with my name lol!
Good video, thanks for taking the time to explain what you did, some good ideas. I did something similar with my caravan, on my inverter I wired in 2 normal house plugs with short cable into 2 double power points which I then screwed to a new facia board. Keep the videos coming.
My inverter is on the front, I have a push button remote inside to turn it on and off, I also ran a double power point from inverter inside so I never need to go near the inverter to use it. Nice job mate.
That's a great idea especially with the remote button. I was thinking if I ever wanted to get another battery I would move the inverter and do a similar thing to what you're saying. The new battery would go where my inverter is now 😊
Such a thorough and neat job. Good stuff.
Nice job mate. I'm in the middle of wiring up an Enerdrive systems now and your video explains things nicely.
This is really informative. Thank you so much for taking the time to create something like this and share it with the world. Very inspiring.
Thanks for the positive feedback David. I've learned so much from TH-cam creators over the years, I'm glad I can now add this incredible database of information :)
Rest videos , I just purchased a Jayco Penguin as you know a lot of canvas . Your method for the solar was exactly what I was thinking of doing . I will have to use 2 cables to connect ( one when down and one while up ) and as you pointed out I can plug in a portable one if required . You gave me confidence to do it . Ted
Good job mate, using good brands for charging the battery. make sure no dust get through exhaust outlet going the base of the Van
Thanks mate, good advice 👍
Well done 👍 I’ve done a similar system install on my new van. The price difference between DIY and caravan sparky was 3 time more expensive. 🍻 cheers
Wow! Definitely worth it financially. I found the knowledge I learnt just a valuable too 😊
Can I ask the price for this set up
Looks great mate.
I’m about to start working out what I need to do in our van Reno!
Fantastic job. Thank you for posting.
Really easy to follow, great setup and saved me research. Wondering if a little more info on things used like fuses? why and how many? I froze footage and snap shotted the diagrams to study later. Ive subscribed to look for other videos on this subject, every van is different so looking at every angle before proceeding. thanks for great work. Aussie-Rig-Renos :)
excellent vid mate, I just got a Jayco Sterling and i am in the exact same position, I think I will go for the redarc redvision just to make it easier but thanks for showing how easy it is I am going to watch the solar install vid now! cheers
Neat looking set-up buddy just about to do the same. Good work
Thanks Sean. Good luck and safe travels
Nice setup. Greetings from sunny Jamaica.
Thank you & Gday!
nice video. keen to see all your adventures
Was going to install an automatic transfer switch in and hard wire my inverter into the caravan 240v wiring so when I am using shore power it will kick the inverter out and vice versa
Neat and tidy and practical setup.
Just watched this vlog as I'm in the process of doing my van. Great job. Just wondering how it's all going a year later?👍
It was a great setup for us and lasted our entire time travelling. We recently sold the van and bought a house in a place that we fell in love with. The new owners were very appreciative of the setup since they were going to live in it fulltime... So a happy ending for all 😊
Hi Jess and Shaun, thanks heaps for your video, it really simplifies most of the concepts, making this project for me a bit more doable. So thanks again for your efforts and putting this up for anyone in need.
Just have 1 little question, is it ok to keep the setec unit if you are still using AGM's batteries? As ill be only adding a dual charger dc to dc and solar controller unit.
Thanks for the feedback 😊 first I must remind you I'm not a professional electrical engineer, just have a little bit of experience. In that limited experience and understanding I can't see any reason you couldn't keep the setec unit. It saves making a new fuse board and buying another AC charger.
One of the reasons I liked a separate AC charger was that I could accurately change the charging profile for my specific battery for optimal charging. Batteries should come with a recommended charging profile (sadly alot of cheap ones don't)
Love the video, really good explanation. Our Jayco has the same old inverter and fuse box, looking to do a similar thing. Thanks!
Looking forward to hearing and seeing part 2
Thanks for this. I also have a Freedom & would like to install something similar. Do you have a pdf or photo of your wiring diagram that you would be willing to share?
Sure. Happy to help. Also I had to modify the framing under the bench seat to fit the board in. I forgot to cover that in the vid but you get the gist of it. I have a photo of the diagram I drew up. How can I share it with you?
@@live2thrive249 G'day I'm also keen to get a copy of your wiring diagram. Will it let you post a pdf doc in the comments?
@Live2Thrive looking also for the diagram
Nice looking setup . After buying quality everything why the kings inverter? I hear they are value for money and do work well but why not keep it all enerdrive?
Thanks. The kings inverter was in my ute and became redundant after doing this install to the caravan so I utilised it. 1500w is more than enough for our needs atm and they are fantastic value for money. After doing several modifications to my Ute and the van spare money was a bit scarce too so it will have to suffice for now.
Also I have future proofed the design by allowing enough room to eventually fit the 2000w enerdrive in its place if need be.
Still watching this video, hope you are both doing
Thank you again, Shaun. Are there any opportunities to share the diagram of the wiring? I've got a similar van it also needs to be updated.
Hi Chris, unfortunately I don't have a copy of the wiring diagram but I found a similar one for you to use as a guide. Google the "enerdrive battery wiring for towing applications" if the link doesn't work
I personally used a combination of different wiring diagrams to make one that suited my needs.
www.google.com/search?q=dc%20to%20dc%20charger%20wiring%20diagram&tbm=isch&prmd=sivxn&hl=en-GB&sa=X&ved=0CBcQtI8BKAFqFwoTCOiH9uay3vUCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAb&biw=360&bih=651#imgrc=LIQ-ESPNwrHy6M
Thank you Shaun so very much, still pausing the video and enjoying the explanation. Appreciate the time to share and apologies for the lateness of my reply
Thanks guys, good vid
very neat install 👍
Your fuse box looks very impressive. I also have a jayco freedom with duel batteries and has the old centurion, I’m wanting to add two 250watt panels, after I run them through the mppt can I run the cables to the battery direct or would I need an inline fuse, cheers George.
Egidio as no one has responded to your question, I thought I would try and help you through the 12v caravan stuff. 1stley are your panels going to b fixed solar panels? as they will produce the most out put for you, depending on your daily needs. Your mppt controller will need to be at least a 40amp like ie. kickass or renogy or victron or lastly kings. Kickass have a 12/24volt 40amp controller that can handle up to 520watt. Renogy is almost the same as is victron. Kings is not as close. Warranty is something also to look at, as back to base for you if you have probs around Aus. I hope some of this info has helped you and anyone else looking at possible going down this road. cheers.
Great video, very informative !!
Hey Shaun! I was just wondering if you could share what size fuses/wiring you used for the larger items such as the MPPT, DC-DC, inverter, etc? I'm just finalizing my parts list and these items have me a little stumped.
It was a speedbump for me too figuring that out and to be honest I'm not 100% confident in making any recommendations.
That said I used a 30amp fuse for the solar input. A 60amp breaker for the Dc2dc charger. A 200amp breaker for the inverter. And I didn't bother with the AC charger since it has a fuse inbuilt in it. Hope that helps 😊
Where did you get the cable hold down clips from. I'm not even sure that's what they are called. Have been trying to find them but haven't as yet.
Nice setup. Got me thinking now to not use the boot as well because of inverter too.
I'm not sure what clips you're referring to. Possibly the bus bars which are the junctions where the cables connect? Or maybe with the heavy gauge inverter cabling I used 2 "clips" which were copper plumbing saddles bent over itself.
Oh and I've also learned since making this video that you can get remote control inverters which would make utilising the front boot a much more enticing option. Might be the go for you if you were leaning that way initially??
@@live2thrive249 thanks I've found what has been suggested to me at Bunnings. It's the cable clamps that you screw down to keep the cables neat and tidy. Already have 2 inverters a 600 Watt and 3000 watt. May just not put them in will see down the track. Thanks for your replies.
I've got the kings 3000w pure sinewave inverter in my van lol 😆 was not fun to find room for 😂
Hi guys, great video! Is your video on installing the solar panels still to come? I'd love to see that as I'm about to fit a couple to our van.
Yes, I have all the footage but it takes a long time to edit. I hope to make it in the next week so best bet is to subscribe and wait for a week if you can for the notification 👍
Hi Dave, the solar video is scheduled to be released this afternoon (Australian time)
@@live2thrive249 Awesome mate! I just watched it yesterday and very impressed with your work.... "interesting" discussion on FB, wasn't it? :)
Hehehe I haven’t watched the video yet but I have a feeling I know what the “interesting” discussion was about lol.
Is that victron charger good enough to charge your battery
30amps is sufficient for 240v. If I'm plugged into mains power, it's going to be plugged in overnight. I designed this system to predominantly be charged by 12v (the cars alternator and solar) individually and/or simultaneously. It's designed as an off grid setup so the victron AC charger is a backup
@@shaunduncan8747 got ya, some battery specs say certain amount of amp p/hr,
@@man.i.literally.failed6772 that's right. Having a charger with a lithium profile in necessary
Hi mate do you have a copy of your wiring diagram you could send me ? Watched your Moreton island video the other day it’s a great place we are about to head over there for 12 nights beginning of January!
Very neat setup I’m about to redo my 12v setup in my jayco eagle when we return
Hi Chris, I don't have a copy of the diagram but I found the enerdrive wiring diagrams very useful for planning. This one in particular is very similar to what I ended up with: images.app.goo.gl/WpnciE9rzHFDA4cZ6
Enjoy your travels and Moreton Island. Don't forget to check out the gutter bar 🍻😊🏝️
@@live2thrive249 cheers mate appreciate it also yes the gutter bar is always good on a hot day or any day that ends in Y 🍺👍
thank you for detail video
Glad it was helpful!
why didn't You buy an amphibians and run a lead from the front boot to the 15 amp 240 volt socket on the side of the van.
Then change all lights to led bulbs and You could have used the GPOs in the van.
Why? Because that wasn't important to us at the time. We didn't need 240v for anything except 1 laptop charger which ran off the inverter when needed. The point of the video is to be reliable on a 12v system.
I'm also confused about your proposal for an amfibian and what it would achieve in an "off the grid 12v system". Run from the front boot??
Probably still will :)
Hi how much did it cost you just wondering going to do the same
Hi Frank. I don't have exact figures but a ball park figure for all the hardware and components would be $3500-$4000 AUD. About $2000 of that was just the battery 😊
@@live2thrive249 thanks for that information sounds good
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Hi, you never explained to viewers why you chose the parts to build your system, but rather went for for enerdrive and victron. Maybe you shoulod explain to others why you went that way and what it was based on so newbies have more of a understanding rather than just following you and going for what you said. As off grid stuff is all based on facts for off grid people.
Wow you used such a mix off excellent and terrible products!