Electric tent heat, RV batteries, And an INASANE amount of Solar Power

IF you can swing it, switching most of your camping needs to electric will greatly simplify what you need to pack. I've been heating my tent with electric, cooking food with electric and of course... even making coffee! No need to bring propane unless I think it's necessary and these various electric devices take up a 1/4 of the space. On top of that, I don't run out of energy. My electric chainsaw, my electric stove top or anything else can be charged or powered through the truck so no need for dino fuels... except to power the ole Land Rover. She is pretty thirsty 😎.
I hope you enjoy the video!
Shirts & Hats on our website!!
www.thedirtlifestyle.com
AMAZON ITEMS!!! www.amazon.com/shop/dirtlifes...
(Amazon Affiliate Links)
BARNES 4WD COUPON CODE: "dirtlifestyle" 10% off
NORTH RIDGE 4X4 CODE: "dirtlifestyle" up to 20% off www.northridge4x4.com
DOMETIC: bit.ly/3zPPRwN
ONX MAPS: webmap.onxmaps.com/account-pu...
EMPIRE ABRASIVE CODE: "dirtlifestyle" 10% off lddy.no/qf79
YANKUM ROPES CODE: "dirtlifestyle" bit.ly/yankumDL
MIDLAND RADIOS: bit.ly/2IjmlZD
EVOLUTION POWER TOOLS CODE: "dirtlifestyle" store.evolutionpowertools.com/
Support us on Patreon! / dirtlifestyle
Follow me on social media!!
Instagram: / dirtlifestylenate
Facebook: / dirtlifestylenate
DiRTBAG MAFIA Facebook Group
groups/34277...
DISCLAIMER:
Due to factors out of the control of Dirt Lifestyle, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Dirt Lifestyle assumes no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Dirt Lifestyle recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Dirt Lifestyle. Be safe!
This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission.
#overlanding #overlandbuild #solarpower

[@gwood69]

A plumber that actually understands electricity. The end is near my friends

[@glennwebb2807]

Welcome to the redarc family mate such an amazing company built on reputation and research

[@dwdodgelover]

This video absolutely slaps. I’d love to see the normal videos on Sundays and every once in a while see you just one take nerd out on a topic. Keep it up Nate!!!

[@jimyeats]

Ball slappin' good video.

[@A.J.1656]

It's so fetch.

[@jeremywolfe5483]

This vid’s bussin bussin

[@hangover2000]

I love it when Nate starts nerding out over gear and tools 😂. Made me get off my butt and start my own projects in the garage. Thanks for the motivation!!!

[@thormulch-gulick3929]

Dudes got me out here learning to Weld my own shit fabbed up a cross member and did some motor mounts hopefully they don't fall out the truck lol

[@dustinwagner228]

Of the dozens of youtube channels I follow and watch every single video. Your channel is my favorite. Huge part due to these type of videos. Your ability to explain so much detail is amazing. Even wheeling videos. You do a ton of detailed explanations which is awesome. Keep it up.

[@jorge90508]

Bring the harbor freight trailer back i loved that series it got me going in moding my popup camper

[@jake-mv5oi]

Dont think you have to worry about putting in too much wattage for the controller. It will just clip the rest when it gets to its max. Just have to make sure you don't go above the max open circuit voltage (OCV) for the controller.

[@StlrNtn95]

When I first started watching Nate he was all about rock crawling! Now he does rocklanding routes and overlanding! WHAT IS GOING ON IN OUR WORLD!! 😂😂

[@timvandermeulen7265]

One thing to consider for getting more wattage production from your panels is have them at a 90 degree angle to the sun. Yours are flat but if you set up your tent they will be at more of angle. If the angle matches your latitude then they will be at 90 degrees. So when parked make sure your tent is set up and this will also increase your production without any additional infrastructure. Great video as usual thanks for sharing.

[@dainperrault585]

I love love love these type of videos. Solving unique problems with creative solutions. These videos inspire so many other ideas also! Good stuff man! Enjoying all the hardcore wheeling videos too,

[@DispatchMoto]

Yesss, we appreciate more Discovery vids.

[@FlawedOffroad]

Love the nerd out vids! Wish I could get my 2003 D2 back running, got some major engine issues on cyl 1. Such a cool and underrated platform

[@DirtLifestyle]

I love mine! It's a Land rover so it always needs something 😁 but it's an amazing rig

[@FlawedOffroad]

@@DirtLifestyle ain’t that the truth lol.

[@Sam-xt5gb]

I also have an ‘03! It’s the o2 sensor gremlins that plague me, but I just hit 190k miles and it still feels strong!

[@rl9810]

BONUS EPISODE. BONUS EPISODE. BONUS EPISODE.

[@karimedmundchavez]

I really like the window design

[@thomaskolbe5241]

Thanks Nate. Awesome video 👍

[@kenbrown102]

Hey Nate, as somebody who lives entirely off grid. And daily drives a Land Rover. I truly enjoy your channel.. As far as quick learning about solar, and extremely good reviews on batteries. Will Prowse (sp) here on KZbin is “the guy”! Good luck and keep up on the amazing work you’re doing!

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Dude great minds! I also installed 400W rigid panel on my FJ last September and just made a video this month. Similar use case and concept but way less hardcore than you. So I easy out with an all in one power station. Love your projects Nate! Look forward to more!

[@ArialStacy]

spot on with good accurate information once again Nate you got that right about agms and 6 volt batteries almost indestructible

[@EatCarbs]

Looks like a great setup.. thanks for the video

[@EvanMoon]

Such a good topic to talk about…. You are the man to do this.

[@nopedefnope9924]

Lithium IRON phosphate PO4 batteries for life! Built in BMS and heat cells. 🤘😎🤘

[@swbpajlife]

Wow this is awesome to see some Aussie made 4x4 parts being used in American youtube vids 🤙 Loving the content for years now, learning heaps from everything you all the way down under 🤙🤙

[@pferris3591]

So cool, I love it! If I had the health and some cash I would love to do something like this! Very cool, Nate. :)

[@toyodajunkie]

The wheeling videos are great but I like these types of videos more. Really helped me decide on an AGM or lithium for an external battery set up on my FJ80.

[@aaronlima1993]

Nice listening to the PBD podcast while driving down the road! You should try and get on there!

[@Sylvan_dB]

Amazing and inspiring. I need to rethink... I was thinking all electric except for heat and hot water. A small diesel heater takes care of heat cheaply and easily, but hot water is more challenging.

[@alvaroaguilar188]

Really liked this video please do more

[@troydecker9685]

I would love to do this in my JK. Then set one up on my camping Trailer that I’m in process of building. Great video.

[@slzbuildz]

Thanks for the video, Nate. I've been thinking about going all electric/solar on my land cruiser.

[@travislangolf7800]

I always wished to have a vehicle setup like that. Unfortunately it'll never happen.

[@RanchoTexano]

I made the same move in building my overland JT - but went with lithium so can use all the available battery power. My whole camp site is electric powered

[@vaughnhickman2886]

I'mma hafta watch this a few times. You're giving a lot of useful real world usage info that I don't get from most other content creators. Kudos.

[@bj4explore]

Always love your videos. We have access to slimline lithium batterys which only take up less then 100mm or 4inch in thickness. That's what fitted in our discovery behind the seat. It was worth it. You won't look back when you try them. 👍🏻

[@hotflashfoto]

This same info can apply to anyone who wants or needs power for any reason. Good stuff, thank you!

[@TheMrhick92]

I have been slowly building a small solar setup in a one of the larger plastic ammo crates

[@ndafarachaitezvi1139]

Awesome and outstanding as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@hwinterr]

Thanks for the insight on Lithium vs AGM, im happy that I bought Optima Bluetops instead of Lithium in my Boat.

[@jasonh4167]

I like the element of safety you get with solar always power.

[@johnberchtold5449]

Not only that, but I work in the business of battery management and recycling. Lithium batteries are extremely flammable and if not managed appropriately light up easily. They’re also extremely hard to put out. So.. on a rig.. kind of hazardous to run if it’s externally fitted.

[@DirtLifestyle]

I didn't bring this up because the comment section would be a disaster. The Volatility of lithium when it fails is why Mrs. dirtlifestyle doesn't want a EV (yet). We have seen one on fire on the side of the hwy and looked up some info on the situation. We found countless articles interviewing fire fighters stating there is no fire extinguisher to put out lithium fires. On top of that, they burn faster and hotter than traditional electrical fires. When your entire floor is the battery this is kind of an intimidating problem... But I still believe in the technology for the right applications! The pros are amazing, they just need iron out some of the cons. With battery chemistry changes they will likely solve alot of these problems.

[@Stoopheadfred]

Lifepo4 don't have the same volatility/safety issues as Lithium Ion.

[@misterrc51]

@@DirtLifestyle😂😂😂👍l work on them all day at work, lithium are good, but they can go bad very quickly.

[@misterrc51]

@@DirtLifestyleonce they go up🔥👈good luck, the only thing the fire department can do is keep contain from spreading, we had lots of training what to do when something go wrong with them. They said to push it outside or watch your shop 🔥down.

[@geekytechycool]

This is great man, I'm digging the setup. My only gripe is that there are no "service" loops at your points of ingress for the wiring into the cab. A little half loop would give the water something to run down and fall off instead of running into the connection.

[@randumadventures]

Man nobody explains the technical stuff for dummies like me like you do. Great info!

[@derrickkoppes4639]

Looking better and better! Very clean build.

[@OffGridAdventure]

I’m a huge fan of solar panels and have had one on my minivan for years. I recently swapped the minivan for a Jeep and am planning to add some solar as I rig up for overland camping. Ideally, I’ll get a roof top tent with a flat hard top for my Gladiator where I can mount solar panels on top. Lots of good info and ideas in this video.

[@auditech73]

This is why I've been watching your videos forever. Awesome job man. And shoutout PBD Podcast. Keep it all up brother.

[@porkrindrob]

This was a great video. If you get time it would be great to see a detailed concept to finish walkthrough so we can nerd out on the process, figuring out needs, all the electrical math etc.

[@gavincregan7892]

Thank you! I just plugged my 200w panel into my ecoflow delta and was surprised that it didn't charge at all at 1pm under a cloudy eastern Washington sky. I have almost taken the panel with me on two recent trips. Thanks for pushing me to actually check at home before lugging a large hard panel 400 miles down the road.

[@solarpowerlifestyle]

Great video! Nice breakdown of how everything works together.

[@tousyt7545]

Nate, Great episode as is all your content!

[@mikejensen-fogt4662]

thanks Nate, this was awesome to see and gave me ideas for my solar setup on my truck camper I want to build. Also, I can't wait to see the drivetrain swap on the Disco, that's going to be AWESOME!!! 😍🤟

[@stevebratten6592]

This is one of my favorite videos of all time & something I plan to do to my rig! 🎉

[@MicahBell_1860]

Oh my. I learnt something

[@shanenorwell8580]

The wheels off the land cruiser look awesome on the disco.

[@davidoliver2826]

Nate! Dude you are killing it with you skills and R&D! Love your approach to well most everything! Thanks for all the extra work it takes to bring us all along!

[@nemesis851_]

Follow up on this this summer I’m sure you’ll do. Considering this video started in November and finished in February

[@JustDiscoThings]

Bloody love that Disco build.

[@mrmotofy]

You can use a Victron Battery saver to set a low voltage cutoff to save your batteries from over discharge

[@rollandklontz]

They have lifepo4 batteries with built in heaters. Other than freezing temps they operate pretty much the same as agm

[@smileywiley4002]

Feels like nate watched Tinkerer's Adventure solar panel episode and said "Hold my beer"

[@matthewwhite8129]

As long as you’re not over the rated mppt voltage there’s no worries about over paneling, moreover it’s a common practice to overpanel the charge controller. The charge controller will just clip the extra incoming wattage during peak sun hours. Victron Phoenix is an awesome inverter for a build of this size primarily because the standby is ridiculous at something like 7 watts, moreover it’s a low frequency unit so it has substantial surge capacity. Can’t wait to do a similar build on my xj with lfp cells.

[@codychilders8307]

Running a decent sized fan all night in the summer will be amazing

[@Lukaslevanen1435]

I love these kinds of videos from you. It’s what originally got me subscribed so I enjoy seeing a couple of these tossed in from time to time

[@user-hi9qg7ip8f]

I just put the entire red arc setup in my jeep and you are spot on with it. I need to add the solar part and this was very helpful. I did add the rogue to it so I can do all of my switching/fusing.

[@dsonnek7781]

I picked up a smart lithium battery with display built on top showing charge capability, temperatures. Has built in BMS with low temperature warm up, to prevent the battery from changing at low temperature. Bluetooth as well, but haven't got that working yet. Got it on Amazon, not a bad price.

[@562LBLegend]

With the solar now, you should check out the Esab Renegade Volt 200. Thing actually runs pretty damn smooth. A bit chonky but would be one hell of a trail welder.

[@stevenk805]

From someone who has a really good 100w solar panel, this system is pulling a TON power for those conditions. Impressive.

[@tslucam]

Love geeking out on the solar side of things. Never question if that type of content would garner enough interest to be worth your time. It most certainly will. Love the quick explanation on battery chemistry choice. As you were saying 6v AGM I was thinking to myself I'd like to know why. Great vid.

[@sigglin99]

Nate, I’ve been watching content from the boys down under for a good while. Redarc seems to have all the questions answered. With your “expert” input and testing I’ve concluded this has to been the most efficient sustainable power for a light mobile app. Thank you, sir for all the sharing. I will start adding soldering terminals to my future elec work. Regards from Sedro-Woolley.

[@Onlyyota]

Well done nate

[@donaldschmidt449]

Thank you so much for this I've been wanting to do this for my vehicle!

[@Sethjxl]

Don't worry about putting too much solar into your regulator, an MPPT will only take when it can and leave the rest (in simple terms). Don't bother shading panels just to lower the wattage. Voltage however, you need to make sure you get that right.

[@chublez]

This.

[@ameyers67]

Fantastic information. Thanks Nate

[@robwms]

Great video on getting your solar system started. I look forward to an update on the system down the road... no pun intended

[@TrashPandaGarage]

That is INASANE power 😜 Good video, Nate.

[@Lokkiism]

Anyone who runs electric power knows exactly what’s going on and I totally agree with the performance it produced under those conditions

[@Cichlids23]

It's all above my pay grade but I still enjoyed the video and the information!

[@kelvinstoryteller8564]

This is great, thanks Nate! I appreciate all the detail of the setup, and even more, hearing your reasoning for each step. I am on my way to eliminating propane on my overlander and very excited. I’d love to see more about how you use your power out on the trail: what gear and processes you find work well.

[@patrickgreen2361]

Best tutorial video yet!

[@tvh300]

Love this type of video!

[@westernwanderer8397]

Yes! A new Discovery video! I've been really looking forward to more upgrades to mine, but at the moment I'm pulling my hair out over a crank but no start issue. It's really got me bummed, but I still love my Disco.

[@stopbreathereset958]

When you are ready to deep dive into lithium and electrical systems, let me know. I play with that stuff for fun. I’m in Moses Lake if you need someone hands on to double check stuff or to bounce ideas off of.

[@ridgecamper18]

That solar blanket will work great to lay out in the sun while set up in partially shaded areas here in the PNW. We chase sun spots in the timber with our solar panels often.

[@th3t4nk8649]

Dude your a life saver!!!! I've been fighting with my battery moniter and I never thought to see if I had the shunt connections flip floped. It was showing how long ut would take until the batters charged and not how long until its drained. I looked up the scmatics and that was the exact problem now it's show how long till it's drained. You helped me a ton without doing much!!! Thanks again for all the videos and the indepth explanations of what your doing. Keep doing you. Love all the videos. Hope you do something with Max again soon, haven't seen him on your channel in a while

[@mobious4324]

Outstanding video!!

[@TheGersh13]

Missed videos like these!!! Keep killing it!

[@KC-7mm]

Great video Nate. Your crushing it man. Finding your channel has my wheels turning on my build I’m definitely going the rock lander route on my build which will set my rig up for a multitude of adventures I plan on doing. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and ideas with us. This channel was huge on inspiring me to get back into wheeling I’ve been out of it for some time channels like this are helpful and inspiring thanks again for putting all you put into this community.

[@seanmcm157]

Dude love this build so excited to see what comes next!

[@seib6324]

Great video enjoyed it

[@ChefBrian1]

Awesome setup, definitely a video worth watching🤙

[@matth4069]

I see a rover video, I click and like

[@hwi7114]

Cool set up. It's nothing I need, but still interesting to learn about and see.

[@orlandog686]

Im all for the nutrient dense videos 😆

[@evansorensen7911]

So stoked about this video. Thank you

[@Brood_Master]

Where your house batteries are concerned you want to have your cake and abuse it too... I've been doing this for a while now and I want to say you are absolutely right in your choice in batteries for where you've installed them.. If you can afford the space inside your living space or install an insulated box with a heat source. Lithium is the way to go... You get so much more power or amp hours per pound of battery weight. FYI... Don't jump start your vehicle from your house batteries without first disconnecting the alternator input from your charge controller. You could fry your charge controller if you don't.... I built a circuit that does just that with the flip of a switch.

[@georgecarousos6735]

Something to think about for those of you that off road to a destination and then park the vehicle to camp out of while you fish, hunt, explore, hike, etc. If you have solar panels on the roof, that means you have to park the vehicle in the sun....essentially all day. In hot climates that sucks compared to parking in the shade of large trees. What I've found that works great for those that are stationary for days at a time is using a very small inverter generator (1000-1400 watts) to charge the batteries when you're away from the truck doing other stuff. You can get units for under $500.00 brand new...cheaper than three quality solar panels and controllers and the generator weighs less. A couple of hours of generator run time trumps the solar panel output which is only great during bright sun and in the middle of the day. It is very easy to chain and lock the generator to the truck to avoid theft while its running and you're away from camp. When you return to camp you have a full battery bank for silent power all night long.

[@mikeingalsbee2959]

I had a ctek system on my truck when I lost my alternator in remote central Nevada. I planned to head towards pahrump until the batteries died and then call for a tow. Instead, the controller sensed a draw and started charging my starter battery from the solar panels. Not only did I drive all the way to Vegas, but I kept going to Laughlin, spent a couple days there and then drove to SoCal on power from my panels. It's great, just don't try it at night!

[@dennislavigne1299]

Love this video

[@chuckieswickedgoodfab]

This was a great info episode. Great content, way to nerd out on it Nate, was always curious, this truly helps figuring out the set up.

[@jasonfillmore2991]

Awesome work your one talented individual 👍🏼👍🏼

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you 🙌

[@megahurts2]

If Dwights mega desk had a solar baby, it would be this. 😁

[@jacobthornock317]

Looks like my 30 Watt solar blanket might need a boost for recharging my power pack on the regular.

[@jatorresrv]

Not a solar/battery/electric subject matter expert. Simply 3+ years experience of 800ah lithium (inside 4Runner), solar 200w on the roof, and 600w portable managed by RedArc Redvision BMS using 3k watt inverter. All electric 120v appliances--Induction stove (1800w), Air fryer/oven (1800w), air heater (1800w), AC (1800w) and 12v water heater (300w). During Spring - Fall 2023, I lived in 4Runner while working 3 nights/week just outside Phoenix, AZ (plenty of sunlight and plenty of hot). During the day, with outside temp 110-119F, slept comfortably in a 4Runner with AC ~74F. Three days were near the max for sitting in place with all-day clear skies to charge the battery bank. The max harvest solar charge while I slept was ~2200w. By the 3rd day, the battery bank was 13.0-12.9-8v, and not sure it would last another day of using AC even with ~2200w solar charge, as the alternator was not charging due to sitting. Sleeping at night time it's worse primarily because the bulk of the energy usage is between dinner, sleeping (heater or AC use), and breakfast the next day without any charging due to lack of solar. Keep in mind, I can discharge lithium to 10% (and accidentally have 2-3x). AMG cannot be discharged >50%, even 6v (experienced using 6v AMG in RV x6 years as well). The point, in theory yes, you are correct. However, usage is a significantly different outcome. Not to mention the plethora of variables outside our control. Yet, despite the all-electric system limitations, hands down electric is a better choice for me. Hope that helps.