Van Electrical Systems: Victron vs. Renogy | Battle Born vs. SOK

[@mariop.8207]

There are welding cables that have the same diameter but are significantly more flexible.

[@curioussand1339]

Exactly, the 4/0 I have purchased is rated at 440A @ 105 C, so easy to work with, but comes at a hefty price tag.

[@OneLeggedTarantula]

Thanks, great video! yes I'd go with a lower price , decent quality components. just purchased the newer 50A Renogy DCDC, check it out. was also leaning towards an aluminum enclosure. can you do a video on how you build those? sok with heaters make a lot of sense. have you built 48V systems?

[@ifell3]

Oh, one thing I heard about the renogy dc to dc charger is that even if it picks up a bit of solar it will split it 50/50, so if your getting 10a solar you only get 25a alternator.

[@thrivans]

I haven’t tested that, but it could be accurate.

[@ifell3]

@@thrivans yeah, once I'm up and running I will give it a go. Will also make the solar disconnect easy to reach if it's not sunny in the UK and I need a good drive.

[@ifell3]

@@thrivans if it is right, it might be worth passing on to your customers.

[@Dirt-Diggler]

​@ifell3 your 100% correct 👍 the dcc50s does indeed limit the alternator charge to 25A if it detects any solar, I've been running one for 3 years now, on the positive side it saves fuel by using less alternator power, I fitted an isolator switch for when I need the full 50A from the alt but in reality I've never used it but it's good to have for servicing the system anyway.

[@Dirt-Diggler]

​@@thrivansconsidering that your recommending these items shouldn't you know this, how can you recommend items you don't fully understand or have tested 🤔

[@rickbartley9255]

If the cost of technology yields similar long term reliability and meets my personal needs, I personally don’t have a problem buying 2nd tier hardware. My needs tend to be simpler and tend towards keeping my designs simpler, functional, robust, and easy to diagnose and repair.

[@carrdoug99]

The SOK batteries for sure. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on a Renogy/Victron hybrid system. I'm frugal, not cheap. Meaning, I don't like spending money unnecessarily, but I definitely believe in spending more money if it equals value over the long run. Along with completed systems. Do you also offer design services for your electrical/plumbing systems?

[@thrivans]

Thanks for your input. Nothing wrong with a hybrid system, however I feel like you get a lot more bang for the buck with Victron. We don't do the design services, but for electrical we recommend explorist.life.

[@CJ30123]

there is genuinely zero reason to buy Renogy products to be honest. They are chinese garbage with awful customer support. While not even saving you much money vs. Victron. Victron components are bulletproof.

[@andrewinaustintx]

Compared to my 2 year old electric build in a tiny pop up truck camper riding in a 19 year old Toyota Tundra - the amount of real estate used in that bench configuration is massive. If I was starting from scratch today - I'd opt for a Victron Orion XS DC to DC 50 amp charger and a single 206 Ah SOK LiFePO4. - My build repurposed the camper's original lead acid battery compartment to house a single 100 Ah SOK, a shunt to monitor state of charge and a Renogy 30 Amp dual input DC to DC charger. The camper has 200 watts of solar. I have no shore power provisions. All buss bars, fuses, Blue Sea circuit breakers and the SOC monitor are located in a separate interior cubby - which I refer to as my control center. My 110 AC needs are handled by a Bluetti power station mounted above the cubby. It's not the best, but it is a neat and orderly install. The smallish 30 amp dual input DC to DC charger allows the use of a 12 foot #6 AWG duplex marine wire run from the front of the camper to the truck's starter battery versus the usual #4 AWG cabling. When the sun is shining the Renogy unit only draws 15 amps / 200 watts from the truck's starter battery - while driving down the road.

[@brettferguson6954]

Can you explain the advantage of an inverter/charger combo over a separate inverter and charger? Beginning to think the inverter charger may be a waste of money?

[@thrivans]

Either way you can accomplish the same thing. Most people just find it's more convenient to have the inverter and charger combined.

[@brettferguson6954]

@@thrivans will it harm the batteries by drawing on the battery while charging with a separate charger and separate inverter?

[@rod8073]

What do you think of the Mopeka water sensor instead of the fuel sending unit as seen in your water tank. It’d be nice to not drill into the water tank.

[@thrivans]

We haven’t used the Mopeka sensors, but they do work with the Cerbo GX. To us it’s not a big deal to drill into the top of the tank.

[@pkl88858]

GREAT video, but .... We've gone 3 summers with a propane stove, 2 wet cel Gp31 batteries, 200 w solar, Renogy DCC50s, Isotherm 130 AC/DC Refrigerator with Freezer, 200W cigarette lighter inverter, and a 3g hot water tank with 12V element run the last hour of driving each day. IF we decide we need a toaster or coffee maker we'll add a 2000W Renogy inverter for $280.00. It's not for everyone but if your budget is tight electrics is where to save.

[@JD-xo3xz]

Thank you. Very informative.

[@thrivans]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeffmcgough7664]

Can't use an MRBF? Use a T-Class but skip the ANL or Megas.

[@rod8073]

Great video! I’m going with 2 Battle born GC3’s. Solar will be 600 watts and total victron system. Question, what size mega fuses do l use in my lynx distributor??

[@thrivans]

I can’t give specific fuse sizes as there are too many variables. I recommend referring to the schematics for exploring.life for wire and fuse sizes.

[@curioussand1339]

I don't understand why people buy these huge battleborns when you can buy 300 Ah Mini's with less footprint for around 500$ a piece.

[@Caminovan]

Title is irrelevant to what's in the video

[@nicholasmendoza6159]

It's hard to see people still installing 12 volt inverters. 48v, everything is cheaper, wires are smaller, and it's more robust. It just doesn't make sense anymore.

[@BlitheXaviera-f9m]

Karina Shore

[@DarrenRivey]

Does either manufacturer have a DC to DC 12 (alternator) to 48 v (battery) mppt or alternator charger? EcoFlow alternator charger and wakespeed are some examples for comparison (charging 48 v from 12 v alternator).

[@brianmoore4299]

Why not just use a delta 3 from eco flow? Wouldnt have to buy all those components and wire. Can hook right to a breaker panel or dc panel easily. Wouldnt that work and save you money?

[@thrivans]

You could do that. We’ve done a video on the channel comparing Ecoflow and Victron.

[@brianmoore4299]

@@thrivans Thank you for your response.. I appreciate that. I agree victron is the top choice. I've learned lots watching your videos and the proper way to set it up. But now with that delta 3 and additional batteries I can do it easier and still have all the power I need. W/O buying all those individual components.