What a great tip, Brian. The most elegant DIY projects aren't always the most involved, but those that provide a professional result for less money. And this is one of the best of all, where the end result actually exceeds the quality of a factory-built part by customizing the cable length for each application. Clean, easy and better than the more expensive option. Perfect!
Note that the weather proofing insert between connector body and connector nut has a preferred orientation i.e. the soft rubber goes toward the body side of the connector not the nut. Also it needs to be rotated on the cable while applying light pressure against the body until the correct alignment occurs and seal drops into correct position. The connector nut can now be tightened knowing the seal will expand correctly against cable and body completing the weather proof seal. Best video on this I've seen.
@@RVwithTito HOW WELL IS YOUR SOLAR PANELS HOLDING UP? I just found some flat roll of these solar panels on CL and they seem easy to put on... just glue??? ??? ???
Thank you Tito for taking the time to make this video and burning through some mc4 materials in the process. I've just purchased my first set of panels and plan to make my own cable runs just as you've demonstrated. Thanks!
THANK YOU! I followed your instructions and every cable came out perfect. I had been nervous about making my own MC4 cables after reading the learning curve in making good crimps. A $15 MC4 crimp tool (looks similar to the one you used in the video), plus your instructions made even the very first crimp come out nice and tight. Was cheaper to make my own cables, even after buying a cheapo crimp tool, than buying pre-made cables that would be too long anyways. Really nice to be able to cut the cables the exact length, making for a much tidier and cleaner-looking install.
What a great backdrop for your videos! It's hard to ignore all that beautiful scenery behind you and pay attention to what you are demonstrating :-) I always enjoy your videos and learn a lot. Thanks
I think this is the first time I have ever seen a video with more than 20 thumbs up without a single thumbs down. Thank you! This was informative and also a very well made video.
Hi Brian, This video is great advice. Although you may need to buy a tool or two I have found you will save money in the long run. Thumbs up and happy travels, Lou
I don't often comment....but you are a good presenter! Well done. I am presently hooking up a new solar panels at our cottage and had not worked with MC4 connectors before. NOW I KNOW!
Looks good. Two things (I have seen others do this): Soldering the crimped connection point and using adhesive heat shrink over the connector and wire when done. May have to use two different sizes of adhesive heat shrink tubing since the size difference of the MC4 connector and 10 AWG solar wire is wide. I did that with my 12-2 landscaping wire solar cables and they have weathered fine. Hope all is well guys. Nice looking video and backdrop! 🏜
@Wick Disaster How did you get "never solder anything" from "shouldn't solder crimps"? haha. If you solder crimps then the solder flows up the wire and reduces the flexibility. It will then be more likely to fail at that strand/solder junction. My understanding is that it is very bad practice.
I watched this video at the perfect time. I was just about to order solar cables to install panels on the roof of my van. I will just order the wire and connectors and make my own so they are custom sized. Thanks for making this look so easy.
hey, thanks for this video. it was good, you talked very well into the camera, and had very informative info. i had bought most of this stuff to do my own rooftop solar stuff ( and havn't got to the install yet) but needed a little more info. like you said , i need to do my own stuff to keep it all clean and overall save money. again the way you narrated into the camera was good compared to many other videos where everyone stalls a lot, no important info and says um a lot. good job thanks
Thanks! Yeah we really enjoyed it there. It seemed like a cool spot to shoot a video. The rest of the park was just so so, but we really enjoyed that campsite and climbing around on the rocks.
great tip (i think): for my portable solar setup, mc4's were the bane of my existence, needing the tool to get them apart every time i tore down. i considered andersons and sae's, but then lightbulb idea: i took a utility knife and chopped off the locking prongs on the mc4's, so now i can easily push together and pull apart, while maintaining the waterproof and tight connection.
@Nunya- Do you leave cables affixed to your battery? I'm getting a portable setup (suitcase) and I'm trying to figure out the best way to do this so I'm not constantly pulling my battery tray out. Also what length of cable run is reasonable without losing much power through the cable.
Great Video, may I suggest explaining that the Female metal connector goes into the plastic Male housing when assembled. And vise versa for the other side Thanks
Thanks so much Tito - I'm actually sitting in my Sprinter on Goodyear Lake in upper NY state following your directions - its working!!!!! Warmest regards Jennie
Don't twist the connector when tightening the water proof gland you are twisting the connector inside. Tighten the gland on the wire insulation so you get a compression of the rubber seal without twisting the wire.
Excellent video, clearly explained. It does, however, assume you understand what MC4 connectors are and how to distinguish M from F (somewhat counter-intuitive). It has motivated me to redo my RV solar connections and use MC4 connectors instead of my present inappropriate and non-waterproof powerpole connectors (done from ignorance!)
Those people who were crimping against the cable sleeve and not the inner (which causes the coupling to sit too far down in the housing), are very thankful for this video. Not me of course, I always know exactly what I'm doing without reading any instructions...
Thanks , I finally re-made my connecting cables from alligator clips to MC-4 for my two 100 Watt Solar Panels on the patio . Your video helped ! And my one remaining operational Goal Zero 1000 Watt Yeti (out of three) was happy getting the increased input ! If you know someone that can help me ' wake-up ' the other two Goal Zero 1000 watt Yeti's . . . . (non-op / won't wake-up) would be so happy ! ! ! Thanks , take care , RH
Darn you made that simple. I''m starting to put solar panels at my house and bought a bunch of MC-4's. Figured I'd try one to make sure I could do it and being a ham radio person, thought it would be like one of our ham cables. I've worked and worked and said a few cuss words, hope GOD forgives me. You made that so simple I'm ashamed to be called a ham. Thanks for such a great video, appreciate it..
Thank you for this video, and for showing closeups of the crimping tool in use. They have two videos on the Renogy site that are pretty awful and unclear!
Thanks for the video! Am I missing the 2 wire thing? Sorry Newbs here. I didn't see any positive negative option with your wiring? It looks like only 1 wire that you connected?
Boom. That was a quick $100 to Amazon on the recommended wiring and tools. (I hope you get a commission off those links!) I'm happy to know that the job will be done right. And when it's time to relax and have some fun, there will be no worries about the solar infrastructure and wiring. This is my second install on a recently purchased RV with the components from the original installation and a few major upgrades to Battleborn and Victron. Buh bye Interstate and Morningstar. Yeah Baby!! Retirement is on the horizon......
Haha Boom! Yes I do make a small commission on those. Thanks! I've gone through the same transition and always have solar cable and the parts to make cables. 👍👍
After watching your video I purchased order mc4 connectors on eBay, I guess I got a really good deal, I bought 20 pairs that's 40 connectors the 20 pairs for only $12! I just received them in the mail a few days ago! I guess I suggest look on eBay for cheaper connectors because you said you got 5 pairs for $9 that's a lot of money on Amazon, just a suggestion check eBay if you're buying new connectors later,
Just for your information, you are supposed to use both tools when tightening the compression glands one is to hold the body of the connector, as you were doing, and then you use the open serrated end of the other one on the nut and tighten it until the jaws flex open and it slips round the nut then you have the correct torque. Tightening by hand is inconsistent and not nearly tight enough to ensure it is weatherproof.
I am having trouble finding the bulk solar cable. The link for the items needed to make the cables doesn't seems to be working. Could you put out that list again... or maybe just the link for the solar cable? very helpful video. thank you
first watched this vid. 4 years ago and now i m ready to make my own connectors lol. I have a 300watt portable solar panel a victron 100/30 charge controller and 2 agm deep cycle batteries. so it is very simple, but they told me that i needed to install a breaker and a fuse and that just sent my head back spinning. do you have a video like that for one of each, do i need to buy a box to put one fuse? any suggestions, pictures or vids will be GREATELY appreciated.
Brian, YOU'RE THE MAN! Cool, I'll buy from your links to THANK YOU for this video! How are you liking your SOLAR Panels? I just saw some 102" ones on CL... for $70 @140 watts
Are you talking about the Unisolar panels (long skinny ones)? If so, yes they are great and still going strong after many years. They take up much more space than the others though.
Hi Buddy... The solar panel test box u made... Have u got a video where u show what it is & how u made it..? Cuz I couldn't find it... I'd love 2 see more info on that... Thanks.
Just saw this in 2023. You're knowledge time and helpfulness lives on!
Great. Thanks! Glad it's still helpful. Just made a bunch the other day :)
What a great tip, Brian. The most elegant DIY projects aren't always the most involved, but those that provide a professional result for less money. And this is one of the best of all, where the end result actually exceeds the quality of a factory-built part by customizing the cable length for each application. Clean, easy and better than the more expensive option. Perfect!
My husband and I just made several of these connectors thanks to your great video. Thanks.
Thanks from the UK, very helpful.... it's appreciated.
Glad it helped.
LOVE the Simplicity of your teaching videos! Not too fast, not too slow. Keep up the good work!
Note that the weather proofing insert between connector body and connector nut has a preferred orientation i.e. the soft rubber goes toward the body side of the connector not the nut. Also it needs to be rotated on the cable while applying light pressure against the body until the correct alignment occurs and seal drops into correct position. The connector nut can now be tightened knowing the seal will expand correctly against cable and body completing the weather proof seal. Best video on this I've seen.
Thanks for the additional info!
@@RVwithTito HOW WELL IS YOUR SOLAR PANELS HOLDING UP?
I just found some flat roll of these solar panels on CL and they seem easy to put on... just glue??? ??? ???
I just stumbled across your videos while looking into solar vids and you're so easy to understand, i feel like i've struck gold
Glad you found the channel. Welcome!
This is exactly what I did. Way cheaper to make your own and it looks better as well. Great Job!
-Thomas
Yup. Once you have the parts and tools on hand, then it's easy to just make what you need.
Thank you Tito for taking the time to make this video and burning through some mc4 materials in the process. I've just purchased my first set of panels and plan to make my own cable runs just as you've demonstrated. Thanks!
THANK YOU! I followed your instructions and every cable came out perfect. I had been nervous about making my own MC4 cables after reading the learning curve in making good crimps. A $15 MC4 crimp tool (looks similar to the one you used in the video), plus your instructions made even the very first crimp come out nice and tight. Was cheaper to make my own cables, even after buying a cheapo crimp tool, than buying pre-made cables that would be too long anyways. Really nice to be able to cut the cables the exact length, making for a much tidier and cleaner-looking install.
That's great! Nice job. Now you'll always just buy bulk cable. I just made a few the other day too.
You are a natural teacher! I look forward to your videos
What a great backdrop for your videos! It's hard to ignore all that beautiful scenery behind you and pay attention to what you are demonstrating :-) I always enjoy your videos and learn a lot. Thanks
Thanks for the feedback. Sorry for the distraction :)
I think this is the first time I have ever seen a video with more than 20 thumbs up without a single thumbs down. Thank you! This was informative and also a very well made video.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it 👍👍
Great job explaining that... very Professional. Thank you.
You're welcome!
I'd never have tried without this great video. Thanks! AND, what a great campsite!
Thanks Bob. It's pretty simple as you've seen.
Put the cap part on before you crimp it makes a "slightly" easier job.
Thanks for the great video.
Hi Brian. You make the most useful and technically competent RV videos on TH-cam. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much Joe. You are too kind.
I always learn something from your channel. Keep sharing. Thank you.
Thanks Joe. Glad to share.
Hi Brian, This video is great advice. Although you may need to buy a tool or two I have found you will save money in the long run. Thumbs up and happy travels, Lou
+RV Habit Thanks Lou!
Thanks for the concise explanation!
You're welcome.
I don't often comment....but you are a good presenter! Well done. I am presently hooking up a new solar panels at our cottage and had not worked with MC4 connectors before. NOW I KNOW!
Well put together. Have a wonderful day.
Looks good. Two things (I have seen others do this): Soldering the crimped connection point and using adhesive heat shrink over the connector and wire when done. May have to use two different sizes of adhesive heat shrink tubing since the size difference of the MC4 connector and 10 AWG solar wire is wide. I did that with my 12-2 landscaping wire solar cables and they have weathered fine. Hope all is well guys. Nice looking video and backdrop! 🏜
Thanks for the suggestions Chris.
Agreed Chris. I usually solder all crimp connections if feasible to protect against corrosion, and always choose heat shrink over electrical tape.
You shouldn't solder crimps as this can cause failure in the connection.
@Wick Disaster How did you get "never solder anything" from "shouldn't solder crimps"? haha. If you solder crimps then the solder flows up the wire and reduces the flexibility. It will then be more likely to fail at that strand/solder junction. My understanding is that it is very bad practice.
@Wick Disaster Are you even replying to my comment? Because what you're literally saying makes no sense..
We're definitely thinking of doing solar on our new old RV. Your videos are a great help!
Crisp clear video and very instructive steps!
Glad it helped. Thanks for the feedback.
I watched this video at the perfect time. I was just about to order solar cables to install panels on the roof of my van. I will just order the wire and connectors and make my own so they are custom sized. Thanks for making this look so easy.
Hahaha! I love it when you say that this is great “if you want to create your own Solar System”. Really great video. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Another great, no nonsense, very useful how to video from you Tito. Thanks
Very clean job. Thanks for the demonstration. Keep Having Fun.
hey, thanks for this video. it was good, you talked very well into the camera, and had very informative info. i had bought most of this stuff to do my own rooftop solar stuff ( and havn't got to the install yet) but needed a little more info. like you said , i need to do my own stuff to keep it all clean and overall save money. again the way you narrated into the camera was good compared to many other videos where everyone stalls a lot, no important info and says um a lot. good job thanks
Thanks for the great feedback. I'm glad you found the info helpful. Good luck with your project!
Terrific info Brian and that looks like an amazing campground!
Thanks! Yeah we really enjoyed it there. It seemed like a cool spot to shoot a video. The rest of the park was just so so, but we really enjoyed that campsite and climbing around on the rocks.
Thanks for another great how to video!
Glad you liked it. Hope you give it a try.
Very helpful video. I'm just getting started with a modest solar set and your video's have been great!
That's great to hear. Good luck with your projects.
I learned things I didn't know!
Thanks!
Was looking for this explanation ahead of purchasing the bits n bobs just to be sure, great quality and beautiful backdrop for a video.
Glad it was helpful!
Great instructional video. Thanks!
You're welcome. Pretty simple isn't it?
Excellent short presentation
great tip (i think): for my portable solar setup, mc4's were the bane of my existence, needing the tool to get them apart every time i tore down. i considered andersons and sae's, but then lightbulb idea: i took a utility knife and chopped off the locking prongs on the mc4's, so now i can easily push together and pull apart, while maintaining the waterproof and tight connection.
That's one solution :)
@Nunya- Do you leave cables affixed to your battery? I'm getting a portable setup (suitcase) and I'm trying to figure out the best way to do this so I'm not constantly pulling my battery tray out. Also what length of cable run is reasonable without losing much power through the cable.
Best location for a cable assembly video ever :)
Exactly the info I was looking for. Thanks!
You bet!
Great Video, may I suggest explaining that the Female metal connector goes into the plastic Male housing when assembled. And vise versa for the other side
Thanks
Thanks for clearing my confusion.
Thanks so much Tito - I'm actually sitting in my Sprinter on Goodyear Lake in upper NY state following your directions - its working!!!!! Warmest regards Jennie
Awesome! Good luck.
Very valuable demo! Thank you!
You're welcome!
Tito, this was very helpful. I am a neophyte with solar panels but plan to help install them on my MH. Thank you.
Glad it helped you out.
Perfect! Clear and thorough. Thanks. 👍
Thanks for your video. I'm going to change my panels from Series to Parallel and need to make some jumpers. Your way is the most efficient!!
Pretty easy to make these. Good luck.
Added to my RV folder for future reference. Awesome video.
Glad you found it helpful. Thanks.
Great video! Lots of close up camera shots... thanks.
thank you sir, for sharing this very informative video. now I know how to make one...Thanks be to God.
Nice clear instructions, thanks for sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
I would love for you to show how you made the tester box. Getting ready to install my Solar Panels in the next couple months.
I would love to see that as well.
Also me 🙏🙏♥️
Same with me.
I'd would like to see it as well
Superb and simple presentation.
Nice and simple. I am gonna make my own cables. Keep it up
Thanks, will do!
Fantastic. You answered all my questions. I have old panels with c3s, so putting on mc4s today.
Great. Glad it helped
Excellent tip! I make my own Ethernet cables for the same reason.
Thanks! I do the same with my CAT5.
Don't twist the connector when tightening the water proof gland you are twisting the connector inside. Tighten the gland on the wire insulation so you get a compression of the rubber seal without twisting the wire.
Another great video and great timing as I am about to do the same with our RV but on a smaller scale.
Excellent video, clearly explained. It does, however, assume you understand what MC4 connectors are and how to distinguish M from F (somewhat counter-intuitive). It has motivated me to redo my RV solar connections and use MC4 connectors instead of my present inappropriate and non-waterproof powerpole connectors (done from ignorance!)
I thought some discussion of M and F was in order also.
Those people who were crimping against the cable sleeve and not the inner (which causes the coupling to sit too far down in the housing), are very thankful for this video. Not me of course, I always know exactly what I'm doing without reading any instructions...
Great video for me, as I'm wiring up my rig for solar. I had no idea how to do that! Thanks!
+Steve Knobler Pretty easy with the right crimper.
Thanks , I finally re-made my connecting cables from alligator clips to MC-4 for my two 100 Watt Solar Panels on the patio . Your video helped ! And my one remaining operational Goal Zero 1000 Watt Yeti (out of three) was happy getting the increased input ! If you know someone that can help me ' wake-up ' the other two Goal Zero 1000 watt Yeti's . . . . (non-op / won't wake-up) would be so happy ! ! !
Thanks , take care , RH
Great job 👍👍
Thanks Brian.
Merry Christmas to You and Yours.
+Hoss Thank you so much for the wishes. Merry Christmas to you too!
Great video man 👍
Thanks. Glad you liked it.
Darn you made that simple. I''m starting to put solar panels at my house and bought a bunch of MC-4's. Figured I'd try one to make sure I could do it and being a ham radio person, thought it would be like one of our ham cables. I've worked and worked and said a few cuss words, hope GOD forgives me. You made that so simple I'm ashamed to be called a ham. Thanks for such a great video, appreciate it..
No worries. I won't out you to the Am Radio peeps. Glad to help :)
Thank you for this video, and for showing closeups of the crimping tool in use. They have two videos on the Renogy site that are pretty awful and unclear!
You're welcome. Glad to hear it helped.
Thanks for the video! Am I missing the 2 wire thing? Sorry Newbs here. I didn't see any positive negative option with your wiring? It looks like only 1 wire that you connected?
Great video. Very good explained. I like more information about the box you use to test panels. Thanks.
Wow 😮 Thank you Tito that’s what I’m going to do when I Upgrade my system next month. Super helpful...
At about 4:50 i was like why not just use pliers??? The I saw how it cured and wrapped that connector. And I went Ahhhh! Man I love learning stuff :)
Very helpful, thank you.
You're welcome.
Great video! Thanks!
Thanks man, great video and way helpful
Glad it helped
thanks man ! it was a good and informative video
Thank you. Very easy to install
Boom. That was a quick $100 to Amazon on the recommended wiring and tools. (I hope you get a commission off those links!) I'm happy to know that the job will be done right. And when it's time to relax and have some fun, there will be no worries about the solar infrastructure and wiring. This is my second install on a recently purchased RV with the components from the original installation and a few major upgrades to Battleborn and Victron. Buh bye Interstate and Morningstar. Yeah Baby!! Retirement is on the horizon......
Haha Boom! Yes I do make a small commission on those. Thanks! I've gone through the same transition and always have solar cable and the parts to make cables. 👍👍
Great and informative as always - thanks :)
I am always mixing up the positive and the negative when I build them...
Yeah. The conductors are opposite of the plug which is confusing. Male conductor goes in female plug, and female connector goes in male plug.
Yeah I mixed up to first. Easy way to remember = male tip is the larger tip
Thanks, have the mc4 tool and had no idea that it was also an opener; thx.
At first glance I thought you meant bottle opener. Haha.
Thanks for the great info. Jack
Tito, Thank You very much!
Welcome!
Nice, effective demo...thanks !
Wow just want I needed you are awesome new Subscriber thanks
Glad it helped. Welcome to the channel!
After watching your video I purchased order mc4 connectors on eBay, I guess I got a really good deal, I bought 20 pairs that's 40 connectors the 20 pairs for only $12! I just received them in the mail a few days ago! I guess I suggest look on eBay for cheaper connectors because you said you got 5 pairs for $9 that's a lot of money on Amazon, just a suggestion check eBay if you're buying new connectors later,
Sounds like a pretty good deal. Thanks!
Just for your information, you are supposed to use both tools when tightening the compression glands one is to hold the body of the connector, as you were doing, and then you use the open serrated end of the other one on the nut and tighten it until the jaws flex open and it slips round the nut then you have the correct torque. Tightening by hand is inconsistent and not nearly tight enough to ensure it is weatherproof.
I am having trouble finding the bulk solar cable. The link for the items needed to make the cables doesn't seems to be working. Could you put out that list again... or maybe just the link for the solar cable? very helpful video. thank you
Thanks for the info!
You bet!
Hope y’all had a Merry Christmas, best wishes from Johnny and Lillie!
thanks mate, great advice for a solar charger newbie, cheers
first watched this vid. 4 years ago and now i m ready to make my own connectors lol. I have a 300watt portable solar panel a victron 100/30 charge controller and 2 agm deep cycle batteries. so it is very simple, but they told me that i needed to install a breaker and a fuse and that just sent my head back spinning. do you have a video like that for one of each, do i need to buy a box to put one fuse? any suggestions, pictures or vids will be GREATELY appreciated.
I REALLY want to know more about your Tester Box!
thankyou brian
You're welcome!
Thanks you sir.
I get it now.
Great 👍
Brian, YOU'RE THE MAN! Cool, I'll buy from your links to THANK YOU for this video!
How are you liking your SOLAR Panels? I just saw some 102" ones on CL... for $70 @140 watts
Are you talking about the Unisolar panels (long skinny ones)? If so, yes they are great and still going strong after many years. They take up much more space than the others though.
very helpful, thanks.
Hi Buddy...
The solar panel test box u made...
Have u got a video where u show what it is & how u made it..?
Cuz I couldn't find it... I'd love 2 see more info on that...
Thanks.
Great video. Thanks for the help.
Thank you!!
You're welcome!
Great...Thank you Sir...
Most welcome
DID YOU MAKE THAT TEST BOX TOO? IS THERE A PREMADE ONE THAT DOES THE SAME THING BECAUSE I GOT 10 SOLAR PANELS TO TEST THAT I WAS GIFTED.
I show you how to test solar panels in the beginning of this video. th-cam.com/video/uvMYv7afUWM/w-d-xo.html Good luck!