Complete RV Solar Install For Boondocking / Dry Camping Part 1 of 3 - RV Upgrades

Part 1 of our RV solar install series focuses on installing the solar panels and the solar controller to harness the power of the sun! This 3 part series shows the complete installation Go Power! Solar Extreme Kit to allow us to live off the cord.
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Parts installed in this video:
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Go Power! Overlander 160W Solar Panel: amzn.to/2xQTD86
MC4 Solar Connectors: amzn.to/2A0tDsa
This is only part 1 of our 3 part RV solar install series. Here we mount the solar panels to the roof of the RV, wire them in parallel, and install the solar controller. The goal of this RV solar system is to allow us to boondock and dry camp with AC power and never have to worry about running out of electricity!
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[@lilymalacon944]

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.

[@JCMercyGrace]

My husband is so glad to watch these install videos. He's already watched these solar installs 2 times. Thank you.

[@kevinstouffer9978]

I’m so glad you said to cover your panels before connecting them to your system. I’ve see way too many people not bother and they were lucky not to fry the whole system. Great job.

[@curve5746]

The satisfaction of doing things with your hands is irreplaceable

[@fredsilberman8117]

3-part video on installation was excellent. So many producers talk about what they did. This young man actually shows how he did it. For people like me who’ve never worked much with electricity, this was a godsend. Thanks buddy!

[@richardkoch8752]

The moment that David saw that it worked was priceless! That was very well deserved joy in a job well done. What a sweet couple!

[@boogeyman1967]

wow.. that look of joy on your face when everything worked! I could feel it all the way over here! Nice job!

[@StressLessCamping]

This is a terrific video of the process and pieces but the best part was seeing your joy when it all worked.

[@youmusttohave]

Thanks for the videos on solar. Stumbled across these last night. I am not an engineer and I have been trying to get my head around how all the pieces fit together. Great watching you make every connection was what I needed to make sense of it all. Thanks

[@topcandidatecustomresumes5595]

MAN!!! You are one competent and articulate person. I'm 75 and had my solar installed. No way I would have attempted to do what you did. IMPRESSIVE!

[@Servinghimalwyz]

I've been watching RV videos for several months now to educate myself in preparation for my own launch into full-time RV life. This is probably the best how-to video for solar install that I have seen. Thanks! I've subbed and will continue to follow you two.

[@FateUnbound]

+Brian Lee Stephens Wow thank you!! I tried to show everything and explain it all as best I could so it could help anyone else looking to so an RV solar install. Best of luck to you Brian, safe and happy travels!

[@hebelson444]

Brian, congrats on taking the dive to go full time. I've been giving it thought and well...finances are what keep me from taking the dive. Soon enough though....

[@greengrass89]

I hope you'll take a little more precaution when wiring your system. He didn't do anything 'wrong' but there's plenty he could have done better. Each leg of the system should have been protected by fuse or breaker. And never...ever!...use wire nuts on that much 10awg wire. It'll work, but crimp and solder is a much better way. (Or at least crimp with ring terminals) Also when looking at a lithium battery bank you need something far more sophisticated than the go power pwm charge controller. Lithium is very sensitive to voltage charge and float. Something like a Victron BlueSolar gives you configurable charge parameters to customize what your batteries need. Otherwise, nice install. I hope it's working well. Happy to provide pointers if you're interested.

[@stevesealey317]

I have a class c with 1 battery and 1800 watt inverter. What size solar panel outfit is needed to charge that 1 battery while using it to power fridge and tv.

[@dacelooper]

@@stevesealey317 100w flat mounted will charge the battery in solar Zone 4. As for powering your TV and refrigerator more information is required. Small TV sets can require anywhere from 20 to 50 Watts. Most RVs are equipped with absorption refrigerators which run off of propane and require very little draw from the battery. They can run off of 120 volt power as well but are extremely inefficient. They use about 10 times the amount of electricity. So if you trade that refrigerator in for something like a 10.1 Magic Chef (297kwh/yr) and power a 32 inch samsung um32m5300 (1100wh total), you will need to generate around 1500wh of charge. here is a safe calculation for zone 4, 1500wh÷6.5h=230w (panel output needed), 230w÷0.6=383w (panel rating needed after no-tilt loss). so it would be safe to say five 100w panels or two 250w panels will power these items and charge your battery to a full 12.9v

[@DaveMoore99]

Very well done video. Thanks for being thorough. A lot of videos out there do not show the entire process. I appreciate you going through everything. I'm about to install a system on my RV and this helps a bunch.

[@victorsantana162]

That's what I call persistence and determination. Nice job! You can start your own RV solar system installation for sure.

[@SolarSailor1967]

I installed a much smaller system into my truck for camping last summer. I still enjoy watching other installs to relive the thrill of the first install.

[@randyfredricksen5963]

I am planning an off grid solar install for my rv and your video really helped me with the basics I'll need, great job. The one thing I might do different is mounting the fuse in one of the easier access areas in order to check it or change the fuse in the future. Thanks for the video!

[@colingee6687]

Great job. I recommend covering the wires on the roof with a plastic split wire loom to protect them from ultraviolet exposure and keep the insulation from getting brittle over time. It will also protect them from squirrels and other critters from chewing on the wires.

[@FateUnbound]

Thanks Colin! That is a really good suggestion, however I'm not too worried about it since it is PV rated wire and is made specifically to handle UV exposure all day every day. Although that doesn't mean a rodent won't come along and chew them up...hm...

[@deansorgan]

Loved your excitement and enthusiasm at 22:40! Congratulations, I know the feeling as I just finished installing my solar system after reviewing your and everyone else’s KZbin solar install videos.

[@cathyann1601]

Good job on installing the solar panels! I like how you did it by making your own brackets.

[@EngineerK]

Make sure you check the guage of the existing wire going from your converter to battery can handle the charge current. Its dependant on the length of run.

[@rvscootin3457]

Outstanding job!!! It looks AMAZING!!! I don't know if there is such a thing as too much Dicor RV sealant, so you certainly did it right. Thank you soooo much for sharing this.

[@Ournotsoperfectlife]

David - thank you for this video series. We will be referencing this several times as we tackle this project ourselves. We seek to be independent as possible, and LOVE boondocking. We are full-time newbs and have found many of your vids excellent and fun to watch. But seriously tho man.. that SMILE at the end when it all worked was so awesome. Could totally feel the warmth of that ear-to-eat grin. Great job man!!!

[@Patrick_Nottingham]

I actually laughed when you got it excited it was working. I know that feeling - the one where something does what you hoped the first time after a long days work. It's pretty exciting.

[@rvscootin3457]

I had this Exact same idea for the mounting brackets. I love the home made engineering. So Awesome!!!

[@KRoseVideo-royw07]

Great Video on RV Solar Install! This is the best instructional video I have ever seen on any topic! Thank you for your video work.

[@TravelswithYoly]

Great video ! Extremely thorough and well narrated. Doing this install was a major project in itself and documenting it with video as you did is that much more noteworthy ..... my hat's off to you. I wish I was as comfortable as you were up on the roof that close to the edge. Now for Part 2 :-)

[@FateUnbound]

Thank you! I did my best to show every step and explain it as clearly as I could so that anyone else doing a solar install on their RV would have a good step by step resource.

[@Tiberswimteam09]

Great how-to video! I love your reaction when you finished and saw it working.

[@pameladudrow247]

Thx for excellent “how to” video! Love your joy at its completion!

[@terrythornton6883]

I have just found this channel in recent days my wife and I are retired I'm medically retired and my wife retired after twenty years at a bank where we live in Alabama I enjoy the information you put out we are planning to start the RV life not full time but maybe a couple of weeks to begin and then hopefully months at a time I will continue to follow this channel it's very informative thanks to you both for putting out this information I hope it makes things a little easier for my wife and I see you on the road

[@dutch6753]

Go Terry we have two rv s one in Florida one in indiana.you can do this .buy a used one there made better.

[@assantemark]

Great job of install of solar panel and wire runs. Wish i watched this first. I ran all new wire to the battery, I did not think to tap into converter like you did. Keep up the good work!

[@FateUnbound]

+Mark Assante Thank you! Yeah I got kindof lucky because I was also going to run new wire all the way to the batteries but while I was looking over the electrical panel while I was preparing it dawned on me that there were leads directly from the battery running into the DC panel I could tap into. Saved me a decent amount of time and some money on wire.

[@glengarbera7367]

You folks are awesome. Glad I found your site before I start my shuttle bus conversion.

[@patlsmith404]

WTG! Made it look so easy...but we know different. So proud of you & wife. You remind me of my Grt Nephew.❤️😎

[@bmack7762]

So happy it worked for you!

[@yuraseadoo]

great job! I have watched many rv solar videos Yours is the best! I have installed several rv systems but wasn't sure about the right whole system way - you helped me to understand the whole picture! thank you so much!

[@hughentwilliams5680]

This is shurly a game changer now people Can help them self and that is very good

[@dukwcapt]

Hey thanks, nice DIY video! Explained well, and camera work was really good.

[@Firewalker688]

I think you did an excellent job on the install and agree, the documentation and narration was fantastic. The tilt brackets you made turned out very nice and I can really appreciate a nice clean install. I agree with you 100% on liberal use of Dicor and it will save you a lot of grief by doing it how you did. The great thing is in 10 years from now you can easily get it off and the fasteners will still look new. It was nice to enjoy your moment of triumph with you at the end. Even when you follow directions to a T it is still a pleasant surprise to see something fall into place. All the best to you and yours. Cheers friend.

[@betobeto7903]

GREAT JOB! I do not know much about solar installs but have seen a few KZbin vids and never seen it done like that. It seems simple and straightforward.

[@FateUnbound]

Thank you! I'm not sure what you mean by them doing it differently. This is the only way I know how to install a complete RV solar and inverter system. What do you mean?

[@betobeto7903]

Fate Unbound Well to be honest not sure just seemed a bit too simple compared to other videos that I have seen again this is coming from someone that’s just starting to learn how all this works. Thanks again you’re making it so much easier on learning how all this works!!

[@FateUnbound]

I'll take that as a compliment that I just made it look easy hahaha. Just kidding. Let me know if you've got any solar questions =)

[@jimvandehey]

Nicely done. Thanks for making the video.

[@SooLabs]

This is a excellent video. Completely detailed, showing everything.

[@criscross6591]

Great job! I would wrap some electrical tape around those wire nuts, they are designed for house use, not a vibrating vehicle. I don’t trust wing nuts either, nylock nuts would be a better option when going down the road at 60 mph. Just my opinion. Great job! Love the install!

[@steveed2961]

in a house, wire nuts (and all connections, I believe) would never be allowed if they are not in a junction box. Tape around the nuts would not be an accepted replacement for a box in a house.

[@benjaminmcox]

Great video. Loved your excitement once it was working at the end. Nice Job, Sir and Ma'am.

[@RVHabit]

Very nice install. That's quite a complete system you have planned. Looking forward to seeing the complete setup.

[@FateUnbound]

+RV Habit Thanks! Yeah we went pretty much all out for our solar setup. We may even get a fold out expansion panel in the future since we have actually ran low on battey more than once when we went 3 or 4 days of clouds in a row. A bigger lithium battery bank would be fantastic but another battery would cost a lot.

[@lesolson2380]

Great Job! Happy for you and I like your panel install..

[@victorparis6376]

thank you so much brother great easy perfect explain video!! you two are pure magic!!

[@martinhawrylkiewicz2025]

Really love this vid! Very informative.

[@cowboymcq6711]

Awesome video dude best one I’ve found yet ‼️‼️‼️thanks

[@jayace9888]

Awesome video. You have given me the confidence to tackle on my rv solar panel project.

[@rallycsx]

I own that exact trailer Summerland 2020QB. Thanks for the great detail!

[@HalkerVeil]

For safety you should have a kill switch between solar panels and charge controller. So you don't damage the panels or controller if you need repair or upgrades. Far easier than taping cardboard on the panels.

[@chrisa.wilson311]

Great video, would have installed the 30A 12V positive fuse in the exterior fridge access door for easier access when in need of changing it vs. having to remove breaker panel. Excellent video editing step by step!! Happy trails!

[@chrisa.wilson311]

Also install kill switch on positive lead near batteries on trailer tongue in order to prevent phantom discharge when batteries are full/hooked to shoreline??? or does the neg. shunt from charge monitor take care of that????Thoughts?? thnx

[@Snailmailtrucker]

Great job Fate Unbound ! Liked/Subscribed.... Your satisfaction on completing this job was a joy to see !

[@FateUnbound]

Thank you! This was quite an undertaking so I was incredibly happy when it was all finished and working properly.

[@nwader]

Nice work my man!!! That's amazing how you had fairly easy access to run wires. Great video!!!

[@johnbarroqueiro3933]

Very helpful video, best one found!!!

[@dillonlaw8898]

You know that look you had when you found out it was working??? I’ve never had that look!!!😂😂😂🤪🤪👍👍

[@onedaycloser2872]

Great job...thank you for sharing.

[@aurelienyonrac]

Impressive and pretty clever.

[@madie72451]

Good job!

[@shrimptempuraasmr3742]

You worked hard and did a great job

[@cherylhooten9979]

What a great job. I'll watch video a few more times and attempt to do my class A.

[@lizchilders4154]

Awesome job! I have no idea how you all know how to do all this stuff!

[@danahsutton101]

Great video. Your explanations are excellent.

[@Randy-hg5pi]

Good on ya for doing your own install.

[@ankurpatel8372]

Good DIY video

[@laurajphillips]

You did a fantastic job! Thank You!

[@walking_with_andy]

wow been looking for this video for years. thanks

[@rickstarr9677]

Good video. I would just add that wire nuts are subject to vibration, so I would have taped them with electrical tape so they can’t “unscrew” behind a panel while you’re driving. Either that or use a splice kit or other “crimp” mechanism that can’t come undone so easily. Otherwise, good show!

[@jamespetrell6243]

Great tip to run wires down refrigerator vent. Plus gaining access to batteries by using the battery connections at the converter. My converter is right under my refrigerator. Making my install super easy. Super job of explaining each step. One tip though - If you do not connect the solar panels until the end of all the other connections required you would not have needed to cover the panels with cardboard. Other than that its a super explanation of your install. Thanks!!

[@misstanai]

Awesome Video! Thanks!

[@markwanner6213]

Great video! Thank you!

[@BobHamiltonnewradio]

Just excellent! Thanks for this...

[@oceanbrzzz]

Very informative video! Thank you.

[@BernardBaker1]

Good job! GREAT Video. Thanks!

[@Hidalez]

Nice clean install. Done well!!! Critical mistake when connecting power into the main power of rig... should place electrical tape on wirenuts if you use them like that ... arguable should have done the splice in a junction box for safety reasons.

[@brianpetersen3262]

Nicely done, both the videos and the install very well thought out

[@FateUnbound]

Thank you Brian, hopefully these videos are useful to anyone preparing to do a solar install on their RV!

[@brianpetersen3262]

Fate Unbound I found it useful. A good birds eye view of the install.

[@gccooley]

Well done instructional video.

[@mcanning51]

Just found your channel, subscribed. Nicely 👍🏻 explained and demonstrated your install. Good luck 🍀

[@TheUserid82]

When you make a tillable panel remember to have 4 eye bolts in the corners to be zip tie points to lock the panels flat when driving so any movement pulls on them and not the mounting hardware. Can use a piece of angle iron to the trailer/rv roof to screw into the studs and still let you move the panels right next to each other without losing any strength just put one or 2 washers between the metal and the roof at the points you bolt it down to prevent the metal from rubbing on the roof over time and to let the water out that would normally get trapped between.

[@ArtistSoul13]

Great JOB, your step by step was very explained..........again.........great job!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@FateUnbound]

Thank you I appreciate it!

[@p12345678963]

Well done

[@JORJWELDER]

Great job , you are good

[@irenearroyo77]

Aw so happy for you

[@annhofland7232]

Very Nice, great video I'm going to check go power out, take care

[@FateUnbound]

Thank you Ann. So far we've been happy with our Go Power products. My biggest advice though is to get an MPPT charge controller. I'm not sure if Go Power has one or not.

[@chrisfurry766]

“It’s working,Yes!!” Thats the way I feel when I change a light bulb. Haha. I’m about to tackle a solar system about three times this big. I’m a bit worried.

[@0HARE]

Nice work, and a good job filming it all. I need to do this on our travel trailer. We upgraded our single 12 volt battery to two NAPA 6 volt golf cart batteries wired together, giving us a very robust 12 volt battery, with plenty of spare power. I found an excellent battery box on e-bay that perfectly accommodates the 2 golf cart batteries. I’m looking forward to the next videos of your install. Best Of Luck

[@FateUnbound]

The videos are already out, you can view all our solar related videos on our playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLX4AHF_XaLMWKDH302EOmgoXGP0vtbHJ5

[@projectECHO6]

GoodJob! Well explained! I'm now Subscribed!

[@FateUnbound]

Thank you!

[@HighOctaneGamer]

Never thought of this kind of instal, way more simple. Just have to figure out if my converter will charge my new lithium battery

[@jamesboaz4787]

Great video. Loads of info. People always get worried about drilling or cutting... (you should be) But five in, it's an adventure, where making discovery's here.

[@tommcl386]

Great video. Gave me great ideas for me to connect solar on my roof. I have been wondering how I was going to run the cables down and connect to the batteries. Thank you!!

[@vanstiller5219]

Surely the best how to vid. on solar. And I've watched many son. Loved the JOY you felt when you saw the power coming in. I hope I have that same feeling when I install mine. Thanx to you - I feel confident I can do this. Been a sub. for awhile. All yer vids. are good. Fine job - fine job.

[@nancymertens9739]

Wonderful SOLAR pkg

[@hitmanhank8444]

Great video. I think it would have been easier (for future use) to access the inline fuse you installed if you had put it in the outside access panel behind the refrigerator rather than behind the converter.

[@misterkota1252]

By far the BEST solar video on KZbin, hands down. Thanks for the great video, and thanks for being real, not "WHAAAATS UP GUYYYYYYYS!!!! like many others on here. Will be copying everything you did here on my new Jayco next week when we take delivery. Can't wait!

[@montemify]

Great job. Look forward to future videos to see if it was worth it.

[@TBrownRecords]

Nice job on the insulation

[@couvidan]

thank you so much for this video!!!!!!!!! haha im sure you hear that alot. 98 degrees? i wish. im watching this about to tackle my system in 20degreesF here we go!

[@MStrickkk]

Splicing into wiring from the fuse panel is going to trip up the chargers readings and possibly over charger your batteries, especially while anything running through that fuse panel is running. You should think about fully finishing this install by running the charger wires straight to the battery bank, to extend the life of your setup.

[@joshuawhite9725]

The charge line from the converter runs directly to the battery so whether you connect at the load center or the battery is the same net effect, I build RVs for a living in electrical and our solar preps just tie into the same charge line at the mini breakers under the front of the unit.

[@docwells4747]

great job

[@FateUnbound]

Thank you!

[@trustinwwjd1997]

Whoa, , , thanks so much for sharing , , , very good job I believe, , , GOD bless for your all good works , , ,

[@johnbaker1039]

Just found your install video , great how to on the installation. One thing you should reconsider in the install, those wire nuts you used for the battery connection charging connections. This connection is a high current connection and you should consider lugs and a terminal strip to insure a more positive connection. Short of that go back and solder those wires together.

[@FateUnbound]

Thanks for the recommendation John. I have since removed the wire nuts and gone with crimp connections that wont vibrate loose. Soldering would definitely be the best way to go in my opinion, but it was difficult enough just getting a crimp tool in some of those locations, let alone a soldering iron.

[@johnbailey2034]

Keep in mind the shade from your tree is blocking a bit of the panels . Great to see it is working .

[@Questionmarks237]

Almost looked like you were going to cry when it worked...lol. congratulations!