How to Upgrade Your Jayco Caravan for Off-Grid Camping | Accelerate Auto Electrics

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If you've got a Jayco Caravan (or similar) and you want to get set up to be more self-sufficient on your adventures, our latest video is for you.
We get a lot of questions about how to upgrade an existing battery system to lithium, so we decided to put all the info you'll ever need in one video.
From Battery Banks to Solar Panels to Inverters, we explain all the various components needed for an Off-Grid power system and how you can make the most of what you already have.
If you've been dreaming of the Free Camping Lifestyle, you got to watch this one!

[@georgerudinsky489]

This is the best , unbiased, proper, professional video regarding off grid caravanning ever made. Thanks guys.

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Wow, thanks! That's amazing feedback ❤️

[@bobkats]

This is the most useful video on the sunject today, you have just answered every question, I could think of, thank you both.

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Our pleasure - glad we could help :)

[@encapsul8]

Super comprehensive & well presented Q & A. THANKS

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnbudinski8861]

Great videos, informative and clear. Very quick to response to questions. Good to see this sort of passion, commitment from a business to customers and potential future customers. Thank you Andrew for last week’s chat. I will be in touch soon to discuss our requirements and expectation’s for 12v upgrade to our Jayco.

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Glad you enjoyed it! We look forward to hearing from you again soon.

[@alijahkohen7946]

Instablaster.

[@terrymarshall4964]

Fantastic video. We are looking at buying our 1st van and trying to decide how to power it up off grid. I was tossing up between a genset which is ever so reliable as long as you have fuel vs battery. You have convinced me to go lithium with an inverter and DC:DC charger. You said the lithium's charge up quickly, I was thinking if I run out of "volts", I could charge the batteries up again via the car rather than going to the extreme with solar (have weight limitations).

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Thanks for your comment! We are so glad you are looking at the lithium route. Charging off the car is definitely a good source of charge but we still recommend some solar in the system as every bit helps

[@MimisQuest]

Thanks for such great explanations and a great video. My poor Dad has tried drawing me diagrams and I frustrated him because I didn’t get it. I understand a lot more now thanks.

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Glad the video was helpful for you!

[@pasgw1]

I have 2019 Jayco Journey with J35B If I add Lithium can I just work around the J35B? IE: put in 240v lithium charger and unplug the 240v lead on the J35B. In effect just using the J35B to run all the 12 volt fusing and monitoring? Thanks

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Thanks for your comment! In short yes, but you would require a battery monitor also as the Factory monitor with the J35B unit will not calibrate correctly to lithium.

[@robhosking4081]

very helpful Guys well done

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Thanks Rob!

[@alwaysfreedom0099]

Gday guys great video. Could you recommend anyone south Australia for an upgrade. Thanks Luke.

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Thanks for your comment! Thank you for watching, we don't have any businesses in South Australia we are affiliated with. -The Team Accelerate Auto Electrics

[@JodieandDaz]

Hi guys, I've recently found your channel and love it! We are in Melbourne, Victoria and are wondering if you know of any businesses like yours down here that you could recommend? We are wanting to upgrade our car and van's 12 volt system, add solar, etc.

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Hello, sorry we don't have any affiliations with anyone in Victoria. We do have a lot of customers drive up with their vans if you wanted to come up for a holiday :D We usually require the van for 1 week for a full conversion!

[@user-wy7gs5rp8r]

Hi, Firstly, really enjoyed the video and found it very informative. I have a 2020 vintage Jayco Journey Outback Pop Top which currently only has 1 X 100Ah AGM. I am thinking of upgrading by fitting another 100Ah AGM and also adding an Anderson connection for a remote 160W solar panel separate to the existing on roof panel. I am comfortable fitting the battery box and Anderson plug where I want them to be but will get an auto electrician to do the wiring. Can the additional battery be linked through the J-Hub so that it will reflect the amount of power I have available on the screen. Regards Bernie. (I am In Cairns otherwise I would have called in to speak to you in person)

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Thanks for your comment! Yes, if wired in parallel and still through the Jhub monitoring this can be acheived. You will just require to update the settings to suit your new capacity.

[@johnwieden4673]

I thought i recognised Accelerate! You've serviced a few aircons in my cars! Great you're here on the Sunny Coast. You've clarified a lot for me. I have a Jayco Journey outback 19.61.2 full van on order. The electrics is a lot to understand. I also have a next Gen V6 everest on order. So do you mind random people dropping in to ask a few questions about Dcdc and inverters, solar, everything electrical actually in jaycos? Is there a good time to drop in? I'm flexible on the school holidays. Thanks for a great video.

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Thanks for the feedback John! Feel free to drop in any time, Mon - Thurs 8am - 5pm or Friday 8am - 2:30pm.

[@evolverc1822]

Do you need dual batteries in your car to run a dc dc charger

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Thanks for your comment! You need to run a DC2DC charger to be able to charge your dual battery effectively. Thanks for watching 🙂- The Team at Accelerate of Grid Touring

[@chrise9877]

Forgive me for this somewhat silly question. I have a 2017 Jayco Outback - 100Ah gel battery, BMPro J35 (A), ?180W solar. I don't think I have a 240 mains battery charger hiding anywhere within the van. If my van was in a shed and i plugged my van into the 240v at home does this mean that nothing is happening to the batteries and eventually they will go flat? I recall the previous owner who always kept the van garaged saying he just had the van plugged into 240 all the time but never said anything about a battery charger. I'm a bit confused. If I need to get a 240v battery charger, where/how would i set this up. Thankyou again

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Thanks for your comment! Mode J35s have a built in 240v AC charger. You can confirm this by looking for a power lead out of the unit which should be plugged into a power point!

[@stevencaruana8451]

Absolutely awesome and very informative video.

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jofoster2144]

Good job guys well explained thank you.

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Glad you liked it!

[@viewsensation]

Thank you so much!!! This was so helpful!

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paultabone2010]

Thank you to both of you that was great 👍😃

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@offgriddreaming5403]

Great video guys, very thoroughly explained ✌

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Thanks for watching!

[@martinhall3324]

Very informative, can you tell me how the van powers from the inverter? I assume cables run from the outlet plugs of the inverter but where too to power the whole van? Also what are your views on RVD? do you need one between inverter and caravan power outlets?

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Thanks for your comment! We use a licensed 240v Electrician for all termination of the inverter into the existing caravan circuits to meet legal requirements. Unfortunately we cannot answer your question directly as we would hate to give false advise on how to wire it.

[@konradhensel3872]

What sort of solar panels on the roof

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Thanks for your comment! We use Enerdrive 190w panels as standard on our caravan conversions. - The Team at Accelerate Off-Grid

[@user-pq3uf4jf1u]

Hi, I have a 2016 Jayco Expanda Outback with a Setec ST35-111 and want to upgrade to a full Lithium 2 x 200Ah system with dual 300 watt panels on the roof. Can you give me a ball park price to convert this?

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Best bet for quotes is to book a consult with one of our caravan experts: calendly.com/accelerate-offgrid-touring/15-minute-phone-chat-tourer?back=1&month=2023-04

[@eddiecalleja7574]

Great video guys gust a quick question I ordered a Jayco Lark which I get next month with a lithium battery as an extra, I noticed that the hub that’s listed on the manufacturing form it has a J35A is this normal or should I be asking for a J 35D hub?

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Hi Eddie, we would suggest getting in touch with Jayco to confirm that the system you are getting is lithium compatible.

[@DeshiDoMartialArts]

I have a Jpod with the J35D but it is running a AGM I have purchesed a 120ah lithium can I just drop it in the battery box as is or is there something else I have to do for it to work?

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Hey, What screen do you have and what brand of battery? Depends on the screen and what brand of battery as to whether it needs a dcdc charger.

[@mikecharlesworth]

Hey guys, great video and plenty of useful info. Just wondering if you would recommend ditching the BMPro A series as it's pretty limited. I've just bought a Outback Swan and will be upgrading from a 120ah AGM to 240ah lithium with 520w solar. Cheers!

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

When you say A series do you mean the BatteryPlus35-II-HA or J35A? We love the BMPro range but yes the J35A would need to be upgraded if you want to change to lithium batteries. The BatteryPlus35-II-HA is lithium compatible.

[@conkarakyriakos1443]

Great information I have just ordered a Jayco journey outback, which will come with 1x180 solar and the PM235J power management ,system ,I will be looking at upgrading to lithium is it better to have Jayco add the extra solar panels thinking of 4 in total while they are building the van then I can add my lithium batteries and my choice of inverter,I already run a redarc bc/dc 25 in my car and is it better to have a seperate Anderson plug installed at build rather than everything through the 12 pin plug

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Thanks for the comment! Hi Con - We would recommend during the build if possible to at least get some over sized cabling ran to the roof for a larger solar system & to the front of the van for increased Charge, this gives you the freedom to upgrade in the future if you decide to not build a system with the manufactures. We recommend using an Anderson plug for the charging especially with lithium as 12 pin sockets are only rated to around 15 - 30 amp and we have seen in the past melted 12 pins due to over current. Feel free to contact us via our email address if you would like a full quote for a Lithium conversion. [e-mail]

[@mishanikolic]

How much cost to install system like this, just rough idea

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Hello, Thanks for your comment! Our full conversion lithium upgrades start from 14k! Thanks for watching 🙂

[@stephensmith2744]

Great video that’s given me plenty to think about. Do you guy have an outlet in WA and if not is there anybody over here you would recommend. Cheers and thanks

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

No we don't, we are just on the Sunshine Coast.

[@frednurks8528]

Great video with lots of valuable information. Just a question on tow vehicle considerations- a lot of tow vehicles are set up with auxiliary batteries and associated charging from the vehicles alternator. Is there any possible overload on a cars alternator when coupled up to a van with 400 amp hr of lithium ?

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Thanks for your comment! Yes, A-lot of tow vehicles do run Auxiliary battery set ups, Caravan Charging and in some cases the 12v function on the caravan 3 way fridge. By using the correct DCDC chargers and knowing the Alternators output you can build a system to work within the Alternators specs without overloading it. However, There are aftermarket options on the market to upgrade your tow vehicles alternator to a Larger and sometimes fully sealed Water proof unit to get the best out of your charging between the numerous components you are trying to run / charge. Upgraded alternators are now becoming quite common due to everyone wanting larger battery systems through out the vehicles and caravans.

[@waynehobbs5175]

Great content thanks. An explanation or diagram of how the inverter integrates would be appreciated. Read somewhere an RVD was necessary but I have no idea. We intend to freecamp offgrid in our new for us Silverline slider 21 65 3 2011 model. Is the jayco module a,b,c assume Thats what ours will have is it possible to swap over to a D. Or can I use a dedicated lifepo4 240 to 12 battery charger. I have 2 x 300W panels and a 40A Renogy DCDC. Thanks guys.

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Hi Wayne! Thanks for your comment! You require a licensed 240v Electrician for the termination of the inverter integration due to the legalities around 240v and Caravans. You certainly can upgrade the J35 to the " D " Model for Lithium operations. Depending on how you set it up you may require some supporting modifications & components to get the best out of J35 and Lithium system! We would be more then happy to supply you with a quote for a conversion if you want to drop us an email here; [e-mail]

[@renegadecampervan5017]

Running an aircon continuously eg overnight on lithiums is a pipe dream unless you win lotto.

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Thanks for your comment!

[@rickyprice2900]

How much would an upgrade cost

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Hi Ricky, It all really depends on the exact caravan you have the the already installed components. Please get in contact with us on 5479 6652 or send us an email to [e-mail] outlining exactly what you are after and we can do you up an exact quote for a lithium upgrade. Thank you, Accelerate Off-Grid Touring

[@katherineporter2654]

What about if you don’t want to upgrade to lithium. We have a 2016 Silverline Outback had for a month, has an agm battery and solar not sure how big it is. What do we need to run washing machine, charge phones etc, not fussed on the air con.

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Hi Katherine, it is definitely possible to run off AGM, just depends on the specifics of your set up. If you'd like to discuss the options for your caravan, please feel free to call us direct on 1300 227 353 or email [e-mail].

[@rison6574]

Great video! Question I have J35D, 3x125ah Invicta lithium batteries in parallel, 3 x Enerdrive 180W panels and 50A Victron solar controller. BC300 shunt added to negative of battery bank (draw). Question: should I only read Victon app for energy management v JHub? The JHub seems to read differently to the Solar controller. What is best way to monitor this hybrid system? Should I add anything? Cheers

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Hi Adriaan, with custom or hybrid systems there are a lot of variables to consider but we'd love to discuss your set-up further and assist with some possible solutions. Feel free to get in touch on 1300 227 353 or [e-mail].

[@jj866]

Just wondering if the J35D gets powered by the inverter when its turned on? How have you wired the 240v plug on the J35D?

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

We can't give away all our tricks of the trade 😉 If you'd like to know more about our install processes, you will need to contact our team directly on 1300 227 353 or [e-mail].

[@juliec5685]

Great video found it very informative. Can you get a battery monitor fitted to my J35A in my Starcraft 13ft. If I go off grid I want to know my battery level. I’ve got a kings portable blanket which I hope to use to support off grid stays.

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Hi Julie, that's definitely something we could help with. Feel free to give us a call on 1300 227 353 to discuss further.

[@keithpowell9326]

Hi,great vid. What make of solar panels do you recommend?

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Thanks, we recommend Enerdrive's 180w Mono panel. View the product on our store below: accelerateoffgrid.com.au/collections/solar-panels/products/enerdrive-solar-panel-180w-mono

[@470Matty]

Excellent video. Just getting bits together for my instal on a 2017 Jayco Starcraft. One question, why did you choose to run a seperate solar controller over using the Enerdrive DCDC to manage it? PS. Wish you guys were based in Melbourne....haha (but you're safer up there). Cheers.

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Thanks for the comment! We use a seperate solar controller as it gives us the ability to have 2 sources of charge which decreases the charge time on the batteries. Basically, You can have the vehicle charging and the solar charging at the same time to recover your batteries more efficiently.

[@russellv5387]

Great info guys can I ask what price range we would be looking at?🤷‍♂️

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Thanks for your interest in our Off-Grid Setups. Each caravan is different and might not require each component listed below depending on it's existing electrical system. As a rough guide you would be looking at $16,500 for the following 2 x Enerdrive 200ah Lithium Batteries 1 x Enerdrive 40a DC2DC Charger 1 x Enerdrive 60a AC Charger 1 x Morningstar Tri-Star 60a Solar Regulator 1 x Enerdrive 2600w Inverter 4 x Enerdrive 180w Solar Panels 1 x Enerdrive Battery Guard All installed into your caravan 240volt Safety Certificate All the GPOs in your caravan working off-grid via the inverter To get an official quote we like to have a chat via a phone consult and get an idea of what is already in your caravan and what needs to be upgraded. If you are interested in this you can book online here: calendly.com/accelerate-offgrid-touring/15-minute-phone-chat-tourer?back=1&month=2022-11 Thank you!

[@russellv5387]

@@accelerateoffgridtouring legends thanks 👍

[@beach2bushaustralia]

Love the vid guys !!! bigger the better... lol

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Absolutely! Glad you liked the video.

[@Hubble80]

I have an older Jayco with an ST35 Setec unit. Just wondering if it is possible to upgrade to LiFePO4 with this unit?

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Yes, but you have to make the charging functions null and void as they are not lithium compatible. You would also need to add lithium chargers. Feel free to contact us direct if you'd to discuss your options with lithium further!

[@jpowyer]

@@accelerateoffgridtouring how to disconnected the setec unit?

[@ceramiartdental2809]

Please open a branch in Perth!

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

One day maybe! 😄

[@flameaxe1012]

Just brought a 100k caravan with 16k enerdrive system in it, wanting to go off grid, and they installed a 3 way fridge😤 not happy 👎

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Thanks for your comment! We can certainly swap out your 3 way for a dedicated 12v fridge!

[@ausamg2760]

why not Victron?

[@accelerateoffgridtouring]

Thanks for your comment! We opted for the Invicta / Enerdrive system in this particular van for the ease of integration into the existing BMPRO System. Plus, Both Australian based companies with an excellent support network! Victron is certainly an option we offer for our caravan upgrades but it comes down to the customers preferences & requirements.