Orion XS 50a dc-dc charger install to charge our Fogstar 608Ah Lithium battery

[@viv-i-vangoesforth]

great video Sam. Now I have the 230 fogstar, I'm getting the orion xs to keep it on top form. I'm just not looking forward to remove the 16mm2 cable going to the current ctek 250 se for 25mm2 to the orion. Flippin vans eh.... started off by getting the renergy 2000 watt inverter and now basically rewire #3. I'd love to be happy with this van and have it sorted before the next crafty campout.....or Stew's(crafter clyde) hinted at crafty euro mass bimble. I live in hope but watching your vids-and our chats via messenger and in person inspire me. Youre a good man and legend. Much respect 🙏- Kenny

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

I hear you, mate, you will get to that happy place at some point, I'm exactly the same! a tweak here and there and before you know it you will be sorted 👌

[@C4tnip]

Great explanations, appreciate the detail!

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Thanks for watching!

[@gittenielsen7938]

Always remember spring washers on Electronics connection.... 😉

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Always! 😎🫵

[@UrbanVanlife]

Just fitted ours and took out the 2 x 30 amps and we get more power in to the leisure battery and 90% less heat in the garage area . Bing bang bonus

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

I have two systems now a 12v up front with the old 30amp dc-dc charger and this 230v set up in the garage, I think I'm gonna swap that out after out trip

[@mvIntuition]

Thank you for the detailed video. We were going to install a Mastervolt Mac Plus 50 amp charger, but the new Victron looks like it will give us more information and take up less space.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

It's a fine piece of engineering I'm ordering a second one to replace the old 30amp one we have

[@adamshaw1032]

Hi Sam I have a Renogy 60a dc to dc. I have uprated my alternator for the 180a one same as you have. Brilliant stuff. Love you videos and always showing the safe way of doing things.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Thank you

[@Pelt101]

Great content again Sam. Hope you’re both doing well. Not got a Camper… Yet ! But all your videos are saved and stored in the old brain box for the future. Top stuff mate.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Checkout our Facebook group there's lots of inspiration on there too

[@WonderingWomble]

Hi ya bud.. Just to say.. I tried the same test. 280ah Fogstar, 300w solar.. I have been in and out of hospital for the last 2 months.. I have left the Fridge and the Freezer turned on and it has not dropped below 70% it topps itself up every day even on british weather days, it back up to 100%.. also got a 100w solar charging the van battery.. ACE.. hard job to beat the Fogstar

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Hope you feeling better mate 🫶 I'm connecting the solar this week to see how it fairs on these darker days 😁

[@teedee3765]

Nice one fella , very well explained 👍 this is a perfect set up , to help with those winter trips to come .

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

I'm sure it will be enough for our needs

[@GaryMarriner]

Nice clear video m8 hope your all well. in Portugal ATM... stay safe

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Thanks, you too!

[@WattsOccurring]

Great set-up Sam and very informative, as normal. Hopefully see you soon 🥳

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

😁🫶

[@bryzot7242]

Another blinder...👍 Sunday morning sorted 😁

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Cheers 🍻

[@neitzp]

Great video. This was very helpful. Thank you!

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

So glad!

[@mrt4003]

Love your videos Sam. Keep em coming.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

😁👍🫶

[@Ritarelay]

Another fab video :) thanks Sam 😊

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Thank you 🍻

[@nikkithuillier5519]

Thank you Sam, excellent video as usual.

[@Bloomy086241]

Nice one Sam keep the vids coming.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Thank you

[@Crowtherstephen79]

Good work buddy.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Than you

[@jonandkatiesadventures6449]

We just got the xs lovely bit of kit

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Isn't it just

[@Feede.Mountain]

Brilliant videos as always, hows lisa hope she's well on the mend, you all take care.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

She's bossing me around again, so I think she is on the mend 😁

[@davidhughes7041]

Take the sliders out and fit pneumatic struts easy job works well .

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

not sure what you mean?

[@DaveandChez.]

Nice one bud , undegoing a power upgrade on the motorhome , it's expensive but quality kit . Where is the cheapest option to buy , , I know you uprated your alternator so gonna check mine first to make sure it will handle it. Quality footage , keep it up pal .

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Its the best thing I've done mate this set up is awesome 👌

[@davidhughes7041]

Funny that used on my X's no issues 😂

[@Rob.1340]

Cheers Sam, all the best. 👍🚐😎

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Cheers pal

[@DaveandChez.]

Nice one bud , undegoing a power upgrade myself on the motorhome , it's expensive but quality kit . Where is the cheapest option to buy ,also maybe worth advise to check alternator outputs to see whether they are up to the job , I know you uprated yourd so your covered, gonna check mine first to make sure . Quality footage , keep it up pal .

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

I've ended up changing all my electrics out over the years quality is expensive and it takes time

[@matthewleehowarth9954]

Hi great content as always Is it possible to fit 2 or more ?

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Yes checkout Robs video from Pack the van and go he's just fitted 2 👍

[@davidbelwood3683]

Hi why did it go straight to absorption

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

not sure what part of the video you are reffering to

[@Bigzeeeee]

Where did you get the 25mm to 16mm reducer from please?

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Edmundsons electrical ltd they are a national company

[@Bigzeeeee]

@@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife you wouldn't happen to have the part no from there to ensure I order the correct part? Thanks in advance as i need a reducer to fit my Orion XS as i cannot get the cable into the terminals without losing some strands. Excellent video as well as very well explained, better than all the ones i have seen so far.

[@RDVanConversions]

If I install this do I need to make my 12v system isolated? I currently have it setup isolated i.e not using van as negative. Or can I use the unit as a standalone isolated charger

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

this a is a none isolated unit requires earthing to the chassis

[@charlevoix418]

Love your videos. I am just wondering why you ran your DC to DC cables ouside the van instead of inside?

[@Dirt-Diggler]

Probably so he doesn't have to remove all the furniture, factory cables run outside so there's no issue at all running them outside.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Shortest route 👍

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

I run all my cables so they can be accessed if need, plus this was the shortest route 👍

[@khalidabed2016]

❤👌🤟🙏❤

[@nigellingo4349]

Hi mate, just found your channel! Watched your review on the 800 Aferiy. The fridge you powered was it a 12 volt compressor one? And was the power bank fully charged? Ive currently got a 12v apicool 35ltr compressor cool boxbin my van. So was wondering if the Aferiy would be suitable to power it. Kind regards Nigel

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

the 12v fridge was an absorbtion fridge, if you planning trips longer than a weekend I would be looking at a 1500w to 2000w power bank the 800w Aferiy last for a couple of day powering the fridge at night we plugged in while driving

[@neilmick6778]

So the terminals aren't rated to hold 25mm2, what could possibly go wrong..

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

They are rated to take 25mm just people have reported on groups that they have struggled to get 25mm in

[@TrotterDel]

New to your channel. I’m another Fogstar convert. Can you tell me what you use the Roamer battery for? Is it your vehicle battery?

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

I have 2 stand alone systems 12v and 230v the roamer powers the 12v system

[@campervancodgers124]

Hi Sam, am I (Toni) correct in thinking our old girl Syna wouldn't suit a dc to dc. Because she hasn't a smart alternator?

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

No a dc-dc will work will all set ups VSR don't work well with smart alternators 👍

[@campervancodgers124]

@@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife thank you ❤️

[@stewartkendall2635]

Hi all, I’ve a question. How do know if your van has a smart alternator? I’ve a 13 plate sprinter. Is there a test or will it say somewhere? If it is a “not smart” alternator is there an alternative. All advice welcome. See you all at Lawton 😀

[@Dirt-Diggler]

A few ways to tell, on the main NEG lead on the battery there will be a small box, it's the shunt the ECU uses to tell battery state of charge, another way is if the alt has 3 small wires going into it it's likely a smart alt, non smart alternators only have 1 or 2 small wires.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

You probably have a standard alternator, but the easy way is to check your output voltage at start up it should be around 14.4 the check it after 10 minutes, and it will have dropped back down 13.5 ish

[@stewartkendall2635]

@@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife I’ve checked my alternator today and it’s a “thick” alternator not a smart one. Will the Orion XS still work? Or would there be an advantage of swapping for the 180 smart alternator? I’m charging a 280Ah LiFePO4 battery. I’m quite happy to swap it over. I have vectron solar charger,mains charger and a smart shunt. So wanting to keep the system “blue” so it all works off the same app and in harmony Cheers Stew

[@davidmcloughlin4225]

Another cracking video Sam. I have a quick question. The ‘Beast’ is a beast but what do you use the Roamer battery for? Sorry if this is a dumb question😬

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

So I am going to explain this in another video but I'm running 2 stand alone system a 12v on the Roamer and 230v on the Fogstar It works a treat

[@davidmcloughlin4225]

@@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife Cheers Sam, that’s another one to look forward to.👍👍

[@emlyntilley]

Have you got a link to the max fuse board

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203546960348?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=Bld-qAWESCu&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=qkhVtACcQ9q&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY Try this mate

[@davidhughes7041]

Bootlace ferrules work well no need to heat shrink .

[@Dirt-Diggler]

Bootlace ferrules make the cable thicker not thinner, that is a REDUCER makes it thinner.

[@davidhughes7041]

Funny that you say that used them on my XS no issue do your homework pal.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

They do 👍

[@jfkjfk1]

Your cable sizing is overkill. Victron state that 16mm is fine for 6 M length . 25 mm is for over 6M. 35 mm is plainly not needed.

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

How have you calculated this? You do know I'm an electrical engineer?

[@jfkjfk1]

Maybe read the manufacturers manual 👍 I'm pretty certain Victron know what size cabling is required for their own product

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

​@jfkjfk1 I do! but I don't blindly follow the herd! victron don't factor in any external influences, I design each circuit for the environment and location it will be used in and 35mm was just fine for my application 25mm was not acceptable due to the voltage drop

[@davidhughes7041]

Orbix screws the nuts😅

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

So true 😁