How to Build a DIY Travel Trailer: 12V Electrical, lithium battery (Part 10)

[@WhiteFox011]

I like your grounding system overall, but it can be improved by making 2 changes. After you clear the paint to establish the ground, use a star washer between the ground wire and the ground, and then tighten the screw. After your ground is established, repaint the area including the grounding screw to prevent corrosion. Back in the late '60s, I worked for Boeing in their commercial airplane division, both as an Assembler/installer and later as a Quality Control inspector. The grounding method I discussed is how grounds were established on every airplane Boeing built. I had the pleasure of working on several aircraft models, including, 727, 702,720b, 737, and a little bit of what was referred to as the Iron Bird model of the early 747. All that it consisted of were the control systems, for testing. Now I know that your trailer will never be called upon to leave the ground, it WILL be traveling over many different corrosive products...

[@liamedison3984]

you all probably dont give a damn but does someone know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account? I stupidly lost my login password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me

[@valentinofranklin875]

@Liam Edison Instablaster :)

[@liamedison3984]

@Valentino Franklin i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and I'm in the hacking process atm. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@liamedison3984]

@Valentino Franklin It worked and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thank you so much, you saved my account :D

[@valentinofranklin875]

@Liam Edison happy to help xD

[@bobamos3628]

As a retired automotive electrical specialist I just love seeing an electrical system that is properly done and done cleanly. You did a wonderful job...

[@homesteadonomics]

Bob Amos thank you Bob!

[@notorioustinman]

I have owned four different styles of travel trailers and two motorhomes. Not one of them compare to the quality, fit, and finish of your project. If only YOUR workmanship, were the industry standard. Well done indeed!

[@larryb131]

Love how neat the wiring is. Not the typical birds nests you see on these videos.

[@Stihlheadd]

Note the detail at 7:08. See how the screws are all oriented the same direction? That shows the level of craftsmanship in this build! Great job👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@EASTSIDERIDER707]

This is the cleanest shop I’ve ever seen.

[@homesteadonomics]

UncleHank only clean for tht videos😉

[@hammer9390]

Great video. As for "Industry Standards", I think you would find that few "factory builders" do half as well.

[@homesteadonomics]

Hammer thanks Hammer!

[@StMyles]

A cup of coffee and ham sandwich, with your video to watch after cutting my yard. Feel like I’m on paradise. Incredible, project and build thanks for sharing the details.

[@homesteadonomics]

St Myles oh man! Now those are some kind words! 🙏 😀👍

[@cleokey]

Nicely done, both video and electrical work. Tip I learned as an apprentice: when using electrical tape, tape going away from your body and the tape will remain tight and seal better.

[@homesteadonomics]

thank you Alan! I will remember that.... I usually do it whatever way but thinking about that I can see how it would help to keep a tighter tension on the roll :)

[@sferg9582]

Nice workmanship. Good to see someone take the necessary time to do it right.

[@homesteadonomics]

S FERG thank you! It’s not perfect but I try to do my best😀🙏

[@adensmith8553]

This is one of the most compete wiring videos on youtube thank you. Most of the videos talks about cutting holes and making connections. Grounding, securing wires is so looked over. Again thank you for taking the time it really helps fill in some of the gaps.

[@randybunn7491]

I bought a cheap fixer upper holiday trailer for $1200. And the AC works amazing, the tub is still good, 2 good sinks, a good fridge, good furnace and hot water tank, I wouldn't touch the black water plumbing, tho one could take the toilet. lol so it may be worth hunting around for a trailer you can take apart. Because there could potentially usable pieces from every system required. Love this project. Amazing job

[@youcanthide004]

Beautiful build man, love your rig. This was very well thawed out and then of course, executed. I love your attention to detail. Stay safe on the road.

[@hartk5353]

A tip I've learned when it comes to using the spade connectors , if the wires arent easily distinguished like the fan one instead of having the big red tape what I've done is make the wires from the battery side have a female for the negative and male for the positive, that way you can't mix them up if that makes sense

[@BruceS42]

That sounds like a good idea, but I would think you'd want it the other way around, so if a loose lead from the positive happened to fall on some metal parts of the frame, it wouldn't ground out and short. Or am I thinking of it backwards? I would think the male connector, with the exposed metal, would be better as the negative.

[@homesteadonomics]

hartk1213 yes sir! I get what you’re saying and I think it’s a good plan for sure. But hopefully I won’t be re wiring these for a long time😉👍

[@johnhenry363]

@@BruceS42 Yes, you are correct. Male connector should be negative

[@freesaxon6835]

Crisp, clean lines, solid, well laid out, as per usual

[@homesteadonomics]

Free Saxon thank you FS!

[@CarlosGarcia-ls4hn]

That was a beautiful job of the wiring system in the battery compartment. Everything is nice and neat and labeled. Just the way I like it. Good Job!!

[@shaktichauhan3744]

Excellent video with a very clear step-by-step overview of electrical system setup for your Travel Trailer. I am looking to setup for my small overland camper and your video really helps understand how I need to wire and setup the main components of the system. I am looking forward to DIY my camper with a 12V electrical system.

[@wayneoliver3564]

Glad to see you back. Les said you have been a really busy guy.

[@homesteadonomics]

Wayne Oliver thanks Wayne! Yes, I’m burning the candle at both ends with my day job, stuff around the property that is not video stuff, the video stuff.....and then the mos important family time. But I’m getting closer to catching up and being able to be more consistent in tht projects😀👍

[@jjo5375]

I admire all the forethought used in planning for your electric! Excellent! : )

[@homesteadonomics]

J Jo thank you J Jo!

[@jamie405]

Very Nice mate. The pride in your work is awesome.

[@johnhunter273]

Glad to see you back! Nice wiring job.

[@homesteadonomics]

John Hunter thanks! always glad to post a video....because it means I’m one steps closer😀👍

[@mmx3662]

Really looking good! Excited to hear about your first camping adventure with your family!! You all SOOO...deserve it!!! :)

[@homesteadonomics]

MM X3 thanks Mmx3😉👍🙏

[@eskieguy9355]

Based on my limited experience, it appears overbuilt. I don't think that's ever a bad thing. Compared to the "professional" wiring I've seen when other channels take things apart, your wiring is superior. BTW, I really like the backsplash. It has, kind of a professional kitchen vibe, which the seam you were worried about, fits right into. Or at least I thought that seam was on purpose, until you said otherwise. So I think I'd keep that to myself.

[@dagthewog6290]

Thank you for this video. Counting down the time when I'll be able to start my own build.

[@homesteadonomics]

Dag TheWog thanks for checking it out!😀🙏

[@texaspinetop8959]

By doing it yourself, DIY, your work is above “ industry, factory, get it out the door “ standards. Factory standards usually stop short, yet, your work reflects going one or two steps forward.

[@rmac7072]

Wow, that's some of the cleanest, most meticulous wiring I've seen. Great video, great job!

[@tbpc800]

That is beautiful, meticulous, and excellent functionality! You continue to amaze me with your well thought out attention to details. Thank you so much for this video.

[@markrjones]

Love it Joe. Getting close to time to take the family out and do a test camping trip.

[@andrewpoellnitz872]

I appreciate this video. Not what I thought I was looking for, but you finally showed me how to distribute the power on an overland battery box/rig. Thanks so much.

[@MiniLuv-1984]

That really is neat and serviceable wiring. I trust you will treat the trailer frame earthing points where you've sanded away the coating to make a good earth.

[@homesteadonomics]

Benny Banger thanks! I added battery terminal grease on the bare areas😀👍

[@akabillyba]

Great video Joe! Love the super clean and organized install.

[@homesteadonomics]

Daniel Courtney thank you Daniel!

[@jeanleyton4327]

Thank you for explaining and showing everything you did. I am starting my trailer soon, and will have my brother, an electrician, do the wiring, but you have given me something to show him the general idea if what I want. I can't wiat to see the solar video next!

[@bobwalker9834]

This is the best battery/wiring videos i have viewed, thanks for your video…..Bob

[@jesscneal]

Nice work Joe. Clean wiring install.

[@homesteadonomics]

Jess Neal thank you Jess!

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

A great video with informative info where required. This would surely pass inspection here in Australia.

[@96chevydually6.5L]

Nice job on the wiring!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks Chevy!

[@EyeintheSky999]

You do GREAT work better than some factory stuff in my RV. No such thing as over protecting the wires in my book.

[@homesteadonomics]

Robert Cookson thanks! And yes, keeping the wiring protected was tops in my book!😀👍

[@misterbiggz8291]

I had nothing to do today so I've been in one spot binge watching this project. Great job!

[@plus790]

Very clean job. Your wiring is SO much better than your aluminum welding. :)

[@maehay4065]

I loved seeing how you did all of this electrical work which is so neat and organized! You could never make your videos too long! I would watch them for an hour if you posted it sir! Someone on a group on my FB just bought a trailer and he has to rewire and. figure out how to track back and hopefully they did a similar label system as yourself 👍

[@homesteadonomics]

MAE HAY thank you Mae! I’m disorganized by nature so when I do things like this I try to make an extra effort to do it right to make it easier down the road😀👍

[@ArcheryDad2024]

Fantastic man, great job. That wiring is so clean & organized it's amazing.

[@50Acres]

oh wow, your wiring is so clean!

[@johnstephens1965]

I have had several types of RV. Great job😃! Way better than any factory job.

[@michaelroberson2546]

Loved the "Song of the Cicadas" in the background.

[@hawkie333]

Excellent, clean work! Your shop is also squared away, and it looks like a really useful, well thought out space.

[@KaleidoscopeJunkie]

Important note for those new to electrical - Joe used stranded wire for the DC. DC current travels on the outside of a wire. Stranded has more surface area and less resistance for DC current flow. Less resistance = more power. (AC flows through the center of a solid wire and that is appropriate for household current.)

[@homesteadonomics]

KaleidoscopeJunkie thanks KJ! Well explained😀👍🙏

[@vendorgoogle4887]

Like in a car, stranded cable is better suited for trailer installations where the wire needs to be able to flex. Solid cable is too rigid and connections will eventually break from being flexed as the trailer moves down the road.

[@Trainz2950]

I'm excited for the solar video

[@homesteadonomics]

Trainz2950 me too! Because it’ll mean that it’s done and installed😉👍

[@thomasmckelvey8961]

Hi Joe! You did a beautiful job! Crimp terminals are notorious for slipping off, to prevent this strip more insulation allowing enough wire to bend back on itself & make the crimp behind the fold. In the instances where the fold is too large to fit, clip a couple wire strands just this side of the fold to eliminate the 'bottleneck'. It's like pulling a 1/4" rope w/a knot thru a 3/8" hose, it can be done, but not without a hard pull. : )

[@Aardrijk1]

Really good wiring system. I've seen "pro" electricians that didn't do as good a job!

[@ZeroEntropy.]

Awesome job! The marine breakers work really well between the panels and mppt as they work like a breaker and a switch.

[@markboettcher9443]

Thanks for putting out another video. They are all interesting and I've been missing yours! Your videos are always super quality as judged by this viewer.

[@homesteadonomics]

Mark Boettcher thank you so much mark! I try to make them as best I can😀🙏

[@uncledude6105]

Trailer looks great, looking forward to the solar panel install.

[@dhyde9207]

I might think about caulking the outside of those holes through the floor where critters might try to get in to take a free ride in that awesome trailer.

[@jeffreylocke8808]

Well done and well executed with ample safe guards.

[@jed2055]

I'll watch all of this particular video on the wiring build as I'm a sparky and electronic hobbyist. I also wired my camper trailer for 12volts. Right up I can see the final electrical panel before I even start the video and it looks neat and tidy, an excellent job and on wood which is a good thing if people are wondering. Wood is a natural insulator of low voltage. For in van wiring I would have used the next gauge up 10B&S (10AWG) for the 12volt power cabling to reduce voltage drop mainly as even 1/2 a volt drop as a percentage of 12 volts is too much. I heard you say this was cheaper option when taping a connector with pvc tape but really that tape is rubbish. It comes apart especially in warmer environments. The self vulcanising tape you spoke of would be way better but again as stated by another, solder and heat shrink is preferred and is the gold standard. I didn't rely on any push connectors as they are asking for trouble but if you must, you can get a lockable spade connector which requires a pointy thing to be inserted into the connector to get them apart. That's a type of connector purpose made for environments where vibration is present and yet soldering beats that hands down and is cheaper. Soon as I saw that inline fuse holder hidden behind a panel I immediately though that a panel mount fuse holder would have been a better option. It mounts on that metal plate along with a stick-on label and the fuse can be checked or changed in a trice by someone who didn't build the van and no need for screwdrivers and panel removal. Good video so far - now I'll watch the rest.

[@CEZAMPOL]

You said it's a long video !!!! No!!! that's pretty good! It's rewarding to see everything and your skills!

[@homesteadonomics]

Carlos Eduardo Zampol thank you carlos! Sorry for the slow reply

[@johnwildwest1]

your a bit of a legend nice work

[@homesteadonomics]

I don't know about that... haha... but thank you MH! :)

[@jefffroman7044]

Thanks for sharing. Your explanation makes the project seem doable.

[@givemeaforkingname]

Nice work as always, beats trailer manufacture "industry standard" by miles ! Looking forward to the solar video, thanks for sharing :-)

[@blackberryhideout5793]

EnLIGHTening, Joe! Haha! I like seeing how it all comes together.

[@homesteadonomics]

Blackberry Hideout thank you Jessica!

[@jasonbrickey3006]

Super clean, thank you for sharing your build.

[@JSadeiu]

I love the clean install, well thought-out design and nice camera work

[@danielfisch655]

Great job and thank you for sharing with such a thorough explanation.

[@Uncle_Buzz]

Really awesome. Solid wiring job.

[@homesteadonomics]

CrossWood thank you CW!

[@skyhunk]

Well done!! Very impressive! The forethought and planning that went into this project is amazing and the production values of the video segments as well. The only criticism I have is that the trailer has a very industrial look rather than my own preference for something more cosy -- wood rather than paint, e.g. but that is very subjective -- we all have different tastes. This trailer was built with love and extraordinary attention to detail. Kudos are in order!!

[@MrBlueDevil93]

Very good job! One thing: after you burnish for your grounds wipe Alodine over the raw aluminum --- prevents corrosion.

[@daveybernard1056]

Looks nicely thought out and well executed. Save a few cell phone shots on your computer (as build documentation), with a paragraph or two for each picture explaining the pic. Awesome.

[@acet7]

You have done a really nice job on this project.

[@homesteadonomics]

acet7 thanks Ace!

[@DanGoodBBQ]

Thank you for posting, looks like you are almost ready to camp!

[@johnreinburg859]

Excellent video Joe! Everything is well built with a detail of fine craftsmanship. I am being honest, but a lot of this is way above my head and I will never build anything like this. I just don't have the skill set. You can tell me different, but you have a ten thousand pound brain.

[@homesteadonomics]

John Reinburg thanks John! You are too kind my friend😀🙏

[@lorenworthington8739]

Solid video. Built a sorta same trailer for my family. IMHO you can never have too many USB chargers located anywhere you can set portable electronics (phones, cameras, toys) for charging. This includes on the exterior.

[@SamsLiberty]

Good work sir! Can't wait to see the solar set up.

[@leroywarner7354]

You did an excellent job I just I want to do it myself but I am 80 years old now I cannot I used to wild and do things like that but you did an excellent job

[@Jeff_MT09]

Nice neat work, very well put together. Well done. I really appreciate your attention to detail and excellent explanation. Looking forward to more on the trailer. Cheers from Australia. Jeff

[@grey8940]

Great job! This is a great video teaching me and us how to think about wiring our own jobs. Thanks!

[@wes326]

Good idea putting in traditional 12v outlets. A lot of 12v tools don't use USBs.

[@giman4380]

my favorite channel in youtube 👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Giman Lim awww, thank you GL! 😀🙏

[@Florida_Pipe_Smoker]

I think these build videos are great. I cant wait until you use it.

[@keya31gville]

What a fluffy puppy

[@homesteadonomics]

Ms Archie she is! We need to get her summer cut soon😀

[@randycook4364]

Beautiful, clean and neat. Great job on the wiring. Doing it right the first time.

[@dinohicks7959]

Really enjoy your build. Very clean and sharp!

[@timon0x31]

Looks great however I’d add a fuse block directly next to the positive battery post. I’d also add a Victron BatteryProtect 12/24 65A and put it before your loads. This is better than depending on the one in the battery. You set it a little higher than the internal battery cutoff. Later you might think about a BMV-712 battery monitor also from Victron. They are about $200 but you can always see how much battery capacity you have left. Don’t get the lower priced models, stick with the 712. All total it will run about $270 for all of the above.

[@sw6188]

I second that - definitely a fuse block as close to the positive terminal of the battery as possible - you can even use an 'in-line' one. The purpose is to protect the battery in case of a short to ground anywhere from the fuse block onwards, which could potentially cause the cable to glow red hot and start a fire or worse, cause the battery to explode. Compliments on the tidy wiring installation - the only thing you'll wish you'd done in a few years' time is use heatshrink on the wires. Electrical tape goes all sticky and gooey and falls off after a while. I speak from 40+ years experience in the electronics / electrical industries.

[@DaleEarnhardt4ever]

S W and since this is in an area that in theory can have moisture at some point from a leak, some silicone before applying the heat shrink tubing would be a great idea. They also make the shrink tubing that already has silicone too.

[@dannygonzales2528]

Man U have enough room for 2 batteries, Great job

[@NIstrumone]

very neat wiring...very nice project....love your videos and DIY style

[@trystandillon8396]

I will definitely be following more!! This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I’m hoping to build a 20’ or 24’ “toy-hauler” and have been stumped on the power side of it. I’m going to search for your solar set up next!

[@gregorythomas333]

Wow...you did a great job on this electrical system!

[@downtownredneck5079]

Very neat, love your camper videos. Took some of the stuff you did to heart in my camper build, wish I had the welding knowledge you have but sadly all my skill is in woodworking. Good job, huge advantage to having a metal frame, ground wires are super short.

[@BorisFett]

Cool setup. I have a 28ft trailer I want to do something similar with in the front of it. Still need to fit my car in the back but I want a simple bed and counter setup in the front.

[@offgridsweden]

Looks really good. Have a great weekend, Andreas 🇸🇪

[@homesteadonomics]

Offgrid.se thank you Andreas!

[@grannyprepper7788]

Looking so good.

[@homesteadonomics]

Granny Prepper thank you granny p!

[@dcmtrader]

Nice job! I would prefer non insulated crimps with a better crimper and definitely heat shrink. But very nice, clean work.

[@billlan0]

Well done. Elegant.

[@homesteadonomics]

Bill Lancaster thank you Bill!

[@jimmydeen58]

Looks amazing.. You Did An Awesome Job..

[@homesteadonomics]

Jimmy Smith thank you jimmy!

[@johnchastun7070]

I have searched all through the comments and thought I was paying enough attention but I have missed what the overall size of your camper is. Super build by the way and thanks for the inspiration! Cheers!

[@thomasdipaolo2349]

Appreciate the 12volt system info along with battery details. Most channels talk about battleborn. I looked up Relion battery and looks good for possible upgrade in future. Thanks for the videos

[@rudytheman2758]

Love all the videos. Still waiting for A cost breakdown before I start my build. Thanks Inspiring me to do it!!

[@homesteadonomics]

Rudy The MAN can’t do a cost breakdown until it’s finished 😉. But when I do it will likely be very broken down to each part of tht build. Since this has been a learning process I’ve wasted a lot of money on things that I bought and ended up doing differently when I actually implemented it. I’d guess I’ve purchased about $700-800 of things from amazon that I ether bought too much of or just didn’t use. Luckily I have some friends that will be able to take some of it off my hands though. But anyways, I’ll get to it but as a quick answer to you question....I’ll jut say that you can buy a good used one cheaper than building. But if you do it right you can certainly build cheaper than buying 😀

[@rudytheman2758]

@@homesteadonomics Thanks for the response! I think I just want to make a run at it. I have a 20ft dual axle steal boat trailer that is having an identity crisis and feels more like a camper then a boat trailer haha! supper inspiring videos man, they make me want to sharpen the mental the pencil and get to work.

[@stilcrazychris]

Thanks for sharing. Nice job Joe. Chris from Missouri

[@homesteadonomics]

stilcrazychris thank you Chris!!

[@timwhite10]

Wow, love your work.

[@shrimmirhs292]

Jesus Christ this is insanely helpful.

[@edgufler1122]

I'm a new subscriber and found this video extremely interesting. You did a awesome job on all that wiring and the Battery box is great.