HAVE YOU MADE THIS MISTAKE? SIMPLE, AFFORDABLE OFFGRID 12V Setup for Caravan or 4WD/ EASY DIY TIPS

Today we run through our perfect 12V system in our 16ft Urban caravans hybrid off-road van. We run through simply mistakes that can prove costly, Why we went Lithium batteries over AGM or Lead acid. Also some Easy DIY tips you can make to improve your system in your car, Caravan or boat!
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[@morepawstravels]

hey legends, just rewatching this as it popped up in my social feeds. Based 100% on this video... we made the decision to cover the roof of our tiny little 14' (1994) Supreme Getaway poptop (that is being rebuilt from the ground up) with as much solar as would fit and yes, we chucked the air conditioner un the bed like you. We've ended up with 1000w of solar and 604ah of lithium under the bench seating. we have a single kitchen fan/vent and a lot of solar...

[@kompasskopf3612]

I have instuled a bigger alternator so I can charge my battery wit 60A over 25mm2. Don't need any solar. Car can stay in the shade, less weight, no panels to clean, ... You are spot on what you say about solar.

[@mickburns5546]

Hey Keelan. I’ve watched dozens of these reviews and I have to say, you have it dialed in mate. Well explained and no BS. Enjoy your travels 😊

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mick! Appreciate it mate! No up selling here! We preach that you don’t need the most expensive gear to tour Australia! Thanks legend 🍻🤙🏽

[@MrKidQueso]

Great find, you guys. I’m a 12V newbie. The lazy man, like the poor man paying twice, sometimes does the work twice and typically right the second time. A bad combo to be. I cannot give you any technical advice at all, maybe design advice but you seem to be well set up. I bought a”vintage” camper and am not tied to keeping it “vintage", vintage-ish. Yes. One of the past owner updated with LED lighting and a flat heating electric fireplace that only runs on 110V…and added a 12 gallon gray water tank at the bottom back. While it may be well strapped, I think it’s bad design. The tailgate isn’t being used to support the back load. My recent DIY updates include a pull down faucet, and a KUS water gage leveler. Learning how to add it to the busbarr. I’ll have to talk to the shop and mention the 2:1 ratio and see if I have that. Thank you! Robin At the shop, I had 2 Lithium, and a 3 panel solar system to charge it. I don’t know the brands. With this said, I’m impressed with the ones you have, primarily the weight. Very impressive. I’m guessing the ones I have are heavier. So, if you read this far, I’m glad, thanks you. I’ll be 59 next month and it won’t be late for me to learn more about 12V technology.

[@Think_about_it777]

Hey Keelan, I met you & Sarah at the caravan & camping show in Melbourne recently. It was awesome chatting with you both & listening to your experiences & advice. I have my Armorlite on order & also being a sparky, I’m in the process of designing my own upgrades for the electrical system. Following many hours of research, I think that you’ve hit it on the head. The way to definitely go is running a good 40A plus DC to DC charger to handle the alternator input whilst driving. Then I would definitely run a dedicated solar charge controller such a Morningstar Tristar 60A MMPT unit to handle your solar input & add the DC to DC charge current whilst driving. I also agree, running higher voltage therefore higher wattage panels is the way to go. Depending on your lithium battery storage capacity, an Anderson plug input provision for additional fold out solar panel input would be a great way of utilising the Morningstar’s huge 60A output charge current & therefore boosting the battery charge rate would be very nice. Keep up the great work, safe & happy travelling to you both. 👍

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Was great meeting you mate and talking systems! I reckon your bang in there! I’ve heard good things about tristar regs! You have got the perfect system in the making there!!

[@MikeandShelleyRanstead]

Hey guys thanks for this very informative clip. We have a 20ft Tuff on order, we are in NZ so solar and vehicle to van charging is critical given we do get a lot more overcast and rainy days. We are going full time in the van, so getting right first time is critical. We will be towing it with a Fortuner which we have put airbags in and modified suspension and added a trans cooler. Our total GCM will be right on the allowable at 5550 kgs. Love your stuff!!

[@garydavy4722]

Nice work Keelan and well explained. I'm running 2:1 solar to lithium also, plus portable solar. You could also say "Good equipment ain’t cheap, and cheap equipment ain’t good"

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate! Great setup mate! Even better than 2:1 which is even better! That’s for sure, great analogy! Cheers Gazza

[@sunsandsurf7496]

Mate, thanks heaps for this vid. We’ve ordered a van to run simultaneous solar and car charging. Plus the other recommendations you made. Feeling very confident now. Cheers heaps.

[@shaun.oo__oo]

more great info, love the suggestion of running a separate MPPT charger to the DCDC input to maximise amp input to batteries.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

For sure thanks mate!! Glad you like the video

[@shauncooper9942]

Great videos Keelan, especially your 12v knowledge and experiential understanding!! You've given me heaps to think about. Cheers mate

[@iainbowen3088]

You two are legends. Loved the video, we are grey nomads so only do a small amount of free camping compared to you guys. 3/4 in cp's. We have 400 watts of solar on the roof but only 125 amp/hr lithium, mmm, might have to go 200 after your vid. When we do stop for say lunch the chef does use the inverter and 240v with no problem but that is usually midday so as we have a quality MPPT the system is fully charged before we get to our camp for that night. Also can you do a midweek vid on you AC, we just have the normal roof one like everyone else.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Lain!! For sure more lithium is for sure the go for you guys!! Yep will make another video on how to run the aircon offgrid too! Thanks legend

[@grahamwaddell8588]

Great video guys - certainly making it easier for everyone with your advice and reasons for the way you have your set up. Thanks for that - safe travels guys

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Graham! That’s the goal mate, hopefully help a couple people! Will continue to make more helpful videos moving forward!!

[@guttermuzz]

Great info, especially about the 2:1 ratio. Just learning about all this 12v stuff for our van. Love the comment, “ the poor man always pays twice”. Will definitely take this on board. I’ve subscribed btw!!

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate! Glad your enjoying the vids!! Good to know there is good info in them too! Thanks mate cheers for the support

[@ONELIFELIVEITOZ]

I just bought a Renogy 30amp mppt charger with BT. I split it off the combined dc2dc Solar charger. So when I tow the van it gets dc2dc and Solar at the same time. Just wire Solar mppt input and parallel the output to same point output of dc2dc. Sorted. Not expensive. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

That’s it mate, exactly the setup I was trying to explain! Sounds like it’s working well! That it! Probably only cost me another 50-100$ on a reg and being a sparky I can wire it up myself! Cheers mate 🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@louisebennett666]

So much great information, thank you so much. love to see more helpful information on traveling around Australia in simple terms. Because we are all not handy mechanics or electricians and are very green on this.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Louise glad you got some info out of it! We will keep the informational videos coming!! We have a growing video playlist on just informational stuff and reviews to hopefully help people that are green! Thanks legend 🤙🏽🍻

[@kerrikerry6687]

Brilliant work Keelan. You gave everyone so much good info mate. Im sure you’ll help loads of people who are about to order a new van. Thanks guys.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Kerri! That’s the idea, just trying to help people and if it only helps a couple people out, job done! Thanks legend 🍻🤙🏽

[@craigtomkinson2837]

Great advise Keelan, Yep I agree been running around twice as much solar as battery for years, I run higher voltage panels with Mppt controllers, I get around 65 amps out of 945watts of panels in good sun

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate!! It’s just a simple rule of thumb that works!! Thats unreal! Perfect, don’t need much more than 65amps!! That’s it mate, our new setup eventually will have a much better system! Cheers legend

[@justparkerhere9758]

Briallant episode, very informative and easily heard and understood . Thanks a million

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks legend

[@davidhaynesandco9840]

well said, we are about to spend 5,000 to 7,000 on a new lithum system and are trusting the installer with all that is getting done. I have had experince of been told wrong information before and it hurts. Even now still not sure about whats going to happen at the end of install which starts tomorrow 27/04/2022. I wish there was a regulator body group that double checks peoples work, for all reasons of what you pay for.Knowing that you get what you pay for, as apose to wait until a few years down the truck and you get told by another its wrong with what you have. which has been the case in my situation. We would love to have 240 off grid yet they tell me price would go to 12,000 and we just cant afford that right now. Fingers crossed for us !!!

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks David! It’s big money isn’t it! And liked you said a lot of trust! I’m a electrician and we get randomly audited from time to time so not a bad system! Keeps everyone accountable! Fingers crossed mate! Have faith it will all be great 🤙🏽🍻🤙🏽

[@SAFETYSYNERGY]

Great info Keegan, appreciate learning from your experiences.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate 🤙🏽🍻🤙🏽

[@Gilespargiter]

I agree with your point about size of battery bank V's charging capacity. This seems to be a thing people often don't think about. I would suggest another thing that people often don't consider is weight and cost of solar panels V's weight and cost of batteries. For your information, at 60 Deg N (or S, I guess) a ratio of 6x solar to battery capacity for full mid-winter operation works.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Great point Giles! ill be sure to incorporate that point next time!! cheers mate

[@philipbatchelor5640]

Great video, well explained, I have just replaced 2x 100Ah agm,s with 2x 125Ah lihtiums blue mppt & 390w high voltage panel works well, saving for an Urban, keep up the good work & safe travels.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

What an epic setup mate! Sounds well balanced and setup! Thanks mate appreciate the comment

[@jarrydferguson2428]

Hey Keelan. Sounds like an awesome system and you’ve given and awesome run down of it all! My fam and I will be starting our road trip next year and my knowledge of this it literally starting from nothing so it’s great to hear from your experience of what works and what doesn’t! I think for the price you mentioned earlier in the comments, will be well worth the investment! Good on ya, thanks for the info, you guys are doing an awesome job!

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Jarryd! We have a discount code with itechworld SKT will get you a discount!!

[@jarrydferguson2428]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels beauty thanks very much!

[@paulhardie9450]

Ya took Charge of this episode Keelan 👍 ya Batteried up mate and weren’t volting at all we all knew Watts ya was saying ,ya cabled it all together and Percy came up trumps taking charge of Keith and pumping him full of Amps from the Sun and Percy’s power source .All the power to you 2 for explaining it so well 🍻, that’s it Mate go Big or Go Home 🤪🤪🤪

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Hahahah bloody hell mate got me again with the puns hahah 😂🤙🏽😂

[@daveo1559]

Good video. About to have a toy hauler built and would love to be able to run my a/c off grid. Love ya setup

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Epic mate sounds like the go! Bring your toys with ya haha 😂

[@touringwithtyrone4933]

First time I’ve watched your channel. Very impressive no BS spiel. I like your lithium to solar calc as well. Now a new subscriber.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks legend!! Try to keep it as real as possible!! Glad you enjoyed it mate thanks for the sub! 🍻🤙🏽

[@robertwilson1827]

itechworld must pay very well! You're very fortunate + to have those toys!🤞🤞🤞

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

We arnt employees of them and not on there payroll, we just standby the product and get a small commission on sales using our code. We believe you don’t have to spend a fortune on 12v to do what we do! We are perfect examples of that!!

[@rickfischer6629]

Awesome explanation, really helpful. Cheers Keelan and Sarah

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thankyou Rick! Appreciate it mate 🤙🏽🍻

[@brentmcd12]

yeah nice ! the 40amp DC is really doing all the hard work to top up the supply ! good video !!

[@brentmcd12]

great information here well done !

[@brentmcd12]

I will be working on building my own system again very shortly ! dual batteries but might have a 3rd . still need solar panels and battery tho. my old ones died

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Nice! Blank canvas mate I’m jealous haha! I suggest splitting the solar and alternator charge so it can simultaneously charge like I spoke about! Itechworld mate SKT10 😂🤙🏽😂

[@garyb931]

Top video Keelan, that has saved me a lot of research time.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Gary! Glad it helped you out! Going to make more videos like this one I reckon

[@carolfogarty5255]

Great advice, and explained it so well. Well done 👍

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Carol! Glad you enjoyed it 🍻🤙🏽

[@deebee5236]

Very helpful video. After watching this video 2 times I decided to check my system. Lithium battery in camper charged by enerdrive set to 50amp. 32mm2 cable all the way through narva 175amp anderson plug. I’m 13.15 at crank and less than 12 at input on charger. What do you have in the way of fuses in your system?

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Nice one mate!! Sounds perfect! We have resettable circuit breakers on the car side and a big fuse on the van side!!

[@deebee5236]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels cheers. Do you run earth cable back to battery or to chassis of 4wd. I’ve found my problem is with the earth

[@Frodrick54]

Clean your solar panels often especially on red dirt roads. It makes a big difference.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Great tip mate! Simple and effective I like it

[@thinpins1]

Good video man, on my campers fixed solar installation I run 650w (2S) to feed 210ah. It allows me to setup in partially shaded areas and pumps it in fast when it gets the opportunity. It's very rare I need supplement charge from the DCDC.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate, wow that's like a 3:1 ratio even better haha epic setup mate! I always say fill the roof and add some more hahah sounds like you have it dialled in! perfect setup!

[@Carpo74]

Great work Keelan - well explained for us laymen 👍

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Tracey!! Don’t worry I’m a laymen too sometimes haha 😂 especially mechanic stuff 😂🤙🏽

[@dishiedog]

Great channel you two. Appreciate your effort and advice....I'd have that van tomorrow. Just looks perfect!

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Peter! Glad you like the vids mate! It’s a little ripper!! Cheers mate 🤙🏽🍻

[@nasigoring1525]

Keelan just one handing that battery. Been smashing those protein shakes off camera.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Hahah mate she’s light weight for a big unit like me haha 😂 they are really light though in all seriousness

[@9_GOAT]

You could have had the dcdc for auxiliary charging and the Rooftop solar connected to BMPro and you would have got solar + auxiliary (without a separate mppt). Only negative is you then can only have 30amps going into battery when free camping from solar, as opposed to the 40a that Enerdrive DCDC offers

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate! 100% was an option! Only thing is apparently the smart shunt wouldn’t of been accurate with incoming charge and showing exactly how much solar we are getting. Apparently, next setup we will definitely have it split up! Thanks mate appreciate this comment! I’m always learning and listening! Cheers 🤙🏽🍻🆙

[@9_GOAT]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels the BMPro would be connected to rooftop solar, so why wouldn't this display on Odyssey correctly? The way you're using it now with Enerdrive connected to rooftop solar, you would have a BC300 shunt and that would be sent to Odyssey. Either way, the information on Odyssey should be 100% accurate.

[@johnlissimore8785]

Thank you , I really got some good advice from your vid.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks for watching John! Glad you got something out of it! 🤙🏽🍻

[@Malc664]

Good handy advice K. I would certainly think you know what you're talking about being a sparky and from vanning experience. Cheers mate.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate! It’s my specialty but This one is hard because I can’t talk electrical nerd geek stuff it has to be somewhat to the point and delivered right. I’m not very good at it haha 😂 thanks mate

[@Malc664]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels This viewer knows less so you pass. 😁

[@mattbrennan6779]

When you go to Tassie next summer go to cascade brewery and do the tour and from memory it’s was about $45 to $50

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Done!! Thanks make appreciate the recommendation

[@mattbrennan6779]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels your welcome

[@brettbulmer2168]

Well explained mate. Your now a pro via experience. The mppt plus alt would be end game. We're not there/travelling yet but great to see your experiences.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate! Wouldn’t say pro haha always learning! Hopefully by the time you travel you can learn the easy way from us learning the hard way haha 😂 thanks legend

[@EYM_HERE]

I am still watching more of your videos and I am renovating a RV and plan to make this a different set up . I was looking into the lith batteries and inverter you recommended but saw for U.S side I don’t believe they ship to the states . Wanted to see if there’s a way to reach you and just get some more clarity on some that I looked at as well as the plan to set this RV up . If there’s a way to set a consult with you , as I do appreciate your knowledge , let me know ! Thank you!

[@rollyb5061]

well done Keelan, very well covered everything

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Rolly! Appreciate it mate! 🤙🏽🍻

[@pen1910]

buy once , cry once .. 300a/h lithium with 900w solar (including panel) . 4 to 5 cloudy days pushing it still but can survive . good work with the vids

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Boom what a setup mate! Perfect balance there! 5 cloudy days is all ya need! 🤙🏽🍻

[@ianamos5676]

Well done, great presentation on the basics of caravan free power. Will join your channel as you came up with some great ideas and explained them really well. I hope you have plenty of fun chasing your dream as we have done as well. Keep these little sessions going as they are very helpful. Love your work. Ian A

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Ian! Really appreciate it mate! Glad you got some good info out of it! Welcome to the channel to!! Will keep making helpful videos!! 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🍻

[@mannycassar7730]

Thanks for a very informative vid can;t wait for your next one

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks legend! Glad you enjoyed it 🤙🏽🍻🤙🏽🍻

[@TropicalZooms]

Interesting to watch And great tips. Great to have lots of solar. I never knew lithium batteries were that much lighter than AGMs. You’ve got a great setup.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate! Solar is the way to go! Yeah we love ours!!

[@markdowman9178]

Really good comment on this subject thanks. Have urban extreme filled in some grey areas am grey also. Thanks

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Mark! How exciting mate! I would suggest the Xgrid system and added solar regulator extra like I spoke about on the video! Definitely worth the money!! 🤙🏽🍻

[@davidriggs5116]

Thanks for the heads up mate on batteries etc, you covered everything pretty well. We're picking up our caravan in October and have been thinking weather to upgrade from agm to lithium. Safe travelling

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

No worries at all David! How exciting mate! What van did you get! I bet you can’t wait! Awesome work mate! I would advocate for lithium however agm will do the job if your not going remote for long periods! Few cloudy days offgrid might bugger you though! Cheers

[@davidriggs5116]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels hi Keelan, mate it's a Network RV off road only 17'6, but suits our prado, really looking forward to do some travelling. Will keep doing research. Safe travelling

[@AussieShay]

Hi Keelan, Great presentation - so clear! My wife and I are travelling around Oz in a little Crusader Gladiator towed by an old 120 Prado. We have a 200ah Lithium battery which is powered by 380A of solar, and works well as long as it's sunny.. but on Cloudy days it struggles a bit. I have bought a solar blanket to boost the input, but I would like your advice on how best to connect it to the van's system when needed. Keep up the good work - I'll be following every word!

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Hey mate! Thanks for watching! No worries! Great idea upgrading solar, sounds like it will sort out your problem as long as your regulator can handle the extra input! Given the regulator or dcdc can handle extra power the best way would be to trace out original solar and where the terminals connect and wiring an Anderson plug off it. That will parallel your inputs so you’ll be adding more Watts, be careful not to series them as you’ll get more volts to the equation. Hope this helps

[@AussieShay]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels Many thanks for your response, Keelan. To follow up, my car has an Andersen plug connection to the van, which keeps it powered while we are travelling. Can I simply disconnect that plug from the car and connect the solar blanket to the 'Van instead?

[@Ducksouttheredoinit]

Good information, well relayed. Nice work 👍🦆

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Greg! Glad you enjoyed it mate 🤙🏽🍻🤙🏽

[@vk3fbab]

If you're using lots of power try and go 24 or 48v. This will lower the power losses due to voltage drop as you'll use lower current for the same power delivery. 24 and 48 seems more expensive as it is not as common.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

I’ve looked into it for sure! Maybe on the next setup! Not as common is one of its cons aswell as being expensive as a result of being less common. I see soo many pros though thanks mate

[@amisoftau2659]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels I'd echo bravo's comment. 24V is a big improvement in operations and efficiency. Inverters are also often cheaper at the higher voltage (the high currents is what costs to build them). I'd reserve 48V for a large home system. 24V is perfect for mobile and boating. Using equipment such as Victron (highly recommended) the mppt's are also cheaper at 24V rather than 12V, because you can get twice the solar wattage at 24V on the same solar controller/charger. When you go for mppt, check out Victron. There's none better (I have about 7 mppt's running here - small/medium home system semi off grid). Well done mate. Enjoy the adventure.

[@oldbloke204]

Interesting vid. btw, thanks. I'm keeping it simple with my vehicle and camp out of it but I may look into a lithium battery pack that I can use in the house as well if the power goes down. It seems that the main thing that people need all the power for is a fridge, at least in a 4wd and I can't be bothered going through all of the re wiring etc for that or the weight.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Great call mate! Keeping things multi purpose is very smart! Cuts down on the crap you need to cart around! Itechworld do transportable lithium power boxes that might be up your alley! We have 10% off there with our code SKT10 might save you 100$ when you buy one

[@craigcurtis8618]

Well explained vid thanks Keelan. We have an Urban on order with the xgrid pack. Appears you are generally happy with yours which is reassuring as I have seen some recent negative feedback about the xgrid package. Cheers mate.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Hey Craig! Thanks mate! How exciting for you guys! I’m sure your buzzing mate! We are very happy like I said if you got that extra MPPT solar regulator so you can charge off the car and the sun at the same time that would be money well spent! I asked Urban if they offer it and they do!

[@lukehair226]

Great information i need help just set-up hiace battery system i would like to be able to run air fryer microwave ect. I was thinking 3000kw inverter 400ah batteries and 800w solar 🤔

[@Davi.b]

The high voltage solar pannels will run on the Enerdrive dcdc 40+ up to 800 watts, I run a 200 amp lithium and have not had a drama using this set up,

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Boom! Thanks mate’ I think a big change in caravan 12 volt is coming! A lot more high output panels will be standard on vans

[@Davi.b]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels simply put people do not know. And they prey on that, keep up the good work guys😎

[@nzmarkb8713]

Great setup mate, dead rite no point having all the batteries in the world if you can’t keep the charge up (unless you plan on staying at van parks all the time)👍👍 Keep your panels clean for max efficiency 😉

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

That it mate! All about the solar in our opinion! Fill the roof with it! Next van we want 1.4kw of solar haha 😂

[@adrianjuers2998]

great info Keelan, the facts without the bullshit upsell to needing these massive systems folks keep thinking. horses for courses

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate! That’s it aye don’t need the most expensive gear to have fun and travel aus comfortablely that’s what we are all about

[@adrianjuers2998]

The bit that frustrates me is people fall for what is effectively marketing hype and think they need so so much more than they need. Can get away with very little if you want to keep it within your budget.

[@9_GOAT]

That BMPro Odyssey is awesome

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Great product

[@kraykay9366]

Hey Keelan, great information. What Air Con System do you run with the ITech set up. Or have you done a review on it as well........

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

We run a truma under bed sapphire unit. Done heaps of videos on the itech batteries

[@TerryCassar]

Love the set up. Just be aware that lithium batteries operate completely different then AGM, Lead Acid etc. first rule of thumb is to fully charge the batteries individually. The reason is that they might be at different voltages. Lithium batteries don’t automatically balance themselves as do lead Acid batteries. Now if your batteries are not balanced within 0.2-0.3 of a volt of each other, the situation can snowball thus resulting in a severe in balance. If this happens whilst your using your inverter at full noise you can destroy one of your BMS units in one or more of your batteries. I’m not familiar with those batteries, wether they have some hidden BMS that balances all your batteries. I’m speaking for a general setup. Cheers

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate! Appreciate the info and the comment 🤙🏽 The iTECH120X batteries have an inbuilt BMS to manage and self balance the individual prismatic cells. Pretty neat little unit! These batteries are drop in AGM replacements so you can actually charge this lithium battery off a strictly AGM only charger. Pretty cool bit of kit!

[@lesliehunter1823]

Will Prowse has numerous videos that go into this (diysolar). He's the guru of this stuff.

[@TerryCassar]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels yes that’s true, however the BMS your referring too only balances each individual battery. The whole bank of four batteries are separated. Just be aware that if one or two individual batteries become discharged more then the others you risk damaging the BMS of the charged batteries if you exceed the load that they’re rated, eg 120amps. Cheers

[@brentonl2631]

Excellent video I find them really helpful for the newbies. Would like the experts out there to advise me if I should go Lithium over AGM I'm only running a 100 amp AGM, I don't go off road and only go parks as I'm just driving and small new pop top with no solar. Is it worth it for me as it seems it will only be a weight saving thing or are there more benefits with Lithium as I'm only going from park to park, all my expert off road friends have differing opinions and finding it a bit confusing.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Hey brenton! I think if your only going from park to park and plugging into 240v you don’t need lithium mate. A lot of people will try you up sell you things you don’t need. We are all about horses for courses and you don’t have to buy all these really expensive things to have fun! I think stick with your system if it’s doing the job! Hope this helps

[@jc7654]

great info guys, their is no reason why you couldn't put in a separate mppt charger into your van , it's just a matter of disconnecting the solar input from the one that you have and feeding it into a new seperate one and have it connected with the batteries beside the existing dcdc mppt charger

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

That’s right, just re terminating a few cables! Like I said the system works as we have it but that’s a way we could make it even better for sure!!

[@michaelhermans4753]

It’s such an obvious and simple solution I’m gobsmacked the caravan was not wired up like that

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Hi Michael, the reason it’s not wired that way is because adding an extra MPPT charger is an added extra that we didn’t pay for because we couldn’t afford it. The option is there. We just didn’t buy it.

[@larryblomberg1484]

Hi Guys. Started watching your channel only a couple of weeks ago and enjoy the vids very much. Just a very quick question I hope you will answer. I have looked for the vid but cant find it. Can you tell me the name of the latest solar panels you installed please. I intend running 400W lithium's with 800W panels. I am very new to this. We intend to set off early next year so I am spending the next 9 months researching and gaining knowledge. At present my house bricks would know more about electricity than I do. Just cant seem to get my head around it but I will. Hoping you guys can get back to me.

[@AH-wn6dw]

That's a big, 12v expensive set-up. I've spent last 2 summers totally off grid in new Zealand. 200W solar panel and 240ah agm batteries. All good! No air condition, no air frier though! If we run low then just use the lights less! So old school huh. We do need a 240 hookup in winter though!

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Sounds like your setup is perfect mate and I always say it.. horses for courses! No point spending all the money on something you don’t need or your don’t use! Thanks for the comment! Love hearing about these setups!!

[@davidanderson9043]

Very good info as always. Just a thought about when your driving and charging your batteries off the alternator but not the solar. Could you run a cable from the roof solar to the Anderson plug for your portable panel when driving. Primitive but could work.

[@JamesyYZFR1]

What an awesome bit of info! Thanks guys. I have a 120 series Prado and went to Urban in Adelaide and they kinda walked away from us when I asked about our Prado's towing ability so what else did you change to get them to sell you a van? We have a car GVM upgrade but does not change our towing ability so did you cut a water tank out so closer to TARE? Any advice?

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Hey james! You went to see the team at great southern RV? So legally they can’t knowingly sell you a van you can’t tow. You can definitely tow the Armorlite though.. no doubt! If your interested in one and want to speak to someone directly at urban send us an email at [e-mail] We will put you in touch with someone that can help! 🤙🏽🍻

[@garyb7274]

Hey Keelan, I've been looking into the DCtoDc setup so I really appreciated you sharing your thoughts. In relation to combined solar/car charging. I have to date found only one reputable brand so far that combines charging - the Renogy 50a DCtoDC mppt charger unit does a combined charge from the car amp and solar depending on a couple of scenarios. The details are in the manual. Might be a great option to maximise car and solar when driving for a big setup like yours and still utilise just one DC to dc charger. The price is also relative - Thanks again and safe travels..

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Gday Gary! Thanks for watching mate! I appreciate the suggestion too! Had no idea, will look into them mate! Cheers 🤙🏽🍻

[@vaughan5334]

Hey Gary B. There is a KZbin video on testing the Renogy Mppt / DC-DC. I'll add the guys YT channel. It's worth watching b4 buying. I've kept solar charge controller & DC-DC seperate. The video will explain why. 👍

[@vaughan5334]

Here is the video. Tim Terry. Renogy DCC 50s. Very low charge from alternator.

[@jimbeaver27]

@@vaughan5334 where is the link to video?

[@vaughan5334]

@@jimbeaver27 I don't know how to link a video. Just type it into you tube

[@DavidLaFerney]

I don’t know - we have 4 charging options for 624AH of batteries - 600w solar (all we have room for,) alternator, shore and generator (@120 amps) - by your reckoning we have too much battery capacity, but that’s really not what we’re seeing. More solar would be great because we wouldn’t need to use the generator as often (we already don’t use it much) but as mentioned we don’t really have room. At least not without losing an antenna or something. However, we try not to intentionally stay where we need AC at night.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Hey David, good system mate! By my rule of thumb, You don’t have too much batteries mate you don’t have enough solar. that’s right you can only fit as much as you can fit. And if it’s doing the job why change it! 2:1 is a rule of thumb. Sounds like you have a good setup mate! Like I said horses for courses.. everyone has different needs and wants out of there system

[@newyboys]

Keelan what brand of solar panels are you using ....Thanks in advance.🌞 🌅 🏄‍♂

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Solar science or something! That’s what comes with the urban caravan

[@ryanlion42]

I'm 99% sure I'd you have your mppt connected to the car while it's running, it will short the mppt...unless it's an ampage/voltage thing..i.e. rated for higher loads..fantastic video, thank you

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

So the DCDC enerdrive unit has MPPT reg and seperate reg for Alternator charge on seperate circuit. When we run the car the DCDC Prioritises Which form of charging is getting more current flow. Then it chooses one or the other. Never both. therefore the MPPT will never be Functioning whilst we are getting alternator charge. thanks mate

[@raspberrypimilitant2242]

im saving my pennies to get the 100 watt solar blanket kit sent to me in the states i have bin using some old half broken panels and a 9 year old solar charge controller and its just not holding up great any more hopefullyby summer i will order it and have it by winter

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Great bit of kit! You’ll love it! Keep saving mate your doing a great job

[@brentholt6826]

Hi mate great videos. We are trying to decide on what solar we want in our new caravan build. you have given some good advise. I'm looking at 2 240amp litium with room for a 3rd. 880w on the roof with a 250 portable. one thing I'm confused on tho is one of your vids you explain voltage drop and said you used 13mm cable then in this video you say 35mm cable. Is there a mistake somewhere. Thanks

[@matthewgibbins1745]

Great video. Completely agree with your 2 to 1 philosophy. One comment, you talked about only being able to charge or solar or car. I have a ctek d250se and it will charge off both, prioritising the solar so that it minimises fuel consumption. I only have a 20amp charger, but it can be fitted with a smartpass unit.that takes it up to 120amp. Redarc also do an dc-dc charger, up to 50 amps that also prioritises solar and tops up the charge rate with the alternator.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate!! Sounds like you have a ripper setup! Perfect charging process! Thanks for the info! Was unaware of this! 🤙🏽🍻

[@Crocman11]

Hey Keelan, hope all is going as awesome as it can I just got a build spot on a urban 19/6 Xterrain so the solar we wanting is similar to yours so ant advice what solar system we should get to fit in with the itech systems later or any other ideas that may assist thanks in advanced guys love the vids regards George and Marilou hope to catch up one day

[@carlh2007]

I use a renogy dc dc charger and the voltage drop doesnt matter too much as it will take as little as 8v and bump it upto 14.6 to get your lifepo batteries fully charged. You do need high enough guage tho so they dont melt!

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

What sort of current are you running at 8v?

[@carlh2007]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels I havent tried it at 8v but down to around 11 i only have the 20amp model, it still cranks out 20amp so it would be pulling in at least 25 + innificiencies

[@MrBradrules]

What's your idea on 24v vs 12v for a van running an inverter almost full time and just using and 12v step down for you 12v application

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

To be honest the only reason that’s not a things is that you’ll have three different voltages in your van 12v 24v and 240v. Most appliances are either 240v or 12v I do see the advantages of running a 24v system! I think we either need to go all 24v and no 12v or keep it how it is.. like I said though I do see the electrical advantages

[@ChristianJamesK]

Great stuff. Learnings from full time travellers is priceless. Do you have a guide on power usage by (your) devices and power input? Do you have/use an induction cooker? and Great info on the DC-DC + MPPT.... what would it take to add in the parallel recharging ability?

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Glad you enjoyed the video Christian! At the moment we havnt calculated loads on things we run daily! I do know the combined total of all appliances running 24/7 is 11amps per hour. That’s fridge, freezer, cel fi go and a few other gadgets! It would take bugger all, simply install a solar reg (MPPT preferably) solar feeding into the reg and positive and negative running to the batteries! 10 minute job I reckon!

[@ChristianJamesK]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels Cell-fi-go. Was wondering what you use for internet, or emergencies. Some have suggested a "sate sleeve" and others Nighthawke with directional aerial + omni-directional... Loving watching your journey.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

We run a cell fi go but need a sat phone I think moving forward! The cell fi go draws about 3ah off the batteries surprisingly enough! Thanks mate

[@bellajess100]

Some great information there mate. My system is exactly the same as yours but I only have the 2/120 iTechWorld batteries and 370 watts roof solar. And also carry a 200 watt blanket. Question/ how long can you run the aircon at night and what is the state of batteries in the morning? I’ve run my Truma under bed aircon for about 4 hours before the 200 amps went down to 20%. That was during the day under a blue sky. Really enjoying the videos.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate! You have a really well balanced system!! We only run the aircon at night for heating for about 2 hours before we go to bed! Normally in the day time under full sun we can get 7 hours out of it with the 840watts roof solar putting in 43amos

[@bellajess100]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels sounds about right because my solar was putting back in up to 20 amps. Going to lithium is a learning curve but by far way better than AGM.

[@teejaa6270]

Hi guys, very informative thanks. We have a Jayco outback van with a 100amp Gel battery, do you know if the iTECH120X lithium style battery will simply slip in without extra wiring or stuffing around?

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

No worries at all! Yes so the iTECH120X is a drop in replacement meaning you can simply take the old bat out and put this one in, re terminate the cables and away you go! We have a discount code with them SKT10 Might save you 100$ or so! It will go to supporting us too!

[@teejaa6270]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels Thank you for the discount code! We ordered the battery, took just 7 days (from Perth to Wagga Wagga NSW), now installed an looking good!!! 😀🔋👍

[@melissaduck4323]

Great video you guys are fantastic to watch quick question we are in the build stages of our essential off road outlander and are upgrading the power system to be able to camp off grid. We are installing 4 x sola total 790watt 2x 200 lithium batteries and a 2000 watt inverter is this inverter big enough to run a kettle, microwave air fryer and toaster each appliance separate We plan to do a lot off grid free camping Thanks in advance for any advice Mel

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

hi Melissa, I would be going 3000w for sure if you want to run those appliances. 3000w your good for everything and don't have to worry, 2000w might struggle with some kettles and air fryers

[@pharmajoe990]

Great tips thanks mate!

[@Brenno79]

Redarc dcdc chargers, charge simultaneously

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate! Will be heading that way I think in the next setup

[@ralphblackburn5814]

Hi Keelan You have a MPPT solar regulator in you 40amp DC to DC charger. Just a matter of hooking it up. 👍 Regards Ralph

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Hey Ralph, that’s what’s currently regulating our solar! Cheers 🤙🏽🍻

[@TruthBomb4U]

Good vid mate. How much did ur setup cost?

[@stevemundy2862]

Hi guys thanks for the info on 12 volt do you have dual battery's in the prado if so can you show it. Cheers

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Hey Steve!! Running the lithium itech120x itechworld battery under bonnet! Making a video on it as we speak!!

[@Macka.]

gday S n K ... love your work ....and that was some damn fine advice

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Macka! Glad you liked it mate! 🍻🤙🏽🍻 thanks for being a local on the channel mate

[@Macka.]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels seeing how much progress you guys have made has been My Pleasure mate ... did prefer satdy mornings though LOL ... I may never catch a live again ...sadly

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate can’t do it without you! We don’t go live anymore anyways! Was just a little while there we had the time to, we have been hectic busy filming and editing! Thanks for watching and supporting Macka 🍻🤙🏽

[@jeremyannetts3865]

Hi guys can you answer a simple question for me when towing should I switch the 240 to 12 volt when towing my van I have a lithium batteries connected and a 3000 watt inverter thanks Jeremy

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Yeah mate switch the inverter off when travelling. Just the inverter running with no appliances connected still drawers power!

[@adamall7052]

Great advice Keelan, thanks. I have 3x itechworld 120x with the stick on flexible solar panels that came with the van. Not convinced they are going to do the job. What brand and watts are the panels you have, and are they fixed or flexible. Thank you.

[@jasondoffay]

I've done a bit of testing with flexi, glass and blanket panels. You cannot beat the glass! The others are really inefficient. If possible, I'd swap out your flexi panels for glass. Weight is the down side.

[@KathyQin]

Very useful sharing

[@jenkodiesel5768]

Thanks guys, all good advice. Our Cub camper only has a single 100 ah agm which i was going to double up on. Im now thinking of starting from scratch because we’re a bit sick of stressing over the fridge voltage etc. after a couple of cloudy days and you did touch on another downfall which is not being able to charge with alternator and solar simultaneously. So if i ran a solar regulator in the system, do i input that into the alternator side of the dc/dc unit ? Cheers, Darryl and Rachel.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Hi guys! I would reccomened going lithium, it sounds like you need it for your application! The way I would run the system is a dcdc charger, alternator running to the input of the dcdc charger. Then seperate MPPT regulator with solar on the input side of that. The iTECH120X lithium battery is a agm drop in replacement meaning you don’t have to upgrade your charging equipment to charge it. You simply unbolt the agm and drop in the iTechworlds 120x lithium battery. We have a discount code too SKT10 will get you 10% off

[@jenkodiesel5768]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels Thankyou , first time I’ve heard of a drop in replacement battery. Im on to it. Cheers.

[@doinitnowoz6061]

Hi Guys I am about to change to 2 x Century Lithium Pro 100 a/h batteries. I currently have 500watts of solar. We have had hail damage to the van so with the roof being replaced I was looking at going to 670watts of solar. With your 2 to 1 ratio is going 3 to 1 better.?? Thanks Tony

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

hey Tony, sorry to hear about the hail damage! I reckon 3:1 is great as well. I always reckon fill the roof with solar haha as much as you can! then divide the amount of watts by 2 to see how many amp hours of lithium you can chuck in the van!! you could always ad another batter later if need be! we have a discount code with itehcworld: SKT will get you extra discount on there prices! currently a sale on so good time to buy!! cheers

[@adminozegaragesales4479]

I've just bought 2x 200ah itech batteries and I already have a1x200ah lithium Enerdrive battery, 1x 2000w Enerdrive inverter,30amp DC - DC charger/solar regulator,1x 40amp 240v battery charger and 600w of solar fixed. I also have a 175w portable panel. I've just discovered my Enerdrive inverter won't turn on and it shows r1.5 on the screen. I've contacted Enerdrive but no reply as to what the error is. would you know as I'm now thinking I should buy an itech 3000w inverter and the control panel. What do you think? Love your videos as well. Ray.

[@Detonator_Prime]

Hey Keelan, good vid mate. Can I ask, why dont you run all the solar through the BMPRo? I have the same odyssey system and the BMPro handles all our solar. Can I also ask, how is your odyssey system seeing the input charge from the Enerdrive unit? The do you have the BC300 external shunt ?

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Nathan! Great question mate! So they said it won’t read as accurately, so either have it all on the bm pro or all on the enerdrive dcdc. We run a BC300 smart shunt! Which sees loads and incoming charge! Thanks mate

[@kiwisparkey]

Nice one mate! What's the details of the extra panel?

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate! So we run 4x210watt panels and they are solar science panels which are quality! Seem to be very hardy

[@philfoote829]

200w on the roof and 200w plug in And 210ah agm and 3000w inviter And never have a problem I have a 3 way fridge so when on the move I put it on 240 and when free camping put on gas I don't use 12v on fridge

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Yeah nice! Still 2:1 ratio which is perfect! Do you full time travel or just do big trips?

[@philfoote829]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels just big trips can be of grid for 5 to 6 with ease. I don't really need big power because fridge is run on gas I'll have done a 12 V delete Waste of time and space Gas in 240 absolutely awesome I do not have to worry about it even after 3 weeks of grid and overcast Where is all mate r running Generators

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Awesome to hear mate! Sounds like a well balanced setup! Love hearing these experiences and learning about others setups! We run a 75L 12v fridge and a seperate 60L 12v freezer, all our camera gear, 2 laptops for editing, 2 water pumps and lighting aswell. I think our hourly current drawer is around 11 amps which is 24hours a day.

[@philfoote829]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels Yeah 3way (2way) 180 fridge freeze 30L Waco draw fridge that I hardly use

[@moreorlesdone1497]

That is so illegal to use 240v while driving. If you have an accident with your van then the van is live and potentially deadly.

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

Well done. Good info

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate 🤙🏽🍻

[@eddyas5012]

Cheers guys new to your channel, watched a few now, making me jealous, doing my research now but didn't know you could use an air-conditioning off-grid. But your right as a trucker thicker cables are better, not a sparkie as you are, or mechanics bunghole, ? Does this affect the alternator?

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Gday Eddy! Welcome to the channel mate! Make yourself at home haha 😂 Yes aircon off grid is a luxury haha 😂 For sure bigger the better and no the alternator won’t be effected! If anything it would be better as the circuit will have less resistance which is the opposition to current flow meaning the electrons move a lot more freely

[@eddyas5012]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels thx matie good to know , Hope you guys make it to QLD. Beers taste better up here lol

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

We’re coming mate, have one on ice for me 🤙🏽🍻😂

[@stubru66]

Thanks Keelan - some good tips there. BTW how efficient do you find the aircon under the bed arrangement, just from a sheer cooling point of view?

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks legend! Full disclosure, I find it mediocre at points. Not bad but not great. If we could duct up supply air next to the upper bed area it would be awesome but at the moment just takes a while to cook the space above the bed

[@stubru66]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels Cheers guys - I thought that would be the case, seeing as though cold air sinks, hence the usual aircon on the roof arrangement. However you get heaps more solar on the roof.

[@bellajess100]

Yeah I have the under bed aircon. Heating is okay but on the cooling cycle you really need ducting up high to get best air circulation. Hot air rises cold sinks.