Installing Solar Is Easy! New panels, solar charger, batteries and inverter from BougeRV.

[@gokushair]

If I’d had parents, I’d have wanted them to be like you two.

[@cowboyscoffee]

Agreed

[@gonagain]

I'll let our kids know that you said that!

[@ex-engineer6657]

Thanks for another great video, and Linda's cameo was a plus!

[@georgewashington938]

Another good video from Goneagain. 7:22 the temp port may also be for lithium batteries which are should not be charged when they are 32F or colder. I see later in the video (11:32) where you discuss how the battery self heating function uses the power coming from the solar panel to warm up the battery before it starts accepting a charge. That is a very nice feature of that battery. My batteries do not have a self-heating function, so the temp sensor is used to keep the battery charger off until the temp has risen to a save level. 7:29 it is important to make sure that the positive power cable from the solar panels goes into the positive port of a DC circuit breaker (and the negative goes in the negative port). If wired incorrectly, the switch may not open and get stuck in an arching state and melt or catch on fire. DC circuit breakers function/behave differently from AC breakers and switches.

[@cowboyscoffee]

Another great video.❤

[@chrislincoln489]

Very cool, I think everyone learned something.

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Wow, that should give you plenty of power Rick. Great DIY video. JT

[@gonagain]

Thanks, JT!

[@williambingham2459]

Rick, another good one from the basics. 😊

[@ChuckisOutside]

Thanks for the detailed video. Good job Rick and Linda.

[@markparr7224]

You are gonna love that set up. Now you can get a cheap dorm fridge and run it off the inverter, ( if you need to) I have a 7.3CF Danby, and it will run for three days, with no charge, on my 400AH (2X 200AH) Ampere Time batteries. I agree with everything you did, especially tinning the ends of the wires. I see Will Prowse always snip off the tinned ends, and ask WHY? It helps keep the ends together, and avoids corrosion. It also forms the end better when you clamp them down.

[@jonthebru]

BougeRV got their money's worth out of this! You presented a really great process and review of the gear.

[@ScottHenion]

If you use less than 20 amps on your house wiring, connect the wires to the solar controller load terminals instead of the battery. That will show the power use of your devices and also show the net in/out to the batteries. So, you will know when you are using more than you are generating. I'll be using 3 of those solar panels on my trailer. Too bad they don't make a 24V inverter as my system will be 24V to run a DC A/C unit and PC. I do have an inverter that is low standby power. That solar controller looks identical to the HQST controllers I have on my list. Nice install job, should do you well.

[@georgewashington938]

My daughter and I installed two more solar panels on the roof of our 12' cargo trailer camper yesterday (now we have 6 x 100 watt panels). The first time can be intimidating. Just take your time, draw pictures and diagrams on how things should work, and watch videos like this to get it down.

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

You most likely got a big voltage drop to get those High amps. At 39 amps, you would need approximately 470watts of solar to get 39watts at 12 volts. I like series because on overcast cloudy days you get that needed higher voltage. In the UK, overcast and cloudy days is what we can expect most of the time, so no parking under trees and clean solar panels are a must for optimum efficiency. The wiring can also be thinner...more volts less amps instead of low volts with higher amps. 400watts is great because you can have two sets of 100 watt panels in series then those two sets in parallel 2x2. Good show 👍

[@deeanderson5670]

Thanks for sharing. But over my head. Still enjoyed.

[@gonagain]

Thank you for sticking with this, Dee.

[@jonkirkwood469]

We've stripped our trailer of what doesn't work, enhanced that which does; and we're designing a power system capable of boondocking. You've thought through some of the things I'm pondering. I hope I settle on BougeRV equipment. I like to show my appreciation to companies who help bring informative content.

[@TheGbortnick]

this is one of the best series!❤

[@gonagain]

Thanks, George!

[@scottmcfarland2149]

Great video Rick. Liking your upgrade. 🐾🙏🏻✌🏻🤙🏻

[@gonagain]

Thanks 👍

[@scottmcfarland2149]

@@gonagain just got my Maxx air vent installed last week. The project has begun.😂

[@jimnjele.bean-dayone3505]

Outstanding video sir....straight foward easy to understand....

[@sarahmoore3831]

Thanks for the info, 😊

[@haywire1705]

That was one of the clearest and most helpful explanations of this stuff that I have seen. I have a pretty old Lance 5th wheel camper (from the 1980s). Where I use my camper usually has power hookups but I might install solar anyway and your explanation helps a lot. It sounds like the BourgeRV stuff is pretty good. Kind of plug and play . I am also seriously thinking of installing solar on my home. I know it isn't the same as a camper but I think a lot of what you just explained would be helpful to house solar too . At least, your explanation gives me a little confidence. Really good video. Thanks!

[@gonagain]

Glad the video helped you out. A home installation is very similar.

[@vivianallen9772]

I love this channel!

[@bobcole3852]

Great simple explanation

[@skyepilotte11]

Very nice walk thru on this installation...

[@gonagain]

Thank you! 👍

[@Kralphrn]

Nice job! very clearly explain how to hook everything up. Thx so much!

[@MOTrav]

Good review! Keeping it clean, neat, and straight forward always helps. Your added switch inside the trailer between the controller and the panels is a great feature. Good work! 😎

[@ThePowerTeam364]

Great Video!! My beautiful wife and I watch y’all every time and love your partnership together!! We have a 21’ Microlite BUT just completed building our 6x10 cargo trailer interior and installed 200 watt solar with 100Ah Life Po lithium, We’re more excited to utilize our Cargo trailer than camper because of ease pulling and camping in remote areas better! Y’all be safe!

[@gonagain]

That's exactly why we love our 6x10 single axle cargo trailer. Anything bigger than that wouldn't be able to turn around in some of the dicey "roads" that we've been on.

[@patrickhall3878]

Now that’s a serious upgrade. I have been pricing that system and it’s out of reach but you will test it over the long term.. maybe ac is next. Keep the great videos coming.

[@wrxs1781]

Good install video, BougeRV is premium kit and gets good revues. I have the same sort of set up but took more of a cost friendly route.

[@cynthiapierce4184]

Great overview of the setup and equipment. I'm glad you got a nice lithium solar package to use. You'll enjoy the convince and versatility of all that power.

[@derekrichard9189]

I’ve watched lots of videos and installed solar on my conversion and wish I’d had this video… my compliments Rick you did a great installation video absolutely perfect thank you!!!

[@paulhunter546]

Good video..very informative 👍😁

[@gonagain]

Several people correctly noted that I used a smaller wire than I should have between my batteries and my inverter (4 gauge). I've changed it up to 2 gauge, which will handle my needs just fine.

[@toucantwo]

@gonagain Using 2 gauge (2 awg) copper wire, the maximum load you should run off your inverter would be 1380 watts (a little less since no inverter is perfect.) Since you are in control of what you plug in, you can make sure not to overload. But a better practice since the inverter can produce 2000 watts (and will if someone plugs in a 2000 watt load) would be to use 2/0 gauge wire to be able to deliver the full rated output of the inverter. I'm sure you will never exceed the wiring capacity but if someone follows your channel and misses that point, they could burn up their trailer. I love your channel but safe is safe.

[@j.vincento7152]

FOR THOSE PUTTING IN A 2000 WATT INVERTER- Consider #3 gauge wires. #4 may get too hot. But if no problem then your fine. Another video measured the temperature on the #4 and #3 and said if too much of a load on wires could be fire on #4 wires. Only buy 2000 watt inverter with #3 wires. THIS VIDEO HERE IS ALL SAME BRAND batt- charge control-solar panel-inverter. Most of us mix and match.. so apparently the thinner gauge wire #4 goes well with entire system. The video seen shows quite a difference in heat over time on the #4 smaller gauge wires. A infared temperature showed that #4 wires should not be used on 2000 watt or more inverters. The #3 wires were greatly cooler on a mix and match system of different brands of batteries - charge controller and 2000 watt inverter

[@georgewashington938]

It never hurts to 'round up' (go down a gauge size number) the size of electric cables

[@arthurbach9016]

You got plenty enough power to run a microwave a coffee maker are you going to get one of those induction cook top

[@Lawsn4]

👍👍👍

[@gsp49]

I used plastic zip ties to attach mine to the stock roof rack on my Odyssey. Reinforced with parachute chord, make sure it doesn't blow off. I had to drill some holes in the panel frame for a way to make attachment points.

[@arnoldgrubbs2005]

Great vid Rick!.. Still in the planning stages and first steps on my trailer. I bought 4 of the BougeRV panels last year, and one of their refridge/freezer units. The freezer works great. Still thinking about how I want to do the mounting of the panels, and playing with several ideas on how to mount them, so that they are able to move (tip) into better sun. The roof on my trailer is curved, so I think a rack bolted to the side wall struts will be what I have to do. I have 4 -100 AH LiFePo battery, but did not get the heated ones. I guess I will move them into the house in the winter. One thing I did notice was in the hookup for my battery bank, it said that it is best to hook up your charge cables, and the load cables, so that they are on the opposite ends of your battery bank. This will mean that each battery will have the same cable length to the charger and loads. I don't know if I can explain it well here, but doing it as they recommend will mean that the cable length to your controls, will be the same, weather you have 1 jumper on the positive side to get to the hook up or one on the negative (with only 2 battery). Which ever path current takes to a battery will be the same amount of wire for all batteries. (In my case 4 batteries). A few milliOhms more resistance on one circuit loop will cause an imbalance of discharge (or charge) when drawing over 100 or more amps for the inverter. I hope that makes some sense, I am bad trying to explain thru the keyboard!

[@weswalker1208]

Good morning

[@raymonddriggers]

Good morning wes!! You wouldn’t happen to be a Texass Ranger would you

[@weswalker1208]

@@raymonddriggers yes

[@seb2549]

Sorry please do not take offense, don't want to be "that guy" but just wanted to mention in case the wire to inverter is 4 awg; seems like it from the video just like the cables used to connect the batteries in series. These 4 awg cables may be able to carry a 85-100A load max. If you oversized that inverted and will never need more than 1200W out despite it being 2000W continuous that will be fine of course.

[@seb2549]

I should have known you had all the bases covered :).

[@vencenzodemarco4393]

Fantastic Rick, Good Video With a ton of tips. Almost more important is how logical and straight forward you make it, Thanks. For me, I have a few extra questions because I'm juggling which way to go with a couple of different items and I don't want to get off the subject so I will send an email. Is that the alternate way to reach you??? I Really am thankful for all the info and flat-out Smarts you share with us, your loyal followers. Greatly Appreciated Always. 👍 God Bless.

[@gonagain]

Email us anytime, Vencenzo! [e-mail]

[@CITAP1]

Nice install Rick. I'm still trying to decide where to mount a Victron 3kw Inverter/charger. I've used up about every usable mounting space close to the batteries. I can surface mount below the oven but it could get splashed on which could be bad. I make due with my Xantrex 600 watt PSW unit which does all I need for now. Do I really need AC off battery power is the question. 17 years truck camping and I'm still alive without it. One other addition I'm considering is to upgrade to a higher output alternator and installing a second Victron 30 amp DC to DC charger. My existing single unit gets hotter than you want to touch when I've run the batteries down. A second unit in paralell would cut that heat way down and charge the 400 AH lithium batteries faster. The bigger your bank of batteries, the more current they want. Take care.

[@gonagain]

For an inverter, I think you should have the smallest one that you actually need. The reason is that the bigger they are the more standby power they use when the AC is turned on and you're not actually using it. This BougeRV one is pretty efficient that way. Yeah, good idea to upgrade the DC to DC charger, but I don't know anything about running a 2nd one in parallel. When you find out I'd like to hear about it.

[@CITAP1]

@gonagain there are several videos on dual dc dc charging. You need to first be sure your alternator can deliver enough current for the battery load. I say at least 225 AH rated alternator. Worst case is rainy night, all lights on, AC defrost heat going, headlights and vehicle lighting on, windshield wipers on, in those conditions, you're pulling a big load on the alternator.

[@Steve-Goff]

On the charge controller, the PV positive and negative are right next to each other but the battery are separated. Any idea why? Very informative video. I love learning about solar setups

[@gonagain]

No idea really, except that the negatives are next to each other.

[@jeffreykropp7664]

I have seen a recommendation to discharge the capacitors of an inverter with a resistor before hooking up the batteries?

[@RimdarRanch]

pre-charge, not discharge

[@arnoldreiter435]

always fun to watch you as you set up your camper for your best use. I have been a fan of Bouge products for a few years now and have them in my camper. Question, would it not be best practice to connect your charge wires like you did the inverter? Including both in the charge cycle as well as discharge cycle?

[@gonagain]

Hey Arnold, I'm kinda dense and don't understand, please email me to explain. [e-mail]

[@milesbliss3256]

Great video Rick. I have a question. With a lithium battery like the one in the video. Leaving it in for all winter no use . In the western New York cold . Solar only OK ? Leave hooked up to to 110 power or remove battery for the winter and store in the warm house ?

[@gonagain]

I like to remove the batteries during the dead of winter when I know that I won't be using them. You don't need to keep them hooked up on a charger because the voltage won't trickle down like a lead acid battery will. I store them at 60-80% charged (not fully charged).

[@Dan_H_MT]

Very informative video. Thanks for taking the time to do it. I just purchased the same 2000-watt BougeRV inverter that you have in your video. Do you know where I could get the remote display that goes with this inverter?

[@gonagain]

That might be an aftermarket product available to plug into one of the two remote display ports. For example, Renogy makes a remote display that may work. I just use the Bluetooth app that goes with this inverter and it works very well.

[@toucantwo]

I always enjoy your videos thank you for sharing your knowledge and travels. But, I'm not sure I'm clear on battery and inverter wire sizing. It seems like a 2000w inverter could draw as much as 166 amps from your battery. What is the correct size for the battery to inverter wires?

[@102Montana]

Just bought a Eco Flow Delta 2 Max for my main source of power for my 6.5 x 12 Stealth trailer (I live in Hamilton MT). I wanted to avoid all the solar wiring. Was considering putting a 400 watt panel. Do you think 2 200 watt or one 400 would make more sense? Second, do you still recommend the black plastic panel bases with adhesive? Seems like an easy way to go. Thanks in advance.

[@gonagain]

I like the idea of 2 200 watt panels because there is less flex going down a bumpy road. I don't like the idea of adhesive mount without any mechanical fastening.

[@functionalvanconversion4284]

👍

[@pureblood2020]

What would be the cost of that set up?

[@gonagain]

The BougeRV self heating batteries are currently on sale for $442 and that's really cheap. Minus mounts and wiring, today's price would be under $2200.

[@garywells3874]

Looking good. Where did you get that switch you used inside the trailer to disconnect the solar?

[@gonagain]

On Amazon. Look up DC circuit breaker. Here's a link to the 50amp one that I installed: amzn.to/3XwiA5n

[@garywells3874]

@@gonagain thanks Rick, we will see you on the road.

[@seymourwrasse3321]

your 300 watt inverter could be wired with a cigarette lighter plug and with the cigarette lighter outlet wired in your system , it would be easy to put it into the system when needed

[@arnoldgrubbs2005]

I suspect that unless you have special plugs, a 300 watt inverter would be a bit much for a cigar lighter system. The plugs are usually 10-15 amp, and a 300 watt inverter at 100% efficiency would draw over 20 amps, and probably more if figured in real world losses. I have the same small inverter Rick has, and the instructions say to not draw more than 150 watts if using the plug. To safely draw full AC from it you would need to use a better plug and socket. That don't mean you couldn't hook it up with something like anderson power poles. They are easy to do, and would give you plug and play. Just use the 30 or 45 amp APP's and not the 15 amp ones.

[@jeffreykropp7664]

Do you see any advantage to attaching the two charging wires to the beginning and end batteries of your "string" instead of both wires into one battery? Back when I had strings of four parallel batteries to charge, seemed to keep them more balanced charge-wise if I attached to the ends.

[@gonagain]

You should attach them at the opposite ends.

[@fuji8410]

I have some nomadic friends out west that are setup with solar and really considering maybe a couple of hundred watts on my converted toy hauler cargo trailer. Wondering would that amount be able to run a small fridge and a few LED lights and periodically a water pump with one deep cycle battery for maybe 3 to 4 days? Love to hear your thoughts.

[@raymonddriggers]

If you call Renogy they will give you a detailed breakdown plan on exactly what you need FREE of charge, if you have the power needed for each appliances before you call them you possibly could get a quote on components needed emailed to you while your on the phone with them

[@gonagain]

You would do pretty well with a 200 watt panel and a single 100ah lithium battery with a solar charge controller. That worked for us in the past with similar needs at the time.

[@fuji8410]

@@gonagain ty and love the videos.

[@marktaylor9975]

Curious Second week in August, will you be there? Iowa.

[@gonagain]

We have no plans for Iowa this year. We're going to stick around the West and Southwest for the rest of the year.

[@weswalker1208]

I don't see that controller link below and I don't see it on their website

[@gonagain]

The controller is only available on Amazon right now. Here's the link: amzn.to/3CCgJCj I'm not sure if my discount will apply, but try GONAGAIN

[@StratRider]

Please correct me if I view this wrong here but . . . It appears that the cables from the battery to the inverter are coming off of the same battery (the left one - but hard to tell since the cables are all the same color) In this instance, positive should be from one battery and negative from the other to keep the charge and discharge from the battery bank balanced.

[@gonagain]

Thanks, I changed it over.

[@john-j7e7e]

i have a dr. prepare 100 battery with the included hub. would i need the 60 amp charger? im satisfied with charging the battery with 100 watts through its hub. but i need an inverter and this bougerv one looks great.

[@gonagain]

For a 100 watt panel and a 100ah battery you'll do fine with a smaller charge controller, say a 30amp one. The size of the inverter depends on what 110 volt appliances you need to run.

[@chevybill1833]

Hey Rick can you tell me in what town is Birdies, where you two got pie?

[@gonagain]

Are you referring to Bernice's Bakery in Missoula? For a trendy type of coffee shop, it was very nice and the pie was great. If that wasn't it, please excuse us because our brains are slow due to coming down off a sugar rush and we need pie.

[@chevybill1833]

No I think the one I’m thinking of was in Kooskia, Id

[@DonaldJohnson-rd3gw]

I have the panels i gotten with my Jackery, they fold, is it possible to attach them to the roof of the trailer, and how durable are they to stay there? appreciate you, Don Johnson

[@raymonddriggers]

I have the same harbor freight foldable, don’t even think of doing that permanently. The metal on them aren’t exactly all the time weatherproof so they will corrode rapidly, go with a panel designed for all weather conditions and is a lot lighter.

[@raymonddriggers]

I also noticed that my panel is only pulling in around 60% in full sun which is poor quality panel or component’s.probably that’s why HF gave the foldables away with purchase

[@gonagain]

Hello Donald, what Raymond said is true and I would stick with weatherproof panels that are made for the job.

[@raymonddriggers]

What is the best way to charge house batteries off of vehicle ?

[@gonagain]

That's a very good question, Raymond. With lead acid batteries you just run a wire from your car's battery to the battery on the trailer through the hitch electrical connector, BUT, with lithium batteries you need to install a DC to DC charger in your trailer before the batteries to make sure the charging current is correct in order to protect the lithium batteries. Those DC to DC chargers used to be expensive, but now they're pretty reasonable on Amazon.

[@jeffpoplin558]

@@gonagain Also, should you consider the alternator output of the tow(charging) vehicle? Seem to remember one of your videos mentioning that. Or will the DC to DC charger handle that?

[@KamperKen638]

What happens if the sun doesn’t shine for a week?

[@MelvinOhio]

Tinting copper in solar degrades performance. Better to crimp with copper ring.

[@deeanderson5670]

Linda a hard working solar installer needs pie.

[@gonagain]

Thank you so much, Dee, I will get some pie! ~~Linda

[@huckleberrychris]

Rick let's meet for pie in GF

[@gonagain]

Okay! When? Where are you now? Email us at [e-mail] so we can exchange phone numbers.

[@stephanmedlin7323]

Great stuff

[@gonagain]

Thank you.

[@jalpa9642]

Rick... can you possibly reply with the Switch Name & Model Number @ time stamp 7:25....? Thanks...! =)

[@gonagain]

Here ya go! amzn.to/43LJwAp

[@seymourwrasse3321]

In series, if one panel goes out, they all stop doing their job

[@raymonddriggers]

Damn see more! You just described communism And unions!