Installing Solar Panels - Box Truck Camper

[@judysebold1436]

There is no such thing as dumb luck, you we’re blessed, to God be the Glory!!

[@russse2793]

You are correct. Everything happens for a reason.

[@triciasklodowske5653]

Just what I was going to say!! God was watching out for Bill.

[@Parakeetfriend4215]

I was thinking divine intervention. God used his talents and led Bill to do just what he needed to do with the knowledge that he has. I was thinking of Noah and sons building that ark. Talk about God's intervention. If it weren't for him (God) and Noah listening, we all wouldn't be here today.

[@jacquelineMeyers-is1zz]

Yes, they seem to attract great people, like you, and I lifted them up for prayers and you as well.

[@luvthigod]

I WAS SAYING THE SAME THING !! It’s Not Luck , it’s God ❤

[@popeye3305]

I like it! Being a kid from the 60s and 70s, I'm glad to hear that people still say "cool." Time to bring back "Far out." 😎

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

How about "keen" or "boss!"

[@popeye3305]

@@LiveSimpleLiveFree 😄

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

How about "GROOVY"?

[@jeanettec6212]

Frig! I got in so much trouble when I said frig or far out! Their was 7 kids and we would fight and boy if we called one another a liar! Wow! Anyway cool!

[@stj971]

​@@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149Groovy was never cool.

[@debibrown5568]

My husband took the roof off of our golf cart and put a solar panel as the roof. It keeps our battery charged. 😂 no one even notices that it’s a panel. He has them on the roof of his workshop too…for when we lose power….hurricanes you know. Very smart how you figured all this out! - watching from Lake Wales, Florida

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

Golf cart roof. Excellent!

[@tanyabjorling5822]

If my husband and I ever get a golf cart, I am going to share this idea with him!! It's fantastic!! Perhaps, you could sell the idea for a panent?? Worth a try??

[@kattfranklin6933]

Thank you so much for the tutorial. At 81, this is how we built what we needed. 😊 Today, many projects are discarded, and existing kits are not available. Measure 2xs before cutting. Thanks 😊 for your expertise and willingness to teach as you go!! So many people are afraid to make a mistake while others watch. God bless Elizabeth and you❤️ 🙏

[@hmp9468]

I know this is a recreational vehicle, but it will also be a sustainable home to take to a safe environment and live in if the need should ever arise. A wise and well thought out addition to have on hand.

[@cynthiagawin2991]

That overhang wall, above the cab is a perfect place to put a Bible quote or saying!☺️

[@Parakeetfriend4215]

That would make them a target for haters. It's coming when the Christians will have to meet in secret. Best to be incognito and God will send them who needs to come.

[@fields-n-feathers]

As I'm WATCHING your video, I'm seeing the number of LIKES get higher and higher! You're such an inspiration in so many ways. We love you.🧡

[@shirleymurphy1958]

Bill the innovation with this build is amazing too see . You overcome all kinds of obstacles with it. No wonder Elizabeth is always saying cool (it sure is ) ! God is your strength and help.

[@ljjackson7106]

Oh goody, a new project! Don’t you miss the days of having a good friend living a block or two away who could not let you go that alone? (I certainly miss them as my brothers had some terrific friends who always chipped in to help!!). God Bless you both!! 🌹

[@LindaCaudill-cb4ll]

God didn't makes us bummies. He made us in his image and God is the greatest. I love your work Bill. Elizabeth I love you two sweetie. Keep me in your prayers that I can lay cigarettes down I gave them to God and he took them but you know who keeps telling me I can't stop or it's to late to stop smoking. I don't fell like I am condemned smoking it's just like over eating. I just can't lay them down. I stopped drinking and taking pain pills I got hooked on pain meds from a terrible motorcycle accident was on pm for about 8 years but smoking is so so hard for me. I smoke more now than I ever have.😢 Be safe and sending love and prayers from Berea Kentucky.

[@LindaCaudill-cb4ll]

Dummies

[@lizstewart5412]

🙏🩷🙏💞🙏🩷🙏

[@Sarah-zm6oh]

I'm there too, prayers for God's Devine healing for us both

[@MrBobby781]

Bill, you doing an amazing job with the (Box/Camper)

[@willymags123]

Even though this was not a tutorial on solar I still got a much better understanding after all these years of trying to understand it. I've had 600 w of solar on my roof for 6 years now and still for the life of me could not comprehend the concept of it all LOL I would charge my power box with a generator or shore power all the time but now I see what to do.. that just goes to show how helpful your videos are even when you're not teaching.❤ Till next time, God bless.

[@PamelaStreet-f8i]

In good hearted kidding, all you need for the "cherry" on top is a " Granny Rocking Chair" on top . Lol. Really enjoy your video's. You two are a inspiration for us senior citizen's. Lovely Journey to watch. Thank you.

[@MissContraryGirl]

It really is turning into a cool truck! Before the panels were installed on the top, I was really liking the look of the black accessories (doors, windows, trims) against the white of the truck. It was looking pretty dapper. Now with the roof parts installed it's so cool!

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

Thanks!

[@spoly8139]

Your engineering skills have once again made all the difference. Just be careful in the future parking the truck in woodsy areas under trees as you don't want debris or bird droppings landing on the solar panels which can cause problems down the road. It won't be long now before the big trip to Utah!

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

I will have a collapsible ladder along with me so that I can get up there to clean off debris and bird stuff.

[@Parakeetfriend4215]

​@@LiveSimpleLiveFree I was thinking that shade would prevent solar charging. So there's that.

[@chrisdalebout5106]

Elizabeth you teach so much just by how enthusiastic you are and how grateful, Thank you ❤

[@cynthiawilliamson5905]

I’d also think about putting an alarm system on your camper truck. Wow! That’s God! ❤🎉😮Boy, once you get everything in the way you want, it’s going to be NICE! And very valuable! I believe it will work. I can’t wait to see the finished product!!😮 you’re smart getting someone to do the wiring that something not just anybody should do unless they’ve got experience! Thank the Lord you can do all this. Elizabeth is definitely blessed to have you.❤🎉 This is 6/14. I know Elizabeth has to be around. Pray every the whole time that you don’t file and break your whatever!!😅❤ with those panels, y’all are going to be set for good! Wow, that’s tricky and the very last panels that you’re adding to it trying to get that thing up underneath it and then threw those holes! Wow! Smart thinking! Very proactive! Cool! Very excited for y’all! But I seriously would think about getting a security system hooked up where it will go off if anybody tries to break or tries to mess with anything! Your rig is looking really really fine! Good job!!😮🎉🎉🎉 God bless y’all!❤

[@cindyenglert.az51]

WOW! I We all certainly got our money’s worth watching this video!!! I w as just about ready to make a bowl of popcorn! Another project WELL DONE Bill!! And stay safe on that ladder Bill! WE love how you want to video everything but we’d rather you stay safe and explain later!! God has been watching over you -no dumb luck!!

[@Prezlsc]

I was cringing the whole time 😳 My 68 year old husband took a bad fall off scaffolding and fractured his hip 🥲

[@davidkeith5377]

You should consider mounting a wind deflector to the front of the box, similar to the ones you see on tractor trailers. That could relieve the wind stress on the system.

[@Icanya69]

Good tip !

[@Liz-lt1zn]

Hope I’m not repeating a comment. This Home on wheels will be great if a situation arises causing you to leave your home even for minor reasons such as plumbing issue etc. You’ll always have a hot shower awaiting with all that solar and a nice place to sleep. 🍓😁

[@pianogal853]

21:07 actually, your technique is great! I can't think of a better way! Great job getting those panels on the roof!

[@alisonquinto2630]

Your doing a great Job Bill, May you and Elizabeth have great adventures in Your conversion Box truck! Blessings...

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

One thing I like about solar panels is it collects energy and provides a wonderful shade cover.

[@Liz-lt1zn]

Great job Bill. Such innovative ways to solve challenging issues. You have a Lovely assistant helping.

[@heidik-lady8135]

A whole new world opens up now. Very cool 😎

[@johnshaw4140]

Good work , greetings from a fellow retired trucker

[@joanharris8057]

Bill, you can tell you were a trucker because you are aware of vehicle heights when driving under bridges. I like how you preserve in taking on the challenges of making your box van an RV. It is so interesting to watch the transformation of your box van and I never miss a video!

[@rosasalas1437]

Thk u Bill for sharing with us all your so wise Im woman I real appreciated how you take time and give the information to us so nice of you Bill love your ideas 😊.

[@Dame48Buick]

Beautiful job👍🏻. I really like how they aren’t mounted directly onto the roof. A lot easier to remove a solar panel if any roof or panel maintenance is needed

[@MrBeav1018]

That was amazing that the vent and door didn't mess with the installation of those panels Bill. Hello Elizabeth

[@loisxander6321]

I so enjoy the excitement the two of you are experiencing.

[@s_hassell97]

I was going to make the “killing two birds with one stone” comment about how the solar panels offer a level of shade for the roof but you guys beat me to it ha ha. It’s cool to see that the little battery box will run the a/c while providing somewhat of a charge.

[@virginiatolles1664]

The roof racks also serve the function of providing air circulation around the panels, which can generate a lot of heat. RVs have been known to catch fire if the solar panels are placed directly on the roof.

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

Good to know. I was not aware of that.

[@denisewilson8367]

I call that part a "thru wall connector". Good idea to waterproof the connector. And your direction of position to avoid driving rain.

[@JanesDough855]

Nice job, Bill and Elizabeth. Your work always looks so professional

[@dianna2911]

Man, that was a big job! It looks good. I'm so excited to see how the finished product will look! God Bless You! :)

[@kitbram2033]

I agree with Elizabeth- it really does look like an expedition vehicle! It’s cool🙌

[@jan6293]

Nicely done Bill!

[@williamrandall6472]

Absolutely amazing work on the install Bill,that just really made the look complete.I love the way your mind works

[@stoneyvanwie6042]

Pecron makes a DC smart charger that you can charge 480 watts off your alternator. Hooks up to your battery on your truck and hooks into your Solar inputs. It can be set not to drain your truck battery ! Also has a on and off button. Its about 150 bucks and should charge your station in a couple of hours if you need to charge overnight ! Great set up.

[@patriciahand7557]

Bill what an amazing job you do on all your projects. 😊😊

[@debibrown5568]

With all the black and white colors going on it really looks beautiful!

[@lisareynolds5973]

You have such an engineering mind. I am in awe watching you figure all this solar on, as well as the flooring etc. we live in south jordan utah, would love to meet you both if time permits. We too are retired.

[@sueyork3348]

I’m so impressed with your ingenuity! You always come up with a solution when needed. Great job and it looks fantastic! Can’t wait to see it all done. You both have many adventures ahead!😊 God bless! And, thank you, Jesus, indeed!😉

[@CraigSNZ]

Popriveting brackets to the roof would have been strong enough but movement over time might have made the roof leak. The other advantage of your less aerodynamic mounting is that the roof will be cooler with an airgap under the solar panels.

[@janetkoball44]

I think you are going to have to make your diagrams of this whole system, then figure out your price and patent them to make traveling $. You are a real Engineer. Elizabeth, you are a blessed girl. Happy Days ahead .

[@dorisharrison9885]

Great job,enjoyed watching,looking forward to the next adventures😊🌻❣️🌷🇺🇸

[@jefferyb304]

I recently became aware of a 120-volt/solar hybrid mini-split. It's user-installable much like a Mr Cool DIY mini split. I just wish I had the cash for one. :)

[@mwolrich]

Most would plug the panels together, and use a cable tie to tie up the excess under the panels, this way you are not modifing your panels in the event of a warranty claim.. plus you kind of made more work than was needed, but you do you :-) good job on covering most of the roof with panels, which reduces the heat load that the AC has to cool :-)

[@brigittecrawley1872]

That is so cool. The truck with the solar panels are a great idea. Enjoy!

[@marthatroyer3021]

Well done! Looks like a pro job. I saw the pic you posted on the HH FB page, and my first thought was, "I'll bet the next YT will be solar panel install. " And here it is. 😊

[@BeBlessedToday]

Way cool kids! Seriously, you took an ugly U-HAUL and made a great, functional travel rig. Happy for ya!

[@fields-n-feathers]

You and I both know that it wasn't dumb luck, it was God watching out for you.🤣❤️🙌🏼

[@spookymomx4]

Can your door open fully with the roof rack? Bill: You are amazing! Can do anything! ☺️

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

The door works fine. It's nowhere near the roof rack.

[@Parakeetfriend4215]

My uncle and his wife live in California. They have been through the rolling black outs and make use of a camper they have during that time. So it's not just for travel. This gives you an option when the electricity goes out for days to have what you need even though it's a small space. It looks good. I have only a few solar paneled things like calculators and flashlights and it's nice not having to worry that the batteries are dead. Though solar energy can be saved onto batteries to make it last longer. That's about all I know about solar panels. It's extremely nice that you don't have to worry about the grid with your new rig, except for getting gas. Now a water fuel engine, that would top it off, but the big oil companies kill everyone who comes up with such technology😢😢😢.

[@tygerlily1700]

Great job! Love and Prayers-❤❤❤ Take care and stay safe my Friends.

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

That project turned out fantastic!!! The U bolt solution was genius! I've watched some videos of step van and box truck builds, where they paint the roof of the vehicles with a product called Henry's Elastomeric in white, which helps to seal the roof AND add "some" insulative and reflective qualities. Love your videos!

[@pianogal853]

Ooo - nice roof racks!!

[@martaescobar7625]

It does look like an expedition truck! Nice:)

[@tygerlily1700]

God Bless you both❤

[@trixiegirlism]

It's starting to look less like a box truck. The white truck with the black "accents" makes for a nice aesthetic.

[@barbarasnider3788]

What about a hail storm? That aside, it would make an interesting video when you get your rig all done, to compare the total cost of goods you have into the RV and then contrast what approx you could have bought “ready to travel” w that same amount.

[@odahithedubious2017]

You're far better at measuring than I am. I finally gave up on measuring, where possible, and started making templates. That works much better for me. It looks like you don't need the additional height on the roof rack, it should be possible to remove the caps on the uprights and cut them down a little. I would use my favorite Permatex 80050 clear silicone adhesive sealant to reinstall the caps, it works very well for such things. I glued a medallion to my gearshift, and it was still strong ten years later. I use it for all kinds of stuff since it adheres to smooth or textured surfaces equally well. It also comes in black.

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

I thought about that. And decreasing the overall height for low underpasses as well. Only the other hand, those struts sticking up a little further could also provide extra protection for the panels from low- hanging limbs.

[@odahithedubious2017]

That's true, and I think some of the GPS apps can alert you to low overpasses and such. Low-hanging limbs are probably much more of a hazard.

[@janetamerantes1809]

The provision of GOD not dumb luck. All praise to God for cool temperatures. Love Elizabeth and you ❤. I worked in Thrive for you. Can't now. God bless you two.

[@ericnorton4045]

You all have inspired me. I want to do this . Maybe just to do local trips in Florida. I ride mountain bikes and we do and we do a Lotto surf fishing this would be perfect!

[@devonnep.7126]

Bill, I thought you were going to slow down after the big remodeling project with your son, lol! i'm a 74 year-old widow and I love to watch you and Elizabeth. I love your innovative ideas. what's your next big project is going to be! ❤️😀

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

No more big projects. I have to finish this camper, and then a little bit left on the addition to our VA house. And then I'm DONE with big projects!

[@odahithedubious2017]

I like the wiring kit for the solar panels. Those ratcheting crimpers do a much better, more consistent job than the pliers type. Most of them will have an adjustment to get the crimp to the proper tightness. The crimper frames often have removable dies and can be outfitted with additional dies for many different types of terminals. If the crimps are done properly, they are stronger than the wire itself. I used to have to pull test samples of my crimps, and have them inspected. It took longer, but we had no question that they were done properly.

[@donaldsanders5124]

Excellent job and well explained, thank you.

[@railsafetyproject7852]

I always use black jack roof sealer from Lowe's. It's actually a white rubber liquid sealer. It is amazing how much cooler it is and how much sound deadening properties it has.

[@robinanderson331]

Pretty smart there Bill = good job !!

[@jacquelineMeyers-is1zz]

Well blessings, and on allyour viewers, great couple and grrat video.

[@elsiealba-limas8408]

Bill...I came onto the channel and thought hey, I want a van like that 😂, you've done a great job...it looks great.

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

Thanks 👍

[@edwardballek]

Great work and beautiful deer

[@volkregjaku2295]

I wish you live in Nashville, Tennessee. So I come to see you. Help me to do the same thing.❤

[@skippyjones4195]

Bill when you get your rig done would you please build me one just like yours 🙏🏻✌️👍☮️❤️ I just love it 🥰

[@kattfranklin6933]

Awesome suggestion of putting a piece of wood behind drilling holes.😅

[@beardedgranny6190]

looks awesome Bill. Thanks for share'in always love watch'in.... God Bless..!!

[@fpeer]

Loving this journey

[@JenFlutterby]

I heard the title of this video in Doc Browns voice from Back to the Future! “1,200 watts of solar power!!!” 😂

[@kitbram2033]

Love the ubolt idea🙌

[@jessiemartinez7681]

Bill, you're cool even without your cool rig!

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

Well, uh... thanks! 😎

[@stacyhackney6100]

Nice job. Thanks for sharing.

[@JoyfulHope115]

Love you two, too!

[@annhaws6677]

Great job Bill! You are so creative! Will you and Elizabeth be having a small meet up in Utah? I would love to come or help.

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

Sorry, no. Our meetup will be in Colorado Springs on July 21st. We would love to meet you there! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4GtZZKsiNCVeqc We will only be in Utah long enough to get the work done on the camper.

[@MrBobby781]

You’re gonna have a nifty array there.

[@jackieturner5145]

We have 400 watts of solar on our RV. Doesn't run our AC but does run inverted outlets, TV, furnace fan, fridge. It's all we need. So you will be all set with 1200! Can't wait to see the finished product on the van.

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

My goal is that the A/C will run through the night!

[@jeanmullins3284]

❤❤ Far out, that's cool!! 😂 Great job!!❤❤

[@frank_III]

Should keep the camper cooler...

[@juliajohnson6022]

It is cool. It looks like a “Safari” jeep.

[@jeffreykropp7664]

Maybe I missed something, but were the rack fasteners (on the side of the box) bolts and nuts or self-tapping screws? I am mulling over ways of attaching solar panels on my Ford Econoline van.

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

They were 3/8 inch lag bolts screwed into the 3/4 plywood walls.

[@jeffreykropp7664]

@@LiveSimpleLiveFree Thank you.

[@djvelasquez2643]

That metal piece at minute marker 9:52, has an end piece, cut it and put the end piece back on it to lower the height and give you the clearance you need.

[@djvelasquez2643]

I think it’s called a rubber boot for the end piece.

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

Yes, I have been thinking about doing that. But those extra pieces sticking up provide extra protection for the panels from low-hanging branches. So I haven't decided yet whether to do that or not.

[@nel895]

Thinking maybe you should mount a shade over the bed area if it makes that much difference in temperature. It does look cool with the solar panels on top.

[@lindam2090]

I know its early but at some point will you talk on safety of traveling, boon docking? security cameras? Pepper spray? Knowing your location if you have to call for help? Sad to say but seniors must be extra careful. Thank you

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

Like you said, that's WAY early.

[@richardgreen5602]

Amen....no such thing a luck (dumb or wise).... God is good ALL the time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It looks like your loosing weight...you must be working soooooooooooo hard! Hope those are lock nuts you are using....lots of vibration!!!!!! Nice job brother. FYI: A wind screen in front of the panels might be a good idea to reduce drag and possibility of lift!!!!!!

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

Yes, those are lock nuts. And yes, I am considering a wind screen in front of the panels.

[@jackieparr52]

Ecoflow now has an alternator charger. No solar panels. You may want to check it out.

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

Yes, we will have an alternator charger as part of our system. But that only works when you're driving. If you stay somewhere for longer periods without driving much, you will need solar as well. But when there is no sun, then the alternator charger is good to have.

[@rickjobs638]

Again you make the job look easy. Are you planning a build cost video at the end? Started watching in 08 you guys have come a very long way. Thanks for the video.

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

We will probably talk about the cost after it's all done.

[@linak7155]

Solar panels. The transformation on this U- Haul truck is truly unbelievable! What is next? Would you consider painting or putting attractive decals? One more Q. Are you still supporting the farmers n artisans in Israel? I haven't seen Elizabeth doing the unboxing for a while❤

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

No paint or graphics. It will remain black and white. We like the "simple" look. We are no longer getting packages from Lev Haolam. The packages took 6 weeks or more to get here from Israel. And with us moving back and forth between VA and FL we had trouble getting them sent to the right place at the right time. Several times they were forwarded, which added WEEKS to the delivery, and we had to pay extra shipping for the forward.

[@linak7155]

@LiveSimpleLiveFree 'simple' is your motto, after all. It saddens me deeply what the Jewish ppl are facing in this world. May they turn to the Messiah. Thank you for taking the time to respond!

[@Freedom-dx7kq]

Great Job! 👏 And I loved the deer 🦌. Can you tell I’m an animal lover? ❤

[@judygipson3517]

This is a request as I couldn't find the video on it...What is the powdered/instant food brand you showed on your earlier video? Where can I get it? I believe you showed breakfast prep when you all first moved into your FL house.

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

Just a few minutes ago I released our next "Cooking with Thrive" video - spaghetti. It will tell you all about Thrive Life freeze dried food. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH7PgKKOZcqIp7c And here is our "Cooking with Thrive" playlist. kzbin.info/aero/PLD231j5QApVJw2Hn9cs11LgY34YOOvQyD There is a link to our Thrive Life website in the description of every video. thrivelife.com/bkeller

[@sandygraetz5166]

Bill did you guys have. Look at those solar panels that stick to the roof…weight is negligible and perfect for your box truck! Max for Max and Occy used them on his sprinter van conversion.

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

Yes, I looked at those. First, I don't like that they are basically glued down. I don't trust that. But mostly, in talking to Jeff, my solar guy, he said that they are not as durable. They don't last as long, and must be replaced more often.