Inverter Install and Dual Battery Setup / Truck Camper Shell / Overland Camping

[@fernandovargas3620]

People like you don't need to do this but people like me are truly thankful.

[@steveneugene339]

Finally , a vid that makes a project we can understand for the average man or woman . Cool beans . Awesome .

[@HKOutdoors5561]

I agree. I try to keep my videos simple and easy to understand. Thanks

[@steveneugene339]

@@HKOutdoors5561 Every Overlander should watch this if you follow Over landing vids this is by far the best explanation and teaching shown ,thank you again ,sharing .

[@mikemorgan4670]

Absolutely. I have watched several vids on this mod and never had a clear understanding of it. Now I am more educated on the install.

[@anthonycapirichio3957]

I’ve only known one others on to say cool bean

[@tonypozzuoli5613]

I’ve been searching all day for a video, and here it is. Thank you

[@mattheword]

Thanks for this! All these videos on KZbin around dual battery systems seem so daunting for people without that much automotive electrical experience. This was just what I needed thanks!! 🤘🏽

[@spang650]

You made this dual battery setup easy for a beginner like me. Appreciate you sharing this DIY setup!

[@HKOutdoors5561]

You're welcome. Glad it was helpful.

[@bmoore3199]

It's definitely the best tutorial with dual battery setup that I've watched on YT. I've watched a ton and yours takes the cake ! Thanks for sharing.

[@joeymeraz]

My goodness I finally found a straightforward and simple settup... nice truck by the way !

[@leclercj764]

Super simple video. All these other overland videos take this explanation to a whole new level

[@HKOutdoors5561]

Plus their set-up is usually more expensive than most people can afford.

[@peternorthrup6274]

Great job. Keep it simple. I picked up 2 large used batteries from the auto repair shop in my neighborhood. Free. I'm running a 1500 watt inverter. I run a ton of stuff. 2 ham radios, lights for the tent. 1 CB radio. Winch. It's all in the back of my expedition. I mounted the solar panel on the top. You don't even know it's there. Fun project. Remember! When in doubt use bigger wire. If it says 16 wire use 14 and so on. I also keep 2 fire extinguishers in my rig. I liked your comment. When in doubt go big on wire. There is a formula for wire size. I'm not that smart. I just go big. Why take a chance? Have fun.

[@JustLou71]

Thank you for making this video for some of us dummies. Now I feel so much better doing this for my little 4x8 teardrop I got.

[@stanleybest8833]

Very neat. The essential battery isolator. Wires run above the floor. You should never plug a gigantic 1500 watts into a 1500 watt inverter. Short uses can be 750 watts sensibly. You should also add a squarish, not long, 100 watt solar panels and solar charge controller. Soon, you'll want a few remote cigarette lighter plugs and a 12 volt chest freezer. Mine runs on 31 watts and always on ECO mode.

[@HKOutdoors5561]

Running the heater was just a test for the inverter. Just to see if it could handle it. I did add some 12v cigarette plugs. I have a video for that also.

[@chucktaylor4384]

You just solved my problem brother. Thanks a million man. Sweet build too

[@troyyarbrough]

That's a neat clean setup you have there. I liked that you used good quality welding wire for the battery to inverter connection. Those cables that come with inverters should never be used. You nailed it when you said they are junk.

[@NAVsolutions]

Excellently explained… if that’s a word lol, I’ve watched dozens of hours of videos trying to figure it out and you finally got me there. I have a 1988 Toyota pickup that I’ve been wanting to do this to. Finally found what I’m looking for. Great video

[@HKOutdoors5561]

I am glad it helped you out. Sometimes people make things way more difficult and expensive than they need to be.

[@wb1340]

You should install a fuse on the wire between the truck battery and the isolator under the hood. If you develop a fault on that wire there is nothing to protect your truck battery.

[@Allmotorzl1]

What size fuse?

[@JakeHabermansYouTube]

@@Allmotorzl1 try match the surge wattage capacity and amperage. For mine I did a 2000 watt/4000 watt surge inverter and a 300 amp fuse.

[@1love1god1people9]

Should be a 115 amp filuse on either side of the isolator.............

[@SergioAponteTatito]

One the best and simple. Exactly what I was looking for.

[@HKOutdoors5561]

Glad you liked the video.

[@Cliff_Henderson]

This! Is! The! Video! I! NEEDED! THANK! YOU!

[@HKOutdoors5561]

You are very welcome!

[@C10sRule]

I. Have done a couple of similar systems, but I also have solar power. I use the system to charge up a trolling battery I use on the electric motors only lakes I fish. It’s lithium so I top it up each day. It takes about 1.5 - 2 amps from the battery hooked up to the inverter to put one amp back into the trolling motor battery. Not too efficient, but the solar makes it basically free. I have a 240 ah LiFePO4 battery in the Rayzr truck camper I have and it’s amazing, expensive, but can run the 3000 watt inverter and run the camper itself. I bypassed the converter, otherwise you are likely gonna have issues. I have a small trailer I have a 2 battery system in. 2x 100 ah LiFePO4 batteries and a 1500 watt inverter. 1500 watts is a lot in itself!! You have a nice simple system. Using the box like you do, those Bedrugs are excellent and tough!!! Thanks for sharing!!! This one goes into the saved file.

[@flir67man84]

Nice work. You should coat your frame with chainsaw oil. It creates a protection layer between frame and road salt,etc. i put it on my wifes truck two years ago. it works. It dries out , just paint it on or wipe it on with throw away rag. Your off grid rig will last twice as long..

[@inhisnameislay3401]

Very clean straightforward install looks great

[@XxPuffyWolfxX]

I was looking to install an roof ac unit on my truck canopy and this finally simplified it where I feel comfortable doing it myself now 🎉

[@JohnBlack-oq5dd]

The shelf idea is Genius, Smart man👍

[@noelmorales3375]

The way like the way you explain everything Thank you

[@robertplutz8221]

Thanks so much for posting this! Been wondering how I would install a second battery in my pick-up truck on a do-it-yourself basis for a very long time...!

[@HKOutdoors5561]

Your welcome.

[@Phillip.G.Lucion81]

Dude I've been looking at this same setup awesome vid and review

[@pattiedooley9667]

Thank you. You explained everything better than any others I've seen. It's appreciated! Thanks for taking the time to do this post.

[@HKOutdoors5561]

I am glad you found it helpful.

[@Revoswathead]

Im an electrician an this is a great tutorial great video.

[@mwil01]

Thanks for sharing. I really like how simple your setup is.

[@jasonrouvel6844]

Nice video. I have basically the exact same setup in my travel trailer, but I have the isolator (same unit) and the battery and inverter in the trailer. I installed mine to run my fridge while on the road. The problem I'm having is that the isolator is cycling on/off every 15 seconds, because whenever it connects the two batteries, the voltage between the truck and house battery gets "averaged" so both are below the 12.9V cutout, so the isolator disconnects. As soon as they disconnect, the the truck battery voltage pops above 13.3 and it re-connects, and it cycles indefinitely. The alternator is plenty big, and the camper/fridge is only drawing about 15 amps when the batteries are connected, so it's not a heavy load. The camper battery powers the fridge for about 4 hours on its own, but I'd like to have the power from the truck helping to keep the deep cycle camper battery charged, which it should be able to do with little problem. I appreciate any tips; it seems like you'd have the same problem I did.

[@HKOutdoors5561]

I have actually never watched my isolator while the truck is running. Except for when I first hooked It up, which it wouldn't have had the problem you are describing because it would have been charging the battery for the first time. I will take a look and let you know. The only thing I can think of is you are losing some voltage in the length of wire from your truck battery to the auxiliary battery.

[@rymonkey007]

Hey great video man. Everything I needed to know and a great example of how to get it

[@michaelflagulant]

nice project 👍. thank you for the info. i didn't know about the battery disconnect option. nice!

[@pmichaeljohn1]

Thank you for the video! JUST FYI I would run wiring along the frame and not the body of the truck. incase service ever removes the cab to work on the engine.

[@HKOutdoors5561]

Thanks for the advice. That never crossed my mind.

[@FCES_Electrical_Sol]

Excellent video , I've acheived 2 similar setups in both my personal & work utility truck , it's essentially awesome for both a working environment and a semi off-grid personal Lifestyle.

[@jamescarroll0615]

Just got my isolator kit. Battery next and I'm ready to do this in my Express Van. Thanks!

[@HKOutdoors5561]

I'm glad the video helped.

[@EscobanasJobette]

Have you setup your dual battery?

[@jamescarroll0615]

@@EscobanasJobette actually, not yet. I've been waiting for warm weather and now the time to do it. Probably spring break timeline

[@dragosdiaconu629]

Great video man! I would advise you to replace that circuit breaker with a normal anl fuse and later add 12V DC DC charger for your second battery! These circuit breakers are actually trash, they will trip way over your rated amps, and your cars alternator will never actually charge your second battery! Tried and tested both of these ideas!

[@HKOutdoors5561]

I have never had a problem with the battery charging. I have ran it down several times and it always charges back up. It is always at 13.2 volts at rest.

[@dragosdiaconu629]

@@HKOutdoors5561 great to hear then! Mine and my friends batteries were never really fully charged

[@makafirigabriel7153]

Thank you for the easiest way of installing an auxiliary battery

[@HKOutdoors5561]

I am glad it was helpful.

[@Lanceb131]

Good video but you should put breakers or fuses just before & after each battery !

[@br4morse7]

In other videos on this topic, they'd run the ground from the starter battery. I always wondered why they didn't just ground it to the body like you did. I'll do it your way now that I've seen it work.

[@HKOutdoors5561]

I have not had any problems with the way it is grounded.

[@k.k.52]

Simple and works! Two things I like....

[@HKOutdoors5561]

This is something I have been wanting to do for a while and yes it was easier than I thought.

[@leslieking3974]

Very informative and will attempt to a secondary battery system to my 08 Ford F-250.

[@EscobanasJobette]

Have you able to install dual battery with isolator in your Ford 150?

[@jrossnjax7]

Excellent video! Thanks

[@logisticsthenovice]

Best instructional video on this project. 👌🏿

[@Damian-nd8he]

Excellent, I appreciate very much your video. I have a question if you don't mind. How do you connect LCD light (for a camper van) to the battery without using one of the 3 outlets of the inverter?

[@scottdavis1958]

Awesome video all the exact information I needed 👍👍

[@yomama8596]

Same 💯

[@YAHsWay]

Gracias amigo. I'm a 'show men's guy. So yeah!

[@bryanshere3860]

Thank you, very comprehensive and easy to understand. 👍

[@valcore81504]

Great video! So very easy to understand. Can you link to the supplies you used?

[@nosdj1981]

I’ll be working on a slide in truck camper build this upcoming spring. This setup would work perfectly for my electrical needs. If you keep within wattage from batteries to inverter could you install multiple batteries on the camper side? Great tutorial btw 🤙🏼

[@sparkplug1018]

If you need the capacity, yes you can do multiple batteries wired in parallel. Everything else is the same. Just make sure you look up a diagram showing a parallel circuit before starting. Doing it in series by accident will have some pretty disastrous results.

[@BriBreNic]

Are there any special considerations I need to make having dual starter batteries in my truck? One isolator would still suffice I'd imagine. Great video. The only thing I'd add is some carpet on that shelf.

[@HKOutdoors5561]

It should not make any difference. Thanks for the tip

[@drewevans6908]

very good info, thank you. How long will that battery run that heater?

[@414sfinest6]

@parttimecamper5561 This is exactly what I was looking for. Direct and straight to the point. Question for you, have you had any issue with charging your secondary AGM battery with the amount of amps your alternator puts out as it differs from your starter lead acid battery? I know they have different charging rates. Will this shorten the battery life of the AGM? I use my work van everyday but only got the inverter to run a space heater when needed and a tv for the kids. But that’s it. And my inverter is way over the top for anything I would ever use 😂

[@HKOutdoors5561]

I have never had any issues with it charging my agm battery. It should not damage the battery.

[@ventureobp]

Amazing explanation. Thank you very much. I will hopefully be able to use this info to install a secondary battery on my 2021 RAV4 Prime.

[@hokmed4787]

I would buy a battery mounting bracket to install second battery in the engine compartment

[@HKOutdoors5561]

I looked into that and couldn't find anything that would work that well. I found one from Ford, but you had to move some of the air filter system to make it work. I agree it would be better under the hood.

[@alexanderaguillermo3144]

Excellent, now a question. Can you also connect a power converter and a stereo amplifier to that battery?

[@HKOutdoors5561]

I am not sure, but I don't think it would be a problem.

[@lonestarhomestead5415]

Wow. Great video. Best one I have seen.

[@HKOutdoors5561]

Thanks for watching.

[@YouTuber-mc2el]

This is what I am looking to do as well. Thanks for posting. Do you have an idea on what would be the draw down time on 6 amps continuous draw?

[@HKOutdoors5561]

Roughly 10 hours I believe

[@dennisreynolds6915]

Is that what I need if I want to add a small fridge and TV to my van build

[@chadkirk150]

I wonder if I can keep my sub and amp with this setup.

[@angelbarrera8182]

in this project when you put on the 1500 watt heater you turned on your truck or turned off you used the converter

[@HKOutdoors5561]

My truck was not running when I had the heater plugged in.

[@Hunter__14]

What size of wire was around the battery isolator at the beginning of the video

[@ntcrwler]

Great idea, and simple setup. thanks for sharing! Question: You said you put in a 100 amp breaker? Wouldn't that limit your draw to 1200 watts? Since 12V battery x 100 amps would be 1200. how are you able to draw 1500 watts then without tripping it? Shouldn't that be 1500/12 = 125, so requiring a 125 amp breaker?

[@voltworksofficial]

Yes,we'd better install a 150Amp breaker, in order to draw 1500W full power.

[@bradfordpalmer2298]

Gonna try to do the same thing w my work truck

[@LosLobos87]

So helpful thank you got an update video how’s it doing still

[@moisessanchez1261]

? Battery on back of your truck drain the power of from battery If the truck is not running?

[@HKOutdoors5561]

It will not. That is what the battery separator is for. If the front battery's voltage drops below a certain voltage it disconnects the two batteries. Keeping you from running down your starter battery. When you shut the truck off it automatically disconnects the two batteries.

[@legallimitoutdoors9917]

Can a marine RV battery be ok for 3000 watt inverter or is that a bit too much watts to pull? Maybe 2 battery 4 3000 watt inverter. Thanks for all the help on uTube

[@colliesworld6380]

Come to my house and set mine up for me 😌😌😌😌

[@jorgeortiz3565]

I notice that the inverter have a ground screw... Is it necessary or it doesn't need it? Thanks.

[@flexin81]

Great vid! Thx!

[@thekrazyitalian8108]

Quick question: is that an regular inverter or is also charger? If I have an inverter/charger do I have to follow the same wiring diagram?

[@CanadianCampPurr]

Thanks for the excellent video, hopefully doing this to my truck whenever i purchase a topper.

[@HKOutdoors5561]

You're welcome. I have used mine quite a bit. Works great.

[@MrKingpenn21]

I’m doing this instead of my original thoughts now BUT Can you add solar?

[@andybeyer7348]

Does that same isolator work if I were to have two batteries in the truck bed?

[@HKOutdoors5561]

I have never tried that, but I don't see why it would not work. Just be sure the two batteries are wired in parallel.

[@MKproSolution]

How long will that battery last with the heater on?

[@jonathankuhn2180]

What size wire did you run from the truck starter battery to the auxillary battery in the bed? Could I skip the auxillary battery and run the inverter straight from the starter battery with just the circuit breaker and only run it while the engine is on?

[@HKOutdoors5561]

It is a 6 gauge wire. You could definitely run the inverter off of the starter battery, but I would not recommend doing that.

[@jonathankuhn2180]

@@HKOutdoors5561 Thanks for the reply. So will that 6 gauge wire from the starter battery to the auxiliary battery not get hot when the inverter is running that heater from the auxiliary battery? My question is, if you were driving the truck, and you have the 6 gauge running from the starter to the extra battery in the back, when you are pulling those watts out of the extra battery, is that load not then pulled from the other battery because they are connected? Thus causing the 6 gauge to get too hot? Thanks for any explanation. Also wondering, do you need a fuse or breaker besides the smart isolator on the positive wire between the two batteries? Thanks again!

[@LifeTripped]

Beautiful clean setup!

[@HKOutdoors5561]

Thanks. I have been using it quite a bit and haven't had a minutes trouble.

[@LifeTripped]

@@HKOutdoors5561 Sweet

[@ridgerunner7980]

10 x better than a power pack / jump box. the jackery 1000 is $1100, and the battery is non replaceable, so when the battery goes the whole thing is junk, and all batteries go bad , but this way you can replace the battery, you can pick one up at any auto parts store

[@-Just-incredible-]

Thank you, I haven't done this install since i was kid . You filled in all the gaps. Thank you kindly. And may I say that is a breathtaking peace of property!'what stAte is it if you don't mind my askib ,Im going to guess Pennsylvania

[@HKOutdoors5561]

You are welcome. It is actually Indiana

[@floridamusician9219]

Great vid. Thanks!

[@darrylm3627]

Good Stuff, Great Tips👍🏿

[@kainebellingham5388]

Great simple video

[@lhs2miler]

Do you really need 2nd battery? Could leave car on and run the inverter. Leave isolator so not to drain main battery

[@HKOutdoors5561]

That would work I guess. I think that would lead to a lot of unnecessary wear and tear on your engine. The second battery would also be cheaper than the Biden gas you would burn.

[@andybeyer7348]

Do you have a video on how to add shore power to this?

[@HKOutdoors5561]

I do not. I have looked into it and I would have to drill a hole in my truck cap, which I am not too fond of.

[@andybeyer7348]

@@HKOutdoors5561 understandable! I have yet to collect all the pieces for this but hope to make a move on installing this summer.

[@HKOutdoors5561]

@@andybeyer7348 it is definitely worth doing. I use mine all the time. I have a cooler I keep in the bed of my truck plugged in all the time.

[@RIOSAN0001]

You had two separate gauge wires. What gauge was for charging ( not the one gauge)?

[@HKOutdoors5561]

6 gauge

[@RIOSAN0001]

Thank you

[@RIOSAN0001]

Do you know how long it takes to charge the battery at idle?

[@conradsuddarth632]

Good video, I can do my hook up, now. Thanks.

[@HKOutdoors5561]

Glad it helped

[@conradsuddarth632]

@@HKOutdoors5561 For sure.

[@AlanTrades]

Does the battery isolator work to charge your aux battery as well?

[@HKOutdoors5561]

Yes. It is charging the auxiliary battery.

[@robelliott5900]

Good vid , I was wondering how many hours did the heater run on a full battery? Thanks

[@HKOutdoors5561]

@@robelliott5900 Less than an hour

[@172sbct]

Sir. May do this exact setup. Have a couple questions. At what voltage do you need to worry about charging the auxiliary battery? I have heard that regular AGM’s can’t fall below like 12.1 volts or they will get damaged. Two, how could I add a volt meter so I could check the voltage to know when I needed to start the truck to charge? Thanks for this video!!!

[@HKOutdoors5561]

AGM batteries can actually be discharged further than your standard lead acid battery. In my opinion I would not discharge them any further than 12.0 volts, but they say you can go all the way to 11.6. I wouldn't want to risk damaging the battery. You can also go with lithium and be able to run them down all the way without any damage. You can now purchase a 12v 100ah lithium battery for around $300 if you find them on sale. I just purchased a Sun Gold Power and so far haven't had any issues with it. It has Bluetooth capability to monitor the voltage. If you do go with an AGM, here is a link to a video where I install a voltage meter and some 12v cigarette plugs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYvNlHyljq59a7csi=FceyyLGjllx0IHt_

[@dylanhowell9635]

Apologies if I missed it in the video, but what kind of deep cycle battery? If it’s a standard flooded or lead-acid battery, do you have any concerns with hydrogen offgassing?

[@HKOutdoors5561]

It is an AGM sealed. I actually just bought a sungold power lithium iron phosphate 100ah battery. So far it works awesome. Lithium is definitely the way to go. I was able to pick this one up for $388 on sale during Black Friday.

[@MrGaborseres]

Great video..... 👍 Easy to understand, thanks 👍

[@maximolotov]

Ty. Will it work if i have 2 starter batteies connected together under driver seat in my ford transit please ? thickness of that thickest wire please.

[@jorgeespinoza3564]

Question if I run a 1700wats. Using inverter connected to a battery alone will it drain it quickly? Thanks

[@voltworksofficial]

very fast, or maybe can not power on your 1700 watts

[@Dboi253]

Clean Install definitely deserves a like 🦾🙏😊

[@brandonwheeler286]

Thanks for the tutorial video. My question is regarding the terminal connectors. I’m confused on what to get to make these connect to the battery posts.

[@HKOutdoors5561]

The main thing is to make sure they are sized correctly for the wire you will be using. Wire is sized by American Wire Gauge system. Whatever gauge wire you have just make sure the terminals are sized for that wire.

[@jamesclifton8734]

Do you have an independent charger for the auxiliary battery? Or do you just rely off the alternator only?

[@HKOutdoors5561]

I actually have a suitcase solar panel from renogy as a secondary source for charging. While I am away from the truck the battery can charge. Obviously, as long as there is sunlight.

[@sesiomflores09]

Awesome video!!. Question, with the truck being off is there a danger of killing your starter battery? If so, how long can you run it max before it kills the battery? Or is there like a fail safe?

[@HKOutdoors5561]

@@sesiomflores09 it will not run down the starter battery. When the truck is off the battery isolator will not let the auxiliary battery pull from the starter battery.

[@MD_Wrapz]

I can under the power wires... But I'm over thinking the grounds. Did you leave your main battery ground as is.... Then, you put the Accessory battery ground by the exhaust hanger? The power wires, I understand perfect without overthinking...

[@HKOutdoors5561]

Yes. The auxiliary battery is grounded separate from the main battery.

[@chatty9856]

does the isolator need to be closer to the starter battery or the aux batt? also, does the inverter need to connect to aux batt? or does it matter which battery

[@HKOutdoors5561]

The location of the isolator doesn't matter and yes the inverter needs to be hooked to the auxiliary battery.

[@oldchicago3216]

Could you install a solar panel to this setup to keep the house battery topped off when the truck is off?

[@HKOutdoors5561]

You could definitely do that. You would probably be fine with a pwm charge controller also. It would be the cheaper way to go. I actually purchased a 100 watt suitcase panel to accomplish what you are wanting to do. Here is a link to the one I purchased. www.renogy.com/100-watt-12-volt-monocrystalline-foldable-solar-suitcase-with-voyager/

[@FloridaNative59]

How is the Inverter holding up ?

[@HKOutdoors5561]

The inverter is holding up great! I have used it on several camping trips. Had no issues to date.

[@FloridaNative59]

@@HKOutdoors5561 thanks

[@outdoorenthusiastenl4907]

This is exactly the video I’ve been looking for. Thank you for making it clear. I have a question. I’ve got room to put the second battery under the hood. Would you think that would be ok to do? Then run the cables from from the battery under the hood to the inverter in the bed??

[@HKOutdoors5561]

That would be fine. I actually wanted to put mine under my hood, but there was not enough room.

[@outdoorenthusiastenl4907]

@@HKOutdoors5561 thank you

[@anthonypazoz4323]

@@HKOutdoors5561 do you think a lithium ion deep cycle battery (they last longer, recharge more efficiently, and typically have higher amp-hour ratings) is robust enough to handle riding around or should I just stick with a lead acid deep cycle battery? Does the battery you use need to be balanced/equivalent with the starter battery under the hood?

[@HKOutdoors5561]

@@anthonypazoz4323 Lithium ion would be fine for this application. I would have went that route if I would have had the extra money. The AGM battery I have does not need to be balanced.

[@mekillufoo2723]

Can you do this with multiple external batteries?

[@HKOutdoors5561]

You should be able to do that. You would have to hook up the batteries in parallel.