CARAVAN MODS TO STAY OFFGRID LONGER (& MAKE IT EASIER..)

[@peterflint9002]

Mate love the videos, Just an idea that I use on my waste hose when leaving a caravan park. I bought a male cam loc with the threaded end, installed a hose connector so I could connect to the waste hose and flush with fresh water. It helped reduce the smell from the hose before packing away.

[@WildTouring]

That’s a great idea! I’ll pin this comments for others to see 🙏

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

I like you guys as you keep it real, no loud music, no hype, no hard sell for product, no stupid clickbait videos, good luck with your trip.

[@WildTouring]

Appreciate the support mate 🙏

[@nevyn9050]

An old work trick .. when pressing barbed fittings into hoses, you mentioned using hot water. Add a stack of sugar to the hot water, the sugar acts as a lubricant when pressing it in but better, it sets when it dries out and locks the fitting. If the hose you are fitting together is for water (not just grey water tank drain) the sugar inside is food grade and will just wash out on the first use.

[@WildTouring]

Good tip! I’ll have to give that a go next time I’ve got a tight fitting!

[@josephinebowley1167]

Hi again, top talk even the rain did'nt unsettle you 2, may I add with the stone stomper fitment, don't discard but move those mudflaps hang in front of the stabilizers stops the stone / mud impact on them as everything will now be channeled under the van

[@brianmercer0113]

Hey guys, love your videos. Another protective hack for you water fill points is 16mm chair leg rubber caps, fits perfectly over the standard irrigation fittings.

[@aussie_camp_dad8779]

Guys great video, every time I see these videos I know I’m on the right track for off grid life ⚡️ Power, 💧 Water and 💩 Waste. I use the sea-flow pump for all the same things and one more, showers on lads trips just by connecting the garden hose nozzle. 💦 We also run the Kelmatt bag for the second toilet cassette just in case, not risking a spill because it’s likely to be my job to clean it 🤢 😊

[@Ranger670]

Don't you just love the excitement of prepping for a trip? After every trip away (or after watching one of your episodes!) I have a list of ideas to make our next trip more efficient. Trips away are an excuse to try out the "improvements" I've made. :) Another great episode. Thanks.

[@WildTouring]

I really do! The planning, prepping, modding and improving is up there as my favourite part of a trip haha! I think Tiffs the same too, she loves a good itinerary and spreadsheet 🤣

[@Ranger670]

@@WildTouring Good work Tiff. I do planning spreadsheets too!

[@jamiegarton1967]

Great work guys. I've been looking for a water pump on and off for a while and have never been happy with a product, until I saw your demo. Just ordered and thanks for the 10% off 👍

[@WildTouring]

No probs mate! Its simple, but well thought out and good quality gear 👍🏼

[@scottspitty8283]

Why not by a marine SeaFlow inline pump for $48 and fit an Anderson plug & hose 😅😅

[@WildTouring]

@@scottspitty8283 I’ve seen people do that with a matching pump from their caravan. Mount it on a board or in a pelican case and plumb/wire it up to use it portable AND act a spare for the van. It’s a good idea, probably end up similar cost once it’s all done. There’s a dozen way to skin a cat. This is just a convenient, compact solution with a few uses.

[@jamiegarton1967]

@@scottspitty8283 Probably another good option that I wasn't aware of. But it has a duty cycle of "Intermittent Duty" time not specified compared to the Adventure Pumps one that has continuous duty cycle, which speaks volumes about the quality of a product.

[@Cadz-On-Tour]

See Tiff you did one “Tiff Wild - Wild Touring” intro, now Cams asking you heaps of questions! I like it! 😂

[@WildTouring]

🤣

[@jacquiyoung8703]

We have 2 of your bags on the front of our stone guard with a stone stomper. Used them now for a couple of months they are quality stuff highly recommend.

[@WildTouring]

Thanks Jacqui, that’s awesome feedback 🙏

[@robertjohnston3658]

Some good ideas and explanations. As a fellow Perth inmate , I must get some bags as the perfected solution to hang off the stone guard to store the hoses and waste water dump drain Great idea, spend some more money on the mobile piggy bank as they always cost more than you think to set up for remote and long term travel!

[@amdronesphotography3230]

If you have an instant HWS you can get a water diverter valve that circulates the cold water back to your tanks until the water gets hot enough. It’ll then allow the hot water to flow to the taps. It eliminates that first 1-2L of wasted water when turning on the hot taps

[@ColinNeill-z2n]

Just a cheap hack for the caps for the 12mm hose connections, you can use a rubber chair tip. A 16mm round one fits perfectly. Bunnings have them in a pack of 4 in either black or white for under $3.

[@WildTouring]

That’s a wicked idea- cheers mate 👍🏼

[@peterjames8714]

Thanks for a great informative video. I am sure you have helped a lot of van owners. Cheers.

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

Stanless steel washing line fixed on the awning is a bit of a step up from the 2 tent poles, 4 tent pegas and a roll of Telstra rope that we used to use on the road :)

[@johnadams0154]

Some great ideas in this vid. I’ve pretty much done the same on our van. With our Starlink I’ve gone to a 12 volt conversion instead of running it through the inverter when off grid. They reckon there’s about a 30% power saving but I’m yet to try it. The converter is from Xtar-Link and it’s a simple plug and play and is quite reasonable price compared to some other solutions. Will be interesting to see how it goes compared to running through the inverter.

[@WildTouring]

That’s a great idea, I’ve heard the same about the power saving. 👍🏼

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

Good explanation for the mppt / solar, sounds like you have it setup to work at it's most efficient, lots of installs go for an all-in-one mppt / DC to DC, these are no good to get max power in, your better off with a separate DC to DC and mppt, this allows each unit to work at it's full potential 👍👍

[@TomWilding1]

I have never once met or heard someone say “A A batteries” I’ve always heard “Double A batteries” Hang on Does that mean you say “A A A” for Triple A batteries. Great video!

[@Chippy-AUS]

Great video, took lots of notes………… Thanks to you both……👍

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

It is really mind boggling how fast things are changing and how different everything is now to what it was when we were travelling Australia back in the late 90s and early 00s. Everything now is so much easier and products that we had to change and adapt ourselves and now just off the shelf items.

[@andrewford80]

Yeah, but you still got it done without all the gadgets though right? And the stuff you made or adapted yourselves, that's a sense of accomplishment!

[@Aussie_Damo]

Hey cam I have an rule iL200p submersible pump like that one you have but I had to put the Anderson plug on it myself but I also added about 30cm from the Anderson plug a double pole inline switch from Bunnings so you can setup then turn the pump on so the pump won't burn itself out from no water in it. Also with your bladder I added a ball valve to the top filler hole and reducers to 2m of 13mm hose for a vent so that you can fill the bladder 100%. The hose is long enough I just have it hang over the rear door struts so I can see when it's full from the water tap. Also if you don't wanna buy a cap for your filling points you can undo the hose adaptor and chuck a 10c coin in there and tighten it back up to prevent any dust ingress into your piping.

[@WildTouring]

I reckon I might put a switch on mine too. Don’t need it for transferring water, but like the idea to use it as a deck wash on the boat! Like the hose filler/ bladder mod. Think I’ll do that one. Cheers mate 👍🏼

[@BordertotheShore]

Very informative, well done 💯🇦🇺

[@cornyratbag]

One of the best mods videos I have seen. Thank you

[@wclearwater1]

Thanks for all the handy gizmo's and ideas . been trying to find a water transfer pump for ages.. already ordered 👌 merry Christmas to you both and your families

[@WildTouring]

Merry Christmas mate! Hope you enjoy the new pump 👍

[@andrewbridger6239]

Hi guys, thanks for another great vid.Even for a update and confirmation for things like TPMS.

[@adamroberts1738]

Awesome video guys simply but to the point and enough information as well

[@WildTouring]

Cheers mate 🙏

[@Daniel-qt1br]

Guys, re clothesline, check out the clothesline holder by BBQ arm. Swings off the van (I use rear bar) no legs, not on the ground, then all you do is put the top half of the spin clothesline in the arm. Absolute game changer when living in the van and getting the dam washing out of your living area 👍🏼

[@stuartkcalvin]

Thanks Cam and Tiff. Great tips. My iCheck TPMS model has an off-road/sand mode (5 sec button press). When I put the caps back on (after deflating), the system recognises the lower pressures as the 'new, new'. Similarly, when I air-up and put the caps back on, the system goes back to the 'old, new'.

[@WildTouring]

Yep I had that one too. The later model one I’m running now essentially is exactly the same, but without having to put it into off-road mode. It’s a little simpler, seconds faster - but not enough to bother upgrading from what you have.

[@andrewford80]

My Oricom TPMS has no off road mode or any fancy smarts. It's a piece of crap haha! These icheck ones do seem much better.

[@jerryfrench2981]

I'm just in the process of having the Long Ranger fuel tank installed on my 300. It goes where the spare wheel used to be as I have a Kaymar rear bar now. It replaces the sub tank & uses all oem sensors etc meaning you still get fuel readings though it stays full as it's now a 152 litre sub tank. Anyway - they pull out the sub tank which gives you room for a 60 litre water tanks where the sub tank used to sit. Long ranger make the water tank too as I understand. So 232 litres of fuel in tanks plus 60 ltrs of water plus 2 jerry cans of water in the holder on the rear bar.

[@AyodanDownUnder]

I would recomend having a check list for when you are packing up to leave from some where especially if you do not travel alot. Things like checking windows, checking legs are up, roof vents closed etc. It can come in real handy

[@WildTouring]

Yeah I reckon a checklist is a good idea! I always miss something!

[@stephenhorton119]

Have you looked at a showermiser to reduce wasted water, it’s a shower diverter for the first cold water use in the shower before the hot comes thru . We have had them in the last 2 vans works great

[@WildTouring]

I have seen them! I should have looked into getting one fit at the construction stage. Might have a look at how I’d go retrofitting one now.

[@allmac856]

Cam & Tiff; great to see you have bought a new van and planning a big trip next year. Sorry Cam, but I lost interest with your 'boys trips', and now looking forward to watching your adventures in your new van. You are both so down to earth and say it as you see it, along with easy explanations that we can all understand. Have a great Xmas and can't wait to see the upcoming videos. PS. love the storage bags on the stone guard; I will do the same as hoses etc take up so much room in the storage box and tunnel boot.

[@AdventuringPals]

Great video mate. Even given me a few ideas.

[@maxmckenzie2560]

Can’t wait for your trip guys 👌

[@WildTouring]

Neither can we! 🥳

[@markpalmer5787]

Great video guys. Been looking for a pump that drops in a jerrycan. Awesome. Bet your getting excited. Cheers Mark...

[@tritonjackmam5.681]

ebay sea flow $40 👍

[@WildTouring]

We can’t wait! Hope you’re well mate 👍🏼

[@WildTouring]

That’s an intermittent pump. Will do the job, but probably not for as long. Ask me how I know 🤣

[@ab7406]

Accumulator pressure tank helps savings water and better pump life, can run tap at very low trickle

[@lindsay6529]

Nice clear video. Funny thing is I already came up with the right angle water filler myself not long after we bought our van just over a year ago and thought it would be "the go" for the reasons you mentioned 😆👍. Anyway, bike racks. I'm on a mission to find one suitable for our setup to mount onto the front A-Frame. we have a small gap (not convinced it's big enough just yet) between the van front and the gas bottles - where we want to fit two bikes. I note you have a Thule I think on top of your external tunnel box. Have you done any vids on this subject or your particular one atm ?

[@garethlloyd918]

Lots of great ideas. Since you are running the Victron MPPT chargers can you still read the input solar charge on the red vision screen.

[@WildTouring]

Yes, well sort of.. Because it’s still going through a shunt, it shows total current in/out as a load on the display. So for example; if solars putting in 30a, and the fridge and lights are drawing 10a, then the display will show the difference - 20a coming in. If I wanted to know exactly what solars putting in, I could do that through the victron app (Bluetooth connection to the victron solar controllers).

[@ckleinig]

Cam, it's worth zip tying the clothesline tensioner as I have had mine come undone. just one tie from one eye to the other. cheers.

[@WildTouring]

Good idea, I will do that. I remember my last one would come loose too!

[@marklaurendet1861]

All the mods look very usefull, just subscribed. Looking forward to seeing what other little bits you install like that pouch at the end. I like that you add the links as it can take ages to find some of that stuff . When you do the stone stomper video can you show how you take the measurements as well as the install, as I have seen some of those fitting that nearly sag to the ground. So I am guessing that the initial measurements need to be pretty spot on to how you intend to install it so it does overly sag.

[@WildTouring]

Cheers mate 🙏 Yeah the measurements need to be pretty accurate, which is why we’re buying another one rather than trying to repurpose the one off the last van. The sagging would annoy me haha!

[@shepherdsadventure]

It's all starting to come together mate 👌 Some great mods you've mentioned 👍 I sent your itinerary for NSW as well! Hope it helps

[@WildTouring]

We’re nearly there 🥳 Thankyou mate 🙏 appreciate all the suggestions- our list is looking pretty impressive now 💪

[@shepherdsadventure]

@WildTouring you'll have so many great places to visit. You'll need 2 years! Forget school, i mean, the kids will need a "gap year" ha

[@adrianeastwood8594]

Great vid guys

[@neilzantuck197]

Cam, you need cover for your BOS jockey wheel to keep the dirt and water out. BOS have them.

[@WildTouring]

Thanks mate, I’ll look into that now!

[@katemcwatters3800]

Keen to hear how the Oricom camera goes on the rear of your van, and if the signal is strong enough to reach your phone in the cab please 🙏

[@wade76ws]

Another great video Cam. Keen to know your thoughts on the reverse camera, I have the same and find it constantly freezes on a 14 foot van. Hoping it's not operator error 😂

[@yipsilochlan4528]

Appreciate the share

[@AD-dx7lr]

We bought an Icheck TPMS recently after watching one of your previous vids. Driving back from the Flinders, the alarm went off. The Tyre was deflating fast, so we were able to pull over safely before it went totally flat! So impressed with it, easy to use, self charged from its solar panel and it works! Do you use a scan gauge? If so, which one?

[@WildTouring]

Glad to hear it’s working well for you too! I’m actually waiting on iCheck to release a scan gauge funnily enough! Hopefully it’s available before we set off on our lap.

[@andrewford80]

My 2c. I don't have a "scangauge" but I do use an Bluetooth OBD2 adapter and the "car scanner" tool on monitor all the different values on several easily changeable dashboards. I think the adapter was 30 bucks and the app is under 10 bucks. I love it and it gives me a really customisable and easy to read display at a glance.

[@barrythompson8813]

I think it would be safer to seperate your fresh water hoses from the grey water hoses.

[@ladysusanjane2682]

🕺🏼💃🕺🏼💃not long now…😊

[@seanchristie7150]

Fantastic episode as usual, loving the prep videos. Looking forward to the lap videos too though. Will that top water filler allow for filling from a dam or river??

[@WildTouring]

There’s no reason you couldn’t do that!

[@seanchristie7150]

@WildTouring awesome, seems like a well thought out van

[@damienalbrecht7954]

Hey guys great info . Just a question at the end of the video Tiff was sticking a holder on the wall inside of the van . Could you let me know where you got it from as I have been looking for something like that cheers

[@WildTouring]

Cheers mate, that one was Konsilee brand.

[@darrenbatchler1640]

Great tips and thanks for all the links. Off topic question, How has the Silverline in the shed been from a product reliability perspective?

[@WildTouring]

There’s two Silverlines in the shed, both are around 10 years old and have been pretty solid vans! They don’t see any unsealed roads though, they get dragged up to Exmouth caravan park for 3 months a year 👌

[@darrenbatchler1640]

@ probably what i’ll be doing with mine!

[@JacksonBiggles]

A new caravan off grid limiting problem becoming more and more common is how much grey water you can store!

[@WildTouring]

Can I ask where that’s been an issue for you? We’ve never had a problem with grey water to be honest, honestly probably only had half a dozen places in the last few years that actually ask you to hold it- and they’re generally show grounds that we’d only stay for a night or two anyway. But I’m wondering if maybe WA and NT are just a lot more relaxed about it?

[@jordanryan673]

Rubbish

[@JacksonBiggles]

@@WildTouring Our last half lap we come across it a lot if you only stay at caravan parks with power and sullage not a problem. WA Port Headland Trotting Track, Broom Caravan Park that had limited sullage, QLD Cooroy RV stop over Bundaberg RV stop Cooktown race course, Finley Ingham to name a few Mandatory in NZ National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2021 1. Part 2 2 .Division 3 3. Section 13 13 Littering and damage (1) A person must not- (c) deposit or leave any waste in a park, ( $300.00 Fine) or (d) deposit, discharge or leave in a park any offal, filth, dung or dead animal or any noisome, noxious, offensive or polluting substance, matter or thing, or ( $ 500.00 Fine)

[@JacksonBiggles]

@@jordanryan673 If you bothered to get out there you would have heard of Leave No Trace but I can understand your type of travelling

[@holgermuller2987]

Hi Cam The blue water hoses are a pain in the A… Coil like a spring when in the storage bag. Need to find better quality food grade hose Cheers

[@WildTouring]

Yes they are! That one in the vid is brand new, hopefully softens up in the sun.

[@harrybergeest6790]

I agree

[@WildTouring]

If anyone can suggest a better quality food grade hose, even a flat hose- id be keen to hear about it! The hoses in this vid are food grade water drinking hoses from Bunnings and Camec.

[@michaelhermans4753]

@@WildTouringtry hookah hose, it’s designed for air but safe

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

@@WildTouring as per my other reply, with the hose the regular food grade ones can build up mould inside over time because of residual water left in them when finished and the air / water trapped in there creates black mould eventually, the flat type hoses are great as they expel almost all the water / air from the hose so no mould build up, the best ones are "flat-out" Aussie made, these are made to AS4020 specs, regular drinking hoses only made to AS2070, AS4020 is much more stringent for quality / leaching / mould etc, flat-out do a roll-up one but you will have to pay for it, around $235 at some outlets, other non AS4020 drinkables from Fix-a-tap, companion and many more you can find these at all camping stores or online, these would be ok as they also remove most of the water / air upon rolling up, hope this helps.

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

Cam good video, with the water levels etc, I use Victron gear with Cerbo GX and touch screen or App interface, WEMA sensors for water tanks, magnetic ultrasonic sensor for gas, I know exactly how much water / gas is left in any tank in real time no need for refresh, accurate down to the litre for water, you can fill from any source or deplete as needed, it looks after itself, the Topargee looks like another thing you need to keep calibrated, I see you have the Redarc stuff, while it's nice gear it's way overpriced, Victron stuff is top notch 5 year warranty opposed to Redarc 2 year, completely customisable and does more than the Redarc at half or third the price, I'm using Victron for mppt solar control I noticed you have these on the van you could have added the Cerbo GX and not bothered with the Redarc stuff, get yourself some BPA free food grade hoses for drinking water, garden hoses are no good as they contain all sorts of nasty Petro chemicals and leave a plastic hose taste in the water, if that water is for showers etc than it's ok.

[@WildTouring]

I love Victron gear, most of the charging gear in the car and last van was blue! Havnt played with the Cerbo before though- sounds pretty clever! Cameron Caravans are using Redarc, it’s actually the first Redarc gear I’ve ever had. Still figuring it all out. Both those blue hoses in this vid are food grade. Ones from Bunnings and one from Camec. But I am on the hunt for a better quality hose if you can suggest one? I like the idea of the flat hoses- not sure how practical they are though.

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

@@WildTouring Cam, the Cerbo GX is a great piece of kit especially with the 7" screen, can monitor tanks from water, to sullage, diesel etc up to 50 tanks can be monitored !!, also monitors temps for things like batteries, fridge, chargers, ambient etc the visual side is fantastic shows in real time what's going on, from solar input, to DC to DC input, battery loads etc, With the hose the regular food grade ones can build up mould inside over time because of residual water left in them when finished and the air / water trapped in there creates black mould eventually, the flat type hoses are great as they expel almost all the water / air from the hose so no mould build up, the best ones are "flat-out" Aussie made, these are made to AS4020 specs, regular drinking hoses only made to AS2070, AS4020 is much more stringent for quality / leaching / mould etc, flat-out do a roll-up one but you will have to pay for it, around $235 at some outlets, other non AS4020 drinkables from Fix-a-tap, companion and many more you can find these at all camping stores or online, these would be ok as they also remove most of the water / air upon rolling up, hope this helps.

[@shanedwyer4881]

Very good and informative video. I actually learned quite a bit. Just one question is the submersible pump able to be used for fuel.

[@WildTouring]

Definitely not for petrol. I believe you can use the pump for diesel, but best to contact Alan from Adventure Pumps directly for advice.

[@shanedwyer4881]

@ Thankyou

[@DunnyVids]

Great vid guys. Do you get good pressure off that pump for hosing off sticky beach sand & washing the deck etc?

[@WildTouring]

Cheers mate! Yeah the pressure off that pump is definitely up to that 👍🏼

[@henryvanas5813]

Awesome video mate. What shades are you wearing?

[@WildTouring]

Cheers mate. Safestyles 👍🏼

[@timcroft8633]

Check out pebbly Beach near Coffs harbour on the east coast when you come through cam

[@robertarmbruster5650]

I just notice brackets holding up your battery box, can show us how this is done please. I'm going to get my batteries out from under the bed. Yes, I love your little Jerry Can pump and your bladder idea it will work great. I'm not a fanm of camlocks, they damage everything in site when not connected, there is nothing wrong with a simple old ring and tail like we've all used for ever and a day. Love the Topargee and also the small Gardena flow totaliser (Litres)for filling your tanks. Is the BOS jockey a 2 rib unit.

[@davidmilledge221]

Good tips there 👍 iv always wondered are you related to Russell Wild in SA iv always forgotten to ask him

[@WildTouring]

Cheers mate! I don’t think so, but you never know!

[@johnsullivan6410]

Cam, just a quick question re your stone guard storage bags, when you fit your Stone Stomper, great bit of kit by the way, have you or would you consider having another couple of bags on the front of the stone guard as well as behind? Thanks in advance, John

[@WildTouring]

@@johnsullivan6410 I’ve seen people do that with our bags, and I may do it too, wouldn’t mind another one for recycling cans.

[@johnsullivan6410]

@@WildTouring And if I had continued to look at the pics on your website I would have seen the bags on the front of the stone guard, DOH!

[@WildTouring]

@ 🤣 haha no stress

[@frednurks8528]

Is the gravity feed water inlet a vent for the bottom feed ?

[@WildTouring]

It is, but they do also have their own separate breathers/overflows at the top of each tank .

[@mebenderjnr5055]

Great vid mate, thank you. Can you tell me what you use for offroad nav please?

[@WildTouring]

Cheers mate, I use the Garmin Overlander. Runs Hema maps. Really impressed with it 👍🏼

[@brianbourke8859]

Try Cowfish Technologies for your starlink stuff

[@WildTouring]

I hear good stuff about them 👍🏼

[@michaelhermans4753]

Apparently they sell a system where it uses a fraction of the power

[@JoeDebono]

How do you go with the ear-torturing water sloshing sounds from those bladders?

[@WildTouring]

Haha I don’t find it too bad! But I do have two kids chirping away like budgies and music on most of the time!

[@donr62]

Any water taint taste from the Drifta bladder? I’ve read elsewhere that it can be an issue.

[@WildTouring]

Yeah there definitely is. Another reason I’m looking at a different brand next time

[@timrichters8161]

Looking at 2 stone guard bags, do you have a code for your gear?

[@WildTouring]

Nah we don't have a discount code for our own products, we price them at the best price we can year round rather than adding in a margin to allow for discounts throughout the year. Thanks so much for your support. 🙏

[@chrisbrayley6271]

Off to hardware shop I go then

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

What is the make / place to buy your soft water bladder

[@WildTouring]

Mines from Drifta. I havnt been able to get rid of the plastic taste from it though. Have seen lots of recommendations for the Aus made FLEXIMAKE brand. I’ll try one of those next; fmestore.com.au/product-category/flexible-tanks-bladders/

[@markh6676]

Fleximate are the go.

[@markh6676]

How is the iCheck booster secured on the bumper there?

[@WildTouring]

With the supplied self adhesive Velcro strips 👍🏼

[@davidg487]

a quality solar panels sold will have an internal bypass diode in the panel junction box that will fix your shading issue and not knock out an entire string. But the extra cost for equipment redundancy is probably worth it.

[@WildTouring]

Yeah you’re right. And these panels do have bypass diodes, should have mentioned that!

[@andrewford80]

In reality, not always very effectively. And if you wire them in series to take advantage of the higher voltage then a shaded panel can wreck the efficiency of the array.

[@davidg487]

@@andrewford80 sure, there are many different shading circumstances to render either setup inefficient, some panels have 2 or more diodes to reduce voltage drop on partial shading. This is a small cable run so you can easily use correctly sized cables to neglect any voltage drop. Price of 4-6mm2 cable is negligible with the latter being overkill.

[@barrythompson8813]

Interesting that the battery configuration appears to be only connected to the last battery instead of forcing current flow by connecting the negative (or positive) to the last battery. This typically isnt an optimal charge/discharge config.

[@WildTouring]

Yeah I’m no expert, but I believe it’s not the issue it use to be nowadays with the huge charge/discharge rates on decent lithium batteries 👍🏼

[@johnadams0154]

Also you can get a 12v ‘Whale pump’ with an Anderson plug fitting to transfer water from the bladder to your tanks. Around $60 at any camping store & cheaper on line. They work a treat. 🍻

[@WildTouring]

@@johnadams0154 they look good - look like an intermittent pump though hey? Should have mentioned this in my video 🤦‍♂️ The adventure pump is a continuous duty pump. They’re generally a more expensive pump, and should last a hell of a lot longer the an intermittent pump!

[@Stephen0001]

Did you get my email, Cam? I hope there were some good ideas in there for when you build your house. Cheers.

[@daryleaustin1053]

Why don't you use a compost toilet?

[@WildTouring]

I guess because we’re familiar with it, it’s consistent, and it works well for us! We get a solid week between two tanks comfortably. There’s no smell (SOG helps), we can manage changes in temp with how much chemical we add, and there’s no bugs.

[@lithgowlights859]

I use the locknuts here on my ancient Repco branded TPMS only because the Repco monitors don't really lock down that well, so will loosen with normal use, even on tar. I have had a couple begin to leak and drop tyre pressures by 10-15PSI over just a couple of days, and I can tighten them up with a 1/2 turn on the monitor. I do plan on getting the iCheck monitor for the van, its spare and the cars spare, plus the signal extender, but the car has an in-built TPMS, but I'll have to see just how good it is for airing down the tyres and may well just run the 10 sensor iCheck anyway.

[@jkcqld3347]

Those tpms are a good unit but IMPOSSIBLE to read the screen when it alarms. Big disappointment for an otherwise good device.