RV Solar Install With Keep Your Daydream (RV Electrical Upgrades)

We did a complete RV Electrical Upgrade to Grand Ginger! You will definitely want to see Keep Your Daydream's videos on the system, I can't wait to see how it works out for them and future upgrades and updates.
If you are looking for our favorite inverter and most recommended
RV Solar Connections. Use Code "AllAboutRVs5" to save 5%
Best Victron Inverter MultiPlus II bit.ly/3t6OOpL
Victron Multiplus II. bit.ly/3iSpIIQ
Keep Your Daydream video . • THE ULTIMATE RV SOLAR ...
Here is a list of what we installed:
Victron Multiplus amzn.to/2LE6DUZ
Battle Born Battery amzn.to/2JFeyUz
Zamp Solar Kit amzn.to/2JBwLPx
Solar Charge Control amzn.to/2JviEiP
Battery Monitor amzn.to/2sXogaF
Inverter Fuse amzn.to/2JvS9py
Battery Disconnect amzn.to/2HBUTjw
Solar Breaker amzn.to/2JIsi0U
Wire came from [e-mail]
Here is our Amazon page for our favorite gear. We will be adding more products as we find more products we use and love. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
www.amazon.com/shop/jaredgillis
[e-mail]
Passport America WE USE THIS ALL THE TIME. passportamerica.com?rfsn=2638351
Harvest Host Link harvesthosts.refr.cc/jaredgillis
Membership link
/ @allaboutrvs

[@jeffdana9402]

I would say that Mark owes you Bigly. I'll bet that he really appreciates your expertise!

[@2cqql1]

Love your channel, Jarod! Extremely informative for us newbies to the RV world. This is, by far, the best descriptive of the battery/solar configuration that I've seen. Thanks for your efforts to share your knowledge.

[@DustinDoes]

I still don't understand why you only have 13k followers. Should be well over 100k. Your awesome man

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks! Hoping to reach that many subs for sure!

[@hhiippiittyy]

Up to 30k!

[@susanlespostlethwait421]

I totally agree! This channel is the bomb! I so want solar in my older Airstream (1995) and I think his advice (and maybe help) I will get there! sue

[@helodriver20]

Update May 31, 2019, 58,320 + subscribers

[@vinpat9]

Colorado Picker Simply put, this video gives you only bits and pieces of info only. If you were to buy all these equipments and tried to install it yourself, you will be lost. Hence he lost me and a whole bunch of other “RVers”. He did say that its too much info to give so question is why the helpless video, experts say that’s because of the revenue or free products he gets to advertise products in this video, bottom line.

[@marksmith9317]

Jared! You are THE BOSS! Your animated schematic is amazing! Thanks for such a comprehensive, yet simplified look at how to put such an electrical system together!

[@kevin-sawmill-lx25]

Wow. Looked like a a spider web to me. Great idea of drawing it all on paper before installation. Enjoyed seeing some different options for upgrades. Thanks!

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Incredible. Such a great explanation of how all this stuff works!

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks Marc! We had a blast doing this with you!

[@bigtrucklittlerv7969]

Says you Marc

[@retiredandrollin]

You guys are awesome. Best video for this type of project I've seen yet; hands down. Now, can you add an addendum video and explain how to splice in a generator into your schematic? Lol. I'm asking for too much right?

[@matteobrayden3276]

instaBlaster.

[@wakeupandwander6833]

You have a gift for making interesting and entertaining videos that make it easier for people to learn and understand the topics you are covering. Thank you.

[@RobertJory10]

Boy, this makes it very easy to understand. I got overwhelmed with other videos.

[@billlindner]

This, without a doubt, was one of the best RV solar explanations I've watched. Well done!

[@retiredandrollin]

Bill Lindner @ I couldn't agree more. Fantastic work. I so wish he would have gone juuuuust one step further; like if you have a generator, where does it fit in to the schematic. I guess I'm asking for too much? Lol

[@JRMoritz]

Little over my head... I am glad there are guys like you!

[@frankgermo2515]

JR Moritz m/

[@henryreimer8906]

Thank you! This is the best explanation of RV battery/electrical systems I've seen. I'll be coming back to it when I'm ready to upgrade my system.

[@HumbleRoad]

Excellent explanation. Easy to understand.

[@kathyvendegna8041]

By the way... You have become my number one go to for rv help videos ! Thank you so much!

[@MattyVanHalen]

see, this is why i like your site. im a numbers guy. i like they way you explain things in your videos. i still say, you are the best at this kind of thing, out of all the rv channels iv seen. this is your niche! i appreciate what you do! great job!

[@deltabravo1257]

Excellent video! I got addicted to inverters/solar in the 90s when I worked for one of the companies that later became Xantrex.

[@Hundert1]

Electronics so beautiful and amazing! God bless the humans who care to improve things and make life simpler, more affordable, easier, healthier, safer and more fun. I need the portable solar panels because I park in the shade always. Hopefully someday all the RVs will come with excellent quality solar systems! !

[@thomasdipaolo2349]

Appreciate the details. Plan to add solar. Taking our time though to ensure we understand how it all works. Videos like your are extremely helpful. Thank you

[@DocGTO]

Enjoying the VLOG!!! You are very handy with installs and that solar install on KYDs camper was insane! I also picked up the battery and propane gauges after I watched your videos. Keep on Rocking!!! Doc Martin w/ Sleeping Around with the Martin's.

[@davidgadbury1832]

I learned so much from this video. Thanks a bunch for explaining this upgrade in a way that an ole country boy could understand it.👍😁

[@mccarthy7566]

Great stuff! I appreciate your thoughts on each of the products, as you know your stuff. Also interesting to watch 2 videos of the same project. Marc’s perspective was helpful but different. Thanks, I’m now a subscriber.

[@michaelarmstrong8760]

Jared, I follow most of the blogs regarding modifications for the RV and I must say like others - I am amazed you do not have more followers. It is apparent that your fellow bloggers feel the same about what your knowledge is since they reach out to you for assistance. Keep the information coming and I hope to meet you someday and thank you for your help.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks! We have a lot of ideas for videos and coming out with a new series here soon.

[@roadhog6603]

Excellent. Getting ready to install solar and using your information to install it.👍

[@waltfore280]

Great video. Thanks for the breakdown/schematics. Looks like a nice setup. Safe travels. Later

[@bitworkx6028]

Very good video. Thanks for the information. I really like the active video diagrams showing the flow of electricity...the highlighting of certain components over others, the ability to turn on or off a thing in a diagram as you're describing it. I was able to follow you as you were talking about it. I like the quick description of the components and basic understanding of the systems functions. Thanks.

[@bostonblueguy]

Amazing walk through. Love the diagrams and explanations!

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks!

[@DianaSFNg]

Wow! Great solar system! Good friend in Mark! Excellent battery wiring! Love your video, great explanation! Thank you! 👍👍😊🇨🇦

[@sarah5442]

OMG. Best design layout on screen I've ever seen. It also managed to clarify issues not covered in many other installations I've watched. Can you send me a screen shot?

[@1946shooter]

Thanks so much for an easy to understand how to on RV electrics. I have also watched your post on different battery types and found it so informative I forwarded the post to one of the groups I am in, Motorhomes Australia.

[@wescat2]

Found your site through KYD. Immediately subscribed. Great stuff keep and very informative. Stuff is awesome keep it up!

[@stuartfralick295]

Brilliant!! Your videos are so educational and you do such a good job at making things simple so even dummies like me can understand.

[@4blake]

Great work and set up!

[@Tubular1517]

Thank you so much for sharing this! Your video filled in the gaps of my multiple wiring schematics I was building my system off of. THANK YOU!!!

[@AllAboutRVs]

Glad it helped. I’m working on a video now for how to power both sides of the 50 amp panel from the inverter.

[@southerncaliforniabailbond4688]

This video was helpful. I have watched many videos on installing rv solar panels but none them had the diagram and clear explanation your videos has. Thanks for the information. I am a subscriber now.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thank you!

[@emptynestersrvingpalomeque1110]

The best visuals and easy to understand instructions, amazing video thank you.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thank you!

[@aprildawn8692]

This was very helpful so thank you for sharing! All of your videos are great, and I appreciate all of your tips & hard work. ☺

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thank you!

[@aaronyoung5872]

Very cool good job on the install!!!

[@Gr8LakesCamper]

Your computer rendering of the system was excellent; very informative.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thank you!

[@freddypride3535]

Very well explained for a newbie to understand Bravo

[@scottlindsey2262]

Wow, that's AWESOME!

[@sherylshupel]

my new favorite solar video. Thanks!

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thank you!

[@regenagroen4631]

Hi Jared saw you installing this on KYD's You sir did an AWESOME job!! You have explained everything so simply even for me lol!!! We're not rvers YET. Hoping in the next year!!! Just subscribed you. Nice to meet you & your so good on explaining EVERYTHING!! Thank You.. Safe Travels Jared!!!!

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thank you!

[@cmcraig1220]

Fabulous!!

[@frugaldiyhandyguy9295]

Hi Jarod. Nice video, very informative. Thanks.

[@takayama1638]

I saw it on Marc's channel. I follow all y'all boys.

[@leeisselhardt609]

Jared, great informative video. In planning stage to buy a small tv and will want to add solar. Thanks for the information.

[@LuckyCharmRVing]

Great video and breakdown. I love that polar wire, sure beats the struggle with Napa wire! I’m in the process of installing two 24/3000’s in split phase at the moment. Victron sure is nice equipment! Great job 👌🏻

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks!

[@BiglerThanEver]

Simple yet technical explanation...best I've seen yet! I will be in contact regarding my B-Van project.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks

[@BiglerThanEver]

All About RV's sent you a msg. Contact me please.

[@WonderWhatsNext]

Jared, this was amazing! Thanks for taking the time to make this video, I also send you a KZbin message.

[@AllAboutRVs]

I’ll look for your message, thanks

[@gailjohnson6670]

Excellent video...Very informative and explanation..Thank you for the video..Have a Blessed Day..

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thank you! Have a blessed day also!

[@scottroder5516]

Your best video yet

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks!

[@mountaintoplifestyle]

Awesome video!!!

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thank you.

[@aronfreelander3685]

Ty for answering. I think i need to buy the stuff and find you to help install. Lol

[@miketomas8564]

Hahaha You did all that AND beat Mark's post by 3 hours!! hahaha.. Way to go Jared!

[@byebye9785]

This is the third video I've watched of yours and they're great, just subbed. I added solar, but was too terrified of puncturing the roof, so it was a 20W panel bolted to the air conditioner cowling and the cables ran down alongside the fridge flue (with other existing wires, so presumably they don't get too hot). It keeps the habitation batteries charged when it's parked up and provide a few hours of light and TV when you're going back out again, saves a little generator fuel. A few hundred watts of solar power is likely to become a necessity in newer RVs with regular household compressor refrigerators fitted instead of the 12v/mains/lpg heated absorption refrigerators. Anyone notice in the second Jurassic Park movie (The Lost World), that scene (was it where Ian Malcolm's daughter entered the RV? I can't remember) as they turn on the power, you hear a faint sound a little like a small gas turbine starting up? Pity no one used that for inspiration...

[@DavidLaFerney]

Great video! I’m about to take the first steps toward a similar installation beginning with dc-dc charger and smart shunt - later phases to be battle borns and solar. Lots of great info available on all that stuff. Not so much with wiring, connectors, buss bars distribution blocks etc. A video on incidental electrical hardware would be awesome. Thanks.

[@smoke09able]

Very informative video. Thanks for the explanation with diagram.

[@rtpmedic66]

Awesome video...thanks!

[@Invertersrus]

Cool vid, well done Sir!

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks

[@TheBobcatGuy]

great video you have one of the best how to on this install thanks

[@bptraveler6608]

Great info. It would've been nice to see how to integrate a Generator for those cloudy days boondocking.

[@TheHungryCubanAdventures]

WOW I know who to call when I add solar.

[@BillGreenAZ]

Glad to see they are going with lithium batteries. I would have gone with bigger wattage on the roof if it were me.

[@lawrenceconstantine7735]

I think you explained it better than most Xantraxs is coming out with an encased battery that will heat it up if it gets too cold was just posted on RV Geeks

[@AllAboutRVs]

I saw the Xantrax batteries and they also look very impressive. It's a smart idea to have them self-regulate temp in the cold.

[@robertgarbe6348]

I put a 80 watt battery pad, a small inverter, a temperature switch and Voila a poor mans xantrex. Batteries heat themselves. Also have them inside the rig so double safe.

[@chiefvia4170]

This helped so much

[@lakelili]

Extremely well explained. That schematic was terrific. Thanks so much for doing this!

[@MountainBeaches]

Awesome job Jared. Thanks so much for the detail and the schematic. This is very similar to an install I am in the middle of doing. The last bit of info I was looking for was how was what to do with the shore power and your presentation was spot on in simply answering that for me. I'll have to watch your video on how you get both sides of the breaker panel powered. Thanks again! One quick question, how did you split the wires that come from the shore power? Did you splice those into two new 6/3 cables?

[@JimVeNard]

Nice

[@LadyZoeBella]

I am going to have to block you and Mark if you don't stop showing my husband, Don, all of these very cool upgrades. 😂😁 just kidding 😉 thank you for explaining each component and it's function so that even I understand, to some degree, the graphic schematic was very helpful. #OurNomadicStory

[@AllAboutRVs]

Haha that’s awesome!

[@kathleenr.1089]

Have you done a video on a simple solar install? I would love to see a "starter solar" install😉

[@AllAboutRVs]

No, not yet but it is one that we will be doing soon

[@NJRESolar]

Thanks so much for this video. When connecting shore power to my Victron multi-plus and to the RV breaker panel, my panel is a Progressive Dynamics 4045ka, which has some amount of smart technology and not just a 110v, 12v and converter. Is this going to create some problems?

[@marksjunction69]

This is by far the best diagram and explanation I have seen thus far. You explain things very well. I just purchased two 12V 100 amp battle born batteries and the Victron 12/2000/80 mutliplus inverter/charger. The one part I don't understand is the second disconnect off the positive that goes directly to the fuse panel. Could you please explain? Thanks

[@JeremyPrattigmp2u]

I'm going to do something similar for my 376TH but with two inverters and Tesla batteries.

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks for sharing the setup. I love looking at this stuff too. Looks like a nice system, except for that PWM charge controller. Given the cost of those batteries, I would have gone with a controller that has more programmability so they could be adjusted to match Battle Born's exact recommendations. Those batteries won't be needing absorbtion or even float right? I can only assume Battle Born was cool with the default factory settings. I might have chosen a Victron MPPT 100/30 controller instead. Then you could have set volts/amps for all stages, then monitored the controller using the same Victron Bluetooth app as the inverter and BMS. What would you change if it were on your rig? Cheers!

[@PanelsUpSolar]

That was my first thought until I was actually able to get a hold of the system and use it to charge a Battle Born battery. The efficiency of batteries charging capability allows the PWM to work very well. The Battle Born is a complete drop in replacement for the lead acid batteries. Its BMS system will protect the battery from damage. The Zamp charge controller has the settings for the Lithium batteries and works well with them. The Battle Born Batteries are capable of being charged at 14.4-14.6 volts and will work with a 13.6 volt float. That is not the case with all lithium battery banks. However for those with more skills, desires and a slightly larger budget the Victron MPPT solar charge controller would be a great addition to being able to monitor all the systems in one app.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Exactly my thoughts. I do really like the Victron MPPT controller, I would love to have one someday.

[@AllAboutRVs]

The Victron would be an excellent choice I agree with you on that, but I was impressed we were able to change the Battery type to Lithium on this controller which should be better than the default settings. By the way, love your videos, You do a great job!

[@RVwithTito]

All About RV's Thanks for the info. I'll be keeping an eye on those batteries for a possible future upgrade. I enjoy your videos too...subbed 👍

[@DLHoltorf]

Opting Out of Normal p

[@faithoverfear2025]

here from Keep Your Daydream

[@AllAboutRVs]

Welcome!

[@anthonyc1883]

Those Battle Born 100ah lithium batteries are almost one grand each! Holy crap! I had no idea.

[@johnturner7322]

Interesting to listen to and see your plan. I also watched their video. I would like to know how much weight this install added to the tongue of their TT.

[@chuckpotter1209]

I like your idea of utilizing shrink wrap on the battery holders but isn't it important to strap down or hold the batteries in place better? You overall diagram was much easier to understand than most diagrams I have seen. Great explanation and speaking slow enough to comprehend:)

[@dannystephens8833]

You guys get close to Northern CA, I'd love to hire you to do mine too! :-) Seriously.

[@ExploringNomad]

Awesome video. Will you be doing solar installs for side work? Might have a class a lined up for you lol.

[@rckgnzls]

Thanks for the vid. I wanted to upgrade my new camper. Obviously limited space. Any ideas?

[@kobra997]

I have solar system in my trailer from the very beginning. 640W panels, 400 Ah lithium, 2800 magnum inverter. I don't use AC on the batteries. However, if I would like to, e.g. To cool down the rig, do I need to install this device in the AC for an easy start? I heard that some newer AC have this system already. Trailer Jayco 28DSBH 2017. Thx!

[@geemoe3064]

Appreciate the clear diagram you did here. Would you know by adding all this equipment, how much weight is this adding to the RV? Should be great to use off grid.

[@AllAboutRVs]

It will add a bit of weight but less than I thought it would. The Batteries and the MultiPlus are the heaviest items. The batteries are about a wash with what was there before the 2 six volt batteries weigh the same as the 4 Battleborn batteries do.

[@mbodette]

As always, great videos! We just switched to lithium (2-Relion RB300's) & 6-Zamp 170w panels and using all Magnum equipment. I see in the video you installed a digital thermostat and fan for air flow (cooling) have you or have you seen a 12v heating solution? Would you use a small fan/heater with a digital thermostat or heat pad? Any ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@jamesking4308]

👍

[@Buszzbait69]

Hey Jared great video. My 5th wheel came w a generator. Where would that get wired into? ATS? Thanks

[@Stoutluvr]

Very good video. I have a 2013 Keystone 5th wheel. I’m trying to decide how to start with my upgrade to something similar. Kinda have to do it in stages. How would you start with something that might take a year to afford and complete? Your videos are all really great. Thanks!

[@patrickornelas9457]

This is awesome we just bought a new trailer and we do a lot of drydocking (boon docking) and plan on doing exactly what your showing here. do you have a pdf that shows all of this or even jpg would work. I need it please or should I say pretty please.

[@alanburke4699]

I have watched a lot of solar set up videos and listen to a lot of explanations of solar set up ..... you by far is the BEST and easy to understand my hats off to you ! Will I still be able to run everything with only 2 litho batteries instead of 4 ( including the easy start on the AC ) with2 does that mean we would have to charge the batteries more than if we had 4 ?

[@AllAboutRVs]

It probably is possible but I wouldn’t recommend it though with just two. You can do three, oftentimes they will recommend 100 amp hours of battery per 1000 watts of inverter. And yes, the fewer batteries the more you will have to charge.

[@alanburke4699]

Thanks for the info keep those videos coming !!! Alan

[@kathyvendegna8041]

Jared, can you show a picture of the inside of the Multi Plus so that I can see the exact connections?

[@jefferycundiff3804]

What do you think about wind and sun systems specifically the “RV & marine 12v charging kit with 1280 watt solar panel & 100 amp mppt charge controller with batteries” it comes with 3 100 amp hr battle born batteries. This is the system I am considering for my travel trailer and I am pretty sure I have enough real estate on the roof for the panels but I still need to measure.

[@Z71Silverad0]

hi, great video. I would like to add solar to my 5er when I purchase it. I plan on purchasing a Jayco Northpoint. It is prewired for solar. My question is about the combiner box on the roof. Would it be best to combine all panels on the roof prior to connecting to the factory installed solar prep on the roof?

[@raycordero2821]

Great video! What amp rating did you decide to use for the fuse and breaker?

[@yelworb]

Hi Jared, I was looking at the schematic of the system you installed for keep you day dream, quick question, how did you split the wires coming from the shore power,? Is there a transfer switch or sub panel? Most 50a have 6/3 + ground wire from the shore power outlet to the panel, thx for any help you can give me

[@cutesiekitty]

Can I have you install my solar system when that day comes? Don't worry, it's still a couple of years away.

[@joekelly4595]

Very well done! Helped me immensely. I'm doing the exact install. Can you tell me what the supports are that are used to secure the batteries in the compartment? They look like angle irons or corner braces that are rubberized but I can't seem to find them on the market? Thanks for your valuable time.

[@roadtripsmargaritas599]

Hi those are L brackets with heat shrink applied.

[@philclarke3935]

Hi Jared, Thanks for putting out awesome videos. I did have a question about this install you did with KYD. Did you have to split up the breaker panel or could you have just connected the entire panel back to the Victron Inverter? Isn't it rated for 50 amps? I doing a similar install next week on my 50 amp 5th wheel toy hauler with the same Victron Inverter and thought why not just connect the entire panel and only use the appropriate equipment/appliance/etc in the RV based on what my battery bank can handle. It seems if you ensure to properly pick and choose you should be fine. I feel like having options to run everything in the coach makes sense. Any drawbacks from doing that?

[@johngemmi3576]

Hi Jared! Love you channel. Been following you for awhile now. I appreciate your ‘common sense’ approach to your videos. Not sure if you will see this comment but was wondering how long KYD can run their AC if they are sitting in full sun? In other words, can it run all day or only a few hours?

[@AllAboutRVs]

Just a few hours, it would be more to bring the temp down a little if they had been out all day.

[@workingtorelax1223]

Great video. Can I ask for a bit of help with the victory 712. I’m not sure I have everything set up correctly. I have a small 1.5 w solar panel to maintain the battery. I have a 58 amp hour interstate battery. The panel dose good maintaining the battery but the victron always say time remaining is infinite. Am I doing something wrong

[@Lostinok]

Great video. One question, in most of the wiring diagrams I’ve see for 2 leg 50 amp pass through they either run one leg to a completely separate subpanel or you have to create an isolated neutral at the main panel to keep the two sides separate. I didn’t see you doing that in either video. How is the neutral configured? Also, how did you break out the legs from the shore power input? Thanks for putting together these demonstrations!

[@redroofretriever]

@ 2:20, is that silicone seal oozing out from under the bracket? Great informational video. Can you identify any weak links in the hardware with this? In other words, If I were to have this setup, what would my spare parts box need to have on hand while boondocking?

[@AllAboutRVs]

It's a sealant Marc had for EPDM roofs. We covered that later with Dicor Self level sealant.