How to DIY a PROFESSIONAL 4WD 12V setup (from start to finish)

Probably my biggest 12v project to date. In this video, we do a complete 12v fitout on the canopy. I've shared an excessive amount of detail which i think may be valuable to some. Please use the timestamps to help you get through it all!
Check out my website! Maybe grab a shirt!
www.jcyt.com.au/
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
03:27 Initial fitting and mounting
09:07 12V basics
12:27 Installation of canopy lights
19:53 SOLDER OR CRIMP?
22:24 Panels are back from paint!
24:37 12v system wiring
40:52 External connections from canopy
48:15 Wiring the battery the CORRECT way
51:52 Canopy wiring FINISHED runthrough
57:48 Canopy install onto 79
59:19 Vehicle wiring from starter to canopy
1:05:45 Outro

[@NorweldAustralia]

Quality video mate! Workmanship is top tier!

[@JCYT]

Thanks guys, love your work! The layout made it such a breeze 👌

[@NoMatureContent]

Thats probably the best overview of wiring a 12v system i've seen. As someone who needs a minder to install a headunit, I appreciate the detail you went into .

[@JCYT]

Thanks mate! Appreciate it

[@402redrum]

I agree

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

Yes the 12V side was installed very nicely, the 240V side wasn't it needs some changes to make it safe and compliant.

[@skainzy96]

well done mate. just bare in mind, due to the size of your powerbank, 120W solar panel will be inefficient. might want to upgrade the wattage of solar panel or Buy a blanket and wire in another Anderson Plug. understandably, if the solar is working in conjunction with the the Car running, all good. but if you are camped up for a few days without starting the car, its something to think about. awesome video mate. clean rig. clean wiring. i would pay big money for that quality.

[@JCYT]

Hey mate I completely agree with you. I've found the solar panel is now insufficient. As we are heading into winter, it'll be interesting to see how it goes. Realistically when camping, I never stay in one spot more than 2 days at a time so shouldn't be a huge problem when away. That said the car does park up for days and on a bad week without sun i can see the 300amps draining away quickly. Definitely think i will be adding an anderson plug for a solar blanket probably on the outside of the canopy. Appreciate your feedback as well thank you

[@winniewong2353]

I can't wait to cook dinner on a nice induction cooktop 😋

[@TEQLC]

Awesome video! The attention to detail. 👍 Can't wait for you to take your 79 out. ;)

[@JCYT]

Thanks mate! Same!

[@cgrschannel7256]

This canopy is more high tech than my race car. Killer work as always JC #12VMASTER

[@drewloney]

Great video, excellent professional and detailed wiring, outstanding setup and great simple explanantions and instructions. Well done

[@JCYT]

Thank you mate appreciate it!

[@ryanhum]

This is hands down the best 12v setup video on youtube

[@JCYT]

Appreciate it mate!

[@jimmyorem6212]

Very detailed workmanship and knowledge. Even though this was a long video, you had my attention throughout. Nice job young man.

[@JCYT]

Thanks! Appreciate the kind words

[@scottcollyer9096]

Thank you for an awesome run down of the 12-volt system. Will be using some of your tips in the future.

[@JCYT]

Cheers mate good luck!

[@toolowgo]

Outstanding video mate, really enjoyed it.

[@JCYT]

Appreciate the kind words thank you!

[@barthendrie368]

Outstanding workmanship inspiring

[@JCYT]

Thank you very much!

[@dan80ify]

Awesome work man, definetly the best 12v install video on youtube. Mine is going to be no where near this full on, but you've given me some great ideas.

[@JCYT]

I appreciate your comment! Good luck with your setup

[@dekaOsiris]

Very impressive mate, I'm definitely using your video as a guide to rework my entire 12v setup. Thank you so much for the amount of work you put into this tutorial.

[@JCYT]

Hey mate appreciate the feedback! Good luck with it.

[@koruoverland]

Love the video, you did an amazing job!

[@JCYT]

Thanks mate! Appreciate it!

[@fogalsmurf]

Great Vid, - so much detail and explained so well - Good work and thanks.

[@DLR-qu2hq]

agreed

[@JCYT]

Thank you!

[@ryukyudiver1]

Cheers mate, fantastic video! Very informative. Liked and subscribed.

[@JCYT]

Appreciate it! Thanks!

[@Stewb_]

Great video. Very informative!

[@JCYT]

Thanks i appreciate it!

[@Gamer_Marcy_God]

Spectacular video man

[@JCYT]

Appreciate it dude!

[@markhoffman2165]

Nice set up!

[@JCYT]

Thanks mate!

[@davidmoore7303]

Nice setup 😊

[@JCYT]

Cheers mate!

[@choppadan126]

Supa neat mate - looks solid and immaculate.

[@JCYT]

Thanks mate!

[@mbuguawarui6125]

the best 12V wiring system video explainer i've seen with explaining details to a point. would you mind all you've used for the system

[@JCYT]

Thank you Sorry can you rephrase your question?

[@gavinmarshall6438]

Thanks, learnt so much!

[@JCYT]

Cheers mate thanks for letting me know

[@johnnytrannnn]

Well done Jono looks like a lot of work 😆

[@JCYT]

Thanks mate! Sure was 😂

[@TheGuntar]

Nice and clean.

[@JCYT]

Thanks mate!

[@andrewdurbidge1283]

Well done JC...there is a lot of work in these set ups...i have the same but got someone to do it for me. I have just pulled all the wiring out to reposition it and it still has taken me days get it done and haven't finished yet. I have also added an additional BCDC 50A charger to boost the charge rate to 80+ amps/hr. The set up works great.

[@JCYT]

Thanks mate appreciate the feedback. Yeah it took me so long to finish at times i'd almost wished i had bought the wiring package with the canopy! That's an awesome idea. 80A charger would be lightning quick. I'm guessing you have the 1250 + Manager30 together? I didn't know you could run two different sized chargers. That'd be a lot of copper... Do you have a van?

[@andrewdurbidge1283]

HI JC, Yes correct ..you can run another one as well but would need to change out your alternator for a higher out put. You need to run another separate cable back to your start battery. The neg needs to be on the shunt so you can record the amount of amps charging the battery. Nothing else is connected to the manager 30 as far as i can tell. Redarc have a instruction sheet on the web site or give them a call...they have been helpful. I got the idea from another youtube auto elec channel. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqC1gKiAaLSpmMUsi=Pgibgi4wvO6naZQM . I have a 79 series single cab with a custom alloy canopy which i keep pouring money into!. What size Lithium did you fit? I fitted a Power Paul 280 Scout. Aussie made and good value. Really compact footprint. Keep up the great work JC, you do a great job. Cheers, Andrew (Cairns FNQ)

[@2and2Adventures]

Andrew, did you connect your blue smart ignition wire for your 1250dc charger?

[@andrewdurbidge1283]

I am not actually sure...i had an auto elec wire it up and i just pulled it apart and rerun the cable they installed. I do remember a blue cable though so i assume it was that. I will look though my photos and get back to you.

[@andrewdurbidge1283]

Checked today and it has the blue wire connected.

[@Scoob609]

Oh thankyou youtube algorithm! Finally a video for somebody who shouldnt be trusted with a piece of paper with the word electricity on it let alone left to try do my own 12v. Thanks for taking the time to make it mate.

[@JCYT]

No problems mate Good luck with it. Make sure you have a good plan!!!

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

Jono, One of the best setup's I have seen, it's very neat, though I didn't see you earth the Aluminium back-plate's the GPO's are fitted to, if the backplate is not separately earthed this is illegal and dangerous, for your setup or anyone else setup, I can't stress enough to have an RCBO / RCD installed to protect people when using the 240V , at minimum have RCD GPO'S installed to protect the output instead of those standard GPO, this is mandatory in fixed wiring, and even more important in mobile 240V installs, last thing you want is someone getting electrocuted when you are camping, electrocution equals death, the 240V from an inverter is no different to the 240V in your house, Also please fit GPO shrouds, if a wire comes loose and touch's the canopy the entire canopy will become live with 240V. Is that the RS2 inverter ?, they don't have a chassis earth connection as they are now double insulated so fitting an RCD is different for this unit, it needs a MEN connection fitted before the RCD, please consult an electrician to get this setup fixed, you spent so much money on the best of everything then illegally DIY the only part that really matters which is the safety of your family and others, if you don't want to get this installation fixed and certified then remove the two GPO and simply run a RCD powerboard directly off the inverter

[@JCYT]

Hey mate! I'll just combine my reply here. Thanks for reaching out and your comments. I know the 240v side needs attention as its been raised in the comments. Once everything's compliant, hopefully i'll do a follow up video on it. Re-crimp vs solder, i'd have to disagree. But i guess it depends on what you'd consider as low currents. I have flood soldered 120A Anderson contacts for years without issues. Haven't done it in recent times as i generally prefer crimping.

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

@@JCYTJono, I have nothing against soldered connections, a well done soldered connection will always be better than a poor crimped connection, there are a few issues with soldered connections, the solder will get drawn into the wire during tinning past the point of the connector, creating a stiffer section in the wire, this stiffer section is prone to hairline cracks due to vibration, a crimped connection won't have this problem as the wire can flex all the way to the crimp, over time this can lead to poor connections, when you have higher current draw you get heat, this can cause the solder to soften in conjunction with vehicle vibrations will lead to poor / failed connections, soldered connections are fine for smaller stuff such as light duty switches, led etc, think about the auto industry how many soldered connections do you see in any vehicle harness ?, this is not only because it's easier to do crimped connections, but mainly because crimped connections are far more reliable than a soldered connection.

[@toolowgo]

Hey, just a question with your negatives- where does the negative from the starter battery run and where does the negative from the lithium run. For the lithium is it then to the shunt and then to that common grounding pole? What about the starter negative does that run to the TPMS?

[@LAWSIE100]

Unreal effort in both documentation and execution. Few Autosparkies could create something quite like this and you should take pride in that. Having run Redvision for 3 years or so now in my 105 I must say it has been faultless. Bar maybe the bluetooth being reluctant to pair every 6 months or so... hardly going to fault it for that. I am in the process now of building a new project Troopcarrier from the ground up and am faced with the tough choice of whether I do this system again or whether I go other routes. With all the research that you no doubt would have conducted prior to going down this route. What would you say steered you to redarc vs some sort of hybrid victron, enerdrive, simarine, switchpros, etc system where you have autonomous systems and more redundancy? I'm trying to be the devils advocate here and would be interested in your opinion. Thanks again for the great watch!

[@JCYT]

I appreciate you reaching out and letting me know! These videos don't generate much interest but im glad it's reached people who can fully appreciate the substance of it! It's been faultless so far. Will need to go out and film an overview of everything. I chose redarc for the simple digital interface of the redvision system. There's no product as refined in the market at the moment. I have some experience with a few of those on the list indirectly by other 12v jobs I've done. My only other consideration was Victron. Their products are robust and bang for buck. I have also been using the older projecta gear for years and have followed their late 2023 release. It does need further refinement though... The TVMS redvision remains raw and simple. I'm not interested in a bolt in premade system which can be difficult to modify and isolate/diagnose issues shall they occur. Hope this helps!

[@kieransullivan-ku6hv]

Hi Jonathan, please please put an insulating shroud over the back of the double GPO. I’d really hate to see one of those 240v wires vibrate out and electrocute someone. The shrouds are 94c from sparky direct. Keep up the good work.

[@JCYT]

Hey mate Thanks definitely will do. Appreciate it 🙏

[@Captain-Donut]

💥💥 Sir……you have a Gift 💥💥

[@willdavis6196]

Great video. What type of metal and thickness is used. Thanks

[@JCYT]

Cheers mate 3mm thick alu which came pre-cut with the Norweld Canopy

[@baghwan]

Such a good video, will be referring back to heaps here to help! One bit of a layout question, the manager 30 is located in a prime spot there on the business side of the canopy wall, does it need to be super accessible?

[@JCYT]

Thanks mate! No it doesn't but it does have the AC port for mains charging should I need to access it. That said there's no where else for it unless without it looking too out of place. I work out of the driver's side

[@seslaby2244]

Great video mate, really helpful clear breakdown of what you’re doing throughout. Where did you get the the right angle cable gland with spiral protector mate? Everywhere I look is always a wrong size or wants 50 items purchased haha! Thanks again mate!

[@JCYT]

Hi mate Yeah that right angle gland was so hard to get a hold of! www.ebay.com.au/itm/393870523509 Comes from China - so expect a wait

[@db5014]

Awesome video! Any chance you have the wiring diagram and parts list you could share?

[@JCYT]

Cheers mate Check out Part 1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/raWxmJSFbt-Blbssi=kudAj7IbnGMichcA we went through all the main components and some of the 12v wiring bits Unfortunately i don't have a full parts list of everything, as it was a slow build process often waiting weeks for parts to arrive. If there's a part in particular you are looking at, reach out i can let you know what exactly it is

[@user-re5gy4xd9z]

Hi Jonathan awesome video mate, definitely the best out there. I did skip through the vid gotta go back and watch again thoroughly. But I don’t think you mentioned what size battery your running ? And why did u go two of the display screens was it for extra switching.

[@JCYT]

Thanks! Feel free to go back to part 1 of this series and I unbox all the parts. It's a 300Ah lithium. Also I couldn't live without the two screens! It'd be frustrating walking to the other side of the car just to turn something on. Having the two screens working in mirror has been perfect. You don't get extra switching but the app allows you to configure I think 2 or 3 pages worth of switching so it's plenty imo. I haven't tried but as far as I know, the screens cannot work independently of each other

[@mikeknezevic]

Do those Hardkorr lights switch on with the revision. I thought I saw another video where it’s switched with redvision however only flicks on then off due to power going to the inline dimmer. Contemplating whether to run them from the redvision or not when I get my setup

[@JCYT]

Hi mate Yes it turns on with the redvision soft keys to the last setting. I believe there was an older version. I think the newer one must have memory

[@mikeknezevic]

@@JCYT perfect cheers mate

[@russellmarker3673]

I really enjoyed your video, it has been the best I have seen to do with wiring up. Did you hook up a compressor to your red vision. With your lights are they on one outlet from the red vision and then switch on and off on each light or separate outputs.

[@JCYT]

Hey mate thanks for watching and appreciate the feedback. I have the compressor wired to the start battery. In my opinion a compressor this size should never be powered by the secondary battery in most standard installations. Yes it's convenient, but it's quite inefficient to do it this way. I think you could possibly get the redvision to act as a trigger only but I haven't looked into it.

[@russellmarker3673]

@@JCYT I have been watching videos and it hasn’t been clear what people do to hookup their compressors. It would be great to see how they connect everything

[@JCYT]

Hey mate have a look on the channel. I actually have a full video on how I installed the compressor incl the wiring

[@Bradp72]

@JCYT any chance of a parts list? this is an awesome build

[@JCYT]

Cheers mate! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mprVp6eibN-bg6ssi=bUaI4e2GTlqeltzA Check the video description

[@firstlightadventures2248]

Awesome vid mate, where have you sourced all your electrical materials from? E.g, cable, 90 degree glands, ground post, lugs, outlets etc? I’m getting close to doing mine. Having trouble finding a single store to supply the lot at a reasonable price.

[@JCYT]

Hey mate apologies for the slow response. Check out my other video and I mention where I bought parts. The 90 degree bends were from aliexpress (uxcell brand). The battery lugs were from battery world Cable is tycab from eBay Heat shrink, clamps, misc terminals from element14. Pretty much just spent the months before stocking up. It was a lot of fun!

[@bluedog12100]

Hi Jonathon, Excellent Video !! Question:Could you tell me the sizes of your cables with the Deutsch Connectors. 14AWG 16AWG ????

[@JCYT]

Thank you! The cable is 6mm narva twin core from bunnings. The contacts are rated for 25amps and the 6mm cable exceeds this.

[@jeffkelly3542]

Ok...Thanks Jonathon !!!

[@HaidenMcGrath]

Nice fit out mate! What thickness are the panels used for the 12v gear?

[@JCYT]

Cheers mate It came with the canopy so they were precut. Tbh I don't know but I would say about 3mm.

[@swiftracingteam7215]

Where do I find the light you installed on the canopy door with the 3 setting and the dimmer

[@JCYT]

Hey mate They are the hardkorr tri colour You can find them at BCF or in my case I bought on eBay. Was cheaper on ebay for two

[@swiftracingteam7215]

@@JCYT cheers mate I just found their website and a flush mount for the controller loved the video definitely got some more ideas for my build from it

[@vnintercepter]

Amazing Video JC. Im getting closer now to do a 12v setup in my new 79 dual cab. Im self taught aswell and have done many installs for my mates. Im struggling now to find motivation because of the time thats involved. Hats off to you legend! Im like you, everything has to be really neat even if it is hidden. Haha. Any reason why you decided to go Redarc? All i keep hearing is it is overpriced for what it is today. Victron and Renogy apparently are really good. Not sure which way to go..

[@JCYT]

Hey mate thanks for leaving me this message! Yeah love doing it myself. Part of it is knowing exactly where everything goes, it helps with diagnosis if something was to go on in the future, or upgrades need to be done! My reason with choosing Redarc was the TVMS redvision system. Before redarc i always had projecta gear but i was sold on the redvision monitor/interface. Redarc you are paying for a tried and tested system and the red/black paint. Projecta have finally released some new gear but i think it needs some polishing, especially their android-based monitoring system. I have worked with Victron products, i like the simplicity of Victron. It's the best bang for buck imo.

[@vnintercepter]

@JCYT Yes! I strongly agree! Everything I have ever used has been Projecta. Never had any issue with it and know the product well. The only reason I want to go with something different as I feel Projecta don't get with the times. Their stuff works, and works well, but I feel it doesn't have that wow factor compared to the other products. Keep up the videos legend! Looking forward to more!

[@xXsillynongXx]

Do you plan on putting a second battery in the engine bay?

[@JCYT]

Hi mate No i won't be. It is not necessary for my needs. Also there are many reasons why you shouldn't put a second battery in the engine bay.

[@402redrum]

Nice hook up bro 👌

[@michealplater9007]

Should the inverter fuse be next to the battery?

[@JCYT]

Yes in an ideal world I'd mount it next to the battery. However the cable from the inverter to the battery is only about 1m long. In larger applications it's probably best practice to mount it next to the battery.

[@esp5434]

Hi could you tell me the thickness of the aluminium flat sheet you're using?

[@JCYT]

hey mate it's 3mm thick

[@DLR-qu2hq]

How are you finding the bushman fridge?

[@JCYT]

Hey mate Don't recommend. Not impressed

[@pauldavies4650]

A really well donel and detailed video. I do disagree with you on the grounding, though. The accessories really should be grounded to the vehicle using the common earth, and the battery the also ground to vehicle. There are reasons for this, but you're not going to believe some keyboard jockey (and I dont blame you).While there are papers on it, I would suggest just having a chat with an AUTO electrician about it. Edit - Sory didn't see in video, but I do hope there were RCDs installed on 240v outlets. Cheers

[@JCYT]

Thanks for the comment mate! Prior to the fitout, I spoke to an electrician regarding installation of an RCD. He advised that it was not necessary. I will speak to another electrician and seek a second opinion, might be worth a video. Thanks for the feedback Please let me know what you think re grounding!

[@skye1355]

What led bar did you use in the canopy door?

[@JCYT]

Hey mate Hardkorr 1m rigid tri-colour

[@JCYT]

you can get them on BCF But i bought a pack of 3 off eBay saved a bit of money

[@willdavis6196]

Where did you get the light bar

[@JCYT]

The hardkorr light strip you can get them from BCF

[@brayden3327]

Is it OK to run that high current inverter on a lithium battery?

[@JCYT]

Depends on which lithium battery. You will need to check the inverter will not draw over the maximum discharge current specified by the battery manufacturer. In my case mine falls under so i am ok. It is also fused for protection.

[@brayden3327]

Thank you for the insight

[@Marcuss___]

Nice what boat are you hooking up ? not a 420 renegade is it nah all jokes aside this set up will live as long as we do good work and congrats on neat job! JCYT 12V

[@JCYT]

A nice Veitch 27 hardtop... in my dreams hahaha thanks malaka

[@aydenrenfrey-carroll7629]

What battery are you running?

[@JCYT]

VoltX 300Ah premium plus model

[@clintonthompson5551]

Can you send a link for the crimper

[@JCYT]

Sorry for the slow response. It's a pretty generic style. This is my one www.amazon.com.au/Hydraulic-Terminal-Crimper-Crimping-4-70mm/dp/B07G321V7L

[@neilpitcher2263]

Can i ask what brand the internal lights are,

[@JCYT]

Hey mate they are Hardkorr Tri-colour LED

[@neilpitcher2263]

@@JCYT thanks

[@troycocking5580]

What’s ya hourly rate mate, I’ve got a job I need to do cheers

[@JCYT]

Hey mate, im flattered. Unfortunately, i don't have time to work on other people's projects. Good luck mate

[@twinturboranch454]

Excessive insulation especially on interior wires that are hidden. This is something I would do if the wiring was exposed.

[@JCYT]

Hey mate understood some people would think so We have travelled in some pretty harsh corrugated environments, it's better to be on the safer side than have an electrical short later down the track.

[@twinturboranch454]

@@JCYT i get it. Great work regardless. Your work is spectacular and with amazing attention to detail. 👍🏼

[@emilegerungan3628]

To complicated for me . If I need it I will get some one to do it for me . Or you Jonathan . You can do it for me . 😂👍👍👍😊

[@JCYT]

Hahahaha i believe in your ability Emile

[@elemperor3037]

I want to buy a rotary engine I want to build a single rotary engine

[@kradius2169]

9:35 ... No fuse? 10:15 ... Cable sized to the load? Aren't cables sized to the overcurrent protection? 0:58 ... Definitely not qualified. Hopefully you don't hurt yourself or start any fires.

[@JCYT]

Did you even watch the video?

[@kradius2169]

@@JCYT ... I hung in there till you starting sizing cables to load, 12 minutes or so. Almost stopped at 9:35 no fuse no safety glasses. Cowboy 'lectrics, mate. Did you flip the script later?

[@user-cs5hd2vf6x]

Yes, you are obviously not a qualified electrician! The 240v part of your system is completely illegal!🙄

[@TheBraidingBarber]

Thank you for your video, it was extremely detailed and explained well. I'm impressed on how neat and tidy your garage/work space is. 🤙🏼🛻

[@JCYT]

Thank you mate much appreciated. Hahaha I try to be neat but most would call me messy. I actually think I'm quite messy in the garage.