Installing Epic Battery Bank in Van

[@SamTravels]

Nothing wrong with Technical Videos Im loving them thank you

[@taumeinrad2097]

Look at you! You haven't been this inspired and positive in a while and it is great to see! The video's are benefiting from your enthusiasm. Despite the naysayers, your camper van is a breath of fresh air for this channel.

[@tresalamb2793]

Mark Davis I agree.

[@starblazer64]

Mark Davis You seem to really dislike Eric and what he's about, yet here you are following his channel like a nat on a horses arse. I don't know how you do it.

[@WhidbeyIsguy]

I am really liking the new energized Eric. It is very possible that the switch in vehicles was the shot in the arm that you needed. Over the course of the last few months you have gained confidence in yourself to tackle problems. Right way or wrong way Eric did it. Now with the solar shower and the battery bank you are hitting stride. Hanging out with Wayne before and looking to meet up with him again, you also learn from him. Anyway, I am really enjoying the step by step progress on the solar install. Take your time and do it right and post when you can.

[@amongstedibles5159]

Coming along nicely, "hoollay houp" for shower frame, what a great idea!

[@JoeCubicle]

I just watched this video 3 times front to back. I want to travel just to set up a travel vehicle. I've learned a lot with your solar installs. I'm thinking I'd like to go with a box-van or a 'U-Haul' style van. Heavily insulate it and install: water tank, pump, water heater, heat/AC, solar, battery bank, sink, compost toilet, shower, recliner chair, TV, work desk etc... Good travels Eric!

[@DonDecoste]

With a box truck (aka straight truck) - you'll need RV shocks to protect your electronics from shocks. You'll also want to check out liability insurance costs, since it's a commercial truck used for non-commercial purposes. Also you can expect gas mileage to be around 10mpg on a flat road.

[@tachikaze222]

Don Decoste My RV conversion dream is to have the IC engine drive one axle and an EV setup driving a 2nd axle, while also doing the regenerative braking thing. Seems like a big win-win here, but thus far nobody's gone into this space. Also want to burn just CNG from two big-ass longitudinal tanks. 3 axle RV + CNG + PV + EV . . . seems likes a pretty good OTG setup!

[@DonDecoste]

Yes, but this requires the plumbing, electric, gas, black water system, etc. to be finished and inspected in full. But yes - this is correct.

[@K9River]

I think you're getting some bad information. Look it up yourself. CheapRVliving dot com is a great place to learn. You can make it as complicated as you want, or just about as simple as you want. A big part of the process is the fear of the unknown, then you add trying to sort through all the misinformation, and that can be a deterrent for some people. Quite daunting. If you have any qualms, know that it very likely isn't as hard or as bad as you think. Good luck to you!

[@JJ38255]

Look for one with a diesel engine. will get better mpg and last longer. Plus you could always convert it to run off veggie oil if you wanted to.

[@norasteel5353]

You know just one of the things you do Erick? You totally, unselfishly, give advice and 'how to's' to us folk! THANK YOU! It's all about give and take!

[@robertbidochon7949]

Eric, please continue with the technical videos, it's very interesting and helpful. Thanks for the time you put into your videos and editing. btw, I love your start video.

[@AnnBearForFreedom]

Love the cat FLOP! Jax does seem happy being outside, but I suspect he'll be happy to be on the road again too. Familiar routine. Stay safe.

[@c0ntrymouse]

"Black van in rear lot (of a bar)" too funny :-)

[@klyonsden]

As wonderful as your traveling videos are, your installing/remodeling videos are the best! In your very first video intro, you stated that you wanted to make -how to- videos on a less expensive budget, and then everyday life as a full time RV'er. This is the primary reason I believe most of us watch all of your videos.

[@0HARE]

I'm really enjoying this build out content, especially the solar & battery stuff. I like how you work, and the thought and care you put into the installation. We're in the (slow) process of getting our new travel trailer ready to boondock. I'm getting some great, solid information and ideas from your videos. We've been RV Park only campers for years, but there's just too much beautiful, free public land out there to stay confined to campgrounds. So good to see Jax the Cat enjoying himself outside. With the nice weather, I know he's really enjoying it. Love the way he flops down on his side, ready for a belly rub! Good luck with the rest of the conversion. Positive Vibrations!

[@michellevanfossen]

I love the technical aspects showing how you've done installations.

[@CITAP1]

Nice catch on the batteries. Are they AGM or sealed lead acid? If not, be sure to seal and vent them from your living space. An idea to baffle the water in your solar heating pipe. Cut the pipe into 5 or 6 sections. Get some pipe couplers and 4" white test plug disks. Glue the disk into one end of each section of pipe then glue into a coupler. Drill a 1/2-3/4" hole at the edge of each disk and position each disk hole to the bottom of the pipe when reassembled. When the pipe is reassembled, you will have a baffle every 16" or so to prevent the hard brake slam rocketing pipe situation from happening. Also, install a section of unistrut under the pipe to minimize sag from water weight. You should be able to use 3 or 4 unistrut 4" conduit pipe clamps to secure your pipe to the unistrut and the unistrut to your roof rack. Look and think about your roof rack attachment to the van, is it strong enough to handle all this added weight. Also, be sure to position the solar panel to prevent highway speed air from getting under it. Solar panels have broken from fluttering in the wind on the road. Have a great productive day. Scratches for Jax.

[@CampervanKevin]

***** those batteries can be placed in any position except upside down.

[@CampervanKevin]

I like that baffle idea.

[@CITAP1]

Good point on the weight being on one side. Those batteries must weigh about 300 or more pounds. If Jax rides opposite the batteries, that should counterweight them. Really though, if a small fridge, water supply, canned foods, are placed on the other side from the batteries, that should balance it out. The van I think is a one ton so it may not matter much anyway. Of course you add the solar water pipe too at about 150 pounds. I guess Eric will just deal with it if it turns up to be a problem. I have to say, every few posts, somebody makes a very good point overlooked by others, myself included.

[@jgriffith3016]

This has been a well written comment from a fan I'm impressed. Most of the comments you get from these people are very immature and designed to stroke their ego.

[@JAYFEATHERBOONDOCKS]

That was a good closing by the way. It sounded sincere and nice. Not being fesecious, it fits, use it. You guys have a good night and i'll see you tomorrow. Your project makes me miss working on my first camper. Love it. Good luck with wayne's project. Jed

[@80shorrorronniepierce67]

hell its good to watch videos showing how you do things so people that have never done it can learn I like seeing vids like these every once in awhile keep it up

[@divemor]

If you truly have a rear main bearing seal leak which is a seal on the end of your crankshaft. Dropping the transmission and replacing a gasket isn't the fix. There is a crank case additive that could possibly help but in my case I had to have the rear seal replaced. It is above the oil pan. This fix worked for a little while but then it started leaking again (only when the engine was running). The mechanic said the permanent fix was to drop the crankshaft and have it turned. That wasn't practical on my old Ford I hope your problem is something other than a REAR MAIN BEARING SEAL but if it is I would try the oil additive first. Good Luck.

[@kanelee_22]

divemor You're right,a rear main is no easy fix.

[@nomadicfanatic]

divemor That's the plan. I'll try both.

[@peternvrmnd5665]

it can be fixed by dropping the oil pan, then carefully remove the rear bearing cap, then carefully push out the old seal with the new one, then carefully put it all back together, sounds easy but it's not. oops, when you remove the rear bearing cap, you inspect the bearing for wear, and depending on what the bearing looks like, you'll know what shape the engine is in.

[@pcbytescanada]

The rear main on your ford engine should be a split seal and you should be able to change it with just removing the oil pan and rear crankshaft journal. The seal should just push out.

[@MattExzy]

I remember driving an old Mazda 323 with a bad rear main seal for about 4 years - it wasn't ideal, but the oil additive stuff held it together reasonably well for town driving. But long distance driving always saw me topping up the oil each way of a trip.

[@willemstreutgers1154]

Eric, I just discovered your channel today(11-04-2015). I would advise you to keep the 12volt powerlines as short as possible because you will have a voltage drop over the length of the cable, and further take them as thick as possible. I myself use cables from the marineshop. Wish you a good life !!!

[@jayontario7285]

This is so dope. Take your time brotha. I like how you explain the "ins" and "outs" of setting up your new camper van. Life is an evolution and you are adapting to your circumstances. Camper Van Kevin is a real cool dude to hook you up like that... Make sure you send him a Christmas card..... :)😀

[@jayontario7285]

Nice! ..........naw.... I just find what he does informative and inspiring

[@GrizzlyDaveCowboy]

All your weight is on the drivers side, water, batteries, you etc. You might consider moving the water to the passenger side, that would also put it to where you could consider using the side doors as supports for a shower enclosure. Just a thought.

[@DavidDeWittStudio]

I like this idea!

[@AllisonReece]

I was wondering about a good majority of weight being on the driver's side as well. Wouldn't it be best to balance out the weight for the sake of tires, stopping quickly, and/or deep turns on narrow roads like in mountainous areas? Just wondering.

[@DonWilsondigginTimeUSA]

***** That was a really good point, and good idea about the shower!

[@JJ38255]

Allison Reece his cat keeps getting fatter, she will help balance it out if she sits in the passenger seat, hee hee

[@AllisonReece]

J J lol....

[@robertbailey947]

A thought on your "water heater". The way that the faucet is mounted in the center of the end cap means you're only going to be able to use half of the water in the pipe. It will never drain below the level of the faucet. Take that end cap off and add a PVC elbow pointing down. Put the end cap and faucet on the bottom of the elbow.

[@dlloyd4222]

Robert Bailey Actually Robert you are assuming the pipe to be absolutely level. He mentioned building in a slight slope during the install. With a couple inches of slope he'll get almost all the water out.

[@johnfortson7778]

Thanks for sharing the install. I am glad to see you with a good positive attitude! Everybody loves a Happy Camper. Enjoy your new digs.

[@freewill1114]

Nice neat job on the battery installation. I have done that work before, so I know good work when I see it. You mentioned some errors, but they must have been minor, because I failed to notice when I watched. Connecting to the alternator for on the road charging is a good idea, per other posts. Good luck with the rest of the work.

[@TheConnieS]

Totally speechless, Eric! You are so talented. Btw, I love seeing the technical parts of your videos. Not that I'll do that but it can't hurt to learn a new thing. ~Connie

[@TheConnieS]

Oh boy! My first troll!

[@mazwt44]

Eric, some of the best stuff you've done... I love the technical stuff... they sell a portable, collapsible shower tent... although I also like the idea of the hula hoop.. I WANT a set of those batteries... good luck.

[@coldfoot99]

Eric, been watching for some time now. Your doing OK with your mods and smart to have the solar wiring and battery install given a second look. I've worked as an RV tech for 18 years now...not going to get critical about what you are doing, just stay safe. Only thing I might add is looking into wiring in a charge solenoid to get charge from your alternator. You can easily do the job and find the info on line.

[@RMIGHTY1]

I was going to comment on the solar water heater and I see Jeffrey already raised the issue. The solution I am suggesting is simply to tap the spigot into the bottom of the 4" tube with an elbow. That way your outlet is at the lowest part of the tube. Cheers Eric!!!

[@barburbec]

I am planning to get a van and get on the road. I am enjoying the technical videos as well as your on the road ones.

[@greatshebear]

Eric, you have inspired my husband to upgrade from our 1991 Tioga camper to a 2012 Eagle Super Lite fifth Wheel. We are going to check it out on this Thursday. I do not care either way, my cozy, familiar Tioga suits me just fine but if it makes my husband happy I will let him buy it. I can not wait to see how the shower setup turns out. Great job so far Eric, thumbs up to all the hard work you have done so far. Charles and Janet : }

[@skpjoecoursegold366]

how cooooooool all that. as Tim the toolman used to say, "More power." as Jax says, "Feed me."

[@catlayland8734]

Seeing your upgrades is awesome! This is some of the most helpful content on You Tube today!

[@64maxpower]

Jax really is the coolest cat

[@RubenFletcher]

I thought about going that route with my batteries. But at 535 dollars a piece in my area no way. Interstate golf cart, 6v hooked up in parallel and series, is the way I'm going. Over 300 amp hours per battery. And they're only 150 bucks a piece. But I love what you got going on there Eric. Rock on.

[@TheeClassyGuitar]

Hey Eric! I just wanted to let you know that the technical aspects are the whole reason I found your channel! This type of information is extremely helpful to people who are interested in this lifestyle, keep up the good work and just remember for every person complaining there are several who are incredibly thankful for your "different" videos. I hope you can get back to what you love doing soon, and will be able to do so more sustainably thanks to these modifications!~

[@aspudkicker]

Hi Eric. I enjoy the practical side of the show. Thanks.

[@mellowman8660]

The van build is some of the best content that you have put on youtube Eric. I have enjoyed all your videos, keep on doing what your doing man. Your living the dream brotha.

[@sofuggit]

"It doesn't say FREE CANDY on the side of it, at least." - LoL

[@margaretchangingitlol1267]

Yeah permits can be a pain in the ass!! Lol

[@pottmishayne]

sofuggit Somebody stick a "free candy" sticker on that van.

[@margaretchangingitlol1267]

My ex husband and I used to own a huge blue camper van. I swear every time we got in the darn thing he'd open the door and say " hey little girl, Ya want some candy?!" Hahaha hilarious

[@AllisonReece]

Margaret Changing it lol .....that is hilarious! Lol

[@plutoplatters]

Margaret Changing it lol Ice creams great too

[@BeerIndependence4All]

On my dad's old van/camper he had a 25-gallon water tank and electric pump just inside the back door. It had a single door on the rear and we bought a shower kit with a curtain and an "U" bracket to hold the shower curtain.. The door provided privacy on one side, the curtain took care of the rest. It also had a handheld shower that would sit on a post attached to the topmost door hinge. Anyway, it was a commercially available kit with all the hardware and they used to be pretty common. It was harder to get once for a single door model like ours, so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding one for yours. I'll see what I can find for you. Peace!

[@dreamingofbeingfree1217]

Nice batterys, So the Van is almost ready for the road.Keep up with the good work.You are giving me same different ways of powering up a van.Great job.

[@oadamo]

you need thicker wires on your battery connections if you plan on running an inverter off them.

[@ladybird8084]

How fantastic...your solar shower! Lucky you, to get those batteries. Clever ideas.

[@plutobeliever]

looking good... excellent that you're reaching out to experts about your power grid... love those batteries... so much about solar I have to learn... thanks.... glad to see Jax is happy...

[@scruffjones15]

Eric amazon sell a camping pop up tent for showering or toilet outside.. take a look .. :)

[@nomadicfanatic]

scruffjones15 bought one!

[@19Photographer76]

Nomadic Fanatic As I posted in your last video, "Since I've done something similar to this, what will you do if the water is too hot? We didn't fill our's until we got back to the rig and used Temp probe for cooking. Then 100-105 F and we were good to go." Just in case you didn't see it.

[@Oldtimecarpenter]

Thumbs up Eric!!! Lots of stress going on, but us subscribers appreciate what your doing. Please take care of yourself because we care!!! Whoops, you to Jax!!

[@jamesmange4003]

Hi Eric love your videos. About the shower, if you go to amazon.com and search portable shower stall there is about 5 options to chooses from. Please keep making more videos. Just brush off all the hate.

[@bennysh]

These batteries are amazing.. cant wait to see these at work. thanks for sharing all the technical details, its one of the best parts of your channel :)

[@nomadicfanatic]

benny s Cool. I love sharing, and of course I'll be honest about the batteries while on the road here. :)

[@wyatte007teb]

Great Video, Van looks great, still laughing at the Black Van behind the business, sounds creepy lol I about fell off the coach laughing, because my van is black my friends call it the creeper van ,

[@lookin4grump]

Looks Great Eric keep up the good work always happy to see what your up to on the road or working on the van keep smiling :) and THANKS for the videos

[@jaicolorado1842]

You need to hit Walmart and get one of those vent covers the sell around $24. That way you can have you vent open even if it's raining and while your driving.

[@gailjohnson6670]

THIS A VERY GOOD INFORMATION THAT YOU ARE GIVING IN YOUR VIDEOS SINCE YOU HAVE GOTTEN THIS VAN.

[@swiftwind2004]

I can not speak for anyone else but i enjoy seeing how you get it all set up. Keep up the good work!

[@JonEhBee]

Jealous!!!! I only got a Duracell 90ah 12v. Hoping to get a few more before I pick up my van. It's nice to see you out of that crazy last-days-of-Tilly slump. There is a balance to life. You can't have the good times without the bad times to create the contrast and perspective. These are definitely good times, my friend!

[@davidoverstreet0246]

All you need now is a microwave and a small tv and you'll be set I think this is going to better videos than when you had the other rv good luck on your journey can't wait to follow along with you

[@realredrebel]

Looking good. I bet your friend was putting in some bigger wire for the batteries. They looked way too small for a 100 amp fuse. Best of luck.

[@sisterearth]

Love your videos, I like Jax meowing in the background, it has my dog Star going crazy when she hears him! Peace! Great new ride!!!

[@HARMARSCH2]

Get done what you need to get done so you and Jax can get back on the road safely. Forget the damn trolls. I for one find the battery,installation of the solar panels and all the other technical stuff interesting.

[@donnamontoya6877]

I don't care what anyone says this is really interesting. So informative. For me who will hit the road soon. Thank you ever so much.

[@409mark]

lam enjoying watching you put things together l know lve been somewhat critical of some of your videos in the past but l like the way its coming together for you now

[@misfitgypsy6669]

I'm in the market for a rig of my own and I love seeing all the thing's your doing to set yourself up for boon docking.

[@bucktoothbettysboyfriend11]

NICE BATTERY`S I wish i had them for my solar array system.

[@isparoz]

Hi Eric! For shower, you can try camping showers, which are a kind of tent but does not require any installation sequence just fold and pop-up. I think it will fit the area and you can easily bring the water down from your awesome heater.

[@DavidisDawei]

Never coil wire as shown at 6:30; especially when drawing heavy amperage.(Fire hazard and a fuse won't help) Is that 6AWG wire to/from the batteries?

[@DavidisDawei]

***** OK

[@bobcasteel7811]

Foiled wires creat what’s called a capacitive reaction. HEAT!

[@albertmorrisontheaustralianyrs]

Another great view a Eric great to see that your work is bearing fruit I am really enjoying seeing you get this stuff done, keep up the great work

[@jerrybates5791]

They make a vent a hood that is for camper vans. Vents outside to allow small stove use inside. Looking good. They make an inexpensivive shower tent that would work nice. You can use it for shower and salon toilet.

[@sablesanctum]

Looking awesome, Eric. Love the solar setup, looks like everything is working out well.

[@bettyb8400]

You are the MacGyver of the RV world! I love watching your videos.

[@GospelTruth37059]

You are very smart! Thank you for sharing all your knowledge with the rest of us .

[@belovedconsole]

Yeah I mean, I love this stuff about the batteries, heck you gave tons of info at the very beginning, and you're showing expensive and highly functional stuff so that we know: 4 of those is $1500ish alone, or whatever, because who knows how to do this stuff? We're all learning off the web so I feel we need your extra "non-travel" stuff, thanks!

[@nomadicfanatic]

John Browning But you have to know that I'm doing the same research as many of you. I love youtube and google for help. I like to learn from other people just as much as anyone else. :)

[@overlandturtle4630]

Eric another great vid. I love learning about your van build and then once your on the road I will be able to see how it works Excellent. Plus from a Aussie you have Aussie batteries Awesome. Hope all works well.

[@knotshore5957]

Enjoyed the video, Been watching now for a couple of years! Thx,

[@Lord_Stinkfoot]

I live this part. I am learning a lot. when I head out with the pup this will help. thanks.

[@luvalaska]

I like these technical videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@Brianuyahoo]

Thanks Eric! I like the geeky stuff, too! This is all good information for "going off grid"! .. And the funny stuff is good too .... "Free Candy Sign". LOL

[@thisisgame]

Very creative idea about the hula hoop and shower curtain Get one thats clear but frosted so you can see everything around you

[@scottboyd5733]

I suggested that the other day in a video, glad he mentioned someone else thought of it,,NOT

[@mrs.prepperment5824]

Hi Eric, about the outdoor shower idea..my husband found all the bits and pieces for our outdoor shower at the army navy surplus store for fairly cheep..:)

[@genesmith6509]

Cool bid! Looks like your getting there. Thanks. And wow, those batteries are awhsome!

[@margaretchangingitlol1267]

Your making great progress! It's awesome seeing the modifications & Jax yapping is always entertaining lol God Bless!

[@lenscapingmaine]

Hey Eric; don't worry about the traveling, these videos are great also. We love the great ideas your sharing about fixing up the rig. The pipe hot water shower idea is awesome, and I think the ideas about the Cell tower batteries are great. I like that you are showing the wiring and how your assembling things... great video's :)

[@lindatolliver]

I know this is an old video and i'm playing catch up, but I love the technical stuff!!

[@brianc5592]

Hey Eric. That does really look like an epic battery setup. That's the kind of setup I'd build for my whole house for backup power so it's definitely epic for a van. The only thing is I'm not so sure about Cobra inverters. They're cheap but they're not that great quality wise. I guess as long as you have a generator you'll be fine but you should definitely be looking to upgrade your inverter ASAP. A high quality pure sine will cost a pretty penny but when you have to depend on it, I wouldn't feel comfortable with the Cobra.

[@helens3707]

A youtube called Love rise who travels in a camper van has a video called " how to install a $19.00 shower in a campervan. It looks like you could adapt it to work outside too. When used in the van it's only up when you're in the shower and looks like it's easy to take down.

[@helens3707]

It's LoveRise

[@3tailsRV]

Sorry I love the tech stuff and the progress you have made the last couple of days. Keep up the good work and keep the videos coming...

[@mrbadx19]

take your time eric, get it right, don't need to see you stranded somewhere from some little screw up by hurrying along. good luck with the van, hope it outlasts the new batteries!

[@Najibjeni]

Oh and I think you should have another PVC pipe on the other side to keep it balanced especially during cornering.

[@totallyleftfield]

your pace is the right pace, do wutcha gotta do we'll all be here, and wow you lucked out on those Batteries Cheers.

[@StBernardAcres]

I have a stray cat that wandered up to our barn at St. Bernard Acres. She reminds me in a way of Jax. Super friendly, and rolls around like that. She came in the RV and decided she liked my bed lol. I put up a video on my trail cam fail, and you can see her at the end of it if you want to check it out lol

[@latricehight]

Your knowledge is impressive! How did you learn it all? I'm glad you included technical info on the RV. I'm at step 1 trying to figure out how batteries can be coupled and charged in a vehicle etc. I just found your channel and looking forward to learning from your videos :-) Safe travels!

[@nomadicfanatic]

+Latrice Hight I watch a lot of youtube videos and gather information

[@brandtgeiger]

the new van is really looking nice and the batteries are great deal

[@c0ntrymouse]

Solar panel should help keep the van cool as well as power the AC. double whammy!

[@slowsteve3497]

Eric. The Channel is awesome now! I skipped the Disney/Daytona stuff. I love seeing the day to day life in the Van and how you are customizing it!

[@autumngreenleaf3390]

People are just being impatient. What drew me to your channel in the first place was the RV stuff that you were working on at the time. I don't understand, if people get tired of or board with your channel they can just stop watching. Somehow they must feel as if they have a stake in your channel, otherwise I can't imagine what the explanation could be. Just keep doing the right stuff.

[@lisakent5682]

Enjoyed the video Eric! Very kind of your friends!! Free candy, lol! Looking forward to future videos! :)

[@jayjeep6178]

Porta privy type shower stall . Memory wire sets up in a minute same for take down. Fish a lot use it all the time.

[@mkline718]

I like the technical videos, great work!

[@bajahipb5846]

Hi Eric. Good job. Shower tip. Search Amazon for "TPS portable pop up tent". 3 models to choose from 36 to 43 $.Perfect for boon docking shower and no work (time) for you. Keep on Truckin.

[@lauramichel4781]

FYI....the batteries were from a discontinued cell tower and were received legally.

[@Nantahayala]

If the transmission is good in the van you could get a small popup camper which would help you out. Just a thought.

[@nomadicfanatic]

Nantahayala Or even a lightweight camper like Scamp. :)

[@JonEhBee]

***** That was my initial idea. A Scamp with a full bathroom would be bitchin!

[@RMIGHTY1]

OK, I see Jeffrey mentioned that solution too. I will sit and just listen!

[@DonWilsondigginTimeUSA]

That is pretty darn cool Eric!

[@JonathanSmith-uh6hj]

Didn't read all the comments. Maybe someone said this but cut all that spare wire from the panels. Lots of power loss, Highly recommend a battery monitor!

[@Ms.Frankenbuilder]

Love the educational videos, keep on making great ones.