EASY OFF-GRID 12V CAMPING SYSTEM! Campsite power setups made easy, rugged & reliable!

Cahn, our resident 12V expert, takes you through how to set up a rugged off-grid 12V setup from start to finish. If you want to know where to start, as well as how to improve an existing setup, this is for you!
GET THE GEAR CAHN USES!
25A DC Charger with MPPT Solar Regulator: bit.ly/25ADCCharger
12v Control Box: bit.ly/34FBSrC
250W Solar Blanket with Legs: bit.ly/250wSolarBlanketWithLegs
138Ah Camping Battery Pack: bit.ly/138AhBatteryPack
0:00 - Today Cahn will go through how to lay out an off-grid 12V system in your vehicle that basically means you can live out of it full-time and rely on it in any situation.
02:30 - AGM batteries ideally shouldn't be discharged below 50%, but there's more to it than that. For more information on Battery Capacity and how Peukert's Law affects that capacity check out • TRIPLE BATTERY SETUPS!...
DOWNLOAD CAHN'S DEEP-CYCLE BATTERY PDF HERE:
bit.ly/DeepCycleBatteryRatings
03:15 - Want more info on wire sizes, diameter and fuse sizing? Check out the video here: • BONUS! Complete Off-Gr...
04:25 - For more information on auxiliary battery charging and DC-DC chargers check out this link: • Complete Off-Grid 12v ...
Remember to hit that SUBSCRIBE button so you don't miss a moment of this cracking expert advice that every camper, overlander, explorer and 4WDer must hear!
► ABOUT US
4WD Supacentre is an Australian owned company offering quality 4WD, camping and outdoor products at wholesale prices. We carry a wide range of products designed to make your 4WD or camping trip that much more enjoyable. Products range from air compressors, awnings, awning tents, camping gear, exhausts, led lights, Titan rear drawers, recovery gear and heaps more!
We have all the right gear you need to keep you out on the tracks for longer at incredibly low prices every day. Thanks for watching rom all the team here at 4 WD Supacentre!
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► Gear We Use:
25A DC Charger with MPPT Solar Regulator: bit.ly/25ADCCharger
12v Control Box: bit.ly/34FBSrC
250W Solar Blanket with Legs: bit.ly/250wSolarBlanketWithLegs
138Ah Camping Battery Pack: bit.ly/138AhBatteryPack
*NOTE: This description contains links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video. Thank you for your support!

[@markjohnson6130]

I wasted my time looking at the thousands of other u tube 12 volt videos, this is the best explanation Ive seen. Thank you, 👍cheers Johno

[@roberttempleton2565]

As an electrician I find you explain everything clearly and point out the major things you need to look out for. While everything under 110ac and 50vdc can be done by yourself its worthwhile noticing an auto electrician is required over that voltage.

[@ianwilliams8448]

As an electrician, he lost me at 2 minutes 35 after he said current draw was measured in Amp-hours. It's not, it's measured in Amps.

[@brianmaclennan561]

As a non electrician, everything was clear as mud...

[@PossumWaffen]

@@ianwilliams8448 With batteries its measured in amp hours, as in the current draw (amps) per hour.

[@ianwilliams8448]

@@PossumWaffen current is measured in amperes. It doesn't matter the energy source so don't try and explain this basic error away. The amount of energy may very well be explained in Ampere hours, but that's a different thing.

[@PossumWaffen]

@@ianwilliams8448 Well the industry I work in maybe the common terminology is different. When factoring in how long servers/routers etc.. will run on battery backup, the term "amp hours" is used. "Ampere hours -- sometimes abbreviated as Ah or amp hours -- is the amount of energy charge in a battery that enables 1 ampere of current to flow for one hour. Another way of saying it is that 1 Ah is the rating indicating how much amperage a battery can provide for one hour"

[@shutthegate8232]

Great series of videos these 12v setups you guys have run. Well done.

[@Australianzwayne]

Once again, great overview. Thank you

[@user-uj1pz4xy5d]

Ordered the product on Saturday received the Sunday morning before 8:00 am. Easy to set up, easy to run, noise level was very manageable and not an hindrance or annoying to be around. Very good generator, I like to remote start plus it has a pull chord. Dual fuel was a must and easy to hook up and switch.

[@explorebound]

Well done team, such a thorough yet easy to understand video.

[@stavrock4995]

Thank god this guy came along and made a proper informative video, there are too many “ Half Smarts “ morons on KZbin thinkin they are intelligent canopy fit out guys. This video is awesome and really helped out 👍

[@paulday5164]

Hey Cahn.....Awesome vids mate....I am setting up a dual battery system atm in my Prado 150 series. Your vids are invaluable mate....cheers

[@stephenbray4624]

Great set up I like it and am going to do the same King set up in my 4X4 as this thank you Cahn

[@davidrucci]

Thanks so much for this you guys! 🙏🤙

[@tripinapod6697]

Bought a 60l king's fridge 3 yrs ago and I must admit it's last longer than I thought it would. It's never missed a beat. ( Not affiliated with these guys)😊

[@dereklamb467]

Great setup. Does Kings sell the setup as you presented it and all it needs is to be installed. Thanks.

[@pilothound1582]

Such a legendary explanation!! 🤙

[@naturalborncerealkiller]

Job done. Excellent stuff bonnie lad

[@viewsONTRENDING]

Pretty bloody informative mate, thanks heaps

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wascadoo8946]

Great review Mate👍🍺

[@jasestorace9501]

Really great videos & simple info to understand.

[@Phil_McAvity]

Looks good but I’m saving for a lithium battery

[@FlatBrokeAdventures]

Very interesting thank you

[@larrybarnes3920]

Great info. Thanks. 👍

[@ggsocal4511]

That's a Super Clean Setup, I Really like how Compact Your System is ! I Would Like To Own That System. Ihave to Say it Again, SUPER CLEAN and COMPACT!

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Thanks!

[@brickehansen1625]

@@4wdsupacentreAu Whereabouts are you based mate? I'd love to have a good yarn & get my set up sorted properly, because I have no clue 🤔

[@robertlewis7237]

THANK YOU FOR VIDEO

[@ingdanielluna]

Do you have a video on how to connect the Dcdc to the control box but using the battery box? I have seen the video where you connect the DCDC and all, but that one did not factor in the battery box.

[@Dizzyish]

Great, informative video, thx. Just kill the background music in future vids, it’s very distracting when trying to pay attention and learn. Cheers!

[@morgan7a]

geez that bloody background music!

[@Matt-cu5gq]

Their is one catch with all this you have to put it together yourself I've talked to quite a few auto electricians and they either don't get back to me or are not interested so good luck to anyone out there if you can get the help.

[@tucker2074]

Thankyou

[@Dr4gonWarrior]

Have you done a video like this but using lifepo4?

[@mygamertag2010X]

Please ship internationally!!!

[@melissacampbell5647]

Hi, thanks again for a very informative video. I was wondering if you have a PDF with all the info you covered on the video so I can follow along when I wire my ute up? I am glad you touched on the wiring of the portable solar as this is something I been wondering about. Wasn't sure if you needed to unplug the permanent panel for the portable one to take effect? Also, the 240v charger, did you just wire that directly to the dual battery?

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Hi there, you can find all the PDF manuals for the battery and portable solar in the additional section on the website. Cheers, Jay

[@samuelabdilla1449]

Hi guys love the videos I’m just putting together my system to do the big lap I have one of your 120 ah lithium batteries control box 40 Amp dc dc charger I’m wondering if I can run parallel with a 200 ah lithium battery Kind regards Sam

[@mail2robm]

for years i got by with just a second start battery and a solenoid for my setup (about $200 setup). Got flash when i added solar.

[@omnnomnom]

If using the 12V CONTROL BOX with a dual battery setup, are you still needing to add fuses to both batteries or does this systems fuses cover all of that? Will I still need one fuse at main vehicle battery?

[@mikefitzpatrick6618]

Do you need an inverter generator to charge liphoion batteries

[@eyesopen8614]

What is the rough cost for this 12volt set up like this

[@thealterator]

Wanting to know what options I have regarding setting up a 12v system for camping, but maintain the canopy free tub. I haven't come across any examples, as everyone sets it up at the back of their canopy.

[@hatblocker]

Behind your seats

[@shannonheron1014]

I am building a wall like this behind my rear seats

[@andrewford80]

Seek adventure does a video where he mounts batteries under the tray

[@davetrendell8841]

Ok, so I have a 2007 Rodeo with a constant voltage alternator. I want to do a second battery setup in the back via a battery isolator and anderson plug setup with the option to be charged by solar panels. Do I need a DC-DC charger for this or do I only need a MPPT controller for the solar side of things?

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Hey Dave, Definitely don’t NEED a DCDC charger. But in some cases by the time you add up an isolator and MPPT charger a DCDC isn’t too much more... That being said what you’re saying is right - an Isolator and MPPT should be fine for your setup Cheers, Cahn

[@davetrendell8841]

@@4wdsupacentreAu Thank you.

[@Crumb_Trails]

I'm paying close attention to this serious because I want the best system I can get. Right now I'm a weekend warrior but come retirement I want a rig I can rely on for multi day off grid coming. I WAS going to purchase a one ton truck for this purpose but plans changed to a Bronco with a payload of about 1,000 pounds so I'm very conscious of weight and how I'm going to manage that. Batteries are heavy but necessary so I'm struggling with this. I know I want a good solar setup. I'm thinking I'm going to have a great electrical setup with no room for accessories that I installed the dual battery system for such as winch and air compressor. I'm kidding, but this is how my brain is trying to work through all this

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

If you want to save on weight, get a lithium battery - specifically lithium iron phosphate or LiFePO4. They’re safe, stable and rugged and offer plenty more output for the same size battery compared to lead acid! Cheers, Cahn

[@Crumb_Trails]

@4wdsupacentreAu Thank you for the quick reply. I just watched your video on Lithium batteries as well. Here in the US, it is not uncommon in the summer to hit triple digit temps (F) and single digit (F) in the winter. I think lithium is the answer but I definitely have more thinking to do after watching your series. Thank you for all the info and your time creating this series of videos

[@matthewallison7604]

​@@Crumb_Trailsthe setup they've described is very similar to what you would find in an off grid cabin / home just on a smaller scale. (eg 300 watts of solar instead of 12,000watts) one battery instead of 8-12. The setup is rock solid, only thing I'd add (I might have missed it) would be some battery monitoring equipment. It'll give you an idea of the batteries current state of charge, the amount of power your load is drawing or chargers are providing and an estimate of how long you can continue to run your current load for before the battery is flat.

[@jimmierpadgettjr]

Do you sell to usa? And if so how can we get the plans for your systems and items needed to order?

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Hey, at the moment we do not ship internationally. Thanks, Madi

[@michaelforbes9760]

Hi am I able to get the full list of the off the grid system with solar(permanent)so I can install in my toyota commuter but I will run 2x batteries. TIA

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Hi Michael, happy to but the list will depend on your setup and the size of appliances that you are planning to run. How about you send us an email with what you are looking at achieving on [e-mail] and we can go over options with you? Cheers Saleha

[@shannonheron1014]

Can I plug a c tech charger into my second battery that’s in a battery box and ran with a duel battery isolator than plug my portable solar blanket into the plugs on the battery box in my head it is like the main battery is charging the second battery as I drive and when I am stoped the solar and the charger is charging it not sure if I can do it like that tho

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Hi Shannon, Yes it sounds like a plan but just to be sure, did you want to send us an email with your setup so we can advise promptly? Cheers Saleha

[@jhartmac100]

will a regular alternator be able to fully charge a deep cycle fully and properly

[@mail2robm]

no, need deep cycle specific dc dc charger. Also most new cars have smart alternators

[@hoopersmayhem]

Hey there I was tempted to get the 25amp hr dc/dc charger but I have a 140 amp hr battery I seen somewhere u need atheist 40 amp to fully charge my battery do u know I'f that's correct or will the 25 amp kings one work fine

[@carl8568]

I think that depends on how many solar panels you are running.

[@wowa5514]

Can a portable generator power a whole house?

[@michaelfrymus]

When you say Solar Priority, does that mean that even if I have low sun, it'll still favor the solar? I'm in Canada and the sun isn't always the best for solar charging... I have a small Jackery battery right now, but upgrading to a 100Ah lithium. When I charge it with solar, I get about 50W of charging input at max, or about 7-25W on the lower end.. When I charge my battery from my DC plug in my car, I get 40-45w continuous. So I'm just worried that solar priority will not charge my battery fast enough

[@perpelle]

How big is your solar panel?

[@michaelfrymus]

@@perpelle one 100w solar panel

[@distortionpedal]

Omg my brain sucks

[@pedramsalemi2656]

Could you please send me cabling map of all those items you mentioned in video

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Hi there, Feel free to send us an email on [e-mail] with a screenshot of this comment so we can assist further! Cheers, Courtney

[@DiegoWeissel]

haha yeah of course

[@aces926]

cool I could charge my car battery!

[@briansloan7184]

How do I get this in America?

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Hey mate, sorry we do not ship internationally.

[@gregwilks4609]

There's confusion between Amps and Amp Hours.

[@PERCORRENDOINDUE]

Hey mate I’m confused, I want to install a second battery into the battery box, a solar blanket, an inverter, a 240V charger for the battery once home...I will use a 50 plus lt fridge mainly and a few light that’s it. if I want a dc/dc charger, do I need to install a battery isolator anyway or the dc/dc charger will do all. I want the second battery to be charged mainly from the starter battery at start as I will install my solar in future and don’t use often. Please give me an advice pls Thank you so much

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Hi mate! Yep the DCDC charger works as an isolator. Depending if you hook up the blue wire (usually for vehicles with smart alternators) or not, will affect the isolator voltage cut off point - the exact specs are available on the website. Cheers, Cahn

[@PERCORRENDOINDUE]

@@4wdsupacentreAu Can thank for taking care of replying to me/us is very nice. I own an FJ45 Arkana..definetly not a smart alternator..ok I'll move for a DCDC. THANKS

[@shanesalmo1163]

I like camping ,i have solar . But this simply overkill, what next are you going to put a hot spa on your trucks roof !

[@Corey-pd3mi]

I tried, it’s very difficult to keep the water in 🤪

[@shanesalmo1163]

@@Corey-pd3mi ah good one ! . Enjoy your adventures.

[@flyingdutch9818]

Why why why do all Aussie providers top out at 100Ah-150Ah batteries??? What is your aversion to bigger batteries, LifePO4 batteries or just more sensible setups than these ‘ute’ setups?

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Hey mate! Speaking personally, I’ve done plenty of big trips and never needed more than about 100AH. I suppose it has to do with the ‘touring’ or ‘overlanding‘ style of camping we do, where we drive long distances which means the battery is always charged up. For example my brother and I did about a 6500km trip over a 2 week period - we were driving long distance most days which ensured the alternator was charging the battery more than enough. The few days we actually spent at camp in the outback there was more than enough sun to charge batteries to 100% constantly. Even on shorter trips solar is usually enough to keep everything fully charged. Extra battery capacity is always useful though and some people are now getting into LiFePO4 batteries - if they can justify the extra costs. Cheers, Cahn.

[@ecohippie3544]

Yes, Lithium is the way to go and the price is about the same in comparison. My current setup is 160Ah AGM, 80Ah usable max, weighs 67kg and will only last 10yrs at best. I'm getting a 200Ah Lithium which can be drained to almost zero, lasts 20yrs and only weighs 26kg. The price works out the same if you do the maths.

[@craigd123]

@@ecohippie3544 don't count your chickens before they hatch hippy

[@carl8568]

@@ecohippie3544 That is really heavy. A decent Century 150AH deep cycle battery is about 40kg.

[@thebearsden1701]

I have used deep cycle...and they were not even up to the task...I switched to 3 100 ah lithiums ..game changer ...I keep them charged by 4 100watt solar roof Mount solar panels..no problems any more...deep cycle batteries are a waste of money !!!!

[@smallnuts2]

Now AC that runs off of 12 volts.

[@deanriley5690]

As an auto elec i would never use or recomend kings. They use the parts that dont make the cut of companies like redarc and narva.

[@skippy528]

Unfortunately quality equipment like kingsis not available in South Africa. Only Chinese sweatshop crap

[@HillbillyHippyOG]

As a newbie, I was overwhelmed, and the info comes too fast to absorb… so the video probably isn’t for newbs.

[@stevecrowe176]

Just keep watching vids, it gets better

[@Corey-pd3mi]

First thing you need is a deep cycle battery 🤦‍♂️😂

[@harrypotter8127]

🤣🤣🤣

[@at6686]

Not sure you’re “off the grid” if you’re dragging your house and your own grid and all the hassle around with you everywhere. Lots of fun toys but not simple.

[@at6686]

@@ThatWasPrettyFunny I get that, but it’s still a ton of shit. I got that dometic battery a solar panel and a connection to the truck battery done. But I use a lot less stuff when I’m out camping as well.

[@xterrorx8376]

Not really sure I'd wanna take advice from a dude who put a control box with in the center of the car where he can't even reach half the switches, why wouldn't you have just put the inverter there and the control box where the inverter is 😂

[@campcreekhill8933]

What does camp off grid even mean? Is there such a thing as camping on the grid? Is this just a new Clickbait term? Camping off the grid pffffft

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Uhhhh it means camping at powered campsites where you are quite literally connected to power and on grid

[@paulmorgan8426]

How much would this cost to set up?

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Hi Paul, Please give us a call on 1800 88 39 64 for further information on pricing. Cheers -Virginia