How my DIY Camper Van Electrical System Captures, Stores and Uses Power | Ram ProMaster Van Build

[@kabewar77]

This was the best “electrical for dummies” video I have seen. It feels like explorist is our teacher and you’re my tutor lol hugee help thank you!

[@LaurenLawliss]

Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting🫶🏻

[@sgt.pepper4274]

I have to agree with you. She's taken the info from explorist and brought it down to a level that even an electrical dummy like myself can not only understand but employee the information for my use on my build. Thank you, Lauren.

[@vincentstouter449]

🤔 Lauren, I am amazed at how organized and thorough are your electrical presentations. You must have spent much time writing the script and adding all the graphics. Your speech pattern is measured and never falters. The sequence follows a logical progression. I could suspect AI except you always use correct pronunciation 🤣 👏. Well done! 😎

[@LaurenLawliss]

Thank you for noticing all the little details and effort I put into my videos. It means a lot. I appreciate you watching and commenting🥰

[@MaryBell-j2b]

Absolutely amazed at how much your videos have increased my understanding of power in the van!

[@LaurenLawliss]

Ahh, thanks, Mary! I’m so glad to hear that🥰

[@philstreeter9703]

One of the best electrical videos I have ever seen. Thank you Lauren.

[@LaurenLawliss]

I appreciate the kind words 🫶🏻

[@amham48]

The best explanation of the Victron devices I've seen. Congratulations on your professional production videos!

[@LaurenLawliss]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@stevepinckney7998]

The amount of information contained in this video is astounding to me. I've learned so much. And the fact that it is presented in such a simple, straight forward, organized manner is just the cherry on top. THANK YOU.

[@LaurenLawliss]

Thank you for the kind words, Steve!

[@billr4283]

Another WELL DONE presentation! I learned so much that wasn’t presented on other channels. THANK YOU!!!

[@LaurenLawliss]

I’m so glad to hear!!

[@cowpiecowboy7599]

Definitely saved and subbed what an awesome job it’s like you been doing this for thirty years already. Wow and for your next video let’s build a spaceship please please lol

[@LaurenLawliss]

Thank you so much and welcome to the channel!!

[@LukaJane]

Amazing job, Lauren! I actually understood about 90% of the content in this video and your explanations are clear, concise & w/o fluff (too much irrelevant info). Thank you.

[@LaurenLawliss]

Glad I could help!

[@yanglin28]

I am beginner of car camping field and learned a lot from your video clips. Many thanks to learning from your amamzing project.

[@LaurenLawliss]

That’s so cool. I’m glad you are finding my videos helpful💖

[@captbob1494]

U only the best (Tina Turner) true first good video about electricity on RV thanks a lot

[@LaurenLawliss]

Wow! That means a lot. Thanks🤩

[@josephyang9490]

Awesome vid!!! Very well detailed for dummies. I've learned a lot on what I need

[@LaurenLawliss]

Glad you found it helpful!!

[@JohnvanGurp]

Another AMAZING video tutorial. Thank you so much, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this as I’m about to start planning my Pro Master build. Your delivery is so clear and well thought out. Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge.

[@LaurenLawliss]

I appreciate the kind words. Good luck on your conversion!

[@childers63]

Best video out there explaining van electrical systems and how they work! You are a rock star!!

[@LaurenLawliss]

Thank you for the kind words! Glad you found it helpful🥰

[@GK49245]

Excellent summary.

[@LaurenLawliss]

Thanks!

[@stefanomartano4032]

Brava Lauren 👏👏👏

[@LaurenLawliss]

Thank you!!

[@rakinfo3311]

Fantastic videos Lauren! I'm starting my first Promaster build and your thorough explanations have been very informative. Thank you for sharing!

[@LaurenLawliss]

I’m glad to hear the videos are helpful. Good luck on your build!

[@halffastguy8024]

Holy cow, this is exactly the video I need. I'm just getting started on a van and I keep seeing all those electrical components and wondering how the heck will I figure this out. Well, you cleared that up. Thanks so much for everything and especially your attention to detail in your vids.

[@LaurenLawliss]

I am so glad you found this video helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting. You got this🙌🏼

[@i-d-m-system.5697]

You are a great electrical engineer teacher ❤ thank you 🙏

[@LaurenLawliss]

Thank you!

[@i-d-m-system.5697]

I hope you are doing well

[@i-d-m-system.5697]

I would love to pay you if it’s necessary if you guide me through my van buildout.

[@LaurenLawliss]

Very well, thanks.

[@LaurenLawliss]

I will be offering consultations some time this year - once i roll it out I’ll be sure to update everyone!

[@toxrex]

I just admire how precisely and clearly you explain everything. wish you luck. I will definitely subscribe and like the video.

[@LaurenLawliss]

Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate you joining my journey!

[@skyjacobs]

That is a beautiful system you've designed and built there. So very organized, well thought out, and put together.

[@LaurenLawliss]

Thanks you so much, Sky! All my preplanning really paid off🤩

[@mausie1967]

Thank you for those whise words 🙂

[@LaurenLawliss]

Of course!🥰

[@marvellousmarvin]

Hi Beautiful Lauren 🥰 Your van is going to be awesome when you finish. Keep up the great work. 💞

[@LaurenLawliss]

Hi Marvin! Thanks for being here. I hope it turns out well🤞🏼

[@remcochervet7492]

Greetings from the Netherlands. My compliments to you, love the way you explain the different items. I hope to learn a lot more from you👍👍

[@LaurenLawliss]

Thank you so much! Welcome to my journey🥰

[@fredricjulien8738]

Once again, thanks for posting. Also, I like how you break up your videos into separate labeled segments. It makes finding certain topics you discussed so much easier to find.

[@LaurenLawliss]

Hi Fredric! Glad you like them! I’ll be sure to keep using those timecodes in future videos. Appreciate the feedback🤩

[@jasonjones5213]

I love your explanations, and your videos.

[@LaurenLawliss]

Thanks Jason! I appreciate that😊

[@craiglouw4057]

Love your work 👍 keep on Educating us 👍

[@LaurenLawliss]

Thank you so much, Craig! I’ll keep trying☺️

[@pjstumpf]

Another awesome explanation, Thank You!

[@LaurenLawliss]

Thank you, I appreciate it🥰

[@richardwilkinson6305]

Hi Lauren I've missed you 😘 I love watching your videos so much knowledge you have learnt. I Will be watching your next one hope it's soon please take care always ❤️❤️

[@LaurenLawliss]

Hi Richard! Thank you for the kind words. Next video will be out on Monday!!🤩

[@richardwilkinson6305]

@@LaurenLawliss thanks for informing I'll wait for it can't wait to see your video

[@edwinkrikhaar7223]

Another great video Lauren with even a lot of understandable information for anyone who is not professional in the profession. Victron should reward you for how you promote and explain their products in an understandable way. I saw one thing that I personally would do differently, I would omit the electric fan and grille and install floor ventilation in two places with the advantage that you have no noise in your campervan from the electric fan.

[@LaurenLawliss]

Thank you, Edwin! I’m glad you found the video easy to follow. Thankfully my 12v fan is quite and the vent seems to help as well. But ventilation near the floor like you shared would also be a great solution. Thanks for the comment!

[@bikeninja956]

hi @ 1:17, I noticed the first lugs on the negative side are not flat against the terminals. Ideally you want to get those super flat and snug for most efficient use, it will reduce arcs etc.

[@LaurenLawliss]

Yes! You are so right. This clip was from when I first installed it but I have since fixed it. I appreciate you looking out for me and commenting. Thank you🥰

[@Marius-th9ku]

Great detailed video!

[@LaurenLawliss]

Thank you, Marius!

[@niekwolthuis5113]

Great video. Thanks.

[@LaurenLawliss]

Thank you☺️

[@johnd2131]

I loved this video. It is as simple and clear as your build. I have subscribed and I will be following your progress with great interest. Thank you for making this process seen so possible to understand and execute.

[@LaurenLawliss]

Wow! Thank you for the kind words. That means so much. Welcome to my journey🥰

[@CPRebels21]

That long ground wire lug has what looks to be quite a gap where it is sitting on top of the other lug on the battery terminal. You'll want to make sure the lugs have full surface area contact.

[@LaurenLawliss]

Yes, you are right! That clip was right after I installed it, but I have since fixed the gap. Thanks for commenting and looking out for me.

[@PabloTBrave]

Did you install usb sockets in your van they come in very handy and can connect to 12v circuits so no using inefficient 120v to charge your phone, smart watch, ear buds etc. Great build though

[@LaurenLawliss]

Great question, Paul! I would like to add one or two USB sockets as back up in a cabinet somewhere once I get further along. Thanks for watching!

[@cujo7240]

Very nice job Lauren! Have you found that the 600W of solar panels keep up with your charging needs of your 400Ah battery bank? I'm currently building a similar setup to yours for my 50Amp Motorhome, but with 800W of solar to start with. My much larger RV with 2 AC's, Microwave, & residential fridge will definitely have a larger power consumption than your van setup, so I'm thinking I will definitely need to add more solar panels eventually to be able to boondock for longer periods without the need to run my generator.

[@LaurenLawliss]

Hey there! Thanks for commenting. My van build isn’t complete yet so the only thing I’ve been powering off my system so far are my two roof fans, ceiling lights and one outlet. But I think it should be more than enough for my wants and needs. For you with 2 AC units you’ll definitely need more solar than me. Thankfully you’ll have more roof space for that too! Best of luck with your install😁

[@jeffhuang8890]

Hi Lauren, I saw you did the ceiling, but didn't have the video. Are you going to upload it? just wonder how you attach the furring strip to the front end of the van.

[@LaurenLawliss]

Hi Jeff! Yes I have finished my ceiling and hope to have that video out in May. I used plus nuts. Check out my furring strip video where I cover what plus nuts are, why I am using them and how to install them☺️

[@jeffhuang8890]

@@LaurenLawliss Just want to let you know that you did an amazing job!!! so informative and detail for all your videos.

[@LaurenLawliss]

Really appreciate it!

[@katyd4183]

Can you tell mr the difference between an Inverter and an inverter-charger?

[@LaurenLawliss]

Hi Katy! Thanks for the question. An inverter will take the 12 volt direct current (DC) stored in the 12 volt battery bank and convert it to the 120 volts alternating current (AC) needed to power your outlets and any 120 volt appliances in the van. However, an inverter-charger is an inverter AND charger all in one. So aside from the inverter converting 12 volt DC to 120 volt AC, the charger function is used to charge the battery bank by taking 120 volt AC power from shore power and converting it the 12 volt DC to be stored in the battery bank. I hope this clears up your question. Let me know if anything else comes to mind😁

[@coeniejvr]

My problem with connecting solar panels in series is, when you under a tree for example you got 3 panels and your 1 panel get shaded or something then you will have no solar input as the series line has been broken, or am i wrong? I've never installed solar and still learning and another yt guy said this. Can you confirm if you put a blanket over the 1 panel do you still get solar input from the other 2 panels or not?

[@LaurenLawliss]

Hi there! Great point. A simple solution is to not park under a shaded area and if a solar panel brakes then a replacement will fix it😆 Check out @Explorist.Life website and KZbin channel, they go deeper into this topic and ultimately agree series is the ideal setup. But you can do parallel if you wish. Best of luck!

[@coeniejvr]

@@LaurenLawliss I will check them out, thank you.

[@LaurenLawliss]

Anytime🥰

[@insomniasessions-pt2dz]

How do I identify a "high quality fuse"? I can find a lot of different brands, prices are not that widespread and I have no clue what a decent brand would be for fuses... Buying the most expensive one doesn't really say anything about quality, and all fuses have all their certificates needed mentioned on their product listing... I'm with you about the importance of decent quality fuses, they are one of the most importend safety features. And even a very small electric water cattle will use about 150a at 12v, so the amperage is very high and without safety system it could lead to fire quickly...

[@LaurenLawliss]

Search Explorist.Life fuse videos. They have a few discussing this topic that will be helpful to you.

[@goesintite]

Where did you buy that shirt? Do you have a link? Thanks!

[@LaurenLawliss]

Here is the link to @explorist.life apparel: exploristlife.creator-spring.com/ 😄

[@goesintite]

@@LaurenLawliss thanks!

[@LaurenLawliss]

You’re welcome!

[@newworldhk8]

Great Video..professional skill..Top End ! However You have to use F2000 Assult Rifie to force me to believe you..please show us Who is the master man behind the scenes...

[@LaurenLawliss]

I am the master mind, the planner, the buyer, the doer, the problem solver and more. Is it simply because I am a young female that you can’t fathom I did it all on my own? I know the truth, my friends and family know the truth. I have integrity and wouldn’t lie to anyone else. If you don’t believe it, so be it🤗

[@ShamimJahuri]

Super lady fill my heart. All love for you.shamim 👥👏💑🤝🦅🧜‍♀️🕊👫🎎💘🫂🤱🏕🏢

[@sheilamcwhorter2961]

Is there anything in your build that you would have changed? Any problems that may have occurred that you could tell be for my build.

[@LaurenLawliss]

Honestly, no. I took my time researching, planning and really thinking about what my wants and needs would be in the van so I’m very happy with my build.

[@merseyian]

Must be sponsored by victron or money is no object. Get some 300ah cells it will be much cheaper and space saving which should be a priority in a small space

[@LaurenLawliss]

Thanks for the comment! This video was not sponsored. Thankfully I work hard for the things I want in life and that has allowed me to afford this dream of mine. This system is perfect for my wants and needs, but everyone has different wants and needs so van builds are not a one size fits all🤗

[@WizzRacing]

I have no idea why they told you higher voltage is better.. That only applies to homes. That have 20-40 panels. As it's all about the wire size.. A van is not going to make use of smaller wire sizing... You want amps.... So unless you are producing more then 60 amps from an array. You're wasting time. As Parallel is king on an RV... I would add. If you use series arrays.. If just one panel gets shade, dirty or fails.. You lose the whole array. Why homes now use Micro inverters in each panel...

[@LaurenLawliss]

Thanks for your comment! Running solar panels in parallel or series both have pros and cons. My reasoning behind series is because I can simply move out of the shade and clean my solar panels and that solves the cons of series. So it is still within my control. And the batteries require a higher voltage than their nominal voltage to charge. You can do it either way, this way works best for my wants and needs.

[@WizzRacing]

@@LaurenLawliss That is nice.. But you said nothing about your reasons.. You simply made a blanket statement that is not factual..As the average Class B RV can't make use of 24 volt or 48 volt system. You simply don't have enough sq to install over 800 watts of panels..To justify the extra cost..A home does. As the home as the space and higher voltages to deal with...

[@LaurenLawliss]

@@WizzRacing I mentioned an article and video by EXPLORIST.Life that goes into detail about this topic and I mentioned it in the previous video as well.

[@LaurenLawliss]

And there can be enough space to install 800 watts on some vans.

[@WizzRacing]

@@LaurenLawliss I get that.. The problem is a Class B Van is not going to hold 800 watts of panels. As the average 200 watt panel size is 60"x30" at 30lbs each..That is 200 sq of panels. Add in you would need 4 batteries. Which is adds in more cost. Take's up more space.Adds more weight. To achieve the amperage a 12 volt system does.. So not sure how you get 20 feet long by 10 foot wide. On a roof that is only 12 feet long and 6 foot wide..Unless you start stacking them. As some have done. But they exceeded the vans roof weight limit. Not factoring in the wind speeds they will see while driving.. So still you need to qualify your statement. As Series 24 volt is not all it's cracked up to be in a Van.. It adds to many problems for little to no gain..As Amps is everything in a small RV. Voltage is not even on most peoples list..Outside the Ocv of the panels used. And yes I'm electrical engineer. We dealt with this for 35 years..

[@blanksender7808]

You got some help from an electrician on that build. I like to tinker with stuff and feel generally competent doing projects but I don't know that I could have wired up a job like this and kept in mind to crimp, and heat shrink the wires, label the 120 circuits etc. Looks nice either way.

[@LaurenLawliss]

100% self-taught and 100% self-executed 🤗

[@jamesray3920]

Your battery power system builds looks very clean, organized, until we see all the wires thar be hidden walls , what fire extinguisher 🧯 do you have or plan to buy i recommend hr3 maxout dry chemical extinguisher its design to be clean doesn't leave a mess to clean up i have 2 they come in different sizes 😊

[@LaurenLawliss]

Thank you very much! will have a fire extinguisher in the van at all times for my safety☺️