Fixing the Most Dangerous Skoolie Off-Grid Solar System I've EVER Seen

This week we diagnosed and repaired what I would say is the most dangerous electrical system we've had in our shop. Take a look and see how we fixed it.
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#skoolie #offgridliving #busconversion

[@PatricksDIY]

I would go out of business, If I Charge for 17 Hours of Labor to re-install off-grid wiring in a bus!.....and that's 17 hours if the customer did all the work already. I guess double that time to do it from scratch lol. smh. That's a 6 hour Job Max and you know it. It takes less time to install an entire solar system on a house. but whatever maybe it is A. not a professional or licensed installer or B. knows that he can charge that much because most customers wont know any better. No worst than being scammed by a mechanic saying it took him 10 hours to change your head gasket when it actually took him 3 hours. Why did KZbin recommend this to me, it was 3 things I do not like, Drama, rip-offs (when I say rip-off I mean it terms of time spent working vs time charged) and a guy that says "we" when its his employee doing all the work. must have taken 11 hours to install that water heater, while his employee used up the 6 hours on the wiring.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Ben is not my employee, he is my best friend and we own this business 50/50. This bus was a literal disaster waiting to happen, did you not see the burn marks on the wall? This took exactly as long as I charged and Ben and I were working side by side on just the electric for more than half of it. We also installed a water heater, a 4 camera backup system, 3 light bars, and troublehsooted and repaired several inop ac circuits. Troubleshooting and labeling all the circuits, testing their continuity, and then reworking the layout to be clean and safe, and finally installing, testing, and configuring the system took longer because it was done wrong to begin with. I'd pass on your 3hr headgasket-- you gonna deck the block? Magnaflux the head? How about valve guides and seals? Reuse the old gaskets? We do it right and we do it thorogh. There are plently of other companies who can do a worse job if you'd like! For a fella who doesn't like drama you bring a lot of it with you. Let me know when you start your own business and show me how it's done!

[@bill8582]

Dude, what's with the asshole attitude, you weren't there, and do not know exactly what all was done. I'd say with the mess that they had from the previous installer, which was obviously going to catch fire very soon, that this customer was more than happy to pay what was necessary to make the bus safe, I mean had it caught fire, there would have been more loss than 2000 bucks, I call it money well spent, and the job that they did reversing all that mess turned out awsome. You are out of line!

[@GratefulOverlander]

@patrick g. Since Chuck is an extreme professional and can't say it...I'll say it for him. FUCK OFF PRICK!! People like you are the problem with America. Freedom doesn't mean you can run your cockhole and be a dick about something you obviously know NOTHING about. Have you even watched one of Chucks other videos? This dude and his team are the best in the business, and he is one of the most honest people on KZbin. Why don't you STFU, get off your lazy ass, start a business and show us how it's all done. Until then, go to hell!!

[@niveknospmoht8743]

Obviously Patrick, you've never done any type of wiring let alone repair a cluster f... as this was. Wiring is labor intensive and takes a certain skill set to have the patience to do it correctly. That was easily 2 days worth of work. Just sourcing the correct parts alone is very time consuming. I sure you knew all about the sleeves for the braided wiring. Takes me longer as I take the time to solder the heavy cables as an additional measure after a double hex crimp

[@ripmartin1673]

Spoken like a man that has never troubleshot a problem before in his life. If the tone of your comment didn't tip us off that you don't know what your talking about then the comment about having to redo the work should've take less time then from scratch really sets it. Not only does he have to go through and inspect and get his head around what someone else was doing he then basically has to go back and Frankenstein a usable system out of a bunch of unfamiliar components. I am amazed its only 17 hours, that's just a day for two people.

[@CrysJenkins]

I've already decided that when it comes to my build I will not be messing with, or letting anyone inexperienced mess with, the critically important stuff like the electric, plumbing, or solar setups. That's probably where the majority of my money will go, and after seeing this video, I'm definitely okay with that lol Beautiful work as always guys!

[@thetruthserum2816]

probably best to learn about it regardless, that way it's easier to discern one from the other and to troubleshoot your system. The hydraulic ferrule crimper tool is $60, and ferrules come in kits. All the diagrams are online for most systems... For final inspection of the electrical an infrared camera can be used to look for any hot spots during operation.

[@derelict06]

My thoughts as well

[@HajnalkaGyurgyovics]

@@thetruthserum2816 i don't know if I can speak for crystal but i can speak for myself that when we say we don't wanna mess with electrical and gonna let a professional do it means that the most electrical experience i have is hooking up a wire to a 9 volt battery for a miniature electrical gate for a school project in middle school 25 years ago 🤣 You don't want me Googling diagrams and wire ferrules and attempting to do any of this myself. I'm pretty handy but the electrical is way too intimidating for me..I am however gonna learn whatever it is to know about my installed system for any troubleshooting

[@munkandbear2818]

Many of the products you will consider buying will have directions and wiring diagrams to help you. Take your time, ask questions. Remember during WW2 it was the women that built the bombers and fighter planes used in the war, not men. You can do anything you choose to do when you have the right tools and information. You will eventually need an extra set of hands but you can do it.

[@CrysJenkins]

@@munkandbear2818 This is actually a truly badass comment that I needed to hear, so thank you so much!!

[@hotrodpc66]

Wow, what a mess. I'd agree 100% that starting from scratch was without doubt, the best way to handle that one. I did also learn, I've got a lot more to learn and more research to do before I do my own.

[@what_the_mike]

For systems like these, doing it yourself (for a person who obviously doesn’t know what he’s doing) it’s not even a question of “how much is my time worth?” but “how much is my life worth?”. I now appreciate my healthy respect/fear of electricity more than ever. They were very fortunate. (That was also a very interesting note about non-coplanar panels.) Great vid as usual!

[@mmsmits2868]

$2k so incredibly well spent!!! I'm probably the only one, but if it were my buss, I'd have a vertical cabinet with a clear door to show off all the gorgeous wiring inside. In fact, I did that in my home's basement, where I installed a separate circuit going to a ventilated cabinet with frosted doors for my modems, routers, HA equipment, NAS, security DVRs etc. Why hide it? Great video!

[@paigereigh4866]

A nice cold soda, a couple of tacos and a Chuck Cassady video. It's a good night. haha Great video Chuck, Thank you.

[@terryryan4106]

Great video, you don’t always save money trying to do the electrical your self.

[@rossallen738]

I trust you guys a lot. Everything you have shown has convinced me that you know what you are doing. As a DIYer, this video made me feel more confident in my own install. Based on what you have shown here, fuses are all in the correct places, breakers. I know my crimps are tight and secure. Only difference is a difference in brands for some of the components. I used an MPP solar LV2424 Hybrid inverter charger/MPPT solar charge controller unit because it does almost everything. Basically it is a simpler install and it was cheaper. Not quite as energy efficient or as convenient as the victron, but it does what I need it to. If you haven't looked into them, they are what a lot of off-grid solar enthusiasts use, but obviously you can't go wrong with Victron components. Thanks for the video Chuck!

[@Bex81]

This is a random, off the subject, observation but the yellow polish on you guys thumb nails 💅 is cool. 😃

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

I think so too! Team spirit!

[@2AZSUN]

That was close to turning into a pretty good bus bomb. You could've been closing up shop a whole faster and sooner then you thought. Another great vid Charlie, and fortunately the shop is still there to make a few more. Looking forward to them.

[@ericdebord]

I'm retired military and would love to work for you and your shop. If ya need a guy , I'm handy and will work for cheep . It's been my dream to build a skoolie sense I was a kid in Texas 1980 when I saw my first skoolie. My older Cuzns collage buddy lived in a skoolie in his uncle junk yard. It was awesome.

[@starlight27277]

"If you like this stuff make sure you hit that subscribe button or not I don't care, I'm just doing this anyway." You make great content videos, you should be proud off. Don't say " hit that subscribe button or not I don't care." Because you do care, everybody wants recognition for what he doing. You make these videos for us out there to enjoy. You must love yourself more, you are a great guy with a good heart, everyone can see that. ❤❤👍⭐

[@PappaLitto]

My favorite part is the burn mark on the WOODEN wall

[@lifeisagift.cherisheverymoment]

There are no substitutes or shortcuts for knowledge and experience, i.e. Team Chuck and Ben. Quality in. Quality out. Value in. Value out. Great video.

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

HOWdy C-C, Thanks for the WALK-THRU - scary as it was Much Appreciated COOP ...

[@jimmyfavereau]

Great lesson. Thanks guys! Also I see, If you ever smell wood burning, immediately shut er down and find the source , a great reminder to have small extinguishers positioned and all passengers trained to p.a.s.s. JUST in case

[@charlesb4267]

Chuck, I was thinking as I watched this video as per the horrid discovery Ben made that the large power cable to lug assemblies were a complete disaster, that you should do a tool of the day demonstration of your large crimpers. I don't know if you use the long handle manual units or the more compact hydraulic units and for that matter if you have ever used the hammer type crimpers which are not as ideal in my limited experience with that style but certainly has some merit. Not only a demo of doing large cable crimps with the various tool types you have in the shop but have also done one ahead of time that you cut a cross section with a saw or cut off wheel to show how the wires get crushed tight to form that electrically and mechanically sound connection. Sadly you will run out of time in the shop before you've had a chance to demo the massive array of tools.

[@colleenbalch328]

Sorry to miss the LIVE! Charlie, thank you for the good you do.

[@patroell]

Great video as always Chuck! Super informative and professional! Glad to know you're a distributor! 👍

[@HopeLivesHere721]

Great video Chuck. I learned a lot. Thank you.

[@graceanne6780]

Please nonchalantly feature more bus builder nail colors for future videos 😉 😂

[@allie_fallie]

Agreed! With it just being their thumbs, I was curious if it was for something like the Polished Man Campaign or more of a dope creative statement. Either way, I love it! 💛

[@kubeemer]

Thanks for your great videos, very helpful!

[@jamesalles139]

can you explain the offhand "Renogy junk"? Also a handy switch to disconnect all loads from the battery can help minimize parasitic discharge from inverters when not in use...

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

renogy is overpriced for what it is, lacks programability and integration, and they have a reputation for outstandingly bad customer service. NOT worth saving a few bucks over. We left the switch, its just in the cabinet now where it belongs. The truth is, you shouldnt need to turn it off if its in the sun

[@jamesalles139]

@@ChuckCassadyYT Thanks for the reply. Yeah, 'in the sun' is normal in some regions, but not all. I was thinking of in a service garage or in storage. It does not have to be in easy reach, but it sure did not have a good look to it. I have not had a need for integration in my system, so I missed that valid point. Thanks again for the video

[@mariemedina257]

Wow!! Beautiful work Chuck and Ben.. Thanks for sharing.. 🎃

[@guygfm4243]

Good job thanks for sharing

[@mikefleming9081]

That bus looks like a Texas schoolie co. conversion ,I would check every connection etc. on that bus.I've seen horror vids out of there.

[@Travisj535]

Sorry to hear that you are closing the shop. I just live a couple blocks away and have just started watching your videos linked through Alyssa's videos. I'm not going as big as a bus, but leaning toward a Quigley or other converted van for a base, hopefully already a high top. I will definitely need help with solar and battery system at some point. Subscribed.

[@spacesaverbob]

Two Grand well spent in my humble opinion. And such a tidy looking job too!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

I would agree!

[@13yearsaprepperr.jtilbury.51]

As a sparky the first thing i was Told was " LOOSE WIRES CAUSE FIRES " So many thing a low voltage system is not dangerous they just don't realise how many amps and the power of the batteries ! The damage that can come from a short is deadly ! You are a true ARTIST ! Great work and you may have saved a life , Robert Berry Mountain Auto Marine NSW Australia

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

thanks robert!

[@Donald_Shaw]

Wonderful video as always. Your team does great work.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you very much!

[@Donald_Shaw]

@@ChuckCassadyYT Hard work shows and is well deserved.

[@allenrousseau5668]

Thank you for showing this! You guys did a great job of showing how electricity flowing through [or trying to] back/weak connections can get hot and become dangerous. Also the fact the electrical connections are in a moving vehicle with vibration that can loosen up those connections as well. I see stuff like this in home's as an electrician for 31 yrs, most folks to see or discern proper connections until something bad happens. Electricity is not something you can see, and if the lights turn on most folks just think it works fine. Not knowing things can heat up. Take care! God bless! AL from CT

[@donlancaster8943]

Really love your videos lots of good advice we live in a mci bus and I'm working on the 12 v side of it now

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

An MCI wad my first bus! 1976 crusader ii

[@Lonnwriting]

Chuck, I enjoy your vids.

[@markierock3930]

Job well done

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

thank you!

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

What bothers me about that diy install isn't that it wasn't just bad - it was negligently bad. They clearly put zero time into researching anytime what so ever. They just swiped their credit card and shotgunned parts into that cavity. I'm curious why you didn't precharge the inverter? The in rush still exists it's just arcing inside of the shut off switch. What a mess. I've never seen a shunt that big - is that a 1000A? The haphazard strain relief on the mppt wire sure saved the day. I'm glad they were willing to seek help. Hopefully, they don't have any propane systems....

[@bill8582]

I have been looking at getting a bus to convert, and when it comes to the electrical system, I will hire a professional to do it, as I am an automotive painter, not an electrician. Great job guys, and you definitely saved that bus, I'd say one more outing in it before it came to your shop, probably would have been it's last, and the customer would have lost a lot more than 2000 bucks, nice job, and money well spent.

[@reishiramzi]

I literally exclaimed "noooo!" When the heavy wire just pulled off the uncrimped lug.

[@robertseguin4875]

thanks

[@mrmotofy]

Ferrules- Some say don't use them for high current connections as they don't allow as much surface area contact in the clamp. Which can lead to overheating connections. I can't remember if Victron gives any comment on it.

[@paulherman5198]

That was a scary looking build. I am no expert, nor do i pretend to play one on TV. This looked like a couple 3D Printers I had. Had a really cheap and loose wire connector for a heated bed. The bed would move front to back. It was also 20a at 12v. I had to replace a melted connector. I just soldered wires to the bed and added a strain relief. This kinda stuff is scary. These builds are why they have inspections when building a house

[@billcoleman7316]

I really had to laugh when you called the Renogy DC to DC charger a piece of junk. I agree and that's why I got me the Victron one. LOL

[@JasperJanssen]

It’s not like chargers cost a lot compared to the other stuff, so why just on an esthetic and monitoring level would you buy non-blue just for that one component? Really weird. Maybe COVID supply issues, but even then.

[@meverly7834]

Yeah, but the larger controller leaves room to add more solar later… I did that with my inverter. I have 600 watts going into 3 100Ahr 12V LiFo4 batteries…. I have soooo many less wires. Panels go to controller…. A 30Amp in line fuse going to and from controller. Then hooked up batteries right next to it in parallel series. Right next to that, goes into inverter. I put a stop switch in the black wire. Looks sooo much neater than this. I knew nothing of solar and did sooo much research. However, I trusted someone else to install them in my roof and they separated them, so that might be a problem for me. I’m so proud I did all the solar hookup myself and I trust everything so much more because I know I wired everything up tight and snug… and proper.

[@meverly7834]

Oh yeah, I have a 3500 pure sine inverter. There hasn’t been anything I can’t run off it.

[@KimboFPV]

Great video! Fun, yet easy going......I totally agree, when it comes to AC / DC power systems. Always hire a pro

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you!

[@evil17]

Great vid Chuck, nice job, looks so much better. Yeah, I do notice that many people dont seem to have a clue about how important those connection are, especially in a high amp/potential area as you have shown here. Properly crimped connections are a must for safety & reliability of course. It would probably be very helpful to do a video just about the different wires/cables, sizes, connectors, ferrules and proper crimping tools & methods to make decent/proper connections, and also if or when solder may be used as there are a few schools of thought on that topic too. I have recently seen a guy crimp large cables using a punch & anvil type device, & while it did make a reasonable/ish connection, personally my preference is the nice clean cold fusion type joint created by a hydraulic crimping tool. This job would have been much better left to the professionals in all regards, safety, reliability, functionality = value/savings. TFS. Cheers

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Appreciate your comments and seeing the value in our work and approach! Thank you very much

[@lauradoyle1111]

Just curious, what is up with the yellow thumbs? Does it have to do with gutted?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Yes

[@cycleoflife7331]

great fix chuck. I posed a question earlier on another of your uploads about which company can you recommend on solar panel racks or should I just make one myself. rather get a manufactured rack as I don't have the time

[@francespueo5367]

Wow! Real lucky this time was done correctly.

[@markrenfrow9873]

I think I'll check some of my electrical connections for "good and tight".

[@felicitous48]

Thanks for another great video! Do you have a video to tie in alternator charging or do you recommend/not recommend it? I am doing a shortie van/bus and won't have room for all the solar panels I would like.

[@tiffanywilkins9526]

Hey! I have been watching a ton of your videos as we build out our bus! Thanks for providing so much info for us! I have a question about Henry's Tropicool on the roof? What are your thoughts? Is it worth it? Thanks!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

never! i hate the stuff.

[@sunroameroverland]

Interesting did not know about farels

[@angusgraham3028]

Whats with the yellow thumbs ??

[@charlesb4267]

You know how its said that the person who seems to grow a fantastic garden has a green thumb, well I would use that same theme for those that have that special touch when it comes to working on school buses to turn them into something extra special and .... school buses are typically yellow ...

[@angusgraham3028]

@@charlesb4267 lol… i need to start painting my nails green 🤣🤣🌲🌲💨💨 Love it 😂👍

[@ochjoo77]

Great video, gave me some more motivation to tidy up my electrical setup some more. One question, wouldn't a class T fuse be a better choice for the first main fuse after the battery's?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

The batteries have their own built in fuses so it isn't necessary for a clas t on the main fuse

[@mrutubeuk]

@@ChuckCassadyYTtwo points: 1) so it doesn’t matter what fuse the batteries had as long as they fused you were happy to use a mega fuse as master fuse? 2) if this setup was using diy lifepo4 batteries with bms, their own switch and inline mega fuse, what main system fuse would you have used and why?

[@hashbestus8502]

I’m smart enough to know what I don’t know and electrical is one of those things 😬

[@thetruthserum2816]

I went with the EG4 all in one 6.5K unit to avoid the bird's nest @1:26 ... 6500EX-48 | 6500W Output | 8000W PV Input | 500V VOC Input | UL 1741 Certified | All in One Solar Inverter with shore transfer switch. For $1.3K each, I'll get a second one and have it as a cold spare in the boot... Yet another advantage of running 48V storage.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Except their self consumption is extremely high which is a problem when the size of rhe pv array is limited

[@thetruthserum2816]

@@ChuckCassadyYT ...is 3.2 Kw worth of panels going to cut the mustard? 8 x 400 watt? I think the idle consumption is 70 watts. I have a 9,600 watt battery LiFePO4 bank. I guess I can always tear it out and try another setup if that comes to pass...

[@infotoons212]

@@thetruthserum2816 Will Prowse did a breakdown on that particular unit and found 80 to 85 watt idle consumption. I like the look of those all-in-one systems but I wish you could turn the inverter on and off separately from the rest of the unit.

[@deangoeller8440]

As a master Electrician ,what you found was very dangerous, you did a awesome job repair the main electrical, I wonder what the lights , outlet, switches are terminated like , still could be some unsafe issues . But can't fix everbodies screw ups .lol

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Right?! We worked through the budget they had, couldn't rewire the whole bus!

[@treelyliving4691]

Hey Chuck, what kind of plywood do you recommend for bed structures I am aware I need drill a bunch of large holes in it for air movement so I don’t have mold But what do you suggest? Thanks man

[@hankaaron77]

I think that sometimes we, as diyer's, fall into the trap of thinking like we aren't getting paid, or paying someone, to do the job so the time to make something that isn't necessarily seen look nice and professional isn't a priority. Especially when you have already been working on it for longer than you thought you would.

[@georgewalker7464]

Hi Chuck, just wondering if u would do a ambulance, its had nothing done yet and would like and off grid solor set up, if not would u no someone that does ambulances, first video, thanx chuck

[@guywhoknows]

Diyers need to think if they can do it. And have the tools and knowledge to do it. One thing I noticed. 175amp Anderson connections. Was that 100amp or 60 amp cables from the battery to the bus?

[@eskieguy9355]

If I were doing this as a DIY person, I would have used this as an excuse to get new tools, being a long time fan of the Tappet Brothers, that was their philosophy. That and getting a copy of the wiring code for RVs. Got that from my father.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Absolutely! Love the tappet brothers

[@stevenwood7131]

can you imagine that conversation after she watched this video or given the skinny after she picked up the bus? think they are still together?

[@dangeroustoman]

Question about the victron. let's say you were in Florida for that last storm and all the power was out and also the cell towers, would you still be able to get them (victron products) still work on your phone.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

They don't need or use cell.service to work

[@mrmotofy]

Uses a Bluetooth from your phone to the devices. Victron can connect to an online portal but most don’t use that feature

[@MrGundawindy]

At 15:50 why is there one wire on the unfused side of the distribution bus bar?

[@milesoroads]

Do you see any needs for a metal battery box? I know in a lithium fire there is not much stopping it. Just in recent events seeing a lot of fires. Keep up the great work.

[@target844]

Lithium battery fires are primary a problem for LiCoO2 chemistry because you can get a thermal runway if there is internal problem, resistance decrease when it get warmer, and that increase the energy release in an internal short and it get warmer. LiCoO2 will decompose and release oxygen so everything required for a fire is in the battery. Most lithium batteries for campers are LiFePO4 that do not have the same thermal runaway problem, and resistance increase when temperature increase. The P-O bound is stronger than the Co-O so oxygen is released a lot slower.

[@target844]

Here are a practical demonstration of the different types of batteries LiCoO2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6HYaZupa82gr80 and LiFePO4 kzbin.info/www/bejne/emnbf52wbJijbpI It is in a separate post because youtube do not like links in comment so it might be automatically censored

[@toddletrails1016]

What resources would you recommend for DIYers that want to learn the basics of solar electric? There is a lot of misinformation I'm sure. How are you supposed to find reliable information? Classes? Channel recommendations? And what about for engine mechanics? I'd love to do basic work on my engine but have no training or anything.

[@brockvagis1657]

2000 that's not bad

[@mattbroughton1460]

Hey just curious what is with the yellow thumbs

[@trevortrevortsr2]

You know it's possible to correct faults without degrading or humiliating others

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Where did I do that? If someone builds a death trap, im not concerned about feelings

[@trevortrevortsr2]

@@ChuckCassadyYTDo you think folk who try but make mistakes are more or less likely to listen to sound advice if they are repeatedly derided?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

@@trevortrevortsr2 I went out of my way to not be humiliating, I understand they're an amateur, but Im here to help people and this was nothing more than an example of how not to do something, especially when that something could kill you or a loved one. I tend to be a little harsh but it is only because I care. I hope you can understand my intentions.

[@trevortrevortsr2]

@@ChuckCassadyYT Be kind - they know not what they do

[@andrewperkins1513]

Were those the Blue Sea breaker panels?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Yes they were, good units!

[@RollinHomies]

One misconception about the dc to dc charging, most older buses do not have an alternator that produces enough voltage to meet the “DC” charging output. So even though you replaced their renogy charger with the Victron, they probably won’t see the Victron max charge anyway. Bummer☹️

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

We were seeing the rated 360 watts easily during testing and since the start voltage on the Orion are programmable, it is easy to ensure it will turn on. If you're seeing that much voltage drop at your dc-dc, I'd suggest checking your cable sizing and consider connecting straight to the alternator as the wire between the alternator and battery is often a small awg. We have done over 900 watts charging off alternators in buses from the 70s and 80s without issue! This bus was a 2005 I believe, so pretty new...lol anything after 2000 sounds 'new' to me

[@RollinHomies]

@@ChuckCassadyYT Definitely something I’ll have to look more in to 😃🤘🏼

[@dankarau2307]

"Renogy POS" So true...surprising how many folks are fooled into buying their crap products.

[@rburns5649]

what is with the yellow paint on only your thumbs is it from being on gutted

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

It's a mystery

[@recoblade1465]

The fact that her partner spent north of $1,000 on an overpowered charge controller but couldn't spend 30 to $50 on a hammer crimper is insane the amount of money they wasted on that size charge controller they could have purchased the Lynx distributor and the Tempco top of the line hydraulic crimper

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

painful

[@robertcarnaz4326]

Chuck, good stuff man… I need your services… I have a 1990 Prevost Liberty Coach. I just recently replaced my house batteries with li ion, and would like to replace my magna inverter and replace it with a server rack system. And solar panels to make it off grid… I’m in Boston where can I find your shop?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

We are in Denver, you can find us through the links in the description 👍

[@robertcarnaz4326]

I’ll keep you in mind. Thanks

[@drgranger2]

Another great video! Thanks guys. There isn't much of anything I won't do myself, but you just convinced me this my be one area to think " maybe I don't know what I don't know". And electric with all of today's tech is complicated. I've built 2 busses, refurbished a 42 Gibson houseboat and am finishing up a tiny house .... busses before solar was around (1976 & 1999) and the tiny I'm finishing is on grid. Probably be looking to you for electric / solar in hopefully soon to be bus build. I've put in two requests for contact on finding the bus, haven't heard back yet. I know you have been busy with your business and Gutted. Look forward to talking with you. Don

[@tableshaper4076]

I'm not an electrician but I wired my own shop once and when the inspector came he gave me shit for zip tying all the wire together, he said when you bundle the wire together it can cause some kind of interference???

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Only if you're running ac and dc lines parallel. Inspector sounds like a dummy

[@davidmills2266]

How that bus hasn't been a fireball is nothing short of a miracle.Installer wants shot

[@rbnhood39]

Charles how or where did you learn your skills in the electrical field? Are you sure you’re not a robot or something.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Lol

[@SmithOffGrid]

You mentioned that all the solar panels should be in the same plane or they would only produce what the least performing panel is outputting. Wouldn't this depend if they were in series or in parallel? From what I understand the voltage of solar panels is fairly consistent and it's more the current that fluctuates given the amount of light hitting it. It seems like if they were in series then reduced output on all the panels would make sense since the whole string would be bottlenecked by the panel with the lowest current flowing. But if they were wired in parallel with a separate series for each plane, couldn't you theoretically have one lower performing side and one higher performing side at the same time?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

This is a great question and yes, I did oversimplify. There is no question in my mind that no matter how you configure the panels, if two or more different planes are feeding the same controller, you're going to reduce the output more than if each plane had its own controller. You are correct that panels in parallel are less affected by this, but it still diminishes the overall output vs having seperate controllers for each plane. Regardless, it is a far less than optimal way to install and wire the panels. Appreciate the intelligent question!

[@SmithOffGrid]

@@ChuckCassadyYT Makes sense, thanks for the explanation!

[@fairrider3346]

WHO KNOWS WHAT YOU WOULD FIND IF YOU STARTED LOOKING AT ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS THROUGH OUT THE BUS.

[@fairrider3346]

DID THE GUY THAT DID THIS ELECTRICAL MESS WORK FOR EPIC SCHOOLIES??

[@justindavis1546]

Pay once, cry once. Unfortunately, some people get in over their head trying to save some money. Fortunately, it came out okay.

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

We run a super capacitor bank with our batteries. Let the super capacitors cycle not the batteries. You only get around 20000 cycles with lithium. Super capacitors will cycle millions of times. Like add a super capacitor to car amp to keep headlights from dimming when bass hits. A super capacitor bank will out last battery banks and most of your life. Super capacitor act like a soft start too. Super capacitors banks charge in a couple minutes.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Very cool, what size and kind of caps are you running?

[@billvankuren3173]

Is that a school bus yellow thumb nail you have?

[@MattThie1]

One of the worst practices I see on KZbin Skoolies is mounting the high current electrical devices to a wood surface instead of a sheet metal panel. Wood is fuel and plywood is really good fuel. Fire = fuel + heat+ oxygen/air. When potentially hot wires or sparks from loose connections provide the heat 🔥fire 🔥is almost certain, because air and fuel are already present. A properly painted metal panel has sufficient insulation for the low voltages not to arc if accidently making contact during installation or servicing. The various things that this video points out adds to the risk of fire.

[@nathoilboy2053]

A classic case of.... A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing. Her husband could have torched the whole place down!!

[@-ellimist-]

Time for the real question: what's the story behind the yellow thumbnails?

[@redhilllabs3245]

When following off grid solar on KZbin it is evident that a whole bunch of people with no technical, electrical, electronic background are suddenly becoming solar power engineering experts. Probably a majority will do ok due to the "dumb luck" phenomena. Some might die. I've already seen one garage burn down near where I live.

[@payme0]

A $8000 system for 200w of Solar.... LMFAO!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

i know....

[@Swampkrew]

Invest in a heat camera to troubleshoot.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Great idea

[@Swampkrew]

Also to audit your own builds. We’re all human.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Definitely

[@phillipgreene6325]

Hey guys. I like how you guys increase the height. Do you or have you ever increased the width? Is it possible?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

there are federal limits on width

[@timmysrvlife]

It is a shame that the components are all good quality. The wire size looks to be right too.

[@camprocketsound2601]

I see so many of these "vanlife" electrical builds.....and as someone that works on this type of shit in a commercial setting, I just have one thing to say: Ya'll seriously need to learn about DIN rails...

[@derelict06]

Cute yellow thumb nails y'all got there 👀 Is that a remnant from Gutted or are y'all just fashionable?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

It's from gutted

[@funonaboat]

ok i can not be the only one wondering why you both have yellow thumb nails lol

[@pmag3200]

I wonder if the boyfriend admitted to his wrong doing and helped to pay for some to get it corrected...job well do like always..😎🍺🍺🍺

[@cole650]

You do NOT need a professional to do electrical installation, you just need to do research and take your time, it is NOT rocket science just takes time and care, I wonder how much these guys are charging. Nice job though guys

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

If you had watched the video, you'd know this cost them about $2000 in parts and labor

[@cole650]

I did watch the whole video so what you mean is about $150 for a Lynx $1850 for the labor, correct

[@MissingLink-hb9ov]

wrong type of lugs as well, I would not use those lugs. 30 years of telco experience.

[@fairrider3346]

DOES PATRICKSDIY WORK FOR EPIC SCHOOLIES???