DIY Camper Electrical System Cost?

[@PwningGerZ]

I know you can’t name the van building companies stealing your truly earned hard work and ideas, but congratulations on the growth of your channel and business.

[@tumbleweed1976]

As a VanLife minimalist this is much more than I’ll ever need. Thank you for showing and explaining 🎈

[@johnw65]

SAme here Tumbleweed...!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

No problem! Thanks for watching!

[@mspacone]

The price breakdown videos are AWESOME. So few channels get into the *real* costs of things, so this is refreshing. Thanks for sharing!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

No problem. Happy to help!

[@277kne]

Do you have videos on a minimalistic system? I'm thinking I can add a battery when I get an AC installed. How much battery would you suggest for lights,blender and toaster oven use?

[@rshawiii]

I've been watching and learning lots from you. this one shows how this ultimate demonstration system is probably much more than needed for my next van. But provides lots to think about. I currently "make do" with a Jackery 1500 and Honda 2200i. You've said the portable power boxes are not your area, but some discussion about these vs a hard system would be a good subject to cover.

[@triplebbb2862]

It’s really nice to see that you guys are still educating people did you guys give up on traveling or just in a different stage of life.

[@s.mendez7160]

Great production. Love how your business is expanding, and helping the community. Thank you.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey, S. Mendez! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀

[@luckyjim51]

Super cool system and if ya got the money spend it... I glad I was watching you a few years ago. Still money but nothing like this. 1500w aim inverter ,solar and 2/100ah BBBatteries... glad to see you prospering. I hope you still have content available for the little guy....

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey James! All of this stuff can be scaled back. My less expensive systems just got less and less popular in terms of website traffic, so they don't get priority for the time/money investment we have to make to make a video. The diagrams are definitely still available, though.

[@allencoleman2319]

My system was about $10,500 for 10KWH battery bank, 1260W PV, same multiplus y’all have and the Cerbo with Touch 70. I saved at least $3000 by building my own batteries. However, O don’t have the support/warranty you will get from a company like Battle Born. There’s always trade-offs when building systems. It’s up to each person to decide where they want to spend money and where they want to cut costs.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Well put. Thanks for that.

[@jacquesgoulet699]

Wow I still remembering watching your speaker upgrade video from 2015. Congratulations on all your success and many more to come!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey, Jacques Goulet! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching along for so long! 🙂😀

[@KiwitheACD]

There are many different ways to build out vans that will range from low to high budgets. Our current van is low budget, works well enough, and the lessons that came with it have shown us to build a better quality van that suits us. We are in process of obtaining items for our van build out which we will live in full time. A lot of the van upfitters charge a premium for their work. As I was comparing electrical systems for our particular needs, the majority of upfitters started at $20,000. And that was before any customization for our van. Not being an electrician I chose to go with Nate and Steph which is saving me about 50% and will fit my design criteria. And as a bonus I get to learn how to build and maintain our system, so if something goes wrong I can hopefully fix it instead of paying someone else. Additionally, Victron is a global company and they back their products worldwide. If you have constructive, experienced based comments, then please share them, with links, in a respectful manner that helps the community. If not, maybe get a van and see different parts of the world. International culture normally shapes the traveler to a more mature, considerate, and reasonable person. R/ Mike

[@EXPLORISTlife]

After a ton of negativity in the comments section of this particular video, I appreciate your input here. Thanks for watching!

[@kristinf4900]

I really appreciate what you both bring to us. I've learned a ton through your videos and love watching your growth and success. I'm thankful that you share so much with us. Also, I will never use a business that steals the intellectual property you've so kindly gifted to us, for free. It's a smack in the face to us too - to harm you for sharing with us.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey, Kristin F! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀

[@rockeyoliver7254]

Well stated, and done Stephanie! Enjoyed this video! Looking forward to seeing your next video. Thank you

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Thanks so much!

[@robingee8195]

Enjoying these costing videos, thanks. Now go and enjoy the beach! Hasta luego.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Thanks! 🙂🙌

[@mikepurnell5645]

Thanks again for this amazing content. It is still a bit intimidating considering the cost if I were to make a mistake. I’m curious to hear your thoughts on the new EcoFlow power kits available? They offer plug-n-play systems from as small as 2kWh up to 15kWh.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Thanks for watching! I don't know a ton about those units. I don't really get into the portable power stations like those, Jackery, etc.

[@armedmariner]

Definitely want to see how you do DC-DC alternator charging. Please!!

[@spicer41282]

One of Your best! However, a 3Tier Priced system would benefit a lot of folks. The sticker shock of this excellent system is Still hurting. A second and 3rd system with matching costs solution would help out a lot of us with not so "deep pockets." Parts substitution would be a great start. Starting with the batteries as an example. Battle Born Bats are great but how about 2 other brands which works well but Not quite so expensive. Thanks for considering and as a long time subscriber, Love your Vids!

[@fightswithspirits915]

The business plan is just as amazing as your solar design and installation skills. I always thought I had a nice paying job. Lately, I see more and more things priced out of my means. Oh well, I can live vicariously through these videos and take shortcuts 😁

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey Fights with Spirits, No problem! Glad it helped! :)

[@davidrosen4951]

The 24V system reduces necessary wire gauge and hence cost. However, is the needed equipment more costly than for a 12V system? If so, how does the 12V vs. 24V total cost (wiring and equipment) compare. Thanks!

[@jeepguylv80]

looking forward to the alternator charging video for 24v system. I currently have a 12v 400ah 4000w inverter with dc to dc charger system in my truck that I use for powering my grinder, welder, hammer drill, vacuum etc. while I am out in the field. would love to go with 800ah 24v system for more efficiency and longer work time but like you missing dc to dc charging, not sure what to go with, I need it to charge between jobs though out the day. reason for this system is I do not have power at most of my locations and hauling a generator takes too much space, it's heavy, fuel, noisy etc. thanks for these videos.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@chrisunderhill8853]

i have a simple question that i have never seen asked or answered heh. say you installed this system on say a trailer/ camper. during off season use the solar would continue to work as the trailer is parked is it a good idea to disconnect the batteries during off season use and say use like a batteries tender during that time? or some way to allow a small draw and allow the system to naturally keep charging as normal? thanks in advanced.

[@oztravelandfood]

Just curious why the ground solar panels are all in series when 2 in series would be sufficient to charge a 24v system at the same amps. Not knowing enough about solar panels with out asking someone like your self then parallel the 2 to double the amp input. Cheers

[@AnthonyFlores-vq9ji]

I also want to utilize an alternator to charge my house batteries while driving. I have a 24V/150A alternator and I have a 48V electrical system. I can't seem to find a DC/DC boost converter that will handle that. Do you know of one?

[@jackmason7518]

Good Morning. This was Great from start to finish. Jack

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey Jack Mason, Thanks so much! Cheers!

[@daniellel256]

These videos have been a great help with our solar install. Recently purchased the 30amp retrofit downloadable diagram. Question, we have an on board onan generator, where or how, can it be wired into the system? 3000w Victron inverter, automatic transfer switch, Cerbo GX, 150/85 mttp, 712BMS, Lynx distribution. 600ah of batteries, 1000w of solar. 12 volt system.

[@asdfasdf-fg5kx]

Did you abandon the 'dealer installation network' concept? I do not see any info about it on your website as of 7/7/24.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

We brought it in-house: shop.explorist.life/about-our-services/

[@Marcellus.]

Any chance we can by these BB battery in Europe??

[@thereefaholic]

Another great video. I had forgotten how ludicrously expensive the battle born batteries are but with the warrantee they provide it’s a good investment and should give the user a trouble free system. Particularly with how well you put it all together. While I agree your diagrams are your intellectual property , the COTS products from a single vendor bolted together how the manufacturer intended would arguable be a “best practice” rather than a design that no one else could possibly think of without being accused of “ripping off” or “cutting corners”. That being said,the “12 Volt” installer world is definitely filled with unscrupulous characters that would sooner hide their mistakes , than take the time to follow best practices and with the money spent on these RV’s that carry our loved ones I would agree that going to a certified vetted installer is the way to go.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I appreciate that! Yeah, the intellectual property comes more-so from an installer buying one of my diagrams, buying one of my 3d models, building said system, and then selling said system. It is pretty obvious/blatant when they do it.

[@journeybeforedestinationov3553]

What brand is the external solar connector?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Check the 'other parts needed' section of the wiring kit linked in the video description and pinned comment. 👍

[@JogBird]

Does this include something to step down from 24 to 12v ?

[@RollinHomies]

Orion converter.

[@keepitdialed]

Your channel and work is absolutely the best I’ve seen. Thank you! Question: this setup shown here in particular is super beast. Can you tell us what a system like this could do? Such as run AC without a generator in Arizona in august in a van. Charge your laptop and run typical house stuff for a month. Etc. thanks in advance.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I think it's best to go the other way around. Check out the following videos and put in some of the things use and how long you'd want to use them for and then that will tell you what size of system you'd need: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2WTZ3yunrpgjsk

[@keepitdialed]

@@EXPLORISTlife ok. Thanks for the response friends.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Full tutorial video for this electrical system: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2bUaJJqe61ngrM *Parts for this system:* ➤EXPLORIST.life Wiring Kit: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/complete-wiring-kits/540ah-3000w-24v-multiplus-580w-to-1700w-solar/ ➤Heated 270Ah Battle Born Batteries: battlebornbatteries.com/product/12v-gc3-lifepo4-heated-battery-kit/?afmc=explorist_bb67 ➤Wiring Diagram: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/plans-and-diagrams/solar-wiring-diagrams/540ah-battery-bank-3000w-24v-multiplus-580w-1700w-solar-wiring-diagram-explorist-life-2021-ford-transit-camper-van/ ➤*Other wiring kits that may be helpful:* shop.explorist.life/product-category/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/ ➤*Wiring Diagrams for other systems:* www.explorist.life/solarwiringdiagrams *Binge the Transit Van Build:* kzbin.info/aero/PLmvhcyi4n0TVfA4XCYJBkzfUXunSON1zX *OTHER ELECTRICAL PROJECTS ON THIS VAN WE TACKLED BEFORE THIS VIDEO:* ➤INSTALLING OUR ROOFTOP SOLAR ARRAY: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKTTdIWBdqurgaM ➤INSTALLING OUR 24V DC AIR CONDITIONER: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWLSoqGug693pck ➤HOW TO WIRE USB OUTLETS: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmLXgoqPjb5lfMU ➤HOW TO WIRE 12V OUTLETS: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ-qk6eFfZp3oZI ➤HOW TO WIRE PUCK LIGHTS: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pV68naOwp9OosKs ➤HOW TO WIRE 12V DIMMERS: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mp-aaGB5l92Fask ➤HOW TO WIRE 12V 3-WAY SWITCHES: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYO0pomDe9Gln8U ➤HOW TO WIRE RELAYS: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4WrYoiZlLFlg5o ➤WIRING 120V OUTLETS, SWITCHES, AND GFCI: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5-ZgmWCa6eZaaM ➤INSTALLING A 30A SHORE POWER INLET: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXWkq6qXeryIipY

[@luckyjim51]

Good work as always. Thanks

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey James Pearson, No problem! Glad it helped! :)

[@anyalpine]

An install time in hours instead of weeks would add more clarity. Should we be assuming a 40 hr work week or perhaps 80 hr?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yes, correct. 1 person, 40 hrs a week. 2 weeks. 80 hours on the high end of the install.

[@timf6916]

Nice. Good information.

[@stephencmullins]

Great information as always. What is the type and make of the Aux External Solar port you installed. I’m wanting to install an external port on my system and have never liked the plug used by most trailers.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Definitely! That will soon be an add-on for our solar array wiring kits, but until then, I've included it in the 'other parts required' section of the kit for this build: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/complete-wiring-kits/540ah-3000w-24v-multiplus-580w-to-1700w-solar/

[@stephencmullins]

Great. I found the Amazon link. Looks to be a solder-less and waterproof connection which is what I was looking for. Much appreciated.

[@garycummings1706]

Nice! What brand are those window frames/shades?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

They came with our Arctic Tern windows: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6aZn4x6gbSEb9U

[@Trishpage312]

I love this! That's funny I was wondering if Ray Outfitted would be on your list! He is incredible. When and if I could get a van I would want him to do ALL OF THAT!! Thanks!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

They are great!

[@brotherkith]

It would be interesting to compare with a budget install that would deliver similar results. We can't all afford Victron everything!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

That would indeed be interesting!

[@Customers_support]

So is this pretty much a 11000 watt system?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

In what regard? There are multiple input capacities, multiple output capacities, as well as a storage capacity; which are all different wattages.

[@Customers_support]

@@EXPLORISTlife with no external power or charging… would it be about right 11000w ish,,, as far as the amount of wattage that you can use from the batteries ?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

@Customers_support Those are 2x 270Ah 12V batteries. So… 270 Ah x 2 batteries / 12.6 V = 6.804kWh of battery capacity.

[@Customers_support]

@@EXPLORISTlife gotcha thank you, my bad I thought they where 24v 270AH

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Ah, yeah; nah, they are 2x 270Ah 12V batteries wired in series to make a 270Ah 24V battery bank.

[@williamf8257]

I appreciate seeing more of Steph pin front of the camera... behind every successful man is a woman! With that said, I would like some detailed information on the use of insulated verses non-insulated ferrules and when to use each.

[@fairworld2522]

Why not just buy a few jackery units?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

That's like asking a car enthusiast "Why'd you restore that '69 Mustang from the ground up when you can just rent a lime scooter for the day"?

[@fester.]

spot on

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey fester Adams, Thanks so much! Cheers!

[@62g12cs]

So you saved 30 bucks on a 12k system?! Congrats!😂

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Thanks! It's a big deal to us.

[@djkillachris]

Can't believe battle born can still be in business. They would make a profit at half that cost good grief.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yeah, so, I know you're just trolling and all, but this is a teachable moment. Battle Born is indeed currently going through a SPAC acquisition, but it hasn't been finalized yet, so I know that you, Darth, have never seen their financials. So, you are actually in no position to make claims on their profitability, Darth. So please Darth... with all due respect, kindly fuck off with your misinformation. 🙂👍

[@leeinwis]

5k

[@synos0202]

so expensive compared to solar generator all in one batteries I don't get why people build this

[@EXPLORISTlife]

That's like saying you don't understand why people build custom homes when buying a trailer house or mobile home is so much cheaper. A 'solar generator' will never have the quality, flexibility, nor performance of a system like this.

[@synos0202]

​@@EXPLORISTlife Yeah I just meant why go the complicated way and more expensive way for a Van, when you can go simple and cheaper. For exemple the Titan 240sp with 3 lifepo4 comes at 7.5k USD, 4000w inverter and 7500kwh and 10 years warranty. Plug and play. Probally just instal a small 12volt fuse box for all the small things but thats all. You guys should make a video comparing solar generators to a DIY setup. Obviously with similar specs on both builds, im sure it would have a lot of views since a lot of van lifers are thorned between these 2

[@EXPLORISTlife]

@@synos0202 The titan (or whatever) doesn't have a nice display screen nor does it have the ability to accept a rooftop + ground deploy array nor can it 'add' inverting power to an underperforming shore power connection nor does it have high enough DC output for a DC air conditioner; all which are things we wanted to have in this system. We also have a jackery for 'charge it up and chuck it in the truck' kind of outings; which is great; but it's not what we'd recommend for a permanent installation. As far as what videos we should make; we are actually just starting on a complete start to finish Mobile, marine, and off grid academy that will teach you EVERYTHING you need to know to design and install an electrical system so you can educate yourself and make your own decisions based on what you feel is best for your own setup.

[@lakorai2]

Cost of the system: too much. Othrr brands are far less expensive.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Oh sweetheart... 😆😂 This isn't a a build everything as cheap as possible with no regards to quality or features kind of channel.

[@yourman_bob]

overkill!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Maybe for you. 💁

[@frankiez7414]

so to encapsulate : out of everyones budget. Unless you are completely loaded

[@EXPLORISTlife]

It's not out of everyone's budget, no. The system this video is about is similar in price, but has more features, as the system we showed last year; which has been *incredibly* popular: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmKpZYR6i6-Ip5I

[@RollinHomies]

Your word is your wand. I’m not loaded and built/installed a system for around $18k. 3kwh of panels 4800 watts of inverter power 22000wh of batteries It all comes down to how bad you want it

[@EXPLORISTlife]

@Chris It's important to remember, chris, that not everybody has the same wants, needs, or budgetary constraints you do, and that's okay. You need to be okay with people living their lives and spending their money differently than you do.

[@dennisandrews8485]

12 k and no inverter or battery? I'll pass on that rip off

[@EXPLORISTlife]

The 12k figure includes both the Inverter and the batteries.