OFF GRID / GENERATOR SETUP / ZIGGY TIPS - 029

[@shaunburn8639]

Great videos very down to earth people don’t ever loose the normal Aussie thing because that’s what we like about the videos! 👍

[@dennisfromoz6436]

OK-OK, I have been a bit secretly learning /watching.....but sheesh...Your outfit, your adventure, and your lady is your anchor. Fantastic team Work..Love you Guys.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Dennis!! We are a dream team and lucky to have each other 🥰🙌🏻

[@lynschostakowski8819]

What great peaceful campsite. Lots of space. Love it.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Such a great spot Lyn, one to add to the list for sure ☀️

[@lizbarber3473]

We were at that same spot a few years ago , having a fish and a few beers behind those barriers , decided to throw a cast net to catch some live bait , 2nd cast a big gator grabbed the net in mid air , quite an experience .it was a great place to camp ( loved it ) but I would not go in that river in any boat smaller than 4.5 .safe travels

[@deirdrefisher2773]

Congratulations guys, off grid. Well done 👍

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Deirdre, had to happen eventually hey!! 😍🙌🏻

[@lucykelly6050]

Great video guys, can’t wait til next week. Super excited for the first off grid trip. See ya then🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Lucy! And thanks for joining us at the premiere earlier 🥰

[@businesscareerpillar]

Keeping it real THANK YOU great Vlog it makes such a great difference and so grateful and appreciated. Travel safe and continue learning and sharing those learnings.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Penelope!! We aim to be real and genuine, what you see is what you get with us 😝 hope to see you again for our latest episodes ☺️

[@jaydegeorge7993]

Thanks for the tip and link to the roasting pan! Mine is ordered and on its way! Love watching you guys!

[@BigOzExplorers]

That’s so cool! Glad you were able to use the advice! I hope you got it cheaper than we did 🥰🥰. But seriously, best fit in the Ziggy 🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@jaydegeorge7993]

@@BigOzExplorers $49 and $10 delivery to SA! Not bad at all! We we're going to get a Webber Q but after your video on the Ziggy we couldn't go past it!

[@damiensultana1841]

Hey, we are trying to find it but can only find a 34cm one. Is this the one as you put 32cm?

[@marics.big.backyard]

I'm so so happy for you!!! Offgrid is the BEST!!!! Well done guys :)

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thank you SO much! It is amazing, we are so happy to be finally doing what we wanted to do all along 😍

[@Wildernessadventuresoz]

Just gorgeous there how relaxing. Sometimes being away from technology is a good thing

[@BigOzExplorers]

It’s always nice to have a break from technology 🙌🏻😌

[@darrencornwall3469]

Another great vid guys 🤩it’s always a hard one when u need something straight way like your pan and u just gotta get it🤣beat not to look at the prices after u buy stuff I find 🥴have a great week kick back and relax can’t wait till next week enjoy 😊

[@BigOzExplorers]

I hear you Darren! Don’t remind me of the price tag again 😅😂 it’s been the best pan though 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@GoneTroppo]

Spectacular roast. Thanks for the tips. Can't wait for next ep into the Cape. How exciting!

[@BigOzExplorers]

It was the best adventure, you need to go guys! 😍🙌🏻

[@ryanpower8362]

Redarc will only use one input at a time, so even if you solar panels are in the sun and you are running the generator the Redarc will pick the best option to charge. This is the same for if you are driving as well.

[@BigOzExplorers]

We kinda guessed this much through trial and error! A real pain in the bum you can only harness 30ah of power back to the battery/accessories at any time. We would definitely try a different, more efficient battery manager for the van next time around. Live and learn hey!

[@ryanpower8362]

@@BigOzExplorers yeah it was one of the reasons I didn’t use the redarc sadly, I run a separate controller for each ( solar, DC-DC and AC )

[@BigOzExplorers]

@@ryanpower8362 we will most likely do something similar next time around. It’s amazing what can learn on KZbin but then what you really learn when living in a van ☺️

[@raptor0040]

You can get a Redarc 20amp regulator for around $120 or a 30amp for $200 which isnt to bad.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Definitely going to look into this, thanks for the help guys 🥰

[@AdventuringPals]

Nice episode. Exciting times ahead for you guys. Cape York is still my favorite out of our 20 months (and counting) of travel so far. We have only been on the east coast but.

[@BigOzExplorers]

The cape is amazing and I totally understand why it would be the top of your list! So excited to share these episodes with you guys 🎉😍

[@katherineporter2654]

Great episode 😊

[@ladysusanjane2682]

👌🏻 thanks guys Another enjoyable one!

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Susan!

[@leeambrose9449]

Wow what an amazing location. Looks fabulous. My daughter would probably like to chop wood too but I'd be to scared of her missing toes.🤣🤣

[@BigOzExplorers]

Secretly I am absolutely 💩ing myself watching her (Sian), butttt we live an unusual daily lifestyle and this can be a helpful skill I guess! She’s pretty good at listening when things are serious if I’m honest though ☺️

[@tracylandy7648]

We’ve been following your adventures since the beginning but was only recently able to subscribe (stupid “smart” tv!!) Can’t wait to get our own van and start exploring - it’s on order and due in February. You guys are inspiring some big travel plans for us. 😀 Think you’re going to have to wait a while to get over here to WA though!

[@BigOzExplorers]

That’s so cool, I love hearing how we have inspired others and what their future plans are. That’s fantastic! We are so lucky to have Australia as our backyard and not enough people are exploring our own home. So happy you guys are getting on the road, that’s exciting!! 🇦🇺 ‘If’ we can get to you in WA, we’ll have to catch up on the road somewhere! 😁

[@Rosco213]

G'day, if you put a sheet of foil down first directly onto the Ziggy grill then the wire rack [acting as a trivet] then the roasting pan, you can put your roast and veg straight into the roasting dish, will be much easier to turn the veggies and whatever without them getting mashed through the wire rack.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Yeah that’s a great idea, might have to give that one a go. And the this foil layer is enough to work? Do you double/triple layer it??

[@Rosco213]

@@BigOzExplorers Just one layer is enough especially if you get the Bunnings foil. Its nice to have those veggies roasting on the bottom of the pan in the oil and meat drippings getting nice and crunchy crusted.🤤

[@mervo1477]

Great vid. I remember of a tour in the mara our guide told us the way the crocks scales are shaped on the back they barely create any ripples when they swim. Scared me to bits only water im getting into is my local pool. I'll give you a pass on the supercharger this week and instead suggest when you go out bush please take on the 2in 2 out challenge by 4wd 24/7

[@BigOzExplorers]

Ohhhhh I’m curious about this challenge?! We’ve got so much KZbin to catch up on after having no service at the Cape including 4WD Action (aka 24/7 - we prefer the old name 😏) I’ve got Chris looking it up as we speak! 🤪

[@BigOzExplorers]

Having trouble finding the challenge you mentioned??! Can you share a link with us? We’re super keen to try and haven’t even seen it yet 😂

[@mervo1477]

@@BigOzExplorers the challenge is #Respectthebush, kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3XKgaCGn5aHnqc

[@BigOzExplorers]

@@mervo1477 ok yeah I know what your on about now! we have done something similar at the Cape with a 5 beach clean up, we filled bags and bags of rubbish! Totally down for that 🙌🏻 that’s something that can 100% be featured in our Episodes at anytime 🥰 keeping Australia clean is so important 👌🏻

[@MrRoma70]

Newbie here but love your videos, sorry to say I just bought the same tray for $49 online, thank you for the heads up

[@BigOzExplorers]

Oh gosh, I’m so glad someone has been able to buy it for the much cheaper price! That’s great. Thanks for joining the Big Oz family and hope to catch you for the next one too 🥰

[@janetmcdonald9196]

Hi Guys! Congratulations on your engagement. Love the Ziggy tip’s just checking if you are still using the Baccarat pan. The links are not working but wanted to ask the size of the baking pan so I can look for something similar Cheers Janet

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Janet, we aren’t using one now but it was 32cm for reference. We later found out that pan was a run out item! Typical! If we knew that we may not have made such a big deal 🤓 thanks for watching!

[@colinross6259]

More drone footage, great looking cp, so much room. Interested how far you can go up the cape draggin a van.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Yes we love the drone footage too usually but this wasn’t a very ‘drone-able’ area with all the trees and wind 💨 The Cape has been amazing, you’ll love watching the adventure up and down 😁

[@johngiannakos4873]

Awesome vid team !! Keep up the good work !!

[@BigOzExplorers]

Yew thank you John!

[@hanshonstatzky961]

I think you panels are working well. You only need a small % of the panel in shade and it makes a big different in change rate. 18v is about normal for a 12v camping panel. I have a house panel on my van much weigher and a higher volt rate. Need to read the panel info on the back. There are shits load of KZbin vid regarding this topic. Good luck and stay safe. Hans

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Hans! ☺️☺️

[@michaeldearaugo4552]

Great vid, solar looks like an interesting issue. Should be charging more with the inverter off. Usually the more charge in a battery the lower the amps are to charge it. Smart chargers are fantastic for preserving the integrity of the batteries. Are they the deep cycle lithium batteries? I’ll watch with interest on how you solve the problem. Good luck and enjoy.

[@BigOzExplorers]

We will follow up on all of this after the Cape and give you some more details. They are deep cycle lithium which you can use 80% of (however we have used 90% before 🙊)

[@stuartbeaumont1]

the burp at 27:50 was my favourite!!

[@BigOzExplorers]

Can’t edit out the real stuff 😂 it’s what makes us human 🤪

[@TerryCassar]

FYI, whilst your running your generator, you don’t need to have your inverter on. Your powerpoints can power up directly from the generator. Hence charge your batteries quicker.

[@BigOzExplorers]

The inverter was on because we were running MWO, washing machine and laptop charger which all together trip the generator. The inverter is our work around so we can charge and still use these appliances.

[@TerryCassar]

@@BigOzExplorers all good, I must of missed that in video. Safe travels.

[@philsmith2125]

Hey guy’s love your work. We are starting our lap shortly. Just wanted to know how and where do you choose your van site parks in advance. I’ve been watching you go up the coast from when you began and I’m just interested in how you choose your next place to stay.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Tracy! We suss out where to go a number of different ways… Sometimes it’s through wikicamps, sometimes because we’ve seen it on a Facebook post, and some we’ve seen on similar KZbin channels to ours, or even just word-of-mouth from someone who is camping next to us. It can all be quite daunting in the very beginning but once you get going it’s quite easy to choose places to stay and the advantage of having a house on wheels is that you can move any time if you don’t like it! My biggest advice is not to plan too far in advance and book/pay for too much before you’re there until you know you love it. Things can change in a caravan in a heartbeat and we booked way too far ahead when we first started our lap, we should have just gone with the wind 😏

[@philsmith2125]

@@BigOzExplorers thanks for the feed back loving the way you got back to us cheers

[@vin6455]

nice drone work chris

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks mate 🤙🏻

[@beginners4x486]

Hi Guys, really liking the adventures, keep up the good work. Why are you using the inverter while generator is running, I'm thinking the washing machine was going before you fired up the generator. What type of inverter do you have? I remember the 12V upgrade vid but that wasn't part of it. I know the Enerdrive bi pass units will switch from inverter power to 240v if the source becomes available. I also believe your solar voltage at 18V is accurate. Most solar will come from the panel at 18v - 22v and your Redarc will regulate it down to charging voltage (13v - 14v) as necessary. You need to see what Amps are coming in from your solar to see if they are working right. Keep up the good work.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Running the washing machine, charging the batteries, laptop etc with odd microwaving for Jack’s bottles was too much of a load all at once for the genie.. so running the inverter for these things meant the genie could just charge on eco quietly and not trip ☺️ the MWO and Aircon don’t like the genie if anything else if happening at the same time! We have a 2000W Enerdrive inverter but no bypass system setup. I could of probably turned the inverter on and off as required but I was busy editing 🙊🤪 I think your right on solar too, we’ve learnt a lot up the cape now. Look at amps not volts. Plus the BMS30 can only use one source at a time and charges at a max of 30amps. Someone below commented about getting a separate solar regulator and that should help us heaps so we can have more than one feed at a time coming in. Thanks so much for following our journey guys 😁😁

[@steved2623]

Off grid. Peaceful, quiet and cheaper.👍

[@BigOzExplorers]

Yes yes and yes 🙌🏻🥰

[@brendanconner8903]

Hey guys, Just wondering what brand fridge slide you are using for the ziggy setup. Looks great with the bench space.... Cheers

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Brendan, We have a Dunn & Watson fridge slide! Here is a link to the products: trailerpartsdirect.com.au/product-category/fridge-slides/ The bench that joins on the end of the slide: trailerpartsdirect.com.au/shop/canopies/tray-accessories/4wd-clip-on-table/ The episode we installed it (it’s an old one!!): kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXW7p3Wmecpjl6M

[@flyboy5736]

Great video again, many thanks for your efforts my wife and I look forward to them. One small thing, your OCD missed the spelling error on the spelling error “bubble” :) - no apostrophe in “it’s”..........

[@theredknight4778]

Are you guys planning on doing some inland areas in Queensland as there are some awesome places to visit especially with wet season starting.

[@BigOzExplorers]

We leave to go in land this week actually! No wet season will scare us off 🌧

[@theredknight4778]

@@BigOzExplorers there are lots of places to explore inland. Definitely check out the Gregory river/ Riversleigh.

[@BigOzExplorers]

@@theredknight4778 I’m not sure we’ll be heading that far south this time but next lap. I’ve added it to our list 😁

[@theredknight4778]

@@BigOzExplorers all good. Just some ideas for next time. Best time is mid year anyway.

[@markrowsell1091]

Morning As always great video and informative. Generators, you were setting up the Generator, Sian was using the washing machine on the inverter. Can I ask when free camping / off grid do you need an inverter to run the washing machine? We have just ordered our first caravan, so trying to make sure we have what we need more than what we can get. Thanks Mark

[@BigOzExplorers]

The inverter or generator alone can handle the load of the washing machine. If you plan to free camp a lot, there is no harm in having both options available if you can afford the $ and weight as inverters and generators are both good for different scenarios and situations. I saw your email also (but have replied here and left that) hope that’s ok ☺️ cheers

[@markrowsell1091]

@@BigOzExplorers Thanks for the reply. Can you run your washing machine off the batteries, or do you need an inverter or Genny? Congratulations on your deal with Anaconda

[@BigOzExplorers]

@@markrowsell1091 you can run it off your batteries but you need an inverter to do so as the washing machine is a 240v appliance. A generator will also work. ☺️

[@michaellawley8339]

Hey guys trying to use the link for the roast tray, not working, can you remember what the size is? We have a Ziggy and so excited when you did this roast section, super keen to get one now thanks!

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey guys, it’s 32cm pan. You can also try Bunnings but I’ve been told they are out of stock too! 🤦🏼‍♀️ Ziggy are the best! Your going to love it when you get one I promise!! 🙌🏻😍 www.bunnings.com.au/baccarat-granite-cast-aluminium-non-stick-roaster-with-roasting-rack-32cm-black_p0215984?gclid=Cj0KCQjw59n8BRD2ARIsAAmgPmJgtUSvAZymGCaxQp9mrhF_uw6YZ0SaPmfIkjWYP4MOmLTrLEuHsc8aAmquEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@berko79]

Thanks, just got the roasting pan from Bunnings (through house) for $49 + 10 shipping! Also, I was wondering if you were able to tell me how high your tunnel boot is? It looks like it fits the ziggy perfectly!

[@BigOzExplorers]

I recognise your name so I made Chris get up to measure it for you 😂 The opening is 350mm high and there is about 40mm clearance while sitting on the slide. It’s a bloody good fit! Glad you got a roasting pan, that’s awesome 🙌🏻

[@berko79]

@@BigOzExplorers you guys are legends! thanks so much for measuring it seems that is the standard size, but i just wanted to be sure. The kids (and us) cant wait for every Sunday when your vid comes up and tune in every week. Keeps us sane in lockdown and helping us plan our future trips.

[@BigOzExplorers]

@@berko79 I feel like we need to make our way to Melbourne and lighten up everyone’s lives! I’m so glad that we have made a difference for you guys and all the others that watch us in Victoria. I still can’t believe your rules are so strict there still. Thanks again for tuning in every week, we are trying to create a family friendly channel where everyone has something to enjoy! 🥰🙌🏻

[@PJ-ii6hj]

I started hyperventilating when the little lady started swinging that axe, worried the video was going to end up at the hospital :@

[@BigOzExplorers]

PJ she is a good listener when she is doing something serious. If anything did go wrong, lucky Mums a nurse and a hospital wasn’t too far away. I was happy when she was done if I’m honest though 🤪😅

[@Wildernessadventuresoz]

P J naaa learn through living. We coddle our kids too much. Gosh I’m a farm girl and people would cringe at the things we did. I’m glad I did them though I can take care of myself

[@BigOzExplorers]

@@Wildernessadventuresoz 100% with you there! I’d hate to see what people said if they saw what I did as a kid too! Time have definitely changed hey. I love Jayda’s enthusiasm to try anything and learn from it so I’ve got to support it! 🙌🏻

[@marics.big.backyard]

She's totally fine 😁 kids learn through doing. My 4yo can use a drill. We bought him his own small one... Kid went into the camper trailer and undrilled panels 🤣🤣 couldn't remember which screw is for which panel. Just like Dadda 😁

[@BigOzExplorers]

@@marics.big.backyard that’s so funny!! 😂😂

[@QldFan67]

Can I asked what straps you use to hold the awning and the type of pegs. They look so much better than ropes. Great vid guys. Been waiting aall week 🥳

[@BigOzExplorers]

We usually use our Navigator straps but if things are realllllyyy windy, we bring out the ratchet straps which hold a little better in higher wind. 😝 to peg them into the ground we use Ezy Anchor’s, the best best thing to fresh bread, seriously! 👌🏻 Thanks for watching 😁

[@munecito]

What happened with the old generator. You had bought something else before but I saw a Yamaha a couple of episodes ago

[@BigOzExplorers]

When we started with Anaconda, we moved to a Yamaha (which is what they sell) prior to this, we had a Champion which is BCF; and we can't have that 😉 the old generator was 2kva, this one is a little bigger at 2.2kva and quieter.

[@andybals216]

Hi guys not sure why you use the inverter when running the geni..dont need to use inverter..geni will power all (excl aircon) love the vids

[@BigOzExplorers]

Yes, you are right... We have learnt a lot since then 😂🤙🏼

[@katherineporter2654]

How do you find Ziggy overall as we have one and hubby is about to chuck it 🤣 we have issues keeping its temp right

[@BigOzExplorers]

It’s funny you know, we heard so much in the beginning about Ziggy’s loosing heat but we haven’t had an issue yet? Only time we’ve lost heat is once on a crazy windy day and another time when the gas ran out 🤪 maybe wind related depending where you have it?

[@mickburns5546]

Hey guys. Have you had any trouble with rocks coming off the guard on front of the van and bouncing back into your car? I wanted to do this but a few people gave the apocalypse stories of busted windows. Thought I’d ask first hand. Love your channel.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Mick, we’ve also heard of this heaps but if I’m being very honest we’ve never had a problem! The only time we ever had rocks hit our rear window is when our Trail-a-mate jockey stand dropped and that caused rocks to bounce up. One of the other caravans that came with us to the cape had a small rock guard and you could see the damage on the front of their caravan. Definitely recommend having one as the damage on the caravan is much higher than the chance of hitting your rear window. Thanks for watching Mick 😍😍

[@Brian-vs9sd]

I don't think wanting to be away from other people is a bad thing. Where our houses are being built on top of each other and so many people living in units and townhouses, we all need to get away and just enjoy quality family time.

[@BigOzExplorers]

That is very true. Our house was one of those shoe boxes but luckily it was designed in a way that we felt like we had ‘space’... being out in amongst nature with the family is the best thing ever for anyone, 100% agree ☺️🤙🏻

[@chrisbryant6844]

Hey man it’s a trivet not skillet in your roasting pan lol love ya travels keep up the awesome work 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@BigOzExplorers]

Did you see the big red text underneath me as I say skillet? I had a few drinks this afternoon so my brain automatically went to the word that I thought it was even though I know it’s the other one, trivet LOL 😂😂😂

[@chrisbryant6844]

@@BigOzExplorers na totally didn’t see it lol or I wouldn’t have wrote my comment about it sorry

[@BigOzExplorers]

@@chrisbryant6844 no judgement at all just means you were really enjoying watching the episode and missed it 😉🥰 no apologies required at all mate ☺️

[@adamdickens4000]

Love your work guys! Another great vid! Do you still rate the genny after trip to cape, etc? We are on the lookout, having trouble justifying Honda price but not sure on others reliability! Safe travels.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Yes our genie is just as good as we thought it was when we left! In all honestly we used it twice in 6 weeks but the two times we did, we really needed the charge. Great for aircon but won’t run other appliances at the same time. We charge OR run aircon with the genie and run the inverter concurrently to use the microwave or another 240v appliances at the same time. Definitely think it’s a handy thing to have but spending $1000’s isn’t necessary (especially if you just want it for charge?)

[@adamdickens4000]

@@BigOzExplorers thanks for the reply guys. Much appreciated. Will be for the air con mainly, so appreciate the comments. Enjoy Winton and surrounds and stay out of the heat!

[@BigOzExplorers]

@@adamdickens4000 thanks mate! 😁

[@TheNomze]

Your laptop actually runs off 12v and upcnverts it to 240v with that box on the lead. You can get a lead off ebay etc that will allow you to use it on 12v which will save you having to use your inverter

[@BigOzExplorers]

Yes the box bit is kind of the inverter hey... I plug it into 12v to charge when it’s turned off but while editing, I cannot use 12v, it can’t keep up with the power demand 😢

[@Mosesk1988]

Hows camping with the little one, my FF camper arrives end of nov, my mrs is a little be nervous taking our nearly 5month old away.

[@BigOzExplorers]

When we left, Jack was 6 months old. If I’m being honest, moving into the caravan was the best thing ever for Jack. And that’s not even a lie! He slept better in the caravan than he ever did in the house and it’s been better for us as we are closer to him. Jack absolutely loves having a different backyard every few days, it’s great stimulation for their little minds while they are growing. Please tell your wife that she has nothing to worry about, whether you’re at home or in a caravan/camper, you’re always going to have a few issues with babies because their babies, you can do it!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@berko79]

Haha now bunnings have sold out too - You guys should be getting paid by Baccarat!

[@karenrigg5329]

Hi, just wanted to know what navigation app you use

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Karen, we just use offline Google Maps and Hema Maps ☺️

[@karenrigg5329]

@@BigOzExplorers Thank you very much

[@Mrbeast0099]

Hi guys!! Great episode again, let’s talk generators!! Can you run your air conditioner off that generator? If so I’m guessing you can only run a few lights on top of that?? How is the generator going now? Still happy, what type of air con do u have? Cheers guys , Gday from Emerald!! 👍👍are you sure it’s a Honda motor?? Sorry for all the questions

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Steve! Yes we can run the aircon on the genie with a few lights but nothing else with a heavy load (MWO, rice cooker, coffee machine etc) however a work around is to use the inverter to access the batteries power where we needed another higher drawing item. We have a Dometic Ibis 4 aircon which is soft start and runs at 1600w on aircon (off memory?! 🤪) but it’s good with this genie. The sales guys sold it to us as a Honda motor soooo it wouldn’t surprise me?? We have a good relationship with Tradetools and a lot do their own brand Renegade have Honda’s or equivalent. Buying a Honda your just buying the brand name, like a BMW, Merc etc etc.. Hope this is all helpful! 😁

[@Mrbeast0099]

Big Oz Explorers awesome thanks for your reply, I do like the look of that generator, we also have the ibis 4, so good to know👍 keep up the great work guys, safe travels

[@TheRavideos]

I could be wrong but if plugged into generator , is inverter necessary?

[@Reaper_787]

No its not. Same as being plugged into 240v

[@BigOzExplorers]

Running the washing machine, charging the batteries, laptop etc with odd microwaving for Jack’s bottles was too much of a load all at once for the genie.. so running the inverter for these things meant the genie could just charge on eco quietly and not trip ☺️ the MWO and Aircon don’t like the genie if anything else if happening at the same time

[@brendanatkinson1164]

Hi Chris, is that a large dent in the door of the Patrol😫

[@BigOzExplorers]

There wasn’t when we were at Endeavour but we did have a kangaroo hit our door on the way to the Cape 😭😭 we had it all fixed as we’re back at Cairns now 😁

[@brendanatkinson1164]

25:48, it could be my old man eyes but it looks like a dent in the door 🤣 Keep up the awesome videos guys you are doing a great job, both me and the wife look forward to Sunday's.

[@BigOzExplorers]

@@brendanatkinson1164 oh wow!! I totally don’t think that’s old man eyes, it really looks like a dent. Must be the shadows in the area, I really am not sure there 🤷🏼‍♀️ no dent though, promise. Thanks for your feedback. We love how we have impacted peoples Sunday afternoons each week, so cool to hear 🥰🥰 thanks for following our trip! 🙌🏻

[@richardwolski5899]

Do u run yr air con off yr batteries... So yr solar cant charge yr batteries.. Run air con off gen. As it will charge batteries at same time...?

[@BigOzExplorers]

Well kind of but the problem is the BMS30 will only take power form whatever source is better (solar, car, 240) turns out we need another regulator for solar to separate them and then we can charge on both.

[@ceramiart]

I have a Ziggy and jumped at the idea of a roasting pan that fits. How much did you say you paid-$160-00? Bunnings have the same one for $50-00 as does "Home" and "Robins"!

[@BigOzExplorers]

We were so far north and didn’t have access to mainstream shops again so it was like buy now or not at all and honestly it was the best purchase we have made! It was used all the time at the Cape and still even now. At least we’ve made our money’s worth is usage I guess!!

[@The_Rest_Of_Us_25]

I can't find the 32cm one, would the 34cm one work?

[@BigOzExplorers]

I wouldn’t get much bigger 😬😬 it’d be close!! If it fits let me know please 🤞🏻

[@KateW-qg9vo]

Just wondering if the 34cm fit? Can't find anything 32cm anymore

[@munecito]

I think you'll find out that the gennie doesn't have a Honda engine but a Honda clone inside. Some of those clones are quite good, some not so much. Just keep an eye on the oil and the filters.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Either way, it cost us much less and has completed the Cape and hasn’t let us down yet 😁 it’s really only a cloudy day backup and even still we can plug the car in if we really had to ☺️

[@darracathrinboerma6723]

Hey guys, so sorry if this has been asked before 😇 what size/model Ziggy do you have? 🙏🏻🥰 thank you.

[@BigOzExplorers]

No problem guys, we have the single burner, the smallest in the Ziggy range. :)

[@Morgs148]

if you are driving dusty roads, make sure you get up top and clean your panels otherwise you wont charge your batteries

[@BigOzExplorers]

Another lesson we are learning... it’s amazing what you need to learn to efficiently run a van on solar! ☀️ Thanks for the tips ☺️

[@Morgs148]

@@BigOzExplorers no worries. Everyone has to start somewhere and it is great to have all the socials to support you

[@BigOzExplorers]

100%! 🙌🏻

[@trevorpitts2247]

I was not going to comment on the inverter on a washing machine....... but then you have a genny running which provides 240 VAC to your whole van and then you are still using the inverter to power a laptop at the same time..... what am I missing?

[@BigOzExplorers]

Running the washing machine, charging the batteries, laptop etc with odd microwaving for Jack’s bottles was too much of a load all at once for the genie.. so running the inverter for these things meant the genie could just charge on eco quietly and not trip ☺️ the MWO and Aircon don’t like the genie if anything else if happening at the same time

[@bluecent]

Yeah axe mad me nervous, as did the young fella near the fire!

[@BigOzExplorers]

Gotta learn one day hey ☺️ van life 🙌🏻

[@Brian-vs9sd]

Exactly. That's how we all learnt growing up. We've all become so afraid of making mistakes. Bang your head, get a few stitches. How else do you learn to enjoy life.

[@petersmith2830]

Try running the whole van off the geni and you won’t need the inverter going.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Peter :)

[@louises6729]

They can fly out crocs of the water

[@BigOzExplorers]

Yes they can!

[@iansaunders8694]

Guys yours BMS was charging flat out. It was putting in 32.5 amps only rated to 30. Your expectations are just too much with so much high draw happening. 18 volts is the panel voltage plenty . You only need 14 volts. Amps are important not high voltage. You have everything maxed out.

[@BigOzExplorers]

It was running at 32.5 when the the genie/240 was coming in. We’re lucky to see that when the charge from solar alone. But anyway we’re putting in a solar regulator so we can maximise charge from both avenues at once and half the charge time.

[@iansaunders8694]

@@BigOzExplorers another regulator won't make any difference if you don't have the solar to drive it. I have 650 watts of solar on mine can get 30 amps pretty much anytime it is needed. But my batteries don't drop below 90 percent.

[@BigOzExplorers]

@@iansaunders8694 we have 700w and were lucky to see 20ah of charge on a full sun day 🤷🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️ was a while ago now anyway, a few tweaks we’ve made have improved it. We want to charge fast and have more ah coming in, even if it’s not at maximum efficiency, it’ll still be better than the restricted 30ah that the BMS30 can give at any one time.

[@davetrendell8841]

Another great vid guys. I'd love to know who the douche bags are that keep down rating your videos. By now you would know what you guys' videos were all about, so if you see them pop up in your feed, just scroll on and don't watch them! No need to down rate them and ruin it for everyone else.

[@BigOzExplorers]

If you try to please everyone you end up pleasing no one so we’ll just continue doing what we love to do and the haters can hate! Thanks for supporting us Dave, means the world 🥰🙌🏻

[@louises6729]

They look like logs floating at first

[@BigOzExplorers]

they freak me out!

[@soul15644]

Wa is open

[@BigOzExplorers]

I know it’s so EXCITING! We’ve already made our plans to head that way 😍

[@soul15644]

@@BigOzExplorers remember I mention about getting the generator months ago that's good to see u's got 1 it helps

[@BigOzExplorers]

@@soul15644 they are a good thing to have! We were getting there lol... our issue was weight with the Ranger though, genie was not needed at the time for weight that’s for sure! Lol

[@lovetoshop4400]

You can now come on over to the West !!! WA now has controlled borders, not hard border.

[@BigOzExplorers]

I know we’re SO excited!! We’re already on our way 😍