ROOKIE 12V MISTAKES that are KILLING your offgrid system SILENTLY! 3 easy cheap DIY tips Caravan 4x4

#offgrid #12volt #diy
The rookie 12v mistakes everyone makes and 3 easy, cheap, DIY tips to get 50% more out of your 12v system in your 4x4, caravan or boat to keep you offgrid and powered up for longer! don't destroy your 12v system silently!
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[@lainleyh5805]

I don’t watch a lot of KZbin but I have been living off grid for 6 years and this guy knows what he’s talking about it’s probably because he’s not wearing shoes.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Hahah thanks legend!! I hate wearing shoes and love Solar ❤️❤️😂

[@Offgridhippie]

Grounded🤙🏼

[@KenFullman]

@@Offgridhippie Yep, he's down to earth.

[@blakefekkaz8328]

and just like that ! my solar charge is back to normal. i seriously dont know what i'd do without your helpful 12v episodes .

[@lukekowald]

Main takeaways are at 16:33 - Use appropriately thick cable - Use MPPT controller if you have a large solar panel bank (otherwise PWM controller fine for smaller panels) and keep controller as close to battery as possible - Keep your solar panels clean

[@man.i.literally.failed6772]

and eat your veggies 😆😆

[@KenFullman]

And don't wear shoes unless it's absolutely essential.

[@everybody5508]

Thanks Keelan I'm 65 female and just starting out on the road. Your knowledge is easy to digest. Learn something everyday. Safe, travels to you and your family.

[@AndrewSmith-pp6ir]

I'm up on most things electrical, and as a 4WD and Van owner I commend you on your video explaining this to people who don't understand. I have seen some shocking installations over the years and what is surprising is that a lot of Caravan manufacturers are using the wrong size cable. Remember most Caravan manufacturers are like used car salesmen and will cut every corner they can. They don't even balance the wheels on your van from new.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

thanks Andrew! thanks for the kind comment mate! glad you enjoyed it and I explained it semi well. its all about cost saving for most manufactures thats right! We are very happy Urban Caravans are always trying to improve an already good product and the R & D testing we do in the field is put into practice so the next customer gets an even better van than ours!! cheers mate

[@gunterbecker8528]

❤Great stuff mate

[@johndorrington3461]

I agree I wire and drive super yachts and this video is way more informative than anything I've seen

[@Caml80]

The easiest way to explain the difference between a PWM and an MPPT controller is that the PWM controller is pretty much limited to the voltage it sees from the panel, if the panel is proving a high voltage this type of regulator will simply clip it, the battery will charge but not as efficiently. These can work well in sunny conditions, in shady conditions these can limit charge to a point that they are pretty much ineffective. A MPPT charger on the other hand ( think ohms law ) can convert the higher input voltages from the solar panel, to the 14.4v / 13.8v ( charge profile specific ) and increase the amps, rather than just clipping it. It provides a better charge cause it makes use of excess voltage by converting into amps. This is why an MPPT charge controller will provide better performance in shady conditions. Especially when mated to a higher voltage panel. Keep up the good work! Keep living the dream!

[@williamk1452]

the difference in charge is significant. Just like the wire size. pwm just wastes juice!

[@marksoya712]

Very true. I switched the pwm controller on my 200w glass portable panel over to a mppt. The difference was substantial and the reduced battery charging time quite notable.

[@ErnieCole-ti1xl]

Where have you been my solar life. Solved my issue. Thankyou

[@MyKharli]

you can bundle thinner wires together for a nearly as good effect if your stuck , just get the total mm2 up to the 16 or whatever you need and take care the endings are joined properly.

[@scubajunkie6591]

Have learnt more in your last two videos about solar, setting it , how it works and what to use than the research and watching other vids over past two months 😂. Again thanks mate !! When you finish being a sparky you need to teach it to people ! Doing a bloody awesome job 🙏☝️🍺

[@WhiskeyHunterVAT69]

Great info, Thank you for the VOD. 👍👍 I'm just getting started, haven't even bought my tow rig yet, research, research,research.

[@traceycrawford9938]

I really appreciate these videos where you try to simplify electrical systems for those of us who know absolutely nothing about electricity. I’m so confused, but your videos help! Voltage, watts, current, amps, DC, Inverters, regulators, resistance, 12 volt… does my head in lol 🤦🏻‍♀️😂

[@susanrockliff2182]

I cant believe I understood your enthusiastic explanation. Thanks.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

I can Susan! your awesome thats why! back yourself! thanks for watching!

[@leithmurray736]

One thing a lot of people don’t realise regarding the length of the cable is that with DC the run is both ways, so this has to be allowed for in your calculation regarding cable size

[@donherley1811]

Good point, so the run length is effectively double the measured length.

[@leithmurray736]

@@donherley1811 correct, which in short runs of 1 or 2 meters is no big deal, but if you have the appliance 5 meters away it is a run length of 10 meters which In most cases will require going up a wire size to prevent voltage drop.

[@mickwatson2177]

You made that the easiest to understand that I have ever heard. Well done mate. Cheers 👍 🐕🤠

[@gail9906]

Dirty solar panels could easily be overlooked! Great tip👍👍❤️🇦🇺🦘

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

That’s it!! Thanks Gail!! Hope you are going well!! 🤙🏽🍻❤️

[@MrDyhard]

There are squillions of off grid videos, but this one is, in my view, one of the best I have seen. Explaining 12V systems is a blind spot in the other videos. Well done.👍

[@wally1957]

The biggest lesson I learned in my RV Solar system is to wire everything to 24V. I now use a 24V inverter and I wire 12V batteries in series and parallel to make them 24V compatible. I also wire solar panels in series and parallel to make them 24V. I was running a 12V system with a 12V inverter 3000w and the amps created by using 12V was so high that the battery cables started smoking and I caught it in time as I was doing a battery drain test with a heavy load for an extended time. Since then like I said I went to 24V which lowers the amps and resistance. They should never make a 3000W inverter for 12V system as it is too dangerous. It allows for too many amps to flow and something will burn! That doesn't mean that I still do not use 12V lights and such as I still do but I use like one separate battery circuit to operate the 12V side. The rest of my Solar system is wired to a Controller, Inverter, Transfer Switch and then directly to my RV fuse panel for 110V. I should stop talking here but I also took the POWER HUNGRY Roof Top air conditioners and threw them over board! I then installed two compartments with outside doors, one in the living room and one in the bedroom (inside entertainment center and bedroom cabinet) and installed 500 watt air conditioners on drawer slide platforms. Simply open door, slide AC halfway out and turn it on. The two air conditioners run on my solar system with ease with no soft start needed! They both run on less power than one single roof top ac. I also use Alexa to turn them on and off. Each AC is less than $400. Compare that to any standard roof top AC and besides you will never get a standard RV AC to run on solar without mods like a soft start and tons of battery storage. This is just some of the stuff I learned being a RV full timer for 20 years.

[@ingridmatschke]

Interesting and informative, thanks.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks legend

[@sailinghjem]

Really nice explanations, thanks very much.

[@wayneravelich3078]

I have been a sparky sinse the late 70s. This is the best informative clip for the average person I have seen. Well done.

[@madmouse7915]

Awesome video bruv, just watched one of your others and I just wanted to say thanks for putting out genuinely helpful information on this stuff. I was actually able to utilize your information easily AND it's worked properly and better than ever before. Soooo incredibly stoked I discovered your videos before I completed certain major parts of my build because I've learned where I can create more space due to how I will and won't be setting things up now. Thanks again, you're awesome 👍, stay safe and well wherever you are and travel to 👍🤙✌️

[@SeanCleverly]

That was epic mate and much appreciated.

[@rufioreed3953]

That was one of the most informative videos. Thanks!!!

[@horsepowerfrommiddleearth1723]

Good common sense Keelan

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

thanks mate

[@brianohehir9515]

Great pres bud, thanks for keeping it simple enough for old blokes like me to understand!

[@NomaddUK]

Very well explained with great real world examples. I have now subbed and will take note of this when doing my build. Thanks.

[@razer192]

Great information thanks ❤

[@Lisas-Days]

Thanks for explaining this and showing this is a way that makes it easy to understand!

[@jamesmertzelos210]

Thanks for sharing 👊

[@alvamlmltd9031]

Very informative, thank you.

[@outdooraussie6355]

Best explanation I've seen on KZbin! Well done mate. Appreciate it. Cheers 🍻

[@WendyPearson-yz4lx]

Brilliant! Excellent communication and obviously very capable! Thanks, mate!

[@robertbanks8076]

You just cleared up a heap of confusion that I have always struggled with. Thanks heaps. Subbed

[@only-vans]

The very same 12v rules applies when you build an overland camper van too. Roof full of solar and a blanket and fat flex for the win. Especially true here in UK where the sun only really shines for 3 hours at the height of summer on august 12th, if we have a lucky day. Your island is a lot bigger than our island and seems to have eternal sunshine. Lovin' your channel.

[@wingingitadventures]

Good info. Thanks

[@another_playday]

Thanks!! That wire size test makes it very clear!

[@darkhorseeuc]

Very helpful thanks!

[@Tony-vg8wg]

Glad to see you taken your own time to explain this to users. Its so common that as you state you get suggested the correct amp cable but incorrect gauge of cable you need to use on distance and draw. Thanks great video mate cheers...

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

about to make another video today on the topic! thanks for watching mate!!

[@JamesRousseaux]

Fantastic info. Thanks for sharing

[@melanibarry8677]

Thank you for explaining it in easy to understand terms. Very helpfull.

[@kennycowell4624]

Amazing video mate..!! I’ve learnt so much..!! Thankyou..!! 🤙🏻

[@knm5405]

Very Good Job ... Thank you

[@j.b.struckinadventures4993]

Gday Sarah and Keegan. That I think is the best explanation of how to get the most out of a 12 volt system that I’ve heard. I’d never heard or considered the voltage drop from the regulator on solar panels. Thanks for the tips 👍🏻

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks legend! Appreciate that feedback!!

[@sharynallott7332]

Keelan, this is the best video to help me understand further the use of solar panel in a 12volt system. Thanks heaps!

[@davedowner1349]

Good stuff mate. You keep it simple plus your also entertaining.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks legend

[@roberthoffman1691]

some great points very helpful .

[@kevinwilson8350]

Loving these videos, turns my brain into mush but certainly helps with what to keep an eye out for. Cheers.

[@brandonp4255]

Thank you bro great video with a lot of helpful info.

[@user-zi5wl3yj3d]

WOW. This is my new addition to teaching physical science and creating a project for the my middle school students. Love it!

[@JRGGG]

Thank you!

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

you are welcome legend!!

[@stephenanderson4148]

Enjoyed the video, especially the real-time measurements. I was particularly interested in the big change from 9A to 4 by 5A when using the the thicker cable. I think this is actually due to the Enerdrive Dc2Dc charger derating the output current when it senses the input voltage fall below spec (11.5V) This makes me think that the voltage drop between car and converter should not be more than 2.0V (13.5 - 11.5V) @ 50A approx. Or around 40 milliohms. This equates to about 9 AWG (or 6 mm2) over 15m (go & return) and lines up with your result. It would be interesting to see if doubling the cable size to say 20mm2 (4 or 5 AWG) fixes the problem.

[@DesertTuna]

Your a true gem Cheers you said best

[@truhartwood3170]

Watched two of your vids and learned more than watching dozens of other vids on the topic, with better and more practical explanations as well. Thanks!

[@davidlovett4427]

Legend, I like the way u explain things and KISS.. principle applies. Great video

[@MrBede80]

Great work 👌🏻 nice and simple to understand mate.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate! Glad it wasn’t to wishy washy!!

[@Prog27801]

Great info thanks !!

[@eddymarshall4014]

Nice work Keelan.... Good tips and sensible knowledge for all... 👌

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks eddy! Glad you enjoyed it

[@konkaragounakis5924]

I've just discovered your channel and wow! Super impressed with your passion, energy and sincere desire to debunk myths and help people, legend. Really enjoy your channel.

[@LostTribeAdventures]

Love the tech talk mate. Took away some useful info🤙

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks legend!! Hope your guys are going well 🤙🏽🍻🤙🏽

[@Kristenoyinbo]

Just started watching your channel. I am soon going off grid in a tiny house and van so I need to know all this. Thankyou for sharing oxox

[@stephtraveler7378]

Excellent content mate.

[@ghostpepperrides4805]

Very well said

[@nhpstone]

Thank you for this. I have been watching RV solar and other solar videos for a while, I got more information about how to 'set up' a system than I have in all the hours I have spent trying to learn about the systems.

[@timnorth7524]

Good job mate, excellent content keep them coming✌️

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Tim! Will do mate

[@kellymcdonald6735]

Really helpful and informative for those of us that don’t understand anything about electrical information and off grid living

[@bentoncushing8693]

Great show,,,very good info, ,,thanks bunch

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

thanks legend!!

[@penelopemcnulty2035]

Really clear explanation. Thanks

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Cheers mate

[@matthalpin1981]

Brilliant video. So informative. Thanks Keelan.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

thanks Matt!

[@user-hc2bi1ri2t]

Well done my son, this is a most excellent video, unlike half the 4WD personalities on youtube who spend their time mostly talking complete horse shit about DC electric setups - you actually understand the theory behind voltage & current.

[@mtzproductions]

Thanks so much Guys, used your discount code for the 3rd time now, appreciate it and the great advice, and the great channel!

[@Ploggy.]

Awesome video thanks for taking the time and effort to make it and post it 👍👍👍

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

All good legend cheers for watching

[@awesometoursnz]

Really interesting and informative, thanks for sharing this knowledge Keelan, much appreciated. Cheers 🍻

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mark!! Glad you got something out of it!! Cheers mate 🤙🏽🍻

[@bundybear3516]

that really was helpful, thank you.👍

[@andrewwoolley5758]

Great vid. Likely the best I’ve seen showing the real world examples hopefully will really drive home the importance of using the right size cable

[@heartslessons6243]

Thank you. I am just getting into solar for camping this help me alot.

[@user-qz5vo9ki1h]

Spot on chat young bloke, just helped me out heaps 👌

[@Bloomers99]

Great summary of a complex topic. Thanks mate

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate!!

[@zdet4723]

Great video Keelan. The only thing I didn't understand (as a person who just bought his first 4X4 and a trailer) - did you say you ran 35mm cables for your system? That's one heck of a wire.

[@ronstwart422]

Excellent video!!! Great info Thank you

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Ron!! Cheers mate

[@nomadicconquistador7-5-39]

Awsome video, I like how the visual walk through with voltage drop by changing the wire sizes for all to see. Thank you.

[@ifell3]

Great video!!

[@randomspirit]

Very informative, thank you!

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks legend

[@fanaticforager6610]

For the most sustainable use of a 3000w, Pure Sine~Wave Inverter, how many volts do you recommend, In relation to the [C-rate] 🍻 3:49

[@AngeloVenturato]

good information much appreciated

[@tomchekotevski9105]

M8 just came across your video today, and how easily you have made it for me to understand this, I take my hat off to you! How you explain it all is why I am now going to subscribe to your channel. It's my pleasure to see your videos and keep them coming. On ya m8, cheers! Great set-up you've got as well ! Enjoy the great outdoors.

[@michaelcameron8904]

Well explained Keelan. Bravo from Victoria Australia

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks legend!! Glad you enjoyed it

[@2marice2]

Thanks. I really wish I knew this stuff better BUT I learned much from your video.

[@tracymeskel2839]

Excellent breakdown. Thank you so much. I will be subscribing.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

The main Tracy Thank-you for subscribing and welcome!!

[@georgecarra]

Thank you - and I really mean Thank you - for sharing your knowledge with me. Your a Champion to me.

[@marcosilvestrini5231]

Thank you

[@Montana_Outdoor_Adventures]

Very well done, clear and concise explanations. Thank you for the effort put into this video.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

thanks legend! got another video coming out this Sunday where we cover similar topics!

[@gabrielfranco6112]

Mate that was great thanks for the lesson, some great tips that should Help me keep the most charging power whilst I’m out bush. Legend

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

All good mate glad you enjoyed it!!

[@frankguernier2280]

Hi guys thanks for the great explanation. I have just purchased a complete Itech 3 battery system for my truck. And can't wait to start my canopy set up. Cheers.

[@matt08sydney]

Great video very informative I’ve had my setup all ready to go and get it fitted I will absolutely make sure I follow your advice thank you 🤟🏼👍

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks legend!! Glad you enjoyed it! Pretty much if you over kill the cable size you’ll have a far better system than someone that dosnt!! Cheers

[@user-er7dt5xu9y]

What a bloody top little doco, great stuff. Very much a video everyone should have a look at. Cheers fella very good explanation

[@_DivineTruth_is_Home_]

Thank you ❤

[@jasonpace442]

great info there keelan and well communicated for the beginner into these systems. keep safe.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Jason!! You too mate 🤙🏽🍻🤙🏽

[@michaelberesford7190]

Thats why I like my Kickass cabling kit for my Kickass battery and box.Itech DCDC charger not badly priced.might go for that.Sorry i missed catching you at the Sydney show.Saw you there but wifey rushed me through.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Itech dcdc is very well priced!! All good mate!! We will catch you next time thanks for the comment mate

[@Accolades70]

That was Electrifying !!!!

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Hahah love it!! 😂🤙🏽

[@scattyfox]

Found this really intresting thank you, i am not very knowledgable on cabling 😊