☀️ RV Solar Install! 😎 (Full Time RV Life)

[@josephsener420]

I’ve said this before “Chief”, I have a masters in Engineering and consider myself pretty good, but DAMN! You are professional grade!

[@ChangingLanes]

Thanks! 😊

[@jeffcraig6550]

Wait, you made Chief??

[@josephsener420]

So PO -2, whatever!

[@ChangingLanes]

Yea.. but not the Navy kind.. 😉

[@jeffcraig6550]

@@ChangingLanes Ah, that's what I thought from past comments. I retired in 2006 as an E6, but we all know some rates you could make E7 in 8 years.

[@roussell]

10 grand in batteries alone! I love watching these videos, but without a sponsorship, it's out of reach of most of us working folk. Nice video though, and I enjoy you guys. Well presented.

[@mgkleym]

Yeah if was paying I'd probably go with SOK at about half the price per watt hour. Battle born makes a good product but its not worth double the cost vs what is still a very good battery to me.

[@cwshumate914]

Another channel I follow bought individual cells and built their battery bank. Check out I Ride Tiny House Adventures for that video.

[@mnotlyon]

@@cwshumate914 That's what I did. It's much cheaper that way.

[@cwshumate914]

@@mnotlyon me as well.

[@neilmacintosh6007]

I'm thinking is someone has spent $250k on a fifth wheeler, $10k isn't an issue.

[@johnmcgee374]

You are the ‘Tim the Toolman Taylor’ of things RV. Urg Urg Urg…..Great, great presentation as always….Thank you for doing these love watching you guys!

[@Joel-hr1uw]

Lol, except he doesn't end up in the ER 4 times during the project!!

[@johnmcgee374]

@@Joel-hr1uw Yes, I think we could build on this.....!

[@chrisshine3662]

I have to say you did a great job for never doing that install. I would know because I own 2 of the best Electronic Installation Companies in the world! (Not just my opinion)!

[@domenickruttura5412]

The Hummer community and our Navy Really lucky to have had you !

[@paulvta761]

I put 4 Battleborn batteries, 200 watt of solar panel and Victron solar controller also a 3,000 watt Victron inverter and color control monitor in a class B, 2017 Mercedes Benz sprinter motor home. Love it, works great. In the morning I can make coffee without having to start the generator. My neighbor's are happy campers, no noise.

[@drinkinslim]

Just a note that the Victron is a 2,400 watt inverter, that they badge as 3000 VA.

[@tomclemons344]

From one Navy Vet to another, you did a hell of a job.!!

[@topguncg47]

Chad, your one of the smartest guys I know you should be a electronics teach to the youth. You would be fantastic as a teacher. Outstanding video.

[@GregDepp]

That was the best explanation of AC vs. DC I’ve heard. Thank you

[@noahtramposh3350]

this video was awesome. chad explains thing in a way that is easy to pick up and learn from.

[@manorth24]

From a 65 year old Electronics Engineer, great job. I’m impressed with how well you explained the concepts and the way you organized your components.

[@bizw0z]

Is it only the centre core of the mc4 cable that carries the solar current??

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

Love how you keep it interesting while giving great information. Great video!

[@StudioTrev813]

There's no Cable Channel like this. So well done and informative.

[@ChangingLanes]

Thank you! 😎

[@danemmerich6775]

So much Knowledge……and cash for your system. Just the Batteries alone. I learned a ton. I love the fact you said I want AC to perform all the the time. Me too. Design the system around Heat and AC for Boon-docking!!!!!

[@treeguy4x4]

I'm so far behind..got it on the 98 38ft bounder ..was learning for the upgrade..I'm a tree service.. wronged skillset...lol.. I weld,build(ingineering) do inverters on my trucks..4000 watt. But no battery storage on them..alternator runs those...Rv came with 2 100 watt??..can I add battery's and pannels? Nobody has answers so far..I didn't install them so no idea whats there except pics I took

[@P.Wood-ef2gv]

Love your videos. You explain things so even old ladies can understand what you are talking about.

[@paulcoupland2929]

Thanks for your command performance Chad. Nice to see that the respective manufacturers are getting great ideas from you & are implementing them for the benefit of all RV Platforms. Hats off to you Chad.

[@John-te4nu]

I have a couple of ideas for GDI move the gen set to The rear

[@MsMariaSierra]

Wow! Have you ever thought of being a professor?! Your explanation was perfect and kept me intrigued!! Great job Chad!!!

[@AndrewEllisAndymanout]

Having extensive low voltage experience from thirty years in the custom A/V industry. I can say this is one of the best solar how to videos I have seen. Thanks for the concise information.

[@Handirifle]

Outstanding video. Absolutely the best I have seen on RV solar install. Well done.

[@blakeman438]

That's such a clean job, I find it so cool yall can be in the middle of nowhere and be able to use all your amenities with out a noisy generator. Thanks for the Video!! I'll be looking forward to the boondocking with solar video.

[@Dave-hc6pp]

Wow. Great job and an even better presentation. I worked as an IT consultant for 35 years and one of the biggest challenges was how to communicate a highly technical solution in a way that made it understandable for non-technical people. You accomplished that in a way that was clear without coming across as condescending. BZ.

[@davidbooth5851]

I agree

[@jonathanbeaaale73]

The two of you make an awesome team putting these videos together

[@wcrvadventures9489]

Excellent solar/battery bank install video! Can’t wait for the follow up on how everything works together. Chad and Tara are going Boondocking!!!!

[@donmiller2060]

I'm guessing you stayed with a 12 volt system only because you already had a 3Kw 12 volt inverter installed. One thing I would recommend when you buy your new Victron inverter would be to switch to a 24 volt system and add a DC to DC converter for your 12 volt loads. 1000ah of battery is a bit much for a 12 volt system and you'll have less loss with high amperage loads on the inverter with a 24 volt system

[@jurasicrocker1961]

All I can say is that I am so humbled and inadequate to take this on, that I will never be able to do this addition. I have so much to learn…thank you and so cool to watch for sure!

[@rcd917rd]

I bet there is never a dull moment in your RV keep it coming love your work

[@michaelmurphy6434]

You are a great instructor Chad. I have a short in my unattached garage. The problem may be under the new cement that was just laid for our RV. Instead of digging a new line 75' I was thinking Solar panels. Seeing this I understand more what is needed. Garage door opener, 3 over head lights, 4 outlets to run occasionally air compressor for tires, miter saw and connect to our 30amp RV. Wish my dad and grampa, both electricians were still here. Safe travels. When you were in Cleveland, you ran close to us, nice to see.

[@TheMarcball]

Bravo, great video, ton of editing work too. Thanks! Love the uses of CAD (Cardboard Assisted Design)... Thanks for the inspiration and keep on trucking!

[@duanebuck193]

As always, very informative and not so steeped in technology that the average owner can follow and not be lost. Kudos, Chad! (And fantastic editing job and great music, Tara :-) ) This gives me a far better understanding of the simple system on my rig and what options I could look at if so desired to increase it safely.

[@empathicallyyours4937]

Looks like there is room for more solar panels, but that's a very good presentation and a very cool camper

[@JimmyKI5PRK]

Completely impressed Chad. You are a stud when it comes to stuff like this. I’m not sure I would have the courage to tackle a project like this. Great job…

[@robertmize2333]

You break it down pretty simple! You seriously understand this! Thank you!!

[@rayjohnson7584]

You did a great job of explaining the process and you used language we all can understand along with the diagrams very useful 🥳 can’t wait for your updates

[@pammwaddilove4514]

Thank you for your service🇺🇲

[@stevetsigounis6535]

Planning is the key to any project! Great Job!

[@nerdyeevideos1879]

Watts is power and watt hours is energy. Great video! Very informative, I’d really like to something similar.

[@johnmarsh8421]

Tara, great job of making Chad look good. Chad, lots of valuable info ,thanks.

[@jimdunn731]

That was a fantastic video. Chad, you are awesome at explaining the details.

[@sergiocorrei]

Hi Chad, question for you, as I follow your video, I noticed that at the end of the duct where the solar wires came down (minute 29:58), the wires were not insulated to protect them from the furnace heat. Wouldn't that be too much heat on the wires? Could that be a problem down the road. Thank you for sharing that great video. Sergio.

[@gregs2381]

As usual for changing lanes this was an awesome video, very informative, thank you very much!

[@georgewheeler3731]

That Military Training came in Handy, makes that solar install go much smoother, on the electrical side nice job on making the cables, professional job, loved the schematic layout it easy to understand the process, I followed how the system was setup very easily, my military background as Electronics Technician I was able to keep up on how you were explaining the process. looking forward on the updates how the system preformed.

[@cherylneuman2002]

Thank you for sharing this video. It really opened our eyes to using solar power.

[@harvesthunt]

Thanks for putting out all this informational vids. I just picked up the Mobile Solar Power book and started watching his videos. SEEING how these things go together goes a long way for all of us! Please keep up these videos :)

[@ChangingLanes]

Thanks, Bill! 😊

[@keithnorris8982]

I'm sure Chad wants to provide the best for Tara. I have no doubt she feels the same towards him. I remember Tara told us about being flat on her back for days with her horrible Lime disease. This has be a lot of his motivation. Not ever meeting or talking with them, I still think of them as friends. We all need to put in a little prayer time in for both. And, if you don't believe, it still wouldn't hurt to do it for them. We all luve you both:-) -keith

[@ChangingLanes]

Thanks, we appreciate your support. 🙏

[@raoulroberts2024]

The moral of this story: experience and the Dremel are indispensable. Impressive video!

[@raoulroberts2024]

Oh, and cardboard.

[@TheDarkViolinist13]

I love it! Would definitely want to see the Victron Inverter! I'd also really be interested in seeing the whole Victron ecosystem working together with the Victron Cerbo GX and the touchscreen!

[@aldimore]

Great overview! Solar is perfect for RV's. Just gotta be safe and do it right.

[@papasbus3598]

Great video, Chad. You sure do know your stuff. Hope you and Tara are doing well.

[@dennycappetta2035]

Great install and explanation, Chad. Good luck with the system.

[@popdaddyg]

Thank you for making this seem a bit simpler than I imagined. My next RV will have solar. Our current one is 7 years old and I fear “other” things will be needed.

[@bikabill5182]

Thanks much for this video, Chad. I just completed my first solar install, and I studied this video like I was cramming for finals!!! It has been a tremendous help! We are part-time RV'ers, usually out about 5 days per month. So when it's in storage I watched forlornly as my battery slowly died. Now when I see the battery getting low, I just flip the solar breaker and watch it charging up! Never thought watching a battery charge could be so much fun!!!

[@ChangingLanes]

Congrats on completing the install!

[@jimmartinson4280]

Very informative video. Enjoy your time boondocking with Phil and Stacy.

[@secondwind75]

What a phenomenal video, Chad. So much info in one place. And from someone who’s not an expert, you sure sound like one. I can imagine the added convenience that solar will provide y’all now. Superb explanation and great editing, Miss Tara. 😉 This vid just became a prime resource for RV solar. Looking forward to the follow up. Thanks guys. Oh yeah, ahem, been missing a certain “redhead” named Lucille! Just thought I’d mention it. 😜 Troy

[@jasonbergeron6347]

Wow!! Is about all I can say. What an incredible solar system. I thought I was a genius hooking up our micro-air easy starts to the AC's 😆. With you being the grand electrical sorcery wizard that you are Chad.....I'm sure Micro-Air would gladly give you and Tara a partnership for tossing those on your rig and lesson your amp draw on those AC's. Especially with this new kit you whipped up. Maybe be able to run 2 if not all 3 AC's with the Micro-Air's all talking to your system......

[@RD27600]

Ive been watching a TON of these videos as i am in the beginnig stages of the journey to DIY solar, and the wife needs her AC while boondocking. This was by far the nest I've seen. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! I really appreciated the timelines in particular. So many of these videos make it seem short and easy when it is obviously anything but. Thanks again!

[@ss1320ss]

Extremely informative Chad! I will defiantly save this as a favorite video. Thank You!

[@badgerpa9]

When you are in Florida the solar panels give you orange juice!! The manufacture should know you need plenum rated cables and wire if it is going in the air duct, they should not bring the solar in the air plenum at all. Glad it is working well for you. Stay safe and healthy.

[@cindipeterson1707]

My husband and I saw you all yesterday. We were looking down from the bridge. We hope you enjoyed your visit. Can't wait for the videos from both you and You, me and the RV.

[@codymcvicar]

That’s crazy!!! Just watched the install and 🤯🤯 I just bought a new keystone avalanche 365mb and it had that tape on the roof. I asked the dealer what happened to the roof🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️. They didn’t know anything about it and had said it must have happened at the dealer but it’s still covered under warranty!! Mine also has solar prep as well. So now I’m thinking that’s what it is!! I really appreciate your videos I’ve learned a lot and bought a lot of stuff that you use thanks again 😊😊😊

[@andysukosd8177]

Watt a great video guys, really enjoyed this one. Great job .

[@robinowen3058]

We have lived off grid on our ranch in the boonies for over 20 years, and most of our power is solar. We do have a generator to charge the batteries on cloudy winter days, We are a bit more spartan than you are in that there is no furnace (wood heat), and our only AC is an ancient evaporative cooler, but we have most of the other modern conveniences. You will like your new solar system!

[@leonajameson8902]

Awesome. It answered some questions I had about the system I have on my motor home. I have a much better understanding of what all the components do

[@dixiemae5042]

Sealing and attaching those panels … that part use to be the hardest … looks the simplest now 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@RV_There_Yet]

Nice to see you do it correctly … from kill switches to breakers, to wire gauge. I’m a huge fan of welding but cable, and often get asked if it isn’t an overkill. Well worth the money. My system isn’t as elaborate, living in a cooler climate, but I still the have power when I need it. Well done on your presentation!

[@findfreeman]

Super, super useful video. Thanks!

[@jasonb9913]

Having put 400W and 400Ah of LiFePo4 with a 3kW inverter charger in my little 21ft trailer just a couple months ago, I can appreciate the effort you put into your massive system. I love being able to stop for a break and run the AC or microwave without any worries about power or breaking out the generator.

[@gretchenmittelstaedt6703]

Execellent video! Well organized, well presented.

[@crystalherrin7858]

Thank you for the great information that I understood a lot of. Many questions answered! Hugs to you both!

[@mike_adams]

Great episode .. can’t wait to see the completed series, especially the one of the new / upcoming inverter.

[@brentbarrett6152]

Really great job. I'm so impressed with you guys. Learned a lot but watching you do each step gives me confidence that I could do this as well. Thanks so much Brent

[@brentbarrett6152]

Would you consider installing for the right price?

[@jtourche]

Another great video full of great information, thank you! I spied a CVMA hat in this video, with 35-7 MI myself. Safe travels, keep the videos coming.

[@RoamingwiththeRamsays]

Totally impressed. Very detailed and informative without confusing the process.

[@my1991FoxBody]

GREAT JOB !!!! By Far the best laid out video that I've seen. This is the same system I'm getting ready to install on our 39' Diesel Pusher with the Multiplus II 2x120. Once again, well done!

[@houch7640]

Great video as always guys. Really good information presented in a professional yet easy to understand. I have a very similar background to you with over 42 years in the Avionic/Electrical Engineering of Aircraft. I just wanted to clarify a couple of areas where you may want to correct for your listeners 1. There is no such thing as Watts Law. James Watt (a fellow Scotsman) and whom the Watt is named after is calculated using in a similar way to ohms law using amps x voltage 2. The Watt is unit of Power not Energy 3. The unit of Energy is the Joule. It is calculated using Amperage, Power and voltage. This is NOT a criticism merely an observation in the internet of accuracy. Love the channel!!

[@cpepper5702]

I watching several of your previous electrical videos, I wondered if you were an ET lol 🤣 I guess an AT is similar but on airframes lol. Thanks for your service shipmate! 🫡

[@ChangingLanes]

⚓️ 👊🏼

[@salidacyclones8639]

You guys have the best how to videos of any rv'ers out there. Love this video. Have been watching for more then a year now. Super awesome content. Keep up the good work. Tara we know your the real brains behind the scene.

[@ChangingLanes]

🤣 Thanks!

[@xrodeoman]

Ive been wanting to add solar to my old 1987 class a. As an electrician, it has driven me nuts with the limited info available for setting up solar in an rv. I have reached out to multiple people to no avail. This is one if the best videos that I have seen, explaining the different peices of equipment.

[@ChangingLanes]

Totally agree that it's a confusing topic. I think the reason is that there are about 1000 ways to built one.

[@xrodeoman]

@@ChangingLanes I agree and there doesn't seem to be any standard as far as things like where you need a mean of disconnect. I've seen systems smaller than yours with 5 or 6 shut switches and yours is one of tge few that I've seen breakers installed (which makes sense to me)

[@t.w.fields8871]

Way over my head. Impressed that you know how to do it.

[@chrisklemencic6076]

We’ll done Chad. You did a great job showing YOUR install. Jealous of your system. Looking forward to your video on how this system is performing for your needs Again. Great video editing from Tara

[@harleynavis5218]

Thanks for this video chad,as an ex tank mechanic,I appreciate anyone that can do this themselves,were sitting on 1200wts of solar waiting to go on our roof.....keep up the good work....go army

[@Wolfyin2024]

Your gonna love your solar. We have 10- 180 watt panels with 800 ah lithium. I installed three years ago. It's a total game changer!

[@Wolfyin2024]

The only thing I did different. I ordered directly from a china battery manufacturer. 4-200 ah lithium batteries with BMS. $3900. delivered to my door. Great batteries for less than 1/2 price. www.rj-lithium.com/

[@ryanrand9979]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing. We are a family of 5 and going to spend the winter in our trailer down south. You guys inspired us to give it a try 😀. We bought the same trailer as we feel the layout is perfect for us. I have a solar installer doing a 48v victron solar system with 13,000wh of batteries and a 5000w converter to run both legs at once. Very similar to your setup with similar goals. You video is well timed as it will help our installer. Your learnings around running the wire from the roof down will be insightful for sure. Thanks again.

[@ChangingLanes]

Sounds like a great setup! 👍🏼 If your 397 is a later model, they moved the ducting over, so the drop should be between the ducting and frame...

[@ryanrand9979]

@@ChangingLanes thank you! It’s a 2019.

[@bobcrispycritterrv2706]

That was a lot to chew on. Great job making it understandable.

[@randypetty3066]

You do great quality work on your wire placement. Great job explaining the work

[@lifeunchainedtruckandrv2166]

Like the setup! We spaced our panels a bit closer together than yours to get 2,800 watts on our roof so far this week. Running one/two AC all day (and part night sometimes) will pull the Lithium battery(s) down fairy quickly since the solar panels never really produce STC. We wanted to make sure we can run the AC’s Dryer etc...straight off the solar array and have enough amps coming in to concurrently charge our Li PowerWall. We also added low profile flexible panels on our slide outs to help with solar storage intake and save the middle isle on the roof. We posted a small video on our channel if your curious how it works.

[@stevefrakes1074]

Solar panels should produce 80% of STC mounted flat on a sunny day. If anything less than that, you're suffering from shading from A/Cs and vents and if you connected any of them in series, those panels lose power as well. All RV and yacht systems should be connected in parallel. You should be seeing about 2,240w of solar when the batteries are under a load.

[@jimandellenmeadows6244]

Thanks much guys. I have been waiting for this video since we kind of talked about it awhile back.

[@biglemms]

Great video and description. Nice work to both of you.

[@D_and_V_Transport]

Awesome job! This looked like a really intimidating project, but you took it in stride! Great video Chad and Tara!

[@razmondpush2971]

Great job, well done. Let me know when you have an appointment time ands place in mind so I can have you do our system as well...lol. Thanks for the invite, it is always appreciated. Just a side note, glad there were no fireworks.

[@mbrown1519]

This is kayak Mark from lake Powell, just traded to a DRV Mobile Suites two weeks ago and I put that same inverter in 2,000 w of solar on the roof, and 4 170 amp lithium from Big Battery so far working great.

[@UncleTracy]

What a fantastic, educational walkthrough! Thanks!

[@bretrobison5529]

Chad, Well done shipmate (yea, I know you were an airdale, but Navy is Navy!!). Being a former Fire Control Tech working on and teaching Phalanx CIWS back in the day, your video and commentary left no doubt that folks with our training and background would typically be able to do this. Thank you for the channel and sharing the knowledge and experiences of Tara and yourself being full timers!

[@loriw2661]

This was so interesting. I use to work with my brother who is a Master Electrician. I’m familiar with the language and you made this really easy to understand. I too need A/C so if I ever were to boon dock I’d have the same set up. Very well done. Enjoy!!

[@stevefrakes1074]

#4 This is about cost. I love Victron equipment - well designed, rugged, reliable, marine grade - it's just a little too expensive for most people and they nickel and dime you on all of the parts you need to make a complete system. For yacht installs, that's all I use, but for RV use and especially those on a tighter budget, I select lower priced/equal quality brands designed for RV use and design the entire system around their electrical goals. For my own trailer, I'm going with a hybrid solar controller/inverter/charger which cuts way down on parts and cabling. I'm also using a 24v battery bank, which makes the equipment cheaper and I lose slightly less power in cabling. Anyhow, love you guys and love your channel! Take it easy!

[@ChangingLanes]

I see them just fine.. 😊

[@doughinkle2947]

Nice job Chad (Tara too)! The solar teaser you gave us a few weeks ago was killing me. Really looking forward to your performance follow-up video and potential Victron inverter install.

[@crystallimerick4787]

Wow, just wow. Amazing job.

[@tinkeringwithelectronics]

Wow! Great job explaining all of that. Very concise. Thanks

[@johnkeim3836]

Really enjoyed your video Professor Chad! I hope all your hard work pays off for you. Almost forgot your video was Electric….

[@blessedtoquest]

I love the way you think. This os exactly how I'd think I would figure out how many I could fit up there lol. Great tutorial! Nice friend you had there too!

[@reeseman4408]

Chad you always impress me with the knowledge of diy and mechanical/electrical aspects. But the in depth understanding you displayed and explain here is absolutely incredibly astounding. Kudos for not only know these kind of things, but also and maybe equally or more importantly, putting it in layman's terms for those with less knowledge that you, to understand and process easily.

[@crusin73]

I always like watching you at work. Because I can count on you paying attention to detail. Maybe because I can easily relate with other Veterans. ..... so you worked on a carrier?? Wish You guys best of health and safe travels.

[@ChangingLanes]

Thanks! Yes.. I worked on E2-C Hawkeyes, deployed on the Roosevelt (CVN-71)

[@crusin73]

@@ChangingLanes I was Army, started as a generator mechanic, finished as a Motor Ssgt. been in many different types of units, all over the world. finally called it quits when I returned from Iraq in 91. Thanks agian, you did a lot of planning and prep the same as I did (with the cardboard cut outs.) of course in this heat, I am not getting as much done as i would like daily. safe travels

[@kerrykelly6377]

Thank you, this video simplified a lot of things for me. Is it gonna cost me a lot of money? YES! Will it be with it? YES! You guys rock xoxo