I’m Crossing The U.S In My DIY Tesla Van - Day 2

Check out the whole series here...
• Crossing U.S. In My DI...
thanks to Backfire for the electric board www.backfirebo...
Jack Smith's trip... www.facebook.c...
Check out me building the van here... • My Electric Camper Build
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[@leticiagerardo9747]

I love this! Reminds me of the original vlogs, before Raya ( not meant in a bad way) when the channel was full of adventure mixed in with a bit of anxiety as to “what has Louis got himself into again.” Can’t wait for the next episode.

[@renealbrechtsen9743]

Agreed. Really miss those types of videos from Louis. :)

[@xDefender11]

Same

[@joshuareyna6398]

I miss thoese days so much but ik he happy

[@Ellierua]

Love the commitment to filming when on your own and all that entails. Cute showing the convenience store.

[@georgedierolf5943]

So cool. Too bad those windmills weren’t turning!

[@joshuamizrahi3689]

I know it cuts against the mission, but you can always rent a flat bed or tow truck and tow it or pay a tow service. But I’m pulling for you That you can make it happen.

[@deafcolorz]

Louis, Louis, Louis… what happened to the “boooom👊” at the end of your adventurrrr videosss?

[@Elektrotechniker]

Why don‘t you use solar cells on your roof? That space would most likely get you close to 1kW!

[@Patricia-ps4yh]

Seriously Louis, I love to watch your adventures, but you are giving me anxiety with your electric van!🤗

[@marktasico]

Lol, ikr. I get anxiety when my escooter is low on battery 🤣

[@Luke-cq6fu]

This journey reminds me of the good old traveling vlogs that you did. Amazing.

[@arturoleorigins]

When Louis said this is an adventure and I love it. It felt like I was in 2016 watching his vlogs lol

[@danielvincent9490]

Couldn't say it better.. Louis you're ever inspiring!

[@joostwestra]

Small tip: If there are multiple chargers at the same location. Than you should buy an adapter to power all your other big loads (heater,induction stove, skateboard, battery pack etc.). This way you can suck up a lot more power at the same time. If it is cold I would even preheat the van with the separate connection long before leaving.

[@vikelement]

this is a big tip

[@dj007twk]

Buy a portable electric generator. Use gas when you need to.

[@brandenflasch]

Inb4 you were only getting 1-2kW at the RV park… the Tesla mobile connector is going to limit you to 12A when using the NEMA 5-15 adapter regardless of whatever adapters you use after it.

[@fireyblackdragon]

Seriously check out ABRP - A better route planner. The elevation changes REALLY murder a car's range. Not really a big deal when there's gas stations everywhere and you have a range of 500 miles on a fillup. But something that has to be thought of in an EV. ABRP actually accounts for all that to find you the most efficient route with chargers available. It was great for my mountain trek, as the 150 mile range quickly plummeted to 70 miles up the steep incline, but on the way back, the 200 mile range became 350. But ABRP knew that I would need an extra stop on the way there, and found a nice one tucked behind a hole-in-the-wall grill. Unfortunately, with a conversion like yours, you likely won't get the nice features it has for conventional EVs, so you'll have to tell it your battery size and efficiency characteristics yourself (just give it your average on flat ground and it figures the rest), and you won't get to use the OBD2 connection to monitor your battery life in real time and adjust the route as needed. But ultimately, it seems what you need is something that can tell you when you're gonna need to make an hour pitstop somewhere to make sure you make it to your destination.

[@jonatansteuernagel1264]

This is really interesting to watch. My tip would be to look into the ABRP (A better route planner) App. It is specifically made for electric vehicles and takes into account elevation, has a lot of chargers, etc. Of course it is not setup for self-converted vehicles, so you probably have to guess a similar vehicle and play with the Battery degradation setting a bit to get a close match, but I think it could be helpful. Have a good journey, excited for more videos!

[@lowandapapa]

Came here to say exactly this. You can set up a custom vehicle based on your own consumption levels and get a better estimate for what and where you can make it. God(slow)speed!

[@jphanks]

Yup. His route choice is... unintelligent.

[@davidew98]

and use plugsdhare to find out if people are having problems with certain chargers.

[@GreenTravelJournal]

So impressed you've continued to daily vlog through all those challenges! Ghost chargers are the worst, we just had a similar experience with our electric campervan in France. Although in our case, the charger was there, but it was behind a fence and we had to drive a 30km (18mi) detour to get there! We were very lucky we still had enough juice in the batteries to make it. We hope the rest of the trip goes a little more smoothly for you! All the best from freezing France.

[@richardtromans4963]

Started re watching the og vlogs. The golden age of you tube

[@thereed4443]

@FunForLouis I know you said solar didn't seem to be an option for this trip as an on the go choice. BUT, slapping some efficient panels on the roof and having them build up a solar reserve may be useful. Could save you from having to push it that last little bit again haha. Maybe an addition for after the trip but useful in the future.

[@alexdrinkwater28]

Are you using A Better Route Planner to help with elevation range estimation?

[@claravonessen5673]

I'm in love with this series! Amazing! Enjoying it SO MUCH!!!! Go, Louis and Cali, goooo :D

[@4Simmix4]

loving these videos! thanks for doing these daily and hence taking us along for the ride, that woman stopping by to thank you was so wholesome

[@MikeDancy]

3000 miles divided by 150 is 20 days. There will be days on the plains when you make up some mileage. Also, why don't you get a solar panel for the roof that can charge the van.

[@0ce42]

For the ecoflow you might need an adapter to bridge the neutral and ground for EV charging. Or two pro batteries might allow you to use a 240V charger. Texas will be interesting, since the distance between everything. Wish you the best of luck!

[@craxzyhouse]

I live in Morongo Valley I can see that market from my house! Good luck in your travels!

[@adventuresofhammadasif7990]

Hi Louis. Asif Kamal here from Pakistan. May the creator of this universe help you in your voyage. 👍

[@InfamousCrimeLocations]

This really put a big stamp in my book for reasons not to get electric vehicle. Great series though.

[@TheFunkybert]

Louis.. there’s a great Eco-Village in Sage, CA. “The Eco Shire” very close to you there. Great overnight stop to consider.. for anyone!

[@cre8tvedge]

Not close to him anymore. He passed that day one not to forget it's a good 80 mile round trip from the highway and back. It sounds cool but it'll have to wait.

[@jessieandtalie]

Spoiler alert: it did! 😂 Every video my heart is just racing! Such a great series!!!!

[@mikeb5556]

there are hundreds of bloody big chargers on that road: they just happen to be a few hundred thousand volts too high. LOL Edited: Louis says: "I don't need this drama every day" er no... but he really does handle it all well.

[@darmou]

I think the reason you were not able to charge from the eco-flow is you need a bonding plug to simulate ground.

[@TesLatino]

I'm so glad you're publishing this trip. While I was able to do a California-South Florida drive in a little over 2 days in my EV, this trip shows that when there's a will there's a way with less-capable EVs. Wishing you a pleasant and safe drive. Cheers!

[@NotBROLL]

Exactly! That's what I love about Louis, he give it his best shot. It may not be the easiest way, but it's more fun. (at least watching is)

[@stevenharpervw]

I have range Anxiety just watching you

[@stevygee]

Such a nailbiter! As someone who lives in the Alps and owns an electric car, I can say from experience: Be sure to plan extremely conservatively when going over mountain ranges. Your range might only be 40% of what it usually is on flat terrain. Plan your route with alternative chargers along the way (which might not always be the highway). Make a note of how much range you would need to go from the second last (A) to your target charging point (B). So if you then reach an exit near (A) and your range is below that number, you can still take that exit and reach charger A. That will save you a lot of time going back and forth or breaking down on your point of no return! Good luck to you, I hope you can make it!

[@nonameneededsailing]

Such a pain in the but, not to mention your time wasted charging. Only works when u have a life like this. The average person can’t get away with this. No one sang electric vehicle suck they’re just saying there’s obvious issues and roadblocks before we can actually make this work.

[@calisuds9830]

I'm waiting for the 3rd episode of your adventure. Where are you Louis?

[@itsmeJeanii]

Lol this is really making me not want to get an electric car. It seems like way more of a hassle and the cost isn't very efficient with the time it takes just to charge :/ Good to know though!

[@cre8tvedge]

again and again and again. Are ou all sent here as trolls. Crimey. It's a one off home made inferior (in the charging system and range) to every BEV manufactured. YOu are just flat wrong. And judging by the pictures of most of you saying this you are trolls not pretty girls.. If it not you are simply showing your ignorance - not insulting you - it means you haven't taken the time to LEARN. Which you can do by watching videos right here on youtube.

[@ronnaporter3325]

Thank goodness for the every-day pioneers and adventurers - like me - who will have already shown ways for normal people to make it work ... hopefully while we still have a livable planet!

[@itsmeJeanii]

@@ronnaporter3325 Yea it seems he as well is getting more advice on how to make this adventure more doable for him. I don't own a car at all since I don't need one, but eventually I would like one to travel. Really rough to watch him doing this so far though.

[@gerddrexler]

@FunForLouis I feel all that so much 🙈😄I have an E Car( Renault Zoe) and once the only option was to drive 17 miles per hour on the highway to get to reliable chargers 🙈😄Ever thought of driving super slow in the worst case ? 🙈😂 Good Luck 😊😄

[@crystal9325]

Be sure to camp at SNOW WHITE SANCTUARY in Vinton LA!! They are great people and it is a magical experience! Cheap! On your way, with power, and a bathroom with a shower! Plus amazing hosts and great animals!! I would love to see a vlog of y'all meeting!

[@kaptain1477]

Can't you fast charge or make an upgrade for fast charging would be much better for traveling

[@kimmentzinger3388]

Most inspiring and addictive series on KZbin. The suspense!

[@alysakenn1954]

Feels like the first time I discovered louis back it 2015. It's always a crazy adventure with him. Good luck Louis, hope everything goes well on this crazy road trip. Maybe you can put a filter on maps that says no elevation or something and then your guaranteed some more battery life!

[@spencercohen2673]

Damn I remember watching this dude in 8th grade I’m in college now.

[@ML-jr1yz]

A solar panel will keep your 12v battery full at least .

[@NotBROLL]

It would, unless he tries to run the car from it :P

[@BenandEmily]

This was brilliant! 😀Looking forward to following on your adventure!!

[@jerryrod5363]

You should get a helmet for that electric skateboard 🛹 safety first

[@heatherjolly8389]

I had a huge sigh of relief when you finally got a working charge!!

[@jessicafewer]

Love love love love this! Really looking forward to the new tricks you’re trying to incorporate! Love watching this adventure!

[@TheGorignak]

I guess you could haul around a portable generator for emergencies.

[@MyaConile]

Love your videos. Please be super careful when you get to the east coast. A LOT of uphill that goes on forever. Good luck on your journey across the US!!

[@lisam.2435]

Loving this videos! I really hope that you can finish on time 🤞🏼

[@oscarsands1237]

Would taking the wheel off the front improve your efficiency and range a little bit? Even if it's just by a couple miles it looksike could still go a long way

[@NotBROLL]

Hahah, true. But what if he gets a flat?

[@travelbubble3776]

I’m hooked watching these daily vlogs! Hoping that you make it on time! And you have the sweetest pup with you!

[@melanieshirkey5276]

Thank goodness you are such a positive person! Cali loves you so much! Wishing you great travels for your adventure Louis and Cali!

[@adventuresofjandk]

Always love watching your adventures.

[@anthonywareing]

Great vlog…however you have definitely put me off electric cars 😂

[@davisreid873]

Was this scripted? You’re in an RV driving across America and on the second day you thought of RV parks with plugins?

[@NotBROLL]

Idk if it was scripted, Louis just seems like the kinda guy to wing it and figure it out as he goes. Figured maybe at first he thought he could just sleep at wallmart carparks or something, and charge there? (idk if they have chargers). Or maybe do quick charges along the way. but seems the range isn't so great on his van convert.

[@jenohogan9254]

Watching the battery drop stresses me out so much.

[@tabottietjen3186]

This is why we love are Teslas. The supercharger network just works. I've never had problems with a dead Supercharger and the car tells us where to go to get a charge

[@cre8tvedge]

Neither have I but I got the last working one in a stable of five in Richfield UT. Three were out. Huge relief as I was only there because of detour around wash out in the mountain route I was taking.

[@ronnaporter3325]

Good that there is a working system at the top end of the market for the resourceful at every other market point to aspire to and copy for the benefit of 1. the planet and 2. everyone else.

[@MrBobbyBrown2006]

LOVING these videos! So happy you decided to make a video series out of this. I have missed this so much.

[@americanboy48]

I love videos like this omg yes

[@MelissaTheButterfly]

I wish I can travel with you guys, even if it's just an hour or two!! So exciting to see your world. I'm also from Southern California. Where u are traveling. Anyway soooo FUN♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♤♤♤

[@Ruin0rRapture]

I must say im really enjoying this series! Cant wait for the next ep! ^_^

[@DdossAttacks]

At this pace, it would take about a month for him to reach new york. However, considering how the first 2 days have gone, I would be surprised if this pace is maintained. Very humorous, nevertheless.

[@cre8tvedge]

Actually he really surprised with having achieved 311 miles by day two. If he can average 170 -180 miles a day he'll make it fine. The big challenge will be crossing Ariz, New Mexico and Texas. That's due to long distances without many services. If he can't reach charging that's way far off.... !?

[@barbaram3586]

Hello, i have an electic car myself and we've done a small Roadtrip last week. Our car charges really fast up to 80% and slower after that. However it's important to keep in mind that it's best for the battery to keep it between 20 and 80%. And heating takes A LOT of electricity. I found out that you can find the charging points on google maps, which helped us a lot. Have a great Roadtrip :)

[@cre8tvedge]

Distances between campgrounds and commercial chargers may exceed your range. Tip look for private ev charger locations on Plug Share. This too can be hit or miss out there in the electric vehicle desert that is everywhere not Calif and certain larger urban areas. When I did my 3,000 plus mile trip I made lists of charging locations along my route. I was able to focus on free level two systems given my extensive range beyond your oh so cool VW camper van. You will be pro by the time your half way there. Keep going.

[@deebobrow6585]

Just curious- How much does the electric chargers cost when you use them? I'm curious on the total cost of your trip from ca to ny. No need to include the rv parks but just those plug in chargers in parking lots, etc. Good luck on your journey- I'm enjoying the videos but I'm getting range anxiety watching. Lol

[@072570ppft]

Maybe I missed it, but why did you not install a fast charger during your EV conversion?

[@jannepeltonen2036]

Those phantom charging points though :D It's really frustrating if a charger that should be there, isn't.

[@serbiano1]

I love watching your misadventures. This feels like my life about 10 years ago, it gets better. LOL

[@AWildBard]

I saw Jack Smith's trip on facebook. A friend of mine had skateboarded across the US with Jack and two other guys maybe a decade ago.

[@Skiridr22]

Louis you’re giving me range anxiety and I don’t even own an EV yet 😊

[@marianneintheforest9428]

Its really nerve-racking to watch this, but very exciting also. Good luck.

[@MelissaTheButterfly]

OMG I loooveee these VIDEOS thank You. Louie

[@mrpiloni7345]

I so admire your optimism mate. Such a great bloke. Great acknowledgement of the roadside shop offering you charging. Do you tell them about the channel so they can see it being advertised?

[@stevenharpervw]

By any chance is the regen breaking working too hard even while your going forward and is that killing your range ?

[@cre8tvedge]

Regen braking does not engaging until you take your foot off the accelerator and initially at speed it is very weak. Long way to say no.

[@isabelhahn9095]

Stay out of the cold, freezing temperatures will incredibly drain your battery

[@alexdrinkwater28]

Do you have a Tesla to J1772 adapter? They will allow you to charge at Tesla destination chargers which are often at Hotels.

[@cre8tvedge]

That's backwards. Tesla TO J1772 lets you charge at the same level two stations Louis is using. I don't think there is a J1772 to Tesla as till now it's a closed (Tesla only) system. Plus I don't know if the controller he has for charging would work with a Tesla SC. And Tesla recognizes your car from your cable as your Tesla. I never have to enter CC or NFC like you do with Charge Point. Tesla says they are opening the system but no one knows how it will work. Other brands use a CCS plug/protocol. If Louis had that he could charge at the larger charger next to the last commercial one in the video. Fast. I think if he could he would.

[@joshjamesuk]

Really enjoying the start of this series Louis, thanks for filming all of it! Looking forward to the rest of the trip!

[@superpurpleblast]

i have the same van haha

[@captaindave47]

I don't think my nerves will last out for another 18 days. Good luck for day 3.

[@Megs4drama]

So glad that you are making progress and you are ok. Looking forward to following you on this journey. Sending good vibes for continued safe travels!!

[@RobertGillespie]

you stress me out Louis lol

[@ChrisandNancyTravel]

Prolly already suggested: Chinese Diesel Parking Heater for the cold.

[@lizzeyflower]

Some say Louis is in the middle of the dessert this last vlog we see 👀 😂 😄 🤣

[@bigfunanAmericaninGermany]

no backup fuel tank.... but what about a backup generator?

[@dantoddruns]

It appears you are still only charging with 120 volts even though you are plugged into 240 volt 50 amps. You need the 14-50 pigtail from Tesla or pull that Tesla mobile connector out of your process and get a j-1772 50 amp connector.

[@cre8tvedge]

He walked out of Lowe's with a 50 amp plug on that adapter but apparently using it on the accessories. At the Charge Point with clean screen he was charging level two not level one of 120 volts. He also noted at the store in Morongo Valley that that 120 circuit would have taken days to charge fully.

[@xaviermitchell578]

Awesome journey man! love watching these. Hope it's not this scary all the time😅

[@solopfl]

The American lower voltage power grid is the real disadvantage here. 10h for 50kWh? Normal AC (multi phase)charging with only 5 kW. 😢 in Europe that would be 11kW. At those normal AC charging points.

[@jacobepstein4009]

This is why I'm not getting a tesla or EV so fast since my job is on the road/field I can't afford the anxiety for the ev

[@cre8tvedge]

Met a nurse at a charger topping up miles while she went for ice cream. Her job? Calling on rural clients in far flung Nevada. She was thrilled with that road/field car. She gets the Fed mileage reimbursement which means that she makes money off driving it well above the reimbursement - help pay for the car. If you are actually in the field buy the Ford Lightning F150.

[@ronnaporter3325]

Thank goodness for the every-day pioneers and adventurers - like me - who will have already shown ways for normal people to make it work ... hopefully while we still have a livable planet!

[@paulbergloff5219]

I could be wrong about RV plugs, I think this is how they work. I think the RV 50 amp uses 2 breaker box fuses( maybe called 2 pole?) it uses 2 qty. 20 amp in one combined fuse .....and the other type of RV plug is a single pole 30 amp. If I understand this right if you were to use a converter with 50 amp plug it will only be powered by one of the poles ....Someone please correct me if I am wrong

[@ronladon472]

At 2%😮😢😅

[@kimantonsen5595]

If you bought a EUC instead of that skateboard, you would not need the power bank. My EUC has a 1554Wh battery that can take me about 100km on one charge, or i can use it as a power bank and a Bluetooth music player with its four 10W speakers.

[@LessDepressed1]

Yesssss This is the Louis I remember!!

[@james3440]

That pile of trash are remnants of the last bunch of fools that came looking for a charger.

[@stephan2357]

1:25 but you didn't buy anything from them. small indie family run business. you are tuber with ads income. it's called freeloading. 🤷‍♂

[@Lidice153]

Hello From California ❤❤❤

[@lauraslanesvanlifetravels]

Alright, that's it! Just when I didn't want to add any more channels to be sub'd too...that crow lol was funny and I liked your van video weird fast part before that...pretty cool...good videoography there! Guess you get another sub!

[@HannahJ]

Oh yeah! Absolutely got range anxiety with our Renault Zoe!

[@isabelledebionne]

This is going to be a nail-biter to watch, but also can't wait to see how this adventure is going to go!

[@sophietucker1255]

I think EV’s are great but as my dad said they are “town cars”. You don’t want to get to far away from town unless you like walking. I’m sure the problems will be solved but I don’t think we are anywhere close to that just yet. There really needs to be standardized charging ports and points instead of all these proprietary plugs and charging points.

[@victoriagoodman7294]

This is so exciting!!! Looking forward for day 3!

[@jamesproudfoot4076]

Why don’t you use a EV specific Maps GPS app that takes into consideration the gradient of the roads? I can’t emerged the name of it unfortunately

[@cre8tvedge]

A Better Route Planner. Sadly for some reason I couldn't get it to work but it's not a big deal with 300 mile range and SC locations on my map plus the coolest graphics showing use of watts till my next charge stop and instant consumption levels.