Dr Prepare 100ah Lithium Battery Install! My Simple Solar Set-up!

[@BexCatherder]

Get 10% off a Dr. Prepare 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery: drprepare.com/12v-100ah-lifepo4-lithium-iron-phosphate-battery/ GET 10% OFF with Code: BX10DP

[@rockingredpoppy9119]

I like the idea someone else said in a comment; put the new battery inside a Styrofoam cooler to insulate it. Cool idea!

[@jimeckenrode1271]

Well Bex I must give you my two cents worth of info. Like others have said the battery should be attached to the floor so it does not move around. That is why those pieces of wood are screwed to the floor. There should be a strap holding it in place. #2 when hooking up a battery you should attached the positive first and when you are removing the battery you should disconnect the negative first.

[@carolynnunes3922]

Great advice, brother Jim! Thank you for sharing from your personal knowledge and experience! You rock!

[@elizabethapfelbaum1240]

I am 76 and have had to hook up cables more times than I can remember and NO ONE has ever told me that! Lol guess I didn’t have so many friends!

[@jimeckenrode1271]

@@elizabethapfelbaum1240 Liz, just ask an electrician. That is the safest way to connect a battery.

[@jedidiah5131]

When you give someone advice you should state the why! #2

[@jimeckenrode1271]

@@jedidiah5131 so why didn't you do it ?

[@joesrvhome]

Not homeless at all...you have a cute little house there...be safe and have fun!

[@cathienelson5978]

Bex: so very good to see you again. Always loovvve your episodes! Hopefully you have a good way to stay "warm". Love & ((hugs)). ♡

[@carolynnunes3922]

I love Bex’s videos, too, Cathie!

[@BubbaWarbucks]

Houseless and homeless are not the same. The Casita is your home. You could even insulate more in the battery compartment if you wanted. Lithium batteries really do ot like cold temps!

[@carolynnunes3922]

Great suggestion, brother Bubba!

[@jeffreyhill3960]

Definitely not home less. And doing home maintenance, no , upgrades to your casa. Awesome job.

[@lynbarnel]

You might want to find a way to secure the battery in place. The old battery weighed enough to hold its self down. That new one might bounce around. Great video!

[@carolynnunes3922]

Great idea, dearly beloved!

[@jwagnermail]

Yes, batteries need secured with long bolts or metal straps to the most solid point you can find (a frame cross member if possible). Unsecured batteries will fly around in an accident, smashing things and sparking, causing a fire. It will not take much work to secure the batt, and it prevents a lot of very bad things.

[@MarkBarrey]

I’m glad you touched on the temperature issue with charging this new battery.

[@MsCar2008]

Best, love your videos. You my friend are living your best life, no one would consider you homeless.

[@shaunhall6834]

I'm a visual person so this helped me out. Thank you!

[@TJ-mc8uh]

I am also, this was great of Bex to go to all the trouble of providing this information, it is greatly appreciated.

[@pupcamper58]

Great video Bex. Congrats on your simple solar system. 👍🏻❤️

[@carolynnunes3922]

I laughed at “solar system,” thinking of our solar system-the sun, moon, and planets and stars!🤗 You got my funny bone, pupcamper58

[@vanlifenomadfirekeeper]

I have two AGM batteries fore my solar set up. I have 375 watts on my panals and 3000 watt inverter and 40 amp MPPT controller. I'm hoping I can operate a low wattage electric heater ensued of using propane this year. I used a 12 volt electric throw blanket last winter in wyoming inside my sleeping bag. I was nice and warm IF I stayed in the sleeping bag. I had to scrape ice off the inside windows to see outside in the morning." Around 7-10 degrees outside with snow. (-: I had a blast. It was my first year doing VAN LIFE .

[@tglass0000]

Congrats on the upgrade! Super simple power setup at a great price!

[@RVRebelGirl]

hi Bex, it was great seeing you at Ausia’s Very good video as always! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

[@patriciamartin1626]

Hi from Tennessee. Great video. Thanks for sharing your battery installation. Very helpful. Have a fantastic day.

[@truthtalker7535]

I'm thinking about just running around the USA really enjoy your videos you are an inspiration

[@rvpandamonium]

Awesome.... glad you were able to finish your project! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@ggebhard1]

Bex, I just bought a camper. I live in Michigan, so I put it in storage for the winter. I took the batteries (I have 2- 6 volt batteries) out and brought them into my heated garage, which is never below 50 degrees. It isn’t a matter of just turning them off when it’s freezing, you shouldn’t let the fluid in your battery freeze! In other words…your battery can still freeze when its turned off. You need to look into a way to heat that battery storage box. I suggest you get a heat tape to fasten somehow in that box. The heat tape plugs into electric and could have an on and off switch. My new camper has a switch for that, but I don’t have the heat tapes installed. I think you should talk to someone who knows the best way to heat that area. Perhaps installing a lightbulb in that box would do it, or place a small heater in there. Putting it on low would probably be enough. Plus that heater would help heat your bed.

[@backwoodsbungalow9674]

Heat tape would be useful in a campground or for winter storage at home when you can plug in to grid power. When boondocking heat tape would soon drain the battery.

[@carolynnunes3922]

@@backwoodsbungalow9674 wow! Positive input! Thank you for correcting Gail! I know that not only Gail has benefited from what you have said-I sure have! Thank you again! God bless you, BB!

[@TJ-mc8uh]

@@backwoodsbungalow9674 Thanks

[@ggebhard1]

When I decided to get a camper, during Covid lock down (I live in Michigan 😬) I have been following you for at least a year, so I looked all over for a Casita like yours. Saying, if you can do it, so can I! I couldn’t find one anywhere! I had also been following Patrick and Patty, with “Travels with Delaney”. You might know them. So while looking, I found a new Tab 320 and a 400. I just turned 70, was so upset about the lockdowns and what’s happening to our country, so took money out of my retirement savings (They are pricey, but we’ll worth it!) and bought the bigger 400. It was a late term, mid life crisis! Everything I know was from TWD videos. Patrick has amazing videos about everything! He’s a person to as. I’ll be on a zoom meeting with them, tomorrow night. If you don’t mind, I’ll ask Patrick what he thinks you should do. Or you can send this video to him to ask him, yourself. They are very good people!!! He loves helping! Someday, I hope I get the nerve to travel alone like you do!! Only trying to help. Gail

[@backwoodsbungalow9674]

Tab 400 sounds interesting. 🤗 Try to post a video. I hope you can start your travels soon.

[@carolynnunes3922]

God bless you and your endeavors, Gail! I just turned 64, and can only watch from my phone, so go for it, Gail! I hope to see a video from you sometime! 👋🏾🤗🥰

[@ggebhard1]

@@backwoodsbungalow9674 Thank you! I hope to travel more this next summer. I don’t really know how to post a video, even if I had one. I only have photos. I may go to Maine in May with Patrick and Patty from Travels with Delaney. It will take me two days, but once there, I’ll be with people I only know from you tube. We have had a zoom meeting, together. Im excited. Thank you!

[@ggebhard1]

@@carolynnunes3922 Thank you, Carolyn! Until this year, I too could only watch from my phone. I figured that if I don’t do this now, while I can, then I’ll never do it and will always regret it! I don’t know how to put a video on line, but I will if I figure it out. I’m excited. I may go to Maine in May, with the people I’ve gotten to know on “Travels with Delaney”, who I also follow. It will take me 2 days to get there, but once I’m there, I will be with people I know from you tube. I’m still not sure I want to travel alone, but I’m hoping I change my feelings about that somewhere along the way. There are women’s group who travel together. I may look into that, someday. Thanks again!

[@carolynnunes3922]

@@ggebhard1 I know that you will have a lot of subscribers, because your comments are engaging and informative! Once again, dearly beloved, God bless you, merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

[@michael4104]

I read though the comments that’s posted here. The only real comment that would enhance your setup is the cooler suggestion, the other comments are just another way of doing the job. Your setup will soot you needs just fine. Good job.👍

[@ScotTheGr8]

Agree 100 Watt solar is a bit small. Either set up to allow charging from car alternator or consider a bit more solar panel. Also, be sure not to charge battery when temp is near freezing. Glad you were able to upgrade!!!

[@Endless_Skyway_Adventures]

We have lithium in our van and we’re from Massachusetts, the cold weather is a problem for us. Currently we’re in Havasu City so lithium is fine but at home we need heaters. In fact someone drove by our camp today and when we exchanged waves I said to my wife that it looked a lot like you.

[@cliff7199]

Hi Bex! We love you! Please, for your safety, strap that battery down! It is very dangerous being lose. If a cell gets punctured it could burn your trailer and everything in it up!!!! Thanks !

[@KB6YAF]

A battery wrap can keep the temp well above freezing. I hope you have a bluetooth option to keep track of its performance. Oh, I see the it does have a BMS, but wonder if you can monitor it via bluetooth?

[@sapphiresword139]

I saw a guy put his lithium battery into a small igloo cooler. He was living in a very cold climate and said his battery worked great. === Just a thought.

[@ggebhard1]

Batteries don’t freeze if they are charged up and working well. It’s when they get old and can’t keep up a charge, that’s when they freeze.

[@sapphiresword139]

@@ggebhard1 I think that's why the guy was using his ice-chest as an insulator. Trying to keep his batteries from getting too cold.

[@carolynnunes3922]

I am confident that you read all of the comments, especially on a DYI video like this one! Love you, Bex, and your videos! And it does seem as though it would be a good idea for you to secure the battery, because it does weigh less than the other one and would move around I think while driving, especially those rough roads! As a woman of faith, I say “God bless you,” and I pray that you accept this in the Spirit in which it is given....in love!👋🏾🥰👍🏾🤗

[@FollowingtheYellowBrickRoad]

Love your setup!! That should be plenty of power for you.

[@RosebudsTravels]

Bex we have a Battle Born 100 amp hour battery in our Casita now and we love it.

[@ggebhard1]

Battle Born batteries are great!!

[@visitingyu3556]

Ya, the charge/discharge temps are helpful. Stuff the battery box with home Depot wall insulation.

[@rickanderson1398]

Happy Thanksgiving to you.

[@TJ-mc8uh]

Thank you, this was very informative and useful for someone who has not used solar panels. Glad to see you released another video. Happy pre-Thanksgiving 70 sunny degrees!!

[@TexCynRVLife]

Thx for this. Although it's now a year later, the simple set up still applies. Dr Prepper came out with a new battery recently with a hub that is similar to a power station. I was thrilled to see this! I bought two of them & will be able to run both my 12 volt fridges on each battery. Which will last for several days on ECO mode, unlike my power stations, which can only run for several hours. Not an entire night. The new batteries have heat & freeze protection, which is awesome. I'm not sure if yours does though? These batteries just keep getting better & better! I've not gone solar, I just have two 100watt portable panels which I can use...when there is sun. I flip between a motorhome and a van, so this system works well for either one. Thanks again for explaining your system! 👍

[@carolwest6095]

Nice Bex💡 Just wondering, has anyone offered a solution to cover the interior fiberglass walls? I know, the outside scenery is more important than interior decorating. Thanks for the info. I always enjoy your videos

[@janicebrown3579]

Casita covers the inside walls with carpet.

[@debrapottenger319]

TY for sharing Bex! Solar can be scary for lots of us. Seeing you do this makes it less so!!😊😊

[@rmcnasty7319]

Hello Bex How are u doing. I miss you & your videos . Have a safe new year.

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks Bex ,interesting and informative on your set up. Take care , have a good day.

[@ronwasser4852]

👍👍 was wondering what happened to you. Happy to see you back. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@keithfromny1898]

A day to late but put the controller as close to the battery as you can. You loose less power that way.

[@karincorbin2355]

Her cable really is not long enough to make a significant difference in loss of power .

[@keithfromny1898]

@@karincorbin2355 with only 2 solar panels, any increase in the charge is worth it.

[@living2ndchildhood347]

I do hope you had a Merry Christmas and that we all have a great 2022!!

[@joeymeraz]

I found this very helpful ☺️. You're straightforward . I've been looking for this type of setup. . Glad I found ya. ☺️

[@tombohley3265]

I just love your videos. You have the best energy, yes … with your new lithium battery… but more so, your personal energy. You are a joy to watch. Glad that you are all set for more adventures.

[@gilbertarnold8666]

Great video thank you!

[@RVTA]

Best simple solar installation video ever. Thanks. Next episode. A solar panel plus a battery kill switch install. Happy travels Bex!

[@tomallen1725]

Nice job on every thing

[@tomcaldwell5750]

Very interesting Bex. Thank you so much for the solar lesson. Love your videos. You always create high quality.

[@alanhelton]

I use the same battery in Arizona (Chevelon Canyon Ranch, AZ). Works great for my purposes.

[@tippersmami]

i really like how you all come together and gather. love seeing you on each others videos and various stuff you guys do. interesting stuff for us to watch.

[@3generations393]

Always enjoy a Bex video. Your friend is quite the artist and thank God for your mechanic friend. 🙏✌🌎💞

[@karenzebra1]

Good job Bex! Thanks for the helpful info!

[@spmak3856]

Happy Holidays Bex!!! Peace love and subs!!!

[@samsquanchoverland]

sometimes you can rejuvenate a battery with a charger ,place setting on recondition if the charger has it ..sometimes it works

[@nancybergeron4522]

Hello! First off, I am so glad you are on the up side from all this health issue stuff. I’ve been worried about you and keeping you in my prayers that you would start feeling better and you are better. Can I get a Hallelujah?!😎 I hope Ren sees this video because she would be impressed that you did all this yourself for the most part. I was wondering, when did you last grease the axel bearings? That’s a fun job too. Take care and keep in touch. Looking forward to more great adventures in 2022! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@karenhirschkorn2360]

I miss you.... please come back!!!

[@vangazmicvoyage5077]

Sorry to have to tell you this but Reflectix is not insulation, it is a reflective barrier. It is designed to create an insulating 1 inch air space under a floor. When applied directly to a surface, it has practically zero insulating R value. This information is available at the manufacturer's website. It will stop air infiltration if it's sealed tightly.

[@kristikaye7970]

Time and time again, people believe it is insulation. It does work wonders on its own when cut to fit & stuck in windows, but when used as floor or wall insulation, you are so right!

[@pepperwatson7784]

Love your videos Thanks

[@janetwinter4532]

Just watched Will Prow’s review on the Dr. Prepare battery. Be careful, as it does not have a low temperature shut off, which would damage the battery if trying to charge at freezing temperatures.

[@bsoutdooradventures9541]

In my sheshed , I got one with just simple bubble wrap for insulation. Did not believe it would insulted anything inside as in temps...it did ! Thanks for solar info. I will use this set up for my SheShed for emergency power and my Navion. Ausia is my hero! 👍Coke and coffee drink..do tell! 😜

[@eliciamccoy7496]

Patiently wait on another great video from you hope you are doing OK. Stay safe and enjoy your life

[@usadaytrader]

When u going to do meet and greet in Quartzsite?!

[@NomadNursePrac]

my thoughts exactly,,,im ready to meet Bex too...i just love Bex's videos,, she has such good energy

[@ftkinsella]

Bex our SS girl. Super Simple Solar Setup, SSSS. HAHAHAHAHA Nice work Bex, this should suit you fine for years to come. Stay blessed and safe. Cheers!!!

[@dixxebell]

Very simple....that is awesome.

[@stanw909]

Finish plugging holes and add more insulation in your battery compartment . There are 12 volt heating pads made for RV tanks that you could add , but you might get away with a 12 volt electric blanket for much less money. . Thanks for the video.

[@TrilliumRV]

Hi Bex, we have been wondering where you are? Just checking in from Quebec.

[@bertkelly7650]

Thought you had a Jackery? That had more power than you could need and take anywhere.

[@erikacooper8348]

Love your video's, great upgrade!

[@ceegee3664]

Beautiful moments shared thankyou. Foresty Forest does a great tutorial on dieset heaters, running one while it's snowing would keep battery happy, he also does a great tiny wee woodburner install, clicked to view coz of ya battery, didn't know they don't like freezing 🥶, ta.

[@whomarjb]

Nicely done!

[@100mpgus]

Bex, I hope you know you cannot charge the battery when the temp of the battery is below 32 degrees. You can draw power while it is below freezing but it cannot be charged. VERY VERY IMPORTANT. edit. i see that you do know. you could mount the controller inside the camper to protect it from the elements and put in a switch between the panel and controller to shut off the power to the system with out damage.

[@donnatrimble7439]

My property is .5 hr from there. .5 way between ash fork & seligman

[@Tatiacha]

well that is simple since the solar is the only way to charge all you have to do to not charge if it is too cold is not put out your solar panel, though most have internal battery management systems now that simply won't charge if the temp is too low. I have never heard of that brand maybe they don't have that.

[@jeanninespinner2244]

How do we get a hold of your solar panels?

[@r8edrv4fun65]

AUSIA!!! SOLAR QUEEN!! YAY

[@nomadrvmontreal2733]

Are you coming to Quartzsite this winter ? thanks for the review, i was looking for that battery

[@williamhardin5254]

Just want to clarify something for you. That battery can be discharged and used for power down to 14 degrees F, but you can only charge it at 32 degrees F or higher. So just disconnect the solar panel when temperature goes below 32 degrees F.

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this video, interesting and informative.

[@Lez_Laura]

When I heard "low energy" I must tell you about the B complex vitamin my doc put me on....I'm losing weight without even trying and I have more energy from whatever I eat! I wish someone had told me about this when I was in my 30's trying to lose weight all the time...

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this video.

[@100mpgus]

where ya been Bex?

[@SunshineAllDaywPugs]

Wondering where you are and if you are ok?

[@bethhurst6231]

Thank you for the non-technical explanation!

[@travelswithrickandzeb725]

Great video Bex. Thanks

[@terryvanord998]

Hi Ben, interesting video.

[@pennylee6569]

Happy Thanksgiving day see yah Bex cat hugs always

[@johnrode7109]

Nice video

[@GenXvanlife69]

Where are you. I pray all is well.

[@tgwel4839]

Hey!!

[@larrywiddis470]

Not sure why you wouldn't put the solar panel(s) on the roof and remembering that using a larger wire than required brings only good things, thank you for the video.

[@ggebhard1]

Bex, I was wrong on my advice to keep the battery warm. As long as your battery is charged up, it won’t freeze! I’m so sorry. I wasn’t thinking! 🥴. However, I’m right about the battery needing ventilation to protect you. That’s why there is a vent in the battery box. You need to open that up. I’m sure by now you’ve asked an expert. You will love your solar adventure!

[@AdrianoBatti]

Nice to see you 👍

[@anne8668]

Interesting.

[@MarkfromArizona]

Great video. I replaced my three AGM batteries that each weighed 75 lbs. Went to two lithiums. FYI, Not all lithium batteries have a low temperature disconnect when temps. drop.. mine don't. A good KZbinr to check out is " DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse " He test out all kinds of batteries and solar equip

[@turnerdan53]

Since your charge controller knows the temperature and battery type does it shutdown charging due to low temp?

[@johnvititoe6051]

How do you keep the battery from bouncing around when you’re towing?

[@rickyblythe4951]

Hello Bex

[@TheHjkane]

Bex, just curious, does your battery just sit there in the compartment with no tie downs?

[@wdu3164]

How is that battery working out?

[@BexCatherder]

It's doing just fine. Good to have twice the power that I had before.

[@marip6291]

Thanks so much for this video, Bex.... You have a natural Gift to teach.... I have been looking for this type of well-explained video on solar systems. I've seen everyone elses' ; Bob Wells; Jamie Dimond' ; Hobo tech; etc; and none of them take the time to thoroughly explain the system like you have... I thought I would probably just get plug-n'-plays, but they are much more $$ for the amount of solar power I would need... but now, I can problably go ahead and get the components and get more for my $$... I have a question: so, it looks like the lithium battteries don't need to be vented? and don't they heat up; I wonder if putting it on top of that aluminum isulation is safe...?. Thanks again... I'm looking forward to your next video!

[@stevendoumit1379]

Are you ok. Haven't seen anything from you lately.

[@terryvanord998]

I hate auto correct, hi Bex

[@tedc3895]

It would scare me with that battery Not tied down. Bouncing around.,,,