Should you put SOLAR on your 4WDs Roof??? + CHEAP 240v Setup! What FAILED?

UPDATE:
Hi all, Just wanted to update you on how the setups been going, i've recently had issues with the MPPT controller overcharging the battery, (overcharging to 15.6v) if you see this happening on your battery remove the unit ASAP, it should cut off at 14.5V and if it doesn't you have a faulty unit. leaving it to overcharge can kill your battery. I'm currently making a video to address this.
Today I went out an bought a real budget Kings 12v Solar Panel with a Kings MPPT controller and a Kings 1500w 240v Inverter for my 80 series Landcruiser. The question is, is it any good?
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#Solar #240v #12v

[@Domme857]

This panel can put out close to 100 watts kzbin.infoUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.

[@ozhi338]

appreciate that your not steering away from your roots. love the budget build that’s realistic for the average person

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks ozhi!

[@renrogers78]

Very well said mate, I was about to say the same things. Especially for a average family man or anyone.

[@madcat4563]

Yeah you see too much over built and over kill builds on KZbin. It's nicer to see down to earth builds that your average joe can afford

[@screamitinstead]

Yaknow what grinds my gears… when the bigger channels do “budget builds” and than go build a 2022 lifted engineered solar powered 300 series solid axel swapped Cummins converted dual snorkel fkn 98 inch tires. This channel really keeps it real

[@BIGDIMSIM]

this is why people like you guys , most over channels are just dude's with 150k 79s then people think u need all that stuff ,its good to have u guys shine light on the genral person camping setups. keep it up guys!

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks mate! really appreciate it!

[@wayne1959]

good stuff Pat.I am a pensioner and go fossicking around Oz as often as I can. I run 2 solar systems, one on my 4b and one on my camper trailer. Both systems run off a 250w ex house panel that cost $50 a piece that I've done mods to to keep them intact on the corro roads where we get to. Both systems are managed by an eBay mmpt controller that cost around 40 bucks each and feed 2x 120amp AGMs in each system. One system runs a fridge and one a freezer. They both run lights and both have 600w sine wave inverters for charging tools , laptops etc. We cook with campfire in our firepit mostly but have a 2 burner butane cooker for when we are just overnighting somewhere. Total cost from memory for the entire two systems was less than $1k and apart from a warranty claim on one agm battery that failed first month in the systems have been faultless and in the 3 or so yrs I've had them we have run the generator once because of continued bad weather while we parked under shade. The solar setup in my 4b also feeds back to the start battery to keep it maxed all the time when we use it for stop starts on short runs that drain the battery quicker than the alternator can replenish it. Love your honesty and factual advice boys. There's just way too much marketing and chest pumping in todays outdoors and 4b fun world. Keep up the good work lads.

[@tbon.4458]

hell yeah, thanks for all the info mate!!!

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks so much for the comment Wayne , and your setup is spot on! that's all you need, but as you said there is alot of material on the internet that suggests you need more. Thanks - Pat

[@micktaylorwolfcreekmechanical]

As a fellow pensioner trying to run a solar on my 4b and camp trailer this info was helpful. for the last 10yrs i have been running 2 x160w panels with a cheapo ebay mppt controller and a 140ah agm battery which was fine to run my cpap and led lights as I was 4wding every day a camping in a tent or swag with a esky, now I have soft floor camp trailer and a fridge and looking at hard mounting my solar panels on my 4b roof rack as most 4wd tracks have been closed near me in the last yr or 2 and now with camp trailer I need a week or 2 power so I don't have to pay for powered sites. I've found that my 140ah agm battery with solar connected only seems to last 3 or 4 days running my fridge/freezer my cpap and some led lights

[@jasongrech5293]

Best one I’ve seen was a guy who had his solar panel underneath his roof rack on a fridge slide was such a good idea so he could still use his rack to put stuff on 👌

[@1993Revhead]

This episode right here, is the reason I watch you guys. Not flexing your zip debt/sponsors on high end gear.

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks Zachary!!

[@aeromech8563]

Just smashed a trip from Cairns to Adelaide, fitted a new second battery and controller as mine was stuffed and it ran the fridge for a 9 day trip bloody awesome now to get an inverter cheers for the vid man gives me the enthusiasm to fit an inverter and go to the next level 🤠

[@AA-cb7vz]

Love that you guys do stuff on a budget that most people have!! keep up the good work

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks mate! Really appreciate it!

[@powoxi]

The product is remarkable. It has enhanced my experience

[@patrioticpengu1n]

finally a new vid, let's go boys! I reckon you guys should do a vid talking about the state of the used 4wd market as it's gotten really difficult to find anything good that isn't wildly overpriced.

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks mate, was planning an updated 4wd buying guide video, crazy how much prices have changed in a year and a half!,

[@patrioticpengu1n]

@@AussieArvos yeah even the tried and true 2nd gen Pajero has basically become extinct or wildly overpriced

[@paulholyoak]

@@patrioticpengu1n Story goes that Pat just sold his old Pajero for about $200k. Now his flush with cash so we'll be seeing a chopped 200 within weeks 😂

[@AussieArvos]

@@paulholyoak HAHAHAHA!

[@tyronebarnett537]

@@AussieArvos I just picked up a 105 series with only 196000 Ks and about 9K of gear on it for $18000

[@ltholmsy]

still makes me happy every time i see you use the ryobi gear. just because of that one night i probably had to many beers and decided to message them to send you some tools so you would stop using hand screw drivers.

[@MuzzahA1]

keep up the good work fellas, it's all about having fun in the bush not being posh! Your kit will grow with you and with the tech coming out who know next.

[@AussieArvos]

Yeah that's it!!

[@jacksonwelch9870]

I had the kings 1500w inverter in my work car for 2 years before it failed It was literally running all day 6 days a week charging all my gear When you factor in most guys aren’t going to be running their inverter nearly as often as I was the kings inverter in my opinion is a good buy

[@AussieArvos]

Awesome to hear! Thanks Jackson

[@fatmanoverlanding]

I too have Kings products in my set-up. But I also have high end & Aussie made gear (ie. GME, REDARC, Engel, Drifta etc). IMO the best value for money products from Kings are their solar panels/blankets and their rear drawers. I've had the Kings rear drawers on my 80 Series for 4 years now, and it's been doing the job well. I also have one of their early inverters (4 years old), and while it's rarely used, it still works fine. I also have their 200W solar blanket and after 10 months it did fail, but 4WD Supacentre replaced it under warranty, and the newer design replacement (now 3 years old), still works well. The 160W fixed solar is still going strong after 2.5 years. And a few knick-knacks like tool sets and driving lights. So I too have no issues with Kings gear. Though I'm not a full time overlander, and I will always choose Australian made gear if within or just outside my budget. 🦘🪃

[@MatthewLancaster01]

I found a solar panel on hard garbage once, put a new MPPT regulator from super center on it for $50 and it works a treat

[@Paul.Reid123]

Great video guys, I've never had any issues running Kings gear. I put my mounted solar panel on drawer slides I got from Bunnos for $50 so of it was parked up with gear on the roof or partial shade o can just pull it out. Works awesome

[@AussieArvos]

Awesome that you still have all that space on the rack! cheers!

[@danielsleeper]

2 years later, today this video saved my bacon

[@jimijackson]

I like using the victron smart solar mppt. It's Bluetooth and shows you all the stats in their app.

[@wyc4934]

For a lot of us living in the car or in a tent is to save some money while still being able to travel and explore Australia. TBH if I have 60k instead of throwing it into modifying the car I'd be spending it on actual proper accommodation... I'm glad there's still someone out there exploring budget build for people like me.

[@HammerRocks]

I have a mixed quality gear (high quality & budget gear) fitted in my LC80. Most of my budget gear are Kings. And I have to say most of them (160W fixed solar / 200W solar blanket, rear drawers etc), have so far worked well. And I've had them over 3 yrs. The only products I won't recommend is their steel platform roof racks. They are heavy (50kg approx), and will start to rust after a year. The other item I'd replaces immediately are the brackets of their light bars. Mine rusted after a few months even though they are supposed to be stainless steel (tho the light bar itself is working well).

[@johnteechi7431]

Am watching from Africa Kenya I had missed you guys keep up the good work.Wish you posted more of you guys doing the tracks so we can see how you guys are performing with your rigs

[@WizardMorax]

ive had this panel and its been the best buy I have ever made, even kept my car going when my alternator was on its way out. best bit of kit, they must have added the MC4 connectors recently. I had bare wires and connected an anderson plug

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Another good vid! As much as you want to stay impartial, I wouldn't mind convincing the boss to send you some gear one of these days if you want to update that 12V setup... Always keen to hear any feedback on it! Also just gave you dudes a follow on insta - keep in touch! Cheers, Cahn

[@AdventureKings]

Oops - Probably should've used this account... oh well! Same idea! Cheers, Cahn

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks Cahn! I really appreciate it! Yeah I really enjoyed your PWM vs MPPT video! Really good presentation and helped confirm my choice to go MPPT! Oh and the recent Lithium masterclass video was great aswell! And thanks! Means alot, Be in touch 🤙 - Patrick

[@AllTerrainAction]

@@AdventureKings at 4:30 if people cut their cables like this to change plugs is warranty still considered if you find no related cause from the change of plugs to the fault? Just curious.

[@salmonhuntersean5539]

I'm with u on the kingz gear I got the hole set up 160w panel 25a dcdc charger 1500w inverter control box run fridge lights 2 fans and everything else keeps my lithium battery at a 100% all day never had any problems what so ever 2years on could easily live out of my truck

[@AussieArvos]

Yep!! 👌

[@jessetink3753]

I’ve personally never had any dramas with kings gear. I’ve got 2 deep cycle batteries a compressor and a switch board and I also got a jump pack for Christmas off the in-laws. I know a lot of people on these 12 volt sites on Facebook give them a lot of shit but if it works why change it 👍🏽

[@AussieArvos]

Yeah, you just got to be realistic and know that you get what you pay for, alot of people that get upset are those who buy a $200 inverter and think it will last/perform like a $2000 aussie made inverter. But yeah so far my experience has been great, been able to have all these camp luxuries for a very low cost!

[@cailean59]

welcome back. I've had withdrawal symptoms for the last month. Sunday mornings aren't the same without a dose of Aussie Arvos :-)

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks cailean!!

[@davids3896]

Thanks guys. I do everything on a budget otherwise wouldn’t be able to do anything. Your vid’s give me confidence that I’m not throwing my meagre bickies away.

[@Michael_Mears]

Kings main issue for me is they are a 580km round trip to the nearest store. The other issue is freight. Today they are advertising many things free freight with a "Gigantic 1 Day Only Free Delivery* Blitz". Note the asterisk. That's important. When I get to the checkout there is freight on these freight free items. Worse, other items clearly indicate freight on the item page, but back in checkout it's more for my address. Lastly, they just keeping adding freight in for each item. There's no combining of freight costs. But one thing $15 freight, it's $17 in the checkout, by another thing $20 freight, now $23, that's $40 thanks very much. We do own a bit of Kings gear, but to have made it worth our while we did a day trip with the box trailer to pick up a roof top tent, a set of rear drawers and a whole stack of other stuff, and saved about $600 in freight.

[@AussieArvos]

I agree mate! i have sort of the same issue, we are outside of there freight zone and yes makes it a bit harder

[@stanleyj.mitchell4851]

Your correct about the PWM controller needs full sun to work. Any shade it doesn’t like.

[@jase6827]

Classic edit lads..... When cutting the inverter plastic knife all good, next edit scene the knife was back to front and would cut. Love this channel.

[@ZedF]

Good video fellas. Glad you're keeping to your roots & not selling out, whilst still being able to make it worthwhile for you guys. that's the reason we're all here anyway. Keep it up!

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks zeddy! We really appreciate it mate!

[@stefano_nmd]

people see kings gear failing all the time but dont understand that a company that sells 100,000 of an item compared to another company who sells 10,000, is gonna fail more, Love the Vid!!

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks Viper!!

[@bingobango4892]

This is perfect timing! Next job is doing my solar setup. 👌👌💪

[@AussieArvos]

Hope it helps!!

[@kevinjones8496]

I'm pretty tight. I've got a mix of ebay, kings, supercheap in my vehicle. I scored a 110w panel with mppt controller and brackets from supercheap for $109 and it's wired to a kings battery box. Simple and works efficiently.

[@stewartvlaanderen2279]

Welcome back, buddy that beer coped afew shakes in the last 2 minutes of that vid, just watching you change from hand to hand with it. But loving the content you all put in.

[@AussieArvos]

Hahahahah! thanks mate!

[@pwpaulwest]

I had the 110Watt kings fixed panel on roof racks driving through a CTEC DC/DC charger to two 110AH AGM batteries just running a 45litre Engel for three years plus Kings LED lighting when camping. Worked a treat. Easy to knock Kings but be realistic, ALL electronics come out of China and kings buying power probably buys a bit more quality control than it used to.

[@jarrod1687]

I prefer to do it right the first time but I get where you're coming from. Gotta find that happy medium of cost vs quality

[@kingalmiller73]

Good honest video Pat. Knowledge is Power ⚡️😅 I just bought and installed the exact same gear, except the mppt reg, happy as so far 🏕🚙

[@Tom-lf8hx]

Spot on with the kings gear is it hit and miss, what ever your 12v setup is make sure you have a fire extinguisher so if shit hits the fan you can put it out 👌

[@scottcrowe6736]

Keeping it real....as most of us are on a budget... Cheers

[@jackrippper3389]

Bro you gotta stop saying you're lazy cos you out here doing the most 🤣🤣 Much love from NZ

[@jessiewhittaker9417]

I've got the 25anp DC/DC charger There inverter and solar blanket ect never had a issue with it and same as you only really never use the inverter to charge laptop and battery banks/phones

[@joelmate4071]

Im an auto electrician and ill tell you what your wiring organisation gives me nightmares. But i really enjoy your content, really good to watch and yous actually test the equipment out in the field keep up the ripper content boys 👍

[@AussieArvos]

🤣 what you don't like spaghetti 🍝 Thanks Joel !

[@Stevenk770]

Yeah some ducting, conduit or something would be a good addition to the box.

[@stavio12]

Aussie made stuff is great but Aussie made stuff is expensive. I've got Kings spotty's and lightbar, an Aldi fridge and Supercheap auto solar blanket set up. Just enough to get me out in the bush without breaking the bank. Nice video mate, it's good to see you are still catering to the every day blue collar Aussie.

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks mate! It's all about getting out!

[@jamesr5741]

That's right, it doesn't have to be the best of the best just whatever works for you.

[@TerritoryOffroad]

I just picked up the same inverter a week ago and was a bit unsure but this video makes me feel a bit better. Look forward to seeing how it all goes in the future.

[@jamesmilliss]

Great video. When you make it big, have 2 channels. One fully sponsored and keep this one for us mugs that have to go budget. 👍👍

[@Sp33dYAU]

Welcome back, and great to see you keeping it real!

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks Michael!

[@CoolKillkennyCat]

Hesitantly bought a swag from Kings, when I bought I asked if I have issues will they sort them in the store(I asked as it was when the Perth store first opened). Set it up at home and the stitching between the canvas and the PVC floor had visible holes and leaked even in light rain. Took it into the store and they said they don't handle returns and to call the Eastern State number, after about 4 months of emails and pictures they wanted me to organise and pay for it to be delivered to them. I gave up and just decided to tell my story whenever I can. I wouldn't trust them to make anything more complex than their deep dish floor mats.

[@damienkeygan1735]

Another good clip guys. I’ve been running a 160w kings panel and MPPT charger into my 130ah battery for a few years now and have never had an issue with it.

[@AussieArvos]

Yeah, good to know!!

[@Michael_Mears]

3:40 eBay. This is what I do the most. eBay have excellent customer protection. If you document the claim or fault, talk to the seller, initiate the return (most will have a pre-paid return label to print off), I've never had one claim rejected. I've always either being given a full refund or supplied a new one. Sometimes they don't even want the thing I bought back.

[@AussieArvos]

Sounds great!!

[@thelifeofme6168]

other than 12v box, I've got all kings gear and I live out of my van. on a budget, I've got more than enough for what I need

[@ezzzg7534]

Cheers pat I really appreciate what you and the team are doing it’s genuine, realistic and informative keep going with the budget testing.

[@gregbishop610]

Good to see you guys are back

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks Greg! glad to be back!

[@bullzye101]

awesome stuff guys ....i have the same solar kings setup for about 4 years and its still pretty much doing its job fine ... big thumbs up guys

[@anthonycrem7836]

All your cables coming through the back door, do you get much water in when it rains?

[@paulclarke4431]

Love the video, great to see you back. Can't wait for more adventure vids. Re the inverter - if it's for laptops and cameras then it's much easier (and cheaper) to just by the 12v adapters. Jaycar do a universal laptop charger from ciggie plug for about $50. Doesn't make a lot of sense to charge low voltage items off a low voltage car system by going up to 240v and then all the way back down. But everyone seems to do it that way.

[@AussieArvos]

Yeah i agree paul, i've had 12v adapters for laptops in the past, more just for others at camp who have 240v electronics that need charging !

[@ddgarage7025]

To be honest, it's not too bad or inefficient using an inverter. Most are up in the 95%+ efficient, and OEM laptop chargers are definitely higher quality than the jaycar 12v ones etc, so all in all, it's not too big of a deal. Plus the inverter will only draw what it needs to from the battery. Some cameras you can't get 12v chargers easily.

[@lithgowlights859]

The big thing is budget - are you better to have good gear at an affordable cost that will last 2, 3 or 4 years, or something thats 5 times the price that will last 5-10 years? There are some things I'd always spring for the best quality, such as batteries and battery wiring, but so what if your inverter is a couple of % worse in efficiency, or a little louder, you have affordable 240V in your car at a budget that most people could afford. I do plan on looking at options to put a panel on my new car, and a second battery just for a fridge, so the quality for something like that will be based on what I can justify as it will only be used every 2-3 months for a couple of weeks.

[@sandadapanda5316]

Good stuff mate for trying to keep it real. Appreciate you boys.

[@4x4CampingandAdventures]

Simple answer for me personally is no I had a cheap 200w eBay panel which definitely wasn’t 200w throwing in a max of 5amps into the system I recently replaced that with a Redarc 180w panel and it doubled the input. Any cheap panel will be fudging there ratings as the industry isn’t regulated. Good video guys

[@benskies1990]

That's weird, my king's 110w panel puts in roughly 6 Amps which is pretty spot on. Maybe some have duds?

[@4x4CampingandAdventures]

@@benskies1990 Could have had cooked panels mate who knows but it was not pumping in good numbers

[@keilfestin4606]

Nice to see you boys back and more videos to come :)

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks Keil!

[@americanmade422]

Absolutely, everyone should have one.

[@madcat4563]

The 12v box is starting to get messy. But there's no real solution. Only to put the wires that go to the same place in sleeving and work from there. Yes you will still if the odd wire here and there that needs to go somewhere else. But if you can put those large amounts of wire together in a sleeve it will make a huge improvement. (Fibre glass, cloth tape or plastic wire wrap/ wire conduit/self closing cable wrap).

[@davidvincent2051]

Mate I've had a Kings 160wat panel on my roof for over 4 years and even with one of the panels smashed it still works mint. Delivers 17.3 volts on open circuit with the multi meter which is spot on.

[@AussieArvos]

Yeah can't complain about that!

[@TheJezwick]

You guys are the best channel, missed your videos!

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks mate!!

[@alexhill_79]

I spent some of my summer out in the high country, following part of the route you guys took, and when I was on the way to the snowy river I am pretty sure I saw you and the 80 in a small town near-ish to Bairnsdale. great video!

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks Alex!! Hope you had a great time!

[@johnmathisen1167]

I have not heard a bad word about the kings gear, everyone who has it have been quite satisfied with what they have got.

[@jaspreetbains2776]

Hi Pat just wondering why you went for a 1500w inverter when a small 350w would have charged a laptop etc for your needs not to mention the 2kg or more weight savings.

[@championproduct]

Love your honesty mate, and your critical questioning, thinking and analyst. I’m the last person to promote kings myself , but I’ve been damn impressed Witt their gear lately and so well priced. They have come along way. Still think the kings awnings look so dorky lol.

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks mate! yeah their stuff has definitely improved alot over the years

[@AllTerrainAction]

Off topic... but kings air compressors... we've been super unlucky never had one die, but the pressure cut off always stops working after 1-2 years in 3 units (2 purchased, 1 on warranty)! Wondering if I buy another or buy something else, it is the real question. I haven't really used much other kings stuff so, this is a great insight.

[@2evobda]

Might want to check out why the voltage is so high? Could cause some issues if it keeps charging that high.

[@stephenlatimer1428]

i spend 4 months every year doing the barra dams. to do this i am onto my 2nd Ram2500(2021)with Mits canopy with the full Redarc twin Lithium 12v system(20 large). i also use this system to charge my nitro bass boat while driving to keep the lithium batteries fully charged. i have a second vehicle(my 2019 Ram2500)for my son n this one also has a Mits but it runs a full Kickass 12v AGM system with twin 170 slim line batteries($5000). i did that simply because i didnt want to spend another 20 large n was looking for a gud mid range alternative. having run AGMs years ago thats where i went n found that it came down to 2 companies. so i bought a full system from each company to see it n to feel it n the Kickass just did those things right, so thats wats in my sons vehicle. for 4 months we r on the road n camping out of the vehicles n the AGM system has never stopped in anyway. the only weight difference comes from the batteries n that doesnt concern me at all. in 2 years time wen i build the next Ram i will be using the AGM system, why spend the money on the other wen i know this works. BEFORE the nay sayers jump up n down n say u r sponsored, NOPE not at all. i am lucky enough in life that i can afford these things n the life style. wat is being used/pushed through the different media outlets bout these very expensive 12v systems is sponsorship to the channel n product sales to the companies n of course people watching these channels get caught up in the excitement of the moment n do purchase these 12v systems n lets not forget all the other 4wd accessories out there. these r my experiences with Lithium n AGM n still using them both to this day.

[@John-gm8ty]

a full 1500w draw through those stock battery cables is gonna get REAL warm real quick. I'd 2x them personally. (cheaper than thicker gauge cable)

[@jamieh4x4]

Yeah I did a quick test when I got mine, microwaved myself some dinner for 10 mins. And the supplied cables got very hot. I used 2AWG which isn't too pricey when you only need a short length.

[@TwoPumpTom]

I just put 2 of the 110w kings solar panels on the roof of my gu but wired them to my ctek

[@OnCountryWithMick]

Well said Pat. I'm not a big fan of Kings and would rather buy Aussie Made but the prices are ridiculous. I run a Kings 110w panel on the roof of my Pajero with a Ctek DC-DC charger and it has run fine for about 18 months. Charges my 140ah AGM Deep Cycle which runs my fridge 24/7 and charges phones, cameras etc when out bush. I don't run an Inverter though, although I do have a Plug & Play 600w MSW unit if needed (So far never needed it and its only for charging a laptop battery if needed). The Kings gear is cheap and nasty but it does do the job for those of us on a budget.

[@paulholyoak]

Some of the gear out there is redicously expensive. I've just set up my Pajero with a Renogy 50a DCDC with MPPT. Quality is fantastic. Was actually chaper than the new Kings unit but with a much better reputation.

[@AussieArvos]

Yeah agreed , I don't like buying cheap Chinese stuff, but when you are on a budget it hard not too. Because it does work pretty well at a fraction of the cost, but definitely ethical things to consider!

[@OnCountryWithMick]

@@AussieArvos That's it mate. I had $2500 approx. to do my rebuild. This had to include a full drawer rebuild, fridge to suit the space I had (Dometic CD-30 Drawer Fridge), 140ah AGM Deep Cycle, DC-DC charger, Solar, Wires, Lights etc etc. I had just spent around 3k replacing the clutch and timing so really couldn't afford to blow the budget or splurge on other things. 18 months on and it is all working an absolute treat. (Full Build videos on my channel)

[@philipwatt6183]

I think people forget why it’s expensive you are not only paying for the quality of the product, you are paying for the cost of producing something in a country where the workers have rights and fair wage. Brands like kings undercut and pirate original design and then sell it on a large scale to turn profit. Australia has some of the best 4x4 and camping suppliers around and adopting the if it’s cheap but works mindset does not move the industry forward in anyway.

[@OnCountryWithMick]

@@philipwatt6183 I do agree with that and that is why buying Aussie made is by far better but as stated above and by Pat, not everyone can afford it. As mentioned above, if 8 had of gone Redarc or other more expensive Aussie brands there is no way in hell I could of gotten myself set up qnd out there doing what I love.

[@Piiwow]

I love when there’s a vid of yours where a concept is tested over a long period, like this one. The investment into this is incredible.

[@Bennyboy-dog]

Good advice. One question, why "Buy Australian"? We manufacture sweet f all here now, chances are the components the Australian manufacturers use to build their products are imported anyway, so they end up just being a middle man. By spending the extra $ on such "Australian made" stuff we are just making so called "Australian businesses" lazier and less efficient. I agree there are a few exceptions that actually add substantial value and are in fact owned by Australians, but they are few and far between. At least Kings don't pretend and their prices are ok. Look at some well known manufacturers of bull bars for example that are supposedly Australian, but are actually foreign owned and sucked up that Jobkeeper funding for every drop they could get and even though they increased revenue over the period it was offered refuse to return our TAX dollars, the filthy immoral scum.

[@slinkyjo]

There's cheap Chinese gear and there are good quality moderately priced Chinese gear, and then there's is overpriced Aussie made hit or miss on the quality gear, and then there is the good quality Korean gear and finally God tier German gear

[@Bennyboy-dog]

@@slinkyjo Well ordered list slinkyjo! Agree 90%...German gear is usually excellent, but not always and the prices...hard to justify.

[@truetierra]

Bro, nothing wrong with butane cans. Not much can go wrong with them, they're available everywhere and they survive a swim too. Great vid!

[@AussieArvos]

That's it, cheap and easy!

[@MADBONE0]

Only thing I’m actually worried about is Not knowing your voltages and replace the mppt kings with a victron mppt 75/15 Or at least have a 12 battery shunt to monitor your battery 🔋

[@aussiesmoko]

Just a quick note about Mounting your solar panel. I've seen a couple of cars were they place the solar panels between the roof and the roof parcel carrier on a slide . So when they are parked they can just slide it out . . He said he had one mounted to the roof of his canopy but I eventually flew off. He said it was a little more protected. To some extent

[@AussieArvos]

I like the slide idea just because it gives you more room on the rack, not sure how much the shade from rack would effect it tho.

[@aloooox]

What’s the raspberry pi and screen for? I tried to look back but can’t find the video you put that in?

[@AussieArvos]

Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gX2wfaKgnpqKis0

[@joshhenchman9810]

The only Kings gear I avoid are their Awnings and Instant Ensuite. Everything else I have had good experiences with

[@ChuckUnderFire]

Do you have a video showing how you originally ran the wiring from the engine bay to the internal electrical box you’ve built? I’d love to do something similar and I’m looking for how people typically route the source back.

[@robbiereddog4202]

Well done on the vid and mindset with keeping things reaslsitic. Keep up the good work.

[@groot01280]

Just took my 3rd one back today. The first one all lights were working correctly and was charging at 15.6v the other two the solar light wouldn't come on and only put 5.6v into the battery, i upgraded to the mppt kings plus and am waiting for the message to come pick it up fingers crossed I don't have any issues with this one

[@lachlanfoster3867]

Another good video. Keep an eye on the MPPT controller. They tend to overcharge the battery but you could get lucky

[@AussieArvos]

Yeah keeping an eye on it! Will update everyone if anything happens!!,

[@louiskudlak2241]

Great to see builds for the average person, sick of the $$$$$$$$builds, not everyone has 10/15000 for a red arc set up 👍👍👍👍

[@campbellmeade1818]

Mint video. Easist way to clean up the 12v box is use a heap of zip ties.

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks Campbell!

[@bogged2theeyeballs695]

G'day Patrick. Hoping to see a video soon on one of your other breakages. Curious to see what occurred. I won't spoil things by giving away any info about it. We passed each other in late December as I was heading down Zeka Spur Track ( in a white LC105 ) into Wonnangatta and you were heading out. For obvious reasons, you weren't a happy man.

[@AussieArvos]

Hahaha! Thanks mate! we will go into this rabbit hole very soon! not a very fun ordeal! but thanks for saying hello! i really appreciate it! hope your trip went well! Cheers

[@campbelleastwood2524]

I just did an invertor in my 4bie, and i fused the invertor with 200amp fuse for 2000W's. Why didnt you use a fuse, am i missing something? Cheers fellas, glad to see a post again :)

[@AussieArvos]

i haven't fused it, by rights i should, i just haven't i only turn it on when I'm sitting next to it. so I'm always keeping an eye on it, but yeah fuse is a good idea

[@tromboneimperfecta]

Butane cooking is the way to go. If you're going induction cooking you clearly are not camping on a budget. Great video as always.

[@AussieArvos]

Yeah I think electric cooking is definitely the future, but I personally don't think it's affordable enough yet for the average and even hard core camper. Once battery tech gets better and cheaper I think it will come more wide spread But I think alot of things camping wise is heading electric

[@brenagade]

Awesome content lads, keeps me interested in getting out there 🤙

[@stevenb9844]

Hey pat, where do you get the motion sensor lighting, gr8 idea. Cheers Steve

[@garyneal7098]

Been waiting for this... Great video guys

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks Gary!

[@victerbotma9375]

I always say if it works for your budget it works

[@organise_camping]

All the accessories I’m running on my troll is Kings. And I can’t not fault there gear.

[@officialWWM]

You should get another car and build it with free “high quality” stuff, then compare that vehicle to your current one after 12 months. People miss the point with Kings gear. Their target market is people who camp every now and then, not people who are travelling the Simpson dessert for 6 months! They are just like cheaper power tools. They work fine for the guy who builds things in the garage from time to time but you wouldn’t use them on a job site.

[@AussieArvos]

I like the idea !

[@officialWWM]

@@AussieArvos thanks. Only downside is that you have to buy another car, lol.

[@gregbishop610]

The ones who bagged them don't get the sponsor $$$ like that 24/7 mob. When they started they where always promoting them. Some may say cash for comment. 🤣😂🤣😂

[@zaccole4267]

Spot on, I go camping a few trips a year. Just want a cheap workable setup.

[@officialWWM]

@@zaccole4267 same and the thing is, everything I’ve bought from Kings is still working 🤔

[@brokenlimitsnjm]

Love these videos. Stuff that the average person can actually afford

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks Nathan!

[@Mic4569]

Had a Kings 110w that flew off my roof at 80kms an hour. 4 years on still going.

[@AussieArvos]

Hahahha what a beast!

[@anyamingan2287]

Yay another video!!!! Awesome job keeping it real too🙌🏽👏🏽

[@AussieArvos]

Thank you!!