Our DIY Solar System Overview - Solar Series Part 1(RV Living) 4K

[@amberedwards8147]

Thank you for this information at such a detailed level. The component list and clear description of your setup will help us so much with a future install. My husband and I are purchasing a gently used 2020 GD Solitude next month and plan to transition to fulltime in January. We recently looked into a professional solar install but we had MAJOR sticker shock!!!😳 Love the hybrid set up. We are huge fans of your channel! Absolutely a lifesaver for newbies like us. With gratitude, Amber and Trevor Holmes.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Amber, we do these videos for exactly this reason - to help fellow RVers. Thank you so much for this comment - it keeps us going. Good luck with the Solitude- GD made some great changes from our model, but I still wish I could get a smaller one without all the heavy accent wood. Definitely contact us if you have any questions about downsizing or RV travel full time 🤗 Alice

[@amberedwards8147]

@@DownsizingMakesCents thank you!

[@BarbMMH]

Larry’s knowledge of solar is amazing!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

And he learns more all the time 😳 Thanks 🤗

[@TheDryCampers]

Worth. Every. Penny. We totally agree, of course, LOL. Dry Glamping is what we're ALL about! ;) Yep - enhanced electrical system is exactly what it is! The system definitely looks awesome! ;)

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I have a lot more confidence in my system after Mike had a look at it in NC last year. I included links in the description for Non-DIYers that want to have a professional installation. Hope to catch up with you guys in the winter in Florida. Larry

[@bbcooter388]

I agree that having an "Enhanced Electrical System" is Awesome !!! We have the same model camper you do and we Boondock a lot. It is so cool to have 120 volts available to us everywhere we go. Recently, we went camping with the Granddaughter and when we stopped for lunch at a rest area, we were able to turn on the A/C and enjoy a nice cool lunch.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Yes! AC when not hooked to shore power us awesome. We hope to boondock next year and feel we are definitely ready. Alice

[@StevenPendleton]

One of the best videos showing the pieces to your system!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Steven, thank you so much. Larry is working on the install videos now - details on every component, Alice

[@thomasjrinnus9935]

This is by far the most informative video I've see on RV solar systems. And kudos to you on a very clean install.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thomas, thank you. Larry does plan on doing a series showing more in depth look of the system. Alice

[@bchboy1206]

Wow, So comprehensive for the lay-person just about to get into full time RV-ing. Love the system and definitely want a set up like that!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Jim, thanks. Larry was about to do a video about the battery install next, but I don’t know when that will be Alice

[@sherriweber7105]

Thank you Larry for this DIY. Very nicely done. Very informative. Solar panels are not cheap. Larry you do great work like that. Glad Alice has you around. Thank you for the video. Hope you have a great night. And a great week. See you soon!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Sherri, you are so right - I’m glad I have Larry and he’s so good at so many things. See you next time, Alice

[@Life.After.Retirement]

I liked your build, thanks for sharing. That smoke detector was a great idea.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Allen, thanks. It’s an inexpensive item to add and so worth it, Alice

[@barrybryant9200]

I’m glad you waited that long, now we don’t have to wonder about it. Very detailed, very informative! This will be my model to duplicate, THX for your research. It makes a big difference to me when someone knows what he’s talking about (and you do). I’m restoring an ‘82 Holiday Rambler, it has a metal roof, so I’m thinking of build a rail system to mount panels to. THX again, I appreciate your diligence.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

A rail system for the panels is a great idea, with a little planning and work it makes for easier maintenance and better roof coverage. Larry

[@livinganewdream3682]

We have the same system, only dual victrons for 50a, 1600watts of solar, and 600ah of Lithium. I recently had some family members join us at a boondocking site at Coconino National Forest. We'd plug their RV's into ours so they could get 120v power and not have to run a generator. We cooked meals together using our electric instapot pressure cooker, ran rice cookers, watched movies at night, a really great time.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

The system really opens up camping options, and still live like you have hookups. I’ll bet they loved being able to plug into your RV for 120 v appliances. A small generator is still an important part of our set up but we only use it to charge batteries when there is no sun or too much shade. Larry

[@bethb5076]

Seems like a great system! You explain things so thoroughly and make them easy to understand. Thank you for such an informative video!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Beth, thank you. We plan on doing more videos on our system in the future, Alice

[@mikebampton2657]

Very Interesting! I am looking at an off-grid/camping scenario with a popup tent and SUV based Solar Electricity System. I hadn't thought of integrating mains power; now I know I should. Your video and views were very succinct and helpful. Thank you from an Aussie!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Mike, glad we could help. Let us know how it goes. And Australia 🇦🇺 is on our bucket list - you guys know how to go off road and off grid ❤️ Alice

[@rcbearings2096]

Perfect! I just installed a Victron MP II with three 200ah Amperetime LiFePo4 batteries. I installed it all in the front bay but your install makes much better use of space. Looks like a winter project coming!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Sorry that we have caused you more work 😉 but you will love the extra space. And something to do this winter. Let us know how it goes, Alice

[@opaandomascampingadventures]

Thank you so much for completing your video! I just finished our install and had questions. You just answered how to control Powershare!! Also love the on/off feature at the panel for the invertor. We don't want to travel down the road with the invertor on and dreaded having to go into the forward bay to "turn it off".

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Glad we could help. We plan on making more solar videos with more detail use in different situations, Alice

[@dalefine3329]

We are at boondocking and realized that we need to keep the residential refrigerator going on. We are working to get solar package. Thanks for sharing with us!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

The lithium batteries and inverter are so important. We wish we had more batteries. We weee going to add more solar but probably won’t. Once Larry is feeling better, he should have his battery installation video 🤗 FYI We are glad we have an RV fridge though we hardly put it on propane now. Alice

[@thetravelingbrowns]

Very smart to install a smoke alarm... This is a great, detailed video of your solar set up! Maybe when we're ready you might consider being 'for hire'? 😏

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Jenna, thanks so much. As for Larry for hire, his future detailed install videos will have to do 😉 Alice

[@JosephBrown83805]

Another great video! I was waiting to see your "what we did" video. While my wife and I are not planning to full time, just long time with a home base and want to have everything as ready as possible to be ready to get in and go! This past June we had a system very similar in specs to yours,4-battleborns, whole house inverter charger, and all the bits, installed by a company in Reno, NV. Since we still are working until next year I wouldn't have the time to buy and install the system myself so we paid to have ours done. Ours cost $14,000.00 so in actuality not too much more than yours and we too feel it to be one of the best expenses for what we're planning for the future. And it works great too! We love the system!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Joseph, that sounds perfect. Not everyone wants to or can do it themselves. We are glad to hear you love it. We plan in the future to have a homebase and do extended trips like you. And we still see the benefit of a system like this 🤗 Alice

[@paulbouchier]

Great video Larry. Thanks for all the details and part numbers. I'm going to add solar and a mini split this winter, so this info will be real helpful. Safe travels.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I have not been able to finish making all the videos from my solar system. Maybe someday I’ll get around to it but it has been over three years since I built the system and it’s running strong but now with a multiplus 2. Larry

[@mattmlmlml]

Awesome video Larry and Alice! Thanks for the detailed review.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Glad you liked it. Better late than never. Thanks for watching and commenting, Alice

[@markhaney7332]

Very nice job. I did a similar DIY install with similar specs (ie: 4 battleborns, Victron 3K inverter, Victron 150/85amp Solar charge controller, 6 x 200 watts panels, etc.) Perfect for our setup. We use a Raspberry PI running Victron OS to monitor our system. It sends everything to the Victron Portal via WiFi (to our Jetpack). We had an issue with the inverter when on and providing AC current assist going into overload when our Keuerig machine would start. I found out that there is an additional setting called boost factor on the Victron inverter that was set by default to 2x. What was happening was when I was on 30 amps or running my generator (either 30 amp or 15 amp AC supply) - when the Victron needed to assist (ie: add power past the level set (ie: lets assume 30 amps) the boost factor setting of 2x would try to get the inverter to assist starting at 2x 30amps = 60 amps - causing a brief overload. Setting the boost factor to 0.8 X when assisting past 30 amps kept the inverter assist at a max of 24 amps starting out. For the generator, setting the boost to 0.8 X would allow a max initial inverter assist of 12 amps. If you have the USB MK3 adapter you can adjust this value using the Victron configuration tools. Wish they would make the boost factor dependent on the max current level one sets as to not exceed the inverter specs (ie: 25 amps). This boost factor is only for initial assisting when it senses a load greater than what you have set. I also replaced the Keuerig with another model that does not use Triacs - it is easier on the system when powering up (before I discovered the boost factor setting on the Victron). The boost factor setting solved my issue though.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Hey Mark, that is really interesting about the boost factor, i will have to plug my MK3 in to see what mine is set to, prob the default 2x. The only time i have experienced an overload is when i try to start my living room AC, (it does NOT have a micro aire easy start) The inverter has no problem with my bedroom AC which i have installed a MAES. I have not touched my inverter settings since i programmed it when i installed it. Thanks for the tip, Larry

[@doughyland617]

You guys always knock it out off the park with your videos. Thanks again for the info

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Doug, thank you for the awesome compliment 🤗 Glad we could help, Alice

[@daytradinghacker2979]

Its not very often I am impressed by a video but great Job. I am a stock trader and live full time in a 45ft toy hauler currently in Florida for the winter. Anyway great video!!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks very much for the compliment. I was a medical device salesman for 30 years trying to learn how to use cameras, script videos and edit, the encouragement helps me keep learning. Larry

[@AskIveSolar]

Hey Guys!! This popped up on my feed so Im checking it out and wanted to drop a comment saying hello.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Cool. Nice to hear KZbin is actually showing our video 😉 Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Alice

[@johnuppole]

Awesome video, thank you for taking the time!!!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

John, sorry it took so long, but Larry likes to have a lot of experience before he explains, Alice

[@johnuppole]

@@DownsizingMakesCents that's not a problem at all, I completely understand wanting to have a strong knowledge and understanding of something you're going to put your name on! I appreciate the knowledge you guys share with us!

[@BikesBoatsBivouacs]

I think I would have to do a lot more boondocking to justify the cost. Great job describing the installation.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I get it. If we weren’t full time travelers, we would feel the same. But we use it at RV parks and campgrounds too Alice

[@carolesavard7177]

Hello Alice and Larry! Yesss! My husband and I were waiting for this video so thank you guys for this one! Very well explained Larry! 🤗 Carole and André 🇨🇦

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Carole, sorry you waited so long - Larry’s fault 😉 I hope we make more detailed solar videos for different camping situations. Thanks for being patient 🤗 Alice

[@carolesavard7177]

No problem Alice! I shared your video like always and our friends said that it was very well explained and they also said that Larry is a very good teacher! 🤗

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks for always sharing. But I’m not telling Larry - I’m the pro teacher and I don’t want him to get a bigger head 😉 Alice

[@Mudford63]

Great install! AM Solar did my big system.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Larry, AM Solar was so helpful with all Larry’s questions Alice

[@Stoutluvr]

I just finished today installing a new Victron Multiplus II with one 206 AH SOK battery. We don't boon dock much at all maybe a night here are there when traveling. I'm torn about putting any solar on it. More likely to add charging from my truck alternator. I put the battery under the bed and have room for three more if I think I will need them. The install went very well. Your install looks great in my opinion.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

If I did it again, I might leave the solar off, just use my eu2200 to recharge when drycamping. All those holes in the roof to worry about, haha. I wish the multiplus ii was available when I did mine. Hope you enjoy your system. Larry

[@Stoutluvr]

@@DownsizingMakesCents when your running your AC what problems to you see? Do you have a soft start on the AC's.

[@rickgriffith1]

Another great lesson from the Doctor!😉

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks, Rick. He’s probably going to a whole series with more details Alice

[@rickgriffith1]

@@DownsizingMakesCents Looking forward to it. Thanks Alice.😎

[@briandavis7169]

You are the first person that I've seen putting a smoke detector I think that's a great idea

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Brian, it just makes sense, doesn’t it? Thanks for watching and commenting

[@jamesmason7124]

Hello from the high desert of New Mexico USA 🇺🇸. I just found your channel and I liked and subscribed. Keep up the good work and stay safe and charged

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

James, glad you found us. And thanks for the sun. We will have more detailed videos on the system soon. We hope to make it our your way at some point 🤗 Alice

[@jamesmason7124]

@@DownsizingMakesCents I would love to meet you guys and show you my 1967 GM TDH-4519 city transit bus. Do you guys know of any single woman that would be interested in helping me convert my bus and live the Buslife with? Thank you

[@leoreap2703]

I added the Digital Multi Control 200/200A GX to my set up to avoid the clicking into the Color Control GX - plus it's easier to set the input current limit another display to make it look pretty....and my wife finds it easy to set the input current limit and monitor the system without all the clicking around...and it's simple to turn the Multiplus on or off from that display - my two cents :)

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Yes I agree the Multi control is less complex and easier to use and set up. I really like the VRM capability of the CCGX so the extra $$$ was worth it for me. That was one of the choices i struggled with when designing my system. Larry

[@lisamcgrath3132]

Thanks Larry & Alice, this was another awesome informative video!! You do a great job Larry explaining in a way we all can understand, but I’m like you Alice, I don’t really understand this kind of stuff. I tell Mike as long as he does I’m good🤣🤗

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Lisa, we are like kindred spirits. I hope we meet one day 🤗 Thanks for the kind words and all your support, Alice

[@lisamcgrath3132]

@@DownsizingMakesCents I feel the same Alice and yes I hope we meet one day too🤗

[@barnettbilly85]

Great video .

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Buddy, thanks. We are going to do more on the system for each type of camping. The solar install may take awhile - he filmed the WHOLE thing, Alice

[@insearchof76]

Oh we missed having you visit on your trek back south!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Sorry we couldn’t work you into our route. Maybe next time, Alice

[@jaygorakht5135]

Its awesomne lots of love from nepal✌️✌️

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks. Sending love from MB SC 🤗 Alice

[@jaygorakht5135]

@@DownsizingMakesCents ☺️☺️👌🙂😔😔

[@SmallSpaceLiving]

Great video. Pretty much like our setup. I do like your color monitor a lot more than what I got. I like being able to access it anywhere via wifi. I agree I like the solar part but the other stuff is so much more important in my opinion. We overall really like our setup though. We will setup something similar in the rig we get next. Whatever that ends up being. lol Great video. I think this will help a lot of people out or maybe create some install work for you. lol

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

William, we definitely agree that more battery is better than a roof full of solar. We can trade moochdocking for solar help 😉 Alice

[@kenthuntsingersr7501]

looks like yall were at Frisco camp ground . Nice solar set up.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Kent, yes. Great campground. Except poor Scrappy kept getting stickers. Larry plans on showing more details for the different systems, Alice

[@snakeyes2126]

Good job !

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

THanks Robert, i am working on an install series that will do a video on each major component. Larry

[@chrisnwilm]

Per code you need an actual disconnect from your solar array. Just thought I’d pass that along. A simple breaker doesn’t meet code. I only mention because I am designing my system. Check it out.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thats really interesting, I do use my breaker as my solar panel shut off switch, I will look into that, and ask an expert buddy of mine, thanks for the tip. Larry

[@keithbar19741974]

9:10, Glad you were able to stay on the roof Larry

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Keith, that’s awesome. You are the first to notice 🤣 Alice

[@speedboat2]

Hello Larry. I sure appreciate you taking the time to showcase your install. I also have a Solitude 310-GK and I have sent this video to a couple of installers to show them what I’d like to accomplish. One of my goals from the beginning was to maximize the storage in the basement area. As you point out, the false wall installed by the factory hides a lot more usable storage space. Here are my questions, if you don’t mind. Did you reinstall a wall after you completed all of your electrical upgrade work? If not, how do you protect the sensitive electrical and plumbing components from cargo damage during transit? As a full-timer, I assume your basement is packed to the hilt when you move. Thanks for any clarity you can provide! Keep up the great work you do to educate us in need of your skills and knowledge!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Hey, Larry replied to your email. Check that out. Great questions Alice

[@speedboat2]

@@DownsizingMakesCents Thanks, Alice! I just sent Larry a reply to his email. You guys are fantastic!!

[@SolarPowerMyRV]

Good info. Get what you pay for with these solar system.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

That’s quite a compliment since you install for a living 🤗

[@stana2z]

Hybrid mode is a Huge feature! Nice system design… does the smoke detector in the battery bay do remote notification?

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Stan, the remote notification for a smoke detector would be awesome. We will have to look into that Alice

[@yzhang8629]

Since gasoline powered cars are most fuel-efficient at highway cruising(constant load, but not flooring), I guess you can set the current limit for the generator to a lower-than-maximum number to get the highest fuel efficiency? EU2200i page says full tank can run for 3.2h at max load and 8.1h at 1/4 load, so maybe the highest efficiency is around half load and 3/4 load?

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Larry finds the most efficient at 7.5 amps or at 800 watt - if you aren’t worried about loudness. This should give about 6 hours. Alice

[@settinger14]

Hey Larry - another great video! Thanks! Guess what? We sold our 5th Wheel, and have listed our Silver Ford F-350 Diesel Dually tow vehicle for sale. In a few months, we’ll be looking at Class As instead! (Wanna buy our Ford?)

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I’m sure you wont have a problem selling your ford truck in this market, you May get more than you paid for it. I would love to hear more about why the switch from 5er to a class A. I have a buddy who is doing the opposite, you guys could have swapped. Larry

[@settinger14]

@@DownsizingMakesCents a small number of reasons: 1) we bought a house with an RV garage and our 5th wheel was too tall; 2) we weren’t happy with the ride in the truck over certain rough stretches of highway; 3) we decided our rig was too long (43.5’) and so we’re gonna stay under 40’ with a Class A.

[@nicktaylor48]

You did a nice job securing your batteries. How did you attach the ratchet straps to the floor (or to the angle iron?)

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

The straps go under the angle iron and they are screwed to the floor. I just took all that out of the rv last week to move to another rig and they had not moved one mm. None of the battery bolts loosened every thing was as tight as the day i put it in, 4 years later. Larry

[@jerryszelc2331]

Larry .... Great video and your system looks awesome. My question is, what are the biggest benefits of the system if you have access to shore power or have your Honda 2000W generator handy. I certainly see the benefits if you do a lot of boondocking, or if you only have access to 30 amp service and you need more power. Can you help me understand what the biggest benefits are, other than the ones I mentioned. Thanks !!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Great questions Jerry, You will have to wait for my next videos, just kidding. We often camp at Florida state parks with 30. Amp service only. With this setup, we can use all of our 120v devices as if we were on 50 service including using two air conditioners. The inverter and battery bank just make up the difference in power demand, the batteries will run down a bit , then when demand is less they automatically charge the batteries back up to 100 percent, we dont have to do anything. Of course we have to be reasonable, we cant have both acs on and the fireplace and the water heater and the fridge all on 120 at the same time. Sometimes will will put the fridge and water heater on propane if we are running both acs on 30 amp service. The benefits of the system are more obvious when dry camping completely disconnected, if we have full sun during the day the batteries charge up really well. Cloudy days or in shaded spots we use our 2200 watt honda generator to charge the batteries up pretty quickly, as i can give 1800 watts continuous to charging the batteries. Running AC Drycamping is possible for us on batteries alone but realistically we need to have our generator connected to keep cool on hot days while drycamping. Hope my answer wasn’t too long, Larry

[@jerryszelc2331]

@@DownsizingMakesCents Thanks for taking the time to write up your comments. Y'all do a fantastic job with your videos. I have found several of them to be helpful and informative. I put DSMC right up there with the best of the RV You Tubers! I found your comments re: Florida State Parks to be interesting. We recently upgraded to an Alliance 310RL FW (35') which is similar to your rig. We will be retiring from Metro Washington DC to South Carolina, and plan to spend a good portion of the winter in FL, most likely at state parks. Our 310RL has 3 A/C units, which are supposedly designed to draw less current, but I don't have any data as of yet since we just got the new rig last month. I'll purchase at least 2 LI batteries, since we have the 120V Res Frig and a 2K Watt Inverter. I did purchase one Renogy Panel and Charge Controller to help me get familiar with the technology. Not sure if we'll continue down the solar path or if we'll opt to purchase and daisy chain a second Honda generator and put up with the noise. Your video was great food for thought. Need to use our rig for a while to see what would be the best solution. Thanks again for putting together helpful and informative videos that are a great benefit to the RV community. Safe Travels !! Jerry

[@BoilerRealm]

I really enjoyed this system. We recently upgraded to a 50 amp5th wheel which came with a 190 watt panel, pwm controller, and 1000 watt inverter, and 2 12 volt fla batteries. What would you upgrade first, if doing at a little at a time? We mostly camp in state parks with 20 or 30 amp shore power. Lithium battery bank? Multiplus II? MPPT?

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Nathan, batteries first. Inverter second. We definitely see our batteries as our best bet. State park pedestals hardly give you what you need. Alice

[@BoilerRealm]

@@DownsizingMakesCents thanks!

[@Lifes_RV_Adventures]

Thanks for this awesome video! I’m starting the process of getting things ready to install solar on my toy hauler. $10,000 is just about what I figured it will cost. I am planning on doing the installation myself. I know I’ll need help with the connections so now I have another resource. Are you by any chance going to Quartzsite this year? If so, let me know. I’m here until late March.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Glad our video was helpful. Maybe he will have the full install video up next? We will be in Florida this winter - spending time near our kids. Sorry But you can email us with any questions, Alice

[@HomeOnWheels320MKS]

It looks like the AM solar mount to the solar panel can be mounted on the end (shot side) or side (long side) at each corner is that correct? Did you have to drill holes into the solar panel frame? How far do the brackets with knob stick out (how much clearance should I calculate for). Thanks. Tim

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Yes I did have to drill the holes in the solar panel frame I created a jig to make sure that they all we’re in the same place on each panel. The mounts have to go on the short sides so that you can tilt the panels, i’m working on a video where I go through pain staking detail on the bracket installation. I think they stick out about 3 inches but I’m not sure. Larry

[@tedelder703]

Great video I have installed a small solar system on my rv I have the victron smart shunt with Bluetooth . Is there a way to increase the range of the shunt?

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

The only way to do that I believe is to connect it to a cerbo gx, or ccgx, Vic Tron control panel, connected to Wi-Fi, connect the VRM app, then you have access to your battery monitoring anywhere you go, but that is a very expensive option probably five or $600 for either . Lar

[@channellbanks2002]

I recently purchased solar panels and a solar controller. I already had the batteries. I plan on using 12 volt items, lights, electric cooler, and other 12 volt equipment. My question is: Do I need to disconnect the solar panels when I'm using the batteries for power, or, can I leave the solar panels and controller attached? Thanks for your video.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Yes I leave my solar controller connected all the time, as a mater of fact, i have not ever disconnected the panels in the 16 months since i built the system. I have a victron mppt controller, im not sure if this applies to all solar controllers. Larry

[@cpwatching5647]

Hi - Great video!! Love the detail. How does the 12 VDC from your truck on the road interact with solar on the road? This is a question I have been considering for awhile and as of yet am uncertain. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks. Take care.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

That is a great question and one i struggled with designing my system. I did not change my 7 pin connection at all. There is a very small amount of amps transferred to the battery system from the 7 pin but is is almost unmeasurable. The 12 volt supply from the 7 pin is from very small wires not designed to provide any significant amps. Some people disconnect the 12 v supply but i did not and it works fine. I did consider running a separate 6g wire from the trucks alternator to the battle born battery but that would require a special device to limit the amp draw, Anderson plugs, and drilling though my trucks firewall. The lithium batteries have such low resistance if you dont use a limiter, it could cause damage to the alternator by overloading it. As it turns out i don’t need it anyway, when we are towing, i run my RV fridge on 120 volts using the inverter, and after a long drive with no sun I still have plenty of battery power when i reach my destination. In sunny travel days, the batteries keep their charge really well. The only reason i would install the truck to RV wire is to provide alternate charger when there is no sun, and I cant use my generator at a dry-camping location. Or maybe if i ran out of gas for the generator, and i need to top off the batteries. I guess i went overboard with this answer, i need to make a video about this subject,. Thanks for the great question. Larry

[@miltpear3288]

You have a great system, we are thinking of doing the same thing; are you guys still in NC?

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Milt, Larry did a lot of research before the build. We are actually in South Carolina now- on our way to winter in Florida. Larry is working on more detailed videos about the build - a series, Alice

[@HomeOnWheels320MKS]

Did you use the coaches prewired 10 gage wire from the solar panels to the solar controller?

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

unfortunately my rig did not come with any pre wire, or even a place to run the wire. I had to do it all my self, drill holes in the roof, roof support, walls, cabinets to run the 2g wire from the roof to the basement. That was the most challenging parts of my build, but i actually enjoyed trying to figure out the best way without destroying my rig. larry

[@JesseChoupique]

Good video.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Jesse, thanks.

[@Dayaniherrera]

does the inverter need to be programmed?

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

The correct battery settings have to be programmed. But if you buy it from Battleborn, it will come pre programmed for their batteries. Larry programmed it himself using MK3 interface from Victron. Alice

[@Dayaniherrera]

@@DownsizingMakesCents thank you

[@pigybak]

I’m not an electrical guy. You lost me at battery 🤓. Can the solar panels alone power the ACs?

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

There really isn’t a system without batteries. The solar can charge up the batteries and run AC for hours if you have good sun, Alice