Custom Camper Van Conversion, Part 5: RV Electricity & Solar Power

[@VideoMenu]

THE MOST helpful solar-in-a-van video and I've watched many dozen. THanks!

[@Lovelace069]

VideoMenu me too!

[@SethHoldren]

I've been scouring the internet for months in vain searching for information that provides even a fraction of the wonderful info you provide in this action-packed 12-minute video on campervan electrical systems. Thank you so much for making this video, Ron, you are a rare human being indeed.

[@opalcoastal-ld5kd]

SethHoldren Seconded

[@opalcoastal-ld5kd]

**Literally** THE *BEST* VIDEO I have ever seen on running electricity- and believe me, I have watched a TON!! This is the MOST HELPFUL of ALL van build videos I have ever seen. Thank you sooo much!!! Subscribed, liked, and shared!!

[@scottcaviness]

Wonderful Video! Instructional and concise. You have a great personality and voice that make watching a pleasure.

[@donnahague8983]

This is a wonderful video...we are going to look at Vans today to do a van build and this is the best video I've come across in the 2 years I've been researching....thank you for sharing your information ....thank you, thank you thank you.

[@jumpingmatt]

Thank you for taking the time to explain in such an easy to understand way. I now have many keywords I can use for my research along with basic understanding of the role of each part. Awesome !

[@DormantIdeasNIQ]

DUDE! I know all that you are explaining, but I remember when I didn't and had to learn it... I see that you cover everything logically thoroughly with matching graphs along your spill! matching what you say with what modules are needed and what they do! If only I had come up on YOUR VIDEO first! the TIME I wasted! YOUR SHORT VIDEO is BETTER than ALL THAT GARBAGE OUT THERE COMBINED... ...and what is even better, you do know what the best options are, I KNOW, because in my long trek of reading so much garbage, I also know the same thing that you describe! PRICELESS! I will display you prominently on our web site as best example! Thank you!

[@menuxpressions9128]

Thanks for the well done video tutorial. I'm in the process of rigging my van with deep cell batteries and what you've put together kinda freaked me out. As a laymen it all seems very complex but you led me in the right direction and I appreciate that.

[@tannertoys]

Thanks -- glad this was helpful!

[@LaughingblueSu]

So VERY well done! A fountain of valuable information not found elsewhere. Thanks for mentioning using marine wire. I never would have thought of that.

[@tannertoys]

Thanks much!

[@gypsygirl19]

Been researching for a van project. This has been the easiest to understand. Thank you so much!

[@barbarawebster6808]

Thanks for the best explanation of this subject I've seen. very nice video.

[@tannertoys]

+Barbara Webster Thanks, Barbara!

[@AhmedGannat]

To the point. Adds value all the way. Brilliant video, thanks a lot

[@SenoritaSenorita]

Thank you! Clearest and most informative explanation I've found.

[@patrickjones6400]

Excellent. Excellent. Excellent. Thank you. Now I know what to learn so I'm doing my homework.

[@rvvanlife7077]

Thanks Ron, just added this to "favorites"

[@fredsammut3966]

Great video. Straight to the point. Thanks for posting this!

[@vango4127]

GREAT video. Just beginning my van build. Thank you Kindly for taking the time.

[@alfredovindiola6364]

Nice comfrotable size van! Very serene mint color. I have my own house paid off. I would permanently live in a van, but I have a wife that does not grasp the simpler life. Oh! I have 3 kids too.

[@MTBIKEXC]

Best video I've seen on this. Thanks!

[@nncoco]

So much detail. Thanks Ron.

[@jennnnnn9205]

VERY informative! I took plenty of notes! Thank you!

[@DavidTermini]

Wow, I feel educated to do my van now. Although I will keep it simple to start. Thanks a lot.

[@fordNugget]

nice setup, i also recomend the usage of battery balancers to keep all batteries in nice level against each other... example "load champ" or similar

[@gilnoel892]

Resurectio, Ever thought of getting rid of your house breakers and fuses? And your vehicle's factory-installed fuses? when you start smelling that familiar electrical burn in your van, you'll know what we mean. Nice and informative video! Thanks. Gil

[@0269178]

Very nice advices. I trust each of these words.

[@perottohvidsten3490]

Great video! I just learned that I have a thing or two to learn

[@CampervanCarl]

thanks guy! one thing; charging slowly via solar three stage shore and alternator my 4x6v flooded bank hasn't needed water in a year now

[@Lovelace069]

Campervan Carl hi....batteries need water?

[@wolfgangsnapplestein7321]

Use more then one source. Solar, Gen-set, and alternator. When it's cloudy you can use Genny. when your traveling you can charge off the coach. When your chilllin and it's sunny the solar is the way to go.

[@101perspective]

Nice video. I'm glad my electrical needs are a lot less. I was able to just hook one solar panel on the roof. And my fuse system is a TON simpler. I just run everything (including the charge controller) to a Blue Sea systems ST-Blade Battery Terminal Mount Fuse Block kit. It's only good for up to 30amps per connection and 100 amps total. However, if you have a small system like mine it works great and can be hooked up in a matter of minutes. And it is small, connects straight to the battery and uses car type fuses (each connection has it's own fuse... up to 4). It has a block for the negative side also to make it easier to connect your wires to the battery. Again, it is only good for a small system though. For example, my inverter is only 200 watts. And I don't have things like AC units. For a van like he has in the video you definitely need to go with the bigger stuff. He has tons of electrical needs. Which is expected if you are living full time in it. I use my for only a few weeks at a time.

[@attackandsnack]

I like the drawings lol :) simple but effective

[@waterisfuel14]

solar power can be used to generate HHO which can be used to run generator and help with diesel consumption

[@chetuk7733]

Nice Explanation cleared my basic..

[@thokozani031]

Wow! The most useful explanation ever!!

[@tannertoys]

Thanks!

[@CycleCruza]

Very helpful info!

[@ExclusiveLM]

This is EASILY the best instructional video I've ever seen for ANYTHING on youtube....... and I've been watching youtube since the very beginning. Thank you for the verbal AND visual syncing of this tutorial. INCREDIBLY thorough !!

[@weathervane1970]

Great video. Thank you for sharing.

[@GospelTruth37059]

I find the whole thing fasinating :)

[@mal23500]

very nice and helpful video !

[@justinevirtue1755]

Good basics. Thanks

[@wolfgangsnapplestein7321]

A cheaper way to convert shore power to charge your batteries is with a regular battery charger from say walmart or amazon. Mine was 60 dollars, has built in circuitry to protect the batteries from over charge. I do have to manually set it each time I wish to recharge batteries in this fashion but all that entails is flipping a switch.

[@Clarke1982]

Great videos... Watching the whole series. Currently in the process of finding a van that will allow me to live "off the grid" so I can save money and still have the luxury of traveling and seeing the world. In your experience what is the most reliable make and model of van? Kind regards, Duncan

[@tannertoys]

+Duncan Clarke Thanks, Duncan. Hard to pick the best van because there are new cargo vans on the road: Ford Transit, Dodge Promaster, and Nissan NV. In various ways they compete favorably with the Mercedes Sprinter. But none of them are diesel, which I prefer. And, because the Sprinter has been around since 2002, there are a lot of used ones on the market. I do not recommend traditional 8-cylinder American van. They simply aren't cost effective because they guzzle gas. Nor do I recommend mini-vans because they're usually too small and not quite as hardy as a cargo van. Look on Craigslist and eBay within a 200-mile radius of your city. Also scout out community bulletin boards and retirement homes for van-sale notices.

[@tannertoys]

Thanks! I'm glad this is helpful!

[@EMCU2001]

very informative. thank you!

[@carlosleon1162]

nice I like u explanation. clear me a lot, thanks

[@MrChangeordie]

Wow very nice video and knowledge giving :)

[@jackgeorge5799]

It was a great vid, but it makes me question if having power is worth the it?

[@bigjoe2458]

enjoy your videos. good teaching videos. what is your website again?

[@divamariahcarey2]

Amazing vid, thank you!

[@adictiveadictive]

Thanks for the video and explanation. how do you feel about solar generators like th yeti zero 1200?

[@tannertoys]

I have no experience with solar generators.

[@MaximusStimulus]

I bet Ron stayed at a Holiday Inn Express too ! !

[@DanSlotea]

people seem to be forgetting about wind generators, especially the vertical ones. Solar panels don't work at night and lose efficiency when the sun is not perpendicular on them or in bad weather. Wind generators have more chance of working and a 300W one is pretty compact.

[@tannertoys]

I've never seen one on a vehicle. How would it work?

[@DanSlotea]

Ron Tanner a quick google image search away: ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1_PqYRpXXXXadXVXXq6xXFXXX9/300w-24V-50HZ-helix-font-b-vertical-b-font-font-b-wind-b-font-turbine-font.jpg vertical ones are more efficient and a lot less noisy. you can get hybrid controllers for running wind generators and solar panels. www.otherpower.com/images/scimages/90/C__DCP02136.jpg

[@donhoppes9274]

Little bit of misinformation here. First, an INVERTER converts DC from the battery bank into AC. The waveform can be square, modified sine wave, or pure sine wave, as noted; however, the output feeds AC devices, some of which can be damaged by anything other than pure sine wave voltage. A CONVERTER, on the other hand, is a device that plugs into an AC source, and produces a nominal 12 volt output, to provide power to your RVs DC devices: LED lighting, for example. A CHARGER/CONVERTER also is able to charge your house batteries with an internal 3 or 4 stage charger. Other than this bit of confusion, good, informative video.

[@seanjohnson9229]

+Don Hoppes I was just about to question about this. So you would also run a generator through a charger/converter?

[@donhoppes9274]

I believe a typical RV electrical system runs the on-board generator output through a charger/converter for charging the house battery bank, and supplying regulated 12 volts to DC appliances.

[@tannertoys]

+Don Hoppes That's it. The best configuration is to get a high-end charger/converter combo. In the video, I simply call mine an "inverter," but it's actually the combo that does it all

[@gerrycarson5385]

Nice graphics. I have a 06 leisure van. Roof space limited like yours. Did you connect the panels in series or two parallel circuits? I am toying with mixing thirty volt and 18 volt to achieve max output, but not my forte .Do the ones on the side of the air conditioner detract due to shade much?

[@tannertoys]

Gerry Carson The panels are connected in parallel: red to red (hot to hot), black to black, all the way around. I've not noticed any shade problems with the side panels.

[@terryskeans6521]

Ron Tanner Hello : I'm fixing up a 1952 School Bus. I want to put Solar Panels with Deep Cell Battery's . Here's what I have to figure out. The Old Bus is 12 Volt. Can that Charge my Deep Cell Battery's . I'm just learning. Thanks Terry

[@Dr_Nelson_]

Correct me if I am wrong, but to plug into shore power, wouldn't you need a CONverter (that converts AC to DC) in order to charge your battery? As per my understanding, a INverter inverts DC to AC. Please keep in mind, I don't know jack about electrical stuff... Very helpful video, nicely made! Thx

[@tannertoys]

Yes, Joe, you are right. My inverter is a converter too. Most higher-end units have both in a single package and I highly recommend it. Thanks--and good luck with your project.

[@ncwhitworth65]

Great explanation! Thank you! Quick question: what is the AC you are using on the roof? Thanks

[@tannertoys]

That's a Carrier unit--their low profile, which they don't make anymore

[@ngrobert5054]

u are the best video to understand

[@PlatinumDragonProductions999]

How do you make the hole in the roof for the solar power lines water tight? How about the hole for the water tank vents?

[@phillycheesetake]

Hi Ron, thanks for the video, it really was helpful. I have a question if you have the time. Does connecting an auxiliary battery bank to the alternator increase the workload on the engine (such as turning the AC on would) and/or starve the car battery of juice?

[@tannertoys]

It does not strain the engine but it can drain the starter battery. That's why you need a switch to turn it off and on.

[@tannertoys]

***** Yes: I have a charge controller for my solar panels and for the AC feed to my inverter. And, yes, every line is fused.

[@kenkloet5331]

I have been watching a few of these solar videos lately and although I don't have anything yet no one seems to mention that as long as the solar panels are in the sun they can produce power and charge batteries. This being said why is it never said that this is going on while traveling? Most travel is done, whether permitting, on roads that have full sunlight, even in the forested upper peninsula of Michigan which has nearly all two lane roads, the roads are cleared enough to afford full sunlight. shouldn't this receive at least honorable mention when talking about solar panels charging the battery bank. Maybe it's too obvious but everyone seems to only talk about charging the battery bank while boondocking in there videos. I did find your video enjoyable, informing and well produced. Thank you for your efforts and posting it.

[@tannertoys]

+Ken Kloet Thanks for your input, Ken. It's a good point. However, when I'm driving I'm charging my batteries via my alternator, not my solar panels.

[@kenkloet5331]

+Ron Tanner , your reply about using the alternator to charge your van's "house" battery bank is then taking some power from your engine and depending on the state of that battery bank could put quite a load on your engine and effect your fuel consumption. I would think using your solar panels to charge your house battery bank should improve your fuel economy.

[@Irideonandon]

Thanks for the great video!! If I have solar panels through a controller to charge my batteries, I can also hook my batteries directly to the vehicle alternator output? I could put a disconnect relay between the alternator and batteries to disconnect them while on solar charge. Would I get enough of a charge from the alternator to make it worth while and would it not hurt my batteries? A lot of questions I know.

[@tannertoys]

+Irideon Andon Yes, an alternator hook-up is the best way to charge your batteries. You'll need a battery isolator to keep the starter battery from draining your other batteries and a solar controller, which will turn off the solar feed while the alternator is charging your batteries.

[@Gettinsketchyonbourbon]

yeah... Holy shit, how do I have this pre built?

[@ProgamerEU]

thank you so much for the video! helped me out a ton, one question thoguh... Can I draw 12v dc power from the battery without any further overload protection or anything? so just connecting my cigarette lighter outlet with an wire to the battery without a fuse or anything else and it won't overdraw power? thanks for the help!

[@tannertoys]

+ProgamerEU Yes, you can attach any DC utility straight to your battery. But you should install a fuse between the utility and the battery to keep the utility from burning up in case of a short in the wire.

[@mangamark67]

Great detailed info! Question. I've installed a100 w solar panel on my van.I've got a 10 amp fuse from the panel to the 30 amp controller.then controller to battery bank. Do I need to ground anywhere on this system? All videos I've seen do not mention grounding. Tks

[@tannertoys]

mangamark67 Thanks, Mark: the controller should be grounded. It never hurts to ground your equipment.

[@Irideonandon]

Thanks Ron. I am installing an mppt controller. Will I need to put in a switch to disconnect the controller output while on the alternator? Is an alternator a quicker way to charge the battery? I appreciate your help. Once I figure out this last question, I think I am good to go for it.

[@tannertoys]

+Irideon Andon Alternator is the fastest charge. Your solar controller should come with an automatic shut-off for when the alternator kicks in.

[@Irideonandon]

Thanks!

[@now0nline]

Thank you Ron, appreciate the incredibly well articulated video. I am new to the concept of van dwelling and am currently planning a pretty aggressive entrance into the scene. Can you tell me if the scenario I am going to explain sounds electrically sustainable for a few months aside from the obvious risks of the extremely alternative lifestyle? I have a 2000 Ford E350 Super Duty Extended Cargo Van. I am currently insulating. For the first 2-3 week trial run to the Northwest (because it's cooler there next month) this is my plan.I believe I will go isolator only at first because I will be driving daily and don't need a lot of ah. I will charge my laptop (holds 4.5 hr charge) and my cell phone (holds 24 hrs) through a 12v cig lighter inverter while I'm driving. (btw does anyone know if there is any reason that a $5 one from Harbor freight won't work as well as a $30 one from Amazon?) I will be driving 5-7 hours daily except Sundays with about 25 starts and stops during the day over a course of 40-70 miles. I will only run a fantastic fan roof vent with reverse at night while sleeping (6-7 hrs) and a second computer screen for a couple of hours in the afternoons off of the aux battery unless I get a suggestion from someone that I have other ah needs that I am not aware of. This exceptionally low need for ah is because I am only eating raw vegetables and fruits and drinking water 100% of the time in the van while occasionally eating in restaurants so I don't need a fridge or any cooking implements at all. My van will be mostly bed, storage, cargo (samples for business) and office. I just picked a sweet contractors partition/bulkhead with a door today that really boosts the stealth profile. I will be boondocking 100% of the time, showering at fitness centers and Y's, getting up at the crack of dawn and pretty much retiring when the sun sets. I read books on e-kindle on my phone after dark and don't need a light except of course for my emergency gear and my phone has a flashlight app. So... I think if I start with running a 120ah agm 12v (or 2 6v) off the alternator I should be ok. Can you tell me if I'm missing something? If this works I will pass on the solar altogether on this build because this is a test to see if the gorilla sales campaign strategy works for my business. If it does I will be investing in something a little more suitable to spending a lot of time on the road with a couple more creature comforts. Thank you for any comments and everyone else (even sharpshooters) for any input as well.

[@lancebaker1374]

No way you can pose a 485 word comment / question on KZbin and expect an expert reply. You either hire an electrician (BEST) or do 100 hours of reading to decide how to accomplish a custom wiring arrangement.

[@now0nline]

You are correct! No responses at all from anyone except you. And right again, I did benefit very much from watching more videos and talking to people at solar and battery shops and have figured it out for now. Thanks for the input. God bless!

[@tannertoys]

As Lance points out, it's difficult to answer all of your questions in this small space. Here are some thoughgts: 1) learn about inverters. Not all inverters can charge all utilities. 2) You're right to charge your stuff while driving. 3) You need a screen window for ventilation to work with your fan -- blow it out, not in, at night to draw air through the window; otherwise you're not going to get the ventilation you need. 4) I shower at fitness centers; works great; 5) You need at least an ice chest to keep some things cool Don't make living on the road any tougher than it has to be. It can be very tough. I just got off of two months driving around the country--long drives and hot days. It will wear you down. So make a point of building in comfort (like that screened window I mentioned). Best of luck

[@now0nline]

Thank you Ron, I appreciate the info. I realize it was a crazy long bunch of questions mixed in with reasons why etc. so thank you for the tips and helping with your videos. It really is going to make a difference. One thing that I cannot decide on is where to screen vent from. I was thinking of putting a vented hole with a closeable cover in the floor. The reason I don't use the window is because I want to remain 100% stealth. Thanks again!

[@tannertoys]

I believe in keeping a low profile while campervanning but I think the stealth idea is overrated because you're going to sacrifice a lot of comfort in an effort to stay invisible. Most on and off-the-road situations do not call for stealth. Just get a tinted side window. A hole in the floor isn't going to give you the ventilation you need.

[@beaky612]

Hi Ron, How did you attach your solar panels to the roof of your van? I'm trying to determine the best way to attach a solar panel to my pickup truck that I'll be living out of.

[@tannertoys]

beaky612 Easiest way is to get self-tapping bolts. The panels come with mounting brackets. So you're screwing through the bracket holes into the van's sheet metal roof. Before tightening the bolts, slather exterior grade silicone under the bolt head and under the bracket foot. Or use an RV grade sealant that stays flexible. Your sealant should squeeze out and around the bolt once you tighten it down.

[@keatongarcia3899]

😳😳I understand everything now

[@DodoCnR]

Thanks, by the way you look a lot like Terence McKenna!

[@argjr55]

Thanks well done

[@RAWHONEE]

After you rip out ALL the interior… then what? Im a beginner at this… I want eco friendly solar lights, lightweight, basic. Any recommendations where to seek ideas and tutorials.

[@tannertoys]

check out my other videos; then do some online searching for others (like "big red");

[@zachbimson]

Nice video, exactly what i was looking for. Do you have way to chose how your bank is being charged ? i.e if the panels aren't providing enough charge and the bank is reduced to a low level, will it take charge from other sources? or do they all charge at once if possible (suns out, AC's hooked up and the engines running) if this is the case what stops it over charging ? Thanks

[@tannertoys]

Zach Bimson The solar panels are run through a charge controller than keeps the batteries from being overcharged; also the inverter (when plugged in) has a charge controller. When the van is running, the alternator feed over-rides the solar feed.

[@zachbimson]

Perfect thanks Ron, is the override done with a diode or a isolator ? or is it just wired in first?

[@tannertoys]

Zach Bimson Alternator feed has an isolator. You can turn any of these feeds on or off. If the alternator and solar are on at the same time, the alternator -- the stronger, more consistent feed-- will override the solar

[@JEFF4X41]

I thinking of getting a new RV I would like to know the maximum number of panels I can get on the roof

[@tannertoys]

Jeff Woodard As many panels as the roof will hold: there's no limit except for space.

[@mapleleafer74]

of course! haha sorry, i was being a little pedantic👍🏼

[@harrismagnum04]

a fuse will not protect a battery from overcharging or a voltage spike

[@tonyaquinoxx]

I'm sure it will a lot less confusing if you id AC as 120 V and DC as 12 volts. You will never have an AC 12 volts that possibility will never happen. With AC the possibility of AC 120 volts and 220 volts can easily occur. By identifying 12 volt and 120 volts there is no confusion and avoid mis identifying AC 120 volts and 220 volts. After all the intake for most RV are 220 volts. .

[@lancebaker1374]

Good point about 12 volt being DC. I don't know what you mean by the "intake" for most RVs is 220 volt, unless you are not in the U.S. For the U.S., only high current appliances use 220 volt, such as some A.C. units and dish washers. All else is 110 volts (114 to 126 volts).

[@B33SON1]

lithium ion are also good but even more expensive

[@Lovelace069]

B33SON hi do they need to be vented as well?

[@B33SON1]

No, they do not.

[@JEFF4X41]

Will your solor panels handle a microwave or do you need run the generator?

[@tannertoys]

Jeff Woodard You really need a generator (or to plug in) to power something like a microwave.

[@JEFF4X41]

ok

[@lancebaker1374]

The video at 06:35 sketch shows "Connect your panels in series". Isn't that a HUGE mistake? Should be in parallel!!!! At 07:06, "Here's my controller. You can see I'm pulling 30 volts from my panels." The video shows 13.09 volts. Also, YOU do not PULL any volts. The panels are doing the pulling.

[@drimsans]

How do you rig the dc ac inverter up to bring power in from an external source? Most of the inverters I'm finding on the web seem to be purely "ac in" and not "ac out"

[@tannertoys]

+Daniel Rimsans Dan: as I understand it, all inverters convert power from AC to DC and DC to AC. When you're feeding the inverter AC power (as in plugging in your vehicle to a power source at an RV park), your inverter then stores that power in your (DC) battery banks. Later, with the flip of a switch (on the inverter) you can draw on that power (from your batteries), which the inverter will convert to AC.

[@deliciousness8183]

+Ron Tanner this is incorrect. an inverter only takes dc power and converts it to ac power. now some inverters have a CONVERTER built in but most inverters only do what I mentioned

[@deliciousness8183]

+Ron Tanner this is incorrect. an inverter only takes dc power and converts it to ac power. now some inverters have a CONVERTER built in but most inverters only do what I mentioned

[@drimsans]

Thanks

[@swansealoaf1999]

How do you get away with charging your batteries from the alternator ? They need slow and controlled charging !

[@tannertoys]

The alternator feeds the battery slowly because that's what it is designed to do. You don't get a quick charge from an alternator. I've been using this charge for 4 years and had no problems.

[@ngipiksari]

Great info Ron, just a shame about the name of your camper van. If I saw the "House of Love" approaching me I would be looking to get out of there as quickly as possible.

[@ngrobert5054]

can do it in malaysia

[@JEFF4X41]

How much for them to install it?

[@tannertoys]

Jeff Woodard I don't know, Jeff. It depends on the installer. Solar panels are not difficult to install yourself.

[@VantasticOdyssey]

😎

[@organiclifehealth5140]

Help! I have a 30 ft forest river, need to go green, want to eliminate propane and generator, can i power off my alternator?

[@pimplequeen2]

A sterling "battery to battery" charge controller is the most simple option (a bit pricey though) ... a straight "split charge" system is cheap but unlikely to give you enough voltage to charge open wet lead batteries efficiently. (14.8v) Running a propane generator is vastly "greener" than having to drive just to charge batteries. The best "green" option is to mount a cheap domestic 250w (36v) solar panel with an mppt charge controller to deal with the higher voltage issue. I get 90%+ of my summer power via a 250w solar panel... the rest comes via "incidental" driving, to work etc.... winter is a slightly different story. Panel cost me £110 (surplus) and mppt controller was £80 ebay. Just make sure you buy a panel that is within the mppt charge controller spec... some domestic panels have a higher voltage than my charge controller can handle.

[@organiclifehealth5140]

Thank you! I will look into it.

[@tannertoys]

Yes, you can power your house batteries with your alternator if it's big enough (more than 90 amps). Talk to a marine electrician about the alternatives. Marine electricians are well versed with off-the-grid options (think of sailboats). Good luck with your project!

[@susaetern]

You lost me @0:06, when you said electricity.

[@VideoMenu]

+Su Saetern - I got lost at "Go straight for one block."

[@adictiveadictive]

Suave Chiang i was born lost...

[@mapleleafer74]

at 7:09 I didn't see any 30 on the meter reading, I saw 13.

[@tannertoys]

Right: i meant 13. "30" would be impossible.

[@focalisation]

Things are easy today.A battery to battery charger simply connected with no cuts and easy very easy wiring is maybe the best solution.And agm very good batteries. Avoid chinese.Solar panels maybe needed if your battery to battery charger cannot be enough for what you need for your appliances.And at the end you need a very very good mains charger.These things are working and make your job in silence and clearly. Without complications and wirings etc etc.

[@seosamhmaccumhai133]

So the camper van is still burning fossil fuel to move it from A to B

[@tannertoys]

Right: there's no such thing a camper van with a small carbon footprint.

[@sailingsolar]

Good Grief!@7:05 or so he says " Here is my charge controller and it says I'm pulling 30 volts from my solar panels. Which is pretty good.". OK, obviously he meant to say 13 or 13.09 volts, forget that reading error but even if he said "13 vs 30" that is nonsensical statement and not a proper statement of the facts as to what that number means at the time. At that moment the controller read 13.09 vdc, yes but that says noting as to what the panels are putting out. That number by it's self says absolute nothing specific without knowing some other factors going on. Such as the SIZE of the battery bank, the current state of charge/discharge of that battery bank AND the amount of current being produced (at that moment) by the panels. No wonder people are confused, even people who make money working with this stuff misuse terms and produce videos that have terminology errors.

[@adrianl7147]

I think you're splitting hairs. The video is clearly designed as a general overview of a basic solar/battery setup. Obviously there are more details one could go into but the core info is correct. The only thing I would add is that the solar panel/charge controller is a better way to charge a battery than the alternator method. But it is useful to have the latter as a backup. Cole Hersee makes a very good smart battery isolator that will only charge the aux battery when the starter battery is fully charged.

[@alfredovindiola6364]

Im screwed!

[@junkmonkey4596]

I have to say that is an overkill job there is a lot of unnecessary equipment in your van hence your set up, here in the uk I have one deep cycle battery powered from one 100w solar panel with alternator back up, this powers through my 1500w pure sine wave inverter, from that I can run fridge, tv, laptop, computer console, water pump, laptop and even a kettle, so no need for all this equipment and breakers etc.

[@tannertoys]

Sounds like you found a system that works for you, Terry. I don't know that my four 6 volt batteries -- the equivalent of two 12-volt batteries -- is overkill. I'm powering a 63 quart fridge, a big unit, for instance. And I work in the van late at night, with lights, computer, etc. I'd rather have more rather than less. True, breaker panels are a luxury -- you could do the same job with small blade fuses. But, if you can afford it, a breaker panel is really convenient and the best bet for safety, since it cuts off the circuit before anything burns up. That's not the case with basic fuse boxes.

[@carlosfcruz-rr9hp]

it sounds very complicated.

[@tannertoys]

It feels complicated at first, but then it gets easier once you understand the basics.

[@xarebabeba4486]

so much weight . buy used ev, lithium batteries. much safer and durable batteries. not to say 1/2 of the weight for same whatt hrs , or amp hrs. they come with liquid cooling, solid shell, and can be drained to 0 . just like your phone. your lead acid is only good for 20 to 50% discharge, if you want to keep them alive. just wire it all in 12v configuration and get a 2000 watt nice sign wave inverter , and you will have a supirior system

[@tannertoys]

Sounds interesting, Sevak. Do you have any link to more info. on this?

[@mik22pik]

You did what, what was it you did? 0:15 You did marine electric, but your not one 11:40? Could you clear this up. Your giving advice but also adding a disclaimer! If your knowledge is lacking, why give advice, it'll only hurt someone. People think the first thing they hear is true and stop there.

[@tannertoys]

As I say in the video, I consulted with a marine electrician. He advised me, told me how to do it, and then after I did the work, he inspected it. So: you can do the work yourself but you have to consult with an expert to make sure you're doing it right.

[@SKWDMDYT]

Your videos are somewhat informative, but they all leave me thinking about who your target audience is. It certainly is not the diy-er. Please tell us exactly what your expertise is, or which aspects of van conversion you are competent enough to give a complete explanation rather than a superficial overview.

[@tannertoys]

Why not the DIYer? I've offered a series of videos on the basics of converting a van. Not enough? Tell me what more you seek or need. Thanks. Ron

[@SKWDMDYT]

I am personally put off by your consult with a professional " " (fill in the blank) for more information.. I think all DIY ers know that all is possible taking one step at a time, no matter the complexity. Of all the KZbin videos I watch on this subject, you alone seem to leave the viewer with the notion that a qualified professional should be performing the task. Sorry, just my take. Good videos otherwise.

[@tannertoys]

i understand your objection but DIY advisers (like me) are obligated to make this statement -- it's a matter of liability. No video can offer all of the answers. And we who make videos have to acknowledge that fact because we don't want anybody to get hurt, especially with something as tricky as electricity. Thanks for the feedback.

[@clicknathan]

What would happen if you only have a 55amp alternator but still wanted to rig it up so you're charging a secondary battery (or two)? Ultimate destruction???? I've got a 1978 VW Bus and apparently that's what it uses.

[@tannertoys]

+Nathan Swartz As I understand it, Nathan, a smaller alternator wouldn't generate enough amps to feed both, so you'd be getting only a partial charge all the time. I'd consult a VW expert to check.

[@thecrazymanfromireland]

Well done great tips

[@sixsixteensevens297]

Really helpful, thanks.

[@hotmasked1]

Amazing Video ! thank you !