Planning My Camper Van’s Electrical System (Simple & Easy Breakdown)

[@ToryDelury]

I just want to clarify that when I say “Lithium Batteries” I am referring to LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) not Lithium Ion Batteries. :)

[@DannysBrickfilms]

Great video! I love the way you explain everything in such detail yet still manage to make it entertaining and easy to understand. You've earned a subscriber. Can't wait to see your van take shape.

[@golf_n_hockey]

I have followed RV, van life, sailing, and off-grid creators for some time. I saw this video and instantly subscribed. You are gonna blow up girl! Keep doing what you are doing.

[@ToryDelury]

Thank you so much!!

[@Thequeendomlifestyle]

Tory. Seriously girl. I love you. Thank you for this video. Cause I was lost when it came to the electrical stuff.. When I'm ready to build my van your Content is so educational. Thank you ❤

[@petertarantelli]

My head is spinning just watching this video! I love the way you took us through the different lists and the loads that go on each. Having it do all the calculations…amazing! I’m going to bet that a good number of van builders just make an “educated” guess at all this stuff. Maybe this video will help educate some of those folks and put them on the right path. Great video Tory 🤗

[@pizzaenthusiast69420]

Great info Tory 🤓

[@Debo486]

I want to say, ChatGPT can do a very accurate calculation for total amp hour needs and solar panel requirements and it can very accurately find your devices energy draws

[@diabeticnomad]

Sounds like a good in between of a full install and a power station! 💜

[@leilayeseniam]

Hey yo WEIRDOS UNITE sticker!! Awesome!! Love watching your videos, Tory, very wonderful to see the progress and challenges you face on making this van. Hopefully one day I’ll join you and the rest of the “Weirdos” 😉on the road.

[@docimma]

The best explanatory video ever.

[@michaelmartin5942]

Nice job Tory covering the basics of a campervan electrical system. I've been researching this subject a lot for my second van build. Like you, I used a solar generator (Bluetti AC200) for my first van build and absolutely loved it, with one exception. When it got too cold outside (below 32 deg. F.) it wouldn't charge. 🥶Will Prowse covers a "Beginner Friendly 48V Solar Power System," which is super simple, super efficient, compact, and reasonably priced. 😎A complete system with an array of 4 Rich Solar 250 watt panels, a Growatt 3000 watt inverter with integrated MPPT controller, a Trophy self heating (for cold weather) 48V, 100Ah battery, and a 48V DC - 12V DC converter, costs about $4,000 total. This is the route I'm going for my second van build. 48V electrical systems for vans and RV's are becoming more common and user friendly. They provide more watt hours, run more efficiently, take up less space, and are typically less expensive too. Like everything else, there's a million different ways to build a van electrical system. 🤔 It's not right or wrong, just different. Do your research to discover what works best for your needs. You're right Tory, Victron makes super complicated space happy systems. 🙄 KISS (Keep It Simple Silly). 😘

[@ConnorSchwab1]

Sandy vans kit is the way to go FOR SURE

[@ToddDesiato]

You did that right! Congratulations. I've been doing solar & batteries for over 14 years and in my experience, for winter weather, you need more batteries to go all night. You may want to leave room back there for an upgrade come winter.

[@MrOpresley]

SOLD!! I am now a follower of your site. Such great info. I have been terrified to even try to start a build but your site makes it soooooo much less complex!!

[@Mike-sq9rq]

Thank you for pointing out no need of converting DC to AC and back to DC for loads that have rectifiers built into their cables! 🙌

[@conradcoolerfiend]

IF they are 12v electronics. if they require some other voltage, it will not work so easy.

[@iainmcglynn833]

Another masterclass by Miss USA who puts such a lot of effort in so we don’t have to 🙏🙏

[@jasonu-yjhue]

When worrying about power efficiency or battery usage, using a DC to AC inverter for AC to DC converters is not smart. These will have a high loss of energy which will be heat instead of the energy powering the devices. Just so you know, there are no rectifiers in the cables. The conversion from AC to DC is done in the square or rectangle box. I know what goes on those boxes because electronics is one of my hobbies. What are you trying to say? Is it about the solar power stations from Anker, Bluetti, Ecoflow, or Jackery that output 12 volts and 5 volts? These use a DC-to-DC converter to make sure the output voltage is fixed at 12 volts and 5 volts because the output voltage of the battery varies depending on the charge of the battery. Can power electronics such as a wifi router, Intel NUC, and notebook computer, etc. from batteries, but only if using a voltage regulator such as a DC to DC converter. The voltage has to be set exactly as the electronic device requires. The current can be equal to or greater than. A 12-volt battery varies in voltage from 100% to 35% charge. At 100% charge, the battery voltage could be 14 volts, and at 35% the voltage may be at 10 volts. A voltage of 14 volts will damage a 12-volt device. Again a DC to DC converter is a must. Watch out for polarity because electronic devices do not have reverse polarity protection.

[@MrOpresley]

Excellent Tutorials!!! You are killing it!

[@GoTerry]

You really learned a lot this build and did a great job.. I'm proud of you.. I do like the ease of Red Arc , I'll look deeper into that on my build

[@CutePotchoco]

12V is easy to understand but your money will just go to the wires. 48V is the future. Tbh, you've done great. Thank you for sharing.

[@mythosmintv2]

Totally agree. I have some Victron stuff and it's cool, but the simplicity and size of your system make it a no brainer. And so crazy AGM weighs twice as much but you can only use half the power lol. Great vid, great info. Excited for the new DC/marvel knockoff comic book

[@Jordan-qm1sf]

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!!! They have helped me so much in my van build ! xx

[@dewalddelange3502]

I am so used to the idea that the voltage of the solar panels being the same as the battery, it took me a while to understand modern solar inverters, for example a 5000W inverter typically uses a 48V battery, and solar panels anywhere between 60 or 120V and 500V for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) - draws the optimum voltage and current from the solar panels. These hybrid solar inverters do everything: charge the battery from solar or the grid, and provide AC power from the battery.

[@Hades14747]

Thank you for making this video entertaining makes the learning process easier😂🎉❤

[@MyChannel-vm6dw]

When you finalize how much power all devices need...put some wiggle room and ADD 25% for non boondockers and a minimum of 50% for boondockers (I actually would double my need if you boondock often) in case you get stuck somewhere have no sun solar days, etc.

[@MattWedelich]

Great build 😊

[@FarrellMcGovern]

Extra points for the Vancity Vanlife "Weirdos Unite" sticker on your laptop! I've never been a fan of the Victron style decrete systems...as you said, too much room. They are probably great if you are running one of those monster rigs, or an off-grid cabin...but in a van? Plus there are more points of failure that can take down your entire electrical system. The calculator you point out is a great resource, and thanks for that.

[@TimRiker]

AGM batteries can be charged by your alternator without a dc/dc converter. This also make the system cheaper. As you have noted, they take up twice the space, and since they can't be fully discharged, you can only use half the power. This means really, AGM batteries take up four times the space / weight for the same usable amp hours as LiFePo4 batteries.

[@keletienne7947]

You answered a ton of questions with this video - especially the part about power stations not being able to run your ac, which is a very important consideration. Pinterest board electrical systems 😂 Relatable!

[@RJMSINCR]

Ya. Good looking system. How long have those components been on the market? Do they have a multi-year track record of reliability as Victron does? 2 things: 1. your AGM vs. Lithium costs are way wrong. You do not need to replace your batteries every year, not even close. Maintained properly 5 years, and even possibly 7-8. Also the 50% discharge for AGM is actually at the low end, many people calculate for 70%. Lithium can go to almost zero, but going to 20% is likely best. All that said, it still makes much more sense to go with the LiPo batteries and that 206Ah SOK unit is $649 at Amazon, you can't beat a pair of those for $1300. 2. When calculating loads and capacities needs it is recommended practice to have enough to last for 2-3 days with no sun, IF solar is your only method of recharging.

[@GirdHerd]

Tory, As you know, space is a premium in a van so I would recommend you take a look at the Li-Time 400ah Lithium battery. It takes up much less space than four100ah batteries.

[@NiueChannel]

if only that 400ah battery is not made of 100 pieces of 4ah cells in parallel, inside:) 1 of those paralleled cells dead then very soon the whole paralleled block dead.

[@MrBeefsnorkel]

thinly veiled self deletion jokes. i feel like you and i would get along, dark humor is great. good video

[@ConnorSchwab1]

YES. The sandy vans electrical kit is the way to go for sure

[@sasi88_OG]

Tory, would say try to use Solar+ Wind mill/Portable Blades (Mini Wind Power Generator System) Power Generator System for Vehicle and there are various better brands or technology available... Money saving, space saving, light weight, easy to use and safety features.... During summer Solar power generator work better and When in Winter/Snowy Season Wind Power Generator working... Combination of both power generator best for Vehicle... Hope you'll find best...

[@5nowChain5]

Victron is the kit you go to when you blow up several other cheaper systems and have had enough of the greif. Its dynamically expanadable for any setup with a huge range of devices that can be linked up and allow remote App control whilst away from the vehicle/site. (Its not cheap though)

[@ToryDelury]

This system has a warranty! Another pro of buying a kit built by a professional company :) Hoping I’ll never need it but if I do I can update on how it goes :)

[@DannybFlat01]

Don’t forget electric for your Boomin’ Soundsystem that will be the head of the party! 🎃

[@daner.d]

i would go a little bigger with the battery bank for those days when it rains for a long period of time or make sure you up grade your alternator so you don't have to run your van all day to keep thing going. don't need kitty to freeze/boil. WOW those things ain't cheap

[@GirdHerd]

I like your "WeirdosUnite" sticker. I follow his channel as well.

[@bobmirror7164]

400 to 600 amp hours of batteries at 12 volts and 800 to 1200 watts of solar panels seems to be enough for most people. Things get a little heavy and awkward if you go much larger than that. I prefer going to the lower end of things and using a 1000 to 2000 watt quiet generator. It helps to keep the over all weight down. That way cloudy days, running small electric tools, and charging the E-bike are not a issue.

[@Snowbikebro2]

I have been running timeusb amazon lithium batteries. 200 bucks for 100 ah. 2 years of full time use and still charge above rated capacity. i use them to run my a/c microwave and computer at the same time

[@VanlilfewithDaleandBailey]

I'm looking for an electrical system. I'll have to check that one out.

[@BryanConnelly]

Tory……. if you charge your phone multiple times a day what I do for that problem I found a phone charger case It’s a case that has a 10,000 mA battery in the case so basically you have One battery on your phone Two batteries in the case One cord charges both of them at the same time overnight and in the morning you have three different times you can drain your phone down to zero Amazon has multiple different kinds for whatever kind of phone you have Newdery is the brand that I have I think they’re around 50 bucks I’ve been using them for years Good for long workdays as electrician where I’m required to have a cell phone (as a creator and keep my phone powered up on filming days) 👍😎 good video Tory

[@ReviewingTech101]

Check out the sungold power inverter it’s an all in one inverter they have a 3000 watt 24 volt anda 5000 watt 48 volt inverters.

[@Campbase1]

Im really impressed. I think you made my brain sore.

[@paullasky2546]

So informative! Thank you!

[@richardsracingmad]

I like your homework…good vids

[@lyfandeth]

I couldn't live without my USB C pizza oven!

[@strikebytestreaming1583]

I'm looking forward to when Solid state batteries are more of a thing. those should easily be able to beat out lithium and AGM batteries.

[@mythicalnomadadventure969]

Kinda' want to oversize your electric usage loads a bit. Still will work well. I've loved my DIY system for 5 years now. Never ran out of AC or DC yet 😊

[@anthonycaldeira1030]

This a great video but we all know that one day your van will be powered by magic.

[@Chrispy1990ful]

I am glad to see you are putting in a more robust system than what you have been using. Are you going to have a secondary way to charge it like an isolator or shore power? Or are you going to rely solely on your solar panels?

[@ToryDelury]

Yes! It has both of those capabilities! It’s already hooked up to my vehicles alternator and charges while I drive 😊 And it has a shore power plug but I chose not to do an inlet this time because I feel like it’s more stealth & I didn’t use the inlet to charge one single time in my last van 😅

[@TonyThomas10000]

You can buy a "Kill-a-Watt" to measure how many W/KW your devices use.

[@egemenaydinlioglu7231]

Hey! Liked your detailed information video. I am about to decide for full time off grid RV living soon. Probably in next 6 months I will be buying a used Skoolie or Motorhomes. Still trying to decide which is better and reliable for full time living. Most thing makes me think is electric and plumbing. I wasnt sure how much electric system I should have until now. Thank you! Open to any recommendations also :)

[@ChiChi-dy9qi]

I am going to quote you next week for my quote of the week on Facebook. Some days you make toast, some days you become toast 😂

[@LivingProcess]

Brilliant as always 💚 Did you account for future growth? Great video!

[@ToryDelury]

Thank you! I definitely saved space in the van for another battery if I ever need it :) I actually talked to Sandy Vans about getting another but they said I was being a little over zealous and it would probably be too much & I should just test it out first 😅😅 So that’s what I’m going to do! :)

[@aaronriedel5372]

Good video!

[@ToryDelury]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@glf001]

Get Li_Po batteries instead of Lithium Ion. They have a much longer lifespan and are only a little less energy dense. safer too. Not as safe as Sodium batteries, but not sure those are available yet

[@howardgoldstein7867]

Hi Tory, Just wondering why you haven't installed any insulation in your van at this point? When do you plan on doing that and what kind of insulation do you plan on using? Thanks

[@ToryDelury]

I installed it this week! I’m hoping to post the videos in the next two weeks. I’ll be using Havelock Wool :)

[@spidersj12]

To be safe, calculating the Amp hour battery capacity, you should have is at least double whatever your calculated capacity needs are, so you have a decent safety margin and enough solar panel charging capacity to charge through system in 8 hours of good sun in part latitudes, the higher the latitude you'll be the through, increase your solar panel total wattage capacity. If your feverish through the northern party of YNt candidates provinces, Canadian Territories or Alaska, you get far less sun per square meter or square foot and need more total solar panel capacity to get the same charging effective wattage than if you were in California, Arizona or Texas.

[@CarlMassop]

Expensive!

[@AG4KN]

Don't always think about the "will this work scenario"; but think about things in terms of "will this work in snow, rain, wind, severe solar storm, severe heat, how long. "

[@votives19]

Why would you not install Elec water pump, water heater, induction stovetop, shower & toilet and Microwave? Just curious.

[@CyndiB-ds8mv]

I wanted to ask the same question .... ???

[@votives19]

@@CyndiB-ds8mv We never got a answer did we?

[@CyndiB-ds8mv]

@@votives19 Apparently not. Just curious..

[@ShamimJahuri]

Brilliant as always. Glad everything is okay,you are so perfect. Shamim 💯✌✅🧜‍♀️💞🤝💗🦜🦋👏🎎🕊👀⚘

[@patrickdk77]

I've made a huge point of no AC loads in my build, the only AC load I have is cooking, so inverter would only be on an hour a day or so, but only while cooking, cannot make induction and microwaves work on DC, just not possible.

[@richadent968]

My brain melted many many years ago trying to find why my cars battery keep draining down. So after going through the dash and everything else I could think of, I started to check the new parts. Finnally found it was a new voltage regulator was bad.

[@lyfandeth]

Charging at 100 amps? Nice.

[@MJ-ge6jz]

Will Prowse Channel is a great resource for all things solar. He helped me choose my 30 Kwatt system. There is something to be said with Solar Generators, I have a few for backups. Each person's solution is unique for their requirements. Just take your time.

[@earlhamil731]

EcoFlow 15000wh is the only way to go. Batteries, control unit and screen. 48v AC . Only way to go.

[@Theoppositeofchaos]

Thanks for sharing... 4 times a day to charge a phone wow heavy user

[@chestermcnabb6661]

❤ hello again Tori I will watch you on my 55 inch TV screen so I can see you better thank you for sharing❤

[@Lovereadheads02]

💙

[@chestermcnabb6661]

❤ good morning Tori 🌻 that's great to hear dear I hope everything turns out super great a lot of girls are perfecting their own values for travel good luck baby girl❤

[@brucesamuelson7541]

Idk where you get your info but agm batteries last up to 7 years, by that math I'll get 14 years buying them twice for less than lithium that last 10! They also don't stop supplying power at a preset low voltage level as lithium do. I've had mine over 3 years no problems!

[@robertstuck3214]

A lot of good content, but I think you let the sponsorship get in the way of a better system. All you did was built a power station like you had been using but with a little more power. As an example, many of the BLUETTI units are more powerful for good prices and they are expandable. They also have a great App for system monitoring. Just food for thought.

[@ToryDelury]

Honestly, I could have gotten a sponsorship from anyone. I wasn’t paid for this, I asked numerous professionals and they all told me this was the way to go. I think no matter what I would have chosen people would tell me I could have chosen better. But I really don’t see what’s wrong with this system? This is expandable too and has a great app. Could you tell me what features this doesn’t have that I should have been looking out for? I’m open to learning :)

[@robertstuck3214]

@@ToryDelury I think you should have gone with a LiFePO4 over the ion. More Charge Cycles and safer to use. Li-Ion does pack a lot of power but I think having more charge cycles and safer may top that. You also talked about everything being confusing. I certainly agree with that. Building out your system will still be too difficult for many. Simplicity is the key and the new solar generator units check that box. I also agree that no matter what you used there would have been a critic. That's how this KZbin business works. Influencers make videos for the public to watch, and the the public gets to react. It is an ugly process at times. The biggest draw back of your system is the cost and your influence is pushing people to the system that may not be economical. To be fair, there should have been a comparison of your new system compared to many other options. But that is not how product sponsorships work. I would love to see a follow video in about 6 months to see if you have any additional pros and cons of the system. I do like watching your journey even if I don't agree with all of the content. Great job on your solar panel install you recently posted. You did a great job on that. I am in the market for new panels myself as my old once are at their end of life. Keep up the great job you are doing. I am a fan of the content.

[@a_d_a_t]

🎉👍

[@philsaunter]

Lithium Batteries have fallen in price. Companies like Renogy had their Core Series for as little as 200 euros for 100Ah this summer. If you don't need an exciting brand name like Battleborn or Liontron, I'd go with those Lithium batteries before buying AGM no doubt.

[@MrDmlive]

smart chick alert!

[@chilibeanhere]

1000%

[@bobmariano3731]

👍😘⚾️

[@mikesgarage394]

There is no reason for list 2( other than outlet count), the only time it would serve a purpose was if it was the 12v ( or whatever your system voltage is) - then it would be ac/dc items you could run either way. For the powerbrick items you use input watts for your power audit

[@CGGC0202]

that price is INSANE for ONLY 2,000 watts and 400 AH. you could have just done your own for way less and you'd actually understand what's involved and easily fix or replace components

[@ToryDelury]

👀 For a DIY kit it’s a great price compared to the competition, I decided that my time saved learning to DIY a kit was worth the money. If you know of a better priced DIY kit I’d love to hear about it, I researched and this was the best I found. But of course am open to learning about new systems :)

[@mikesgarage394]

For that price you could do a 48V home system.

[@ToryDelury]

But I don’t need a 48V home system? I needed a 12V camper van system that I wouldn’t spend countless weeks learning and building. And then after questioning if I installed correctly / safely. And for a DIY camper van kit I found this was comparatively a good price. Do you know a DIY camper van kit for a better price?

[@conradcoolerfiend]

not apples to apples cause that takes way more knowledge, time learning, and either install time or money to pay a pro to install.

[@CGGC0202]

@@ToryDelury the point is DIY kits are horrible value anyway. You are a super smart woman, and it's no way more difficult than anything else you do on your channel. 48v vs 12v isn't more difficult, it's basically the same, and cheaper you spend less on wiring, and it's more efficient. 12v system is much more expensive for cabling and the components work harder and are less efficient.

[@jamesyahn]

I am sorry, I am a huge fan of Stolp but $6500 for that kit is insane. I have a lot of those parts but only 1 230ah battery and about half of the price. You do so much research and already know about explorist life so I am disappointed in you, Tory, for not just researching it a little bit more and building your own. It is not that hard and if something breaks, you can fix it yourself.

[@fastiepl]

Why are you soo beautiful

[@elison19120]

Please finish building your camper van. You should have been done already.

[@factorykat]

Are you paying for her build? No? Then leave. She doesn't owe you anything, this is her van, her project and she is perfectly within her right to take as long as she feels appropriate to get everything just the way she wants it. You don't know her from jack, she is a stranger on the internet so you haven't an inkling what actually goes on behind the scenes and in her life. If you have an issue with the speed at which she is working, then find another channel. There's tons of them.

[@angelarivera6010]

I’m sorry but you practically did nothing this summer and now you’re doing talking videos. Get the van done You need to get to travel. People won’t tell you this. they’ll just stop watching. We don’t want that.

[@ToryDelury]

I have a severe illness that - even today for example when I went out to work on the van & got an hour in and then got so sick I had to stop. I hated myself for it but I get so physically ill & that’s not my fault. On the days I am sick I am able to write videos like these, I just had COVID for a week, I struggled to even walk without losing my vision from dizziness, I was so ill, but I was able to write up this script. Unfortunately getting the van done isn’t as simple as it sounds. :(

[@URKlewless]

@@ToryDelurygotta love keyboard warriors telling you how to live your life

[@conradcoolerfiend]

@@ToryDelury dont "hate yourself" for things out of your control. really you shouldnt hate yourself for any reason. Loving yourself unconditionally is the foundation for any forward progress. Your install video series is great, I have learned a ton of new things even though ive watched 100's of hours of install content before. Keep it up! We are big fans of you the person!

[@SomeplaceOrAnother]

@@ToryDeluryholy crap 😱 get well soon 😊

[@KCSea]

Life happens between videos, this is her project on her time. She is bing lovely to share it with us.

[@kntwing23]

I THINK I FOULD MY WIFE.. THAT IS YOU..🥰😍😘❤😻