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.

[@deanlaffan2390]

😂

[@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.

[@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 .

[@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

[@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 🙏☝️🍺

[@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 🤦🏻‍♀️😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@mikejung3908]

What amazing people you two are, a genuine credit to the 4wdrive public, and your episodes are amazing.

[@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.

[@sharynallott7332]

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

[@BJKAUS]

Great vid mate, I love learning about this. The difference the thicker cable makes is insane and something I’ll be taking into account on our next build.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate!! For sure! It’s cheap and can make your system perform way better

[@alanhat5252]

@@SarahandKeelanTravels that's one wire of a 2-wire system - you don't mention earth returns at all & they corrode though usually slowly enough you don't notice till a big fault develops. Earth returns require an absolute minimum of the same thickness cable & they need to be dismantled & cleaned up regularly. Earths are frequently overlooked.

[@gavinfry7176]

That was amazing, showing the difference in amps received, just from changing cable thickness. Thanks for making the video 👍

[@kellymcdonald6735]

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

[@geoffroberts3202]

Thanks Keelan - I know very little about this stuff - I'm one of the dangerous ones - so I learnt a lot - had no idea the thicker cables made such a difference. Excellent video. Liked the chilled presentation style too and the upfront acknowledgement of the iTechworld affiliation.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks legend!! Glad you got something out of it! We are just trying to help as many as we can! Arm you with the right info to make your system better!

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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

[@petertoohey6315]

Awesome Vid Keenan, I have just finished my sons Canopy fitout with 12volt system and explained the importance of heavy cable to him! I did mine 3 years back and it works a treat. Thanks for sharing, we love your channel, cheers Pete

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Peter!! I’m sure it’s going to be an epic canopy!! Good stuff thanks mate

[@markhiggins3054]

Mate best explanation I have heard - everyone should listen to your advice - particularly voltage drop. Much appreciated

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mark!! Glad you enjoyed it and found some info in there!! Cheers mate 🤙🏽🍻🤙🏽

[@another_playday]

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

[@KA9DSL]

I use a DC amp clamp and a thermal image camera for my installation. I use a DC-DC converter to charge and compensate for voltage drop, you need to current limit the charge. Using a 62V solar panel setup (560watt) with a MPPT, works great! Hello from the States!

[@larrysalaz9670]

Great video Keelan! I'd add that most wire manufacturers specify Ohms/foot. From that you can calculate total resistance for a run of cable and if you know source voltage and load resistance, you can calculate total current draw and voltage drop to the load.

[@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.👍

[@user-zi5wl3yj3d]

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

[@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!

[@brianohehir9515]

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

[@petercremasco1442]

For part timers like us on a standard van it's our biggest gripe SOLAR THANKS VERY GOOD 👍

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

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

[@daveo1559]

Awsome video mate. This is a massive issue that van companys arnt addressing when they sell people these big 12volts systems for their vans like what happened to me. Cheers for the info. Very well explained aswell. 👍👍

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate!!! Since we have been working and R & D testing vans at urban we have now made 16mm standard on drawbars on vans! 99% of all other manufacturers still use 6-8mm

[@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 👍🤙✌️

[@melanibarry8677]

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

[@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!!

[@WendyPearson-yz4lx]

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

[@kaileenj1379]

Thanks Keelan, hubby really appreciated your top tips, especially the one about the regulator closer to the battery. I did give him a look 😲 when you said to clean the panels!!!! Top work and we love our itech world gear 👍

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks legends! Glad you got something out of it!! I would say the tips were in order from most important to least! Cleaning your panels you’ll get the most out of though for sure!! We do too! Such great value for money too

[@birgitpetersen6771]

Thank you Keelan. Greatly appreciate your input. Just looking to purchase our first van and want to save where we can but also make sure it's quality and done right the first time. We've watched so many videos on what you get and how to do it yourself. Heading of to the Sunshine Caravan show to check some of these vans out. Soooo looking forward to hitting the road one day.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Good on ya mate!! Just gotta do your research and be armed with the right info and the right questions to ask! Go check out urban they are wicked aye

[@terrymorse]

Nicely done. Good demo to show the effect of wire resistance on voltage drop. For the math, I just did a little calculation for 50 Amps across 20 meters of copper wire. For 6mm diameter wire, voltage drop is 3.3V, power loss is 165W. For 16mm wire, voltage drop (V = IR) is 1.21V, power loss (I^2R) is 60W. So, if you're running high current on a long wire run, and you want it to be efficient, fat is where it's at. Fat wire, that is.

[@robertbanks8076]

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

[@davekerr8133]

Well done. Pay that man. I'll be checking our system after that. You're absolutely right about cleaning the solar panels!! Thanks mate.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Hahaha cmon show me the money 😂🤙🏽 Cheers Dave!!

[@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.

[@ryanbarkerzion]

Awesome video mate, really helps a rookie like me, I'm currently covering to lithium in my camper, and just using solar. Thanks, love your work..

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate!! I’m still a rookie and still learn things too!! Glad you enjoyed it mate

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

Lots of great info about wires and DC charging. As an electrician in the US I try and explain wire size like a garden hose. Larger diameter hose will carry more water. A thinner hose must have higher pressure to try and flow the same ammount of water. Of course even higher pressure can only do so much (resistance) will still not allow as much flow. I love the term "Sparky" I try my best not to spark myself when working...

[@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.

[@outdooraussie6355]

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

[@leecousins5440]

Thanks for the explanation it does make sense and will help me next week when I go purchase and order/installation. Thank you Keegan 👍🏼

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

No worries at all mate! Really glad you got something out of it!! Cheers 🤙🏽🍻🤙🏽

[@scottversaw3344]

Good job. You provide just the right level of technical background.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Scott!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@Lisas-Days]

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

[@brianambler1767]

Great talk Keelan, even an old fella like me who doesn't really understand the electric's learnt something out of your explanation thanks so much

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Brian! Glad you got something out of it!! You can teach old dogs new tricks haha 😂

[@peterreeve3030]

Great explanation video put in a simple language that no doubt helps many people. One of your best. Keep up the good work. Love most of your videos!!!!!!!

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Peter!! Glad you could understand the lingo!! Haha key word in there is MOST 😂😂

[@davidlovett4427]

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

[@rollyb5061]

great info Keelan, yes that is so important to use the heavier cable

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Rolly!! Appreciate it mate

[@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.

[@jasonpace442]

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

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Jason!! You too mate 🤙🏽🍻🤙🏽

[@heartslessons6243]

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

[@eddymarshall4014]

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

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks eddy! Glad you enjoyed it

[@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!

[@gail9906]

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

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

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

[@pcbeyond10]

Well explained...and of course voltage drop creates a higher current demand, further loading the cable. Also the AWG current loads on cables are rated at 28 degrees centigrade

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Paul tried to explain it but also not bore people haha it’s a fine line!

[@CrowSpirit1977]

Very clear and well done! Thank You ✌️

[@MP-qn1jw]

Way to go!! Opening right up with V!! P=IE, awesome!! I went through 6 inverters before I finally found one that actually held 119VAC (USA) regardless of load or input voltage. I also see tubers building battery banks with bolted in fuses, and no disconnect...lol. Thanks for thoroughly demonstrating how important cabling is. I say the bigger the better! It hurts bad initially, but there's nothing like cool cabling, literally!

[@matthalpin1981]

Brilliant video. So informative. Thanks Keelan.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

thanks Matt!

[@grantlouw3182]

Nice one Keelan. Happy you mentioned regulator as close to battery as possible, proved I was right in an argument where mate reckoned since manufacturer fixed it onto back of panel not on end of cable that was where it “had” to be 👍👍

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate!! It’s a very important point!! Often overlooked!! Haha silly silly

[@alanhat5252]

AFAIK the regulators bolted on the panels are 240V output so don't suffer the same Voltage drop because there's so much less current.

[@joshuanicholson420]

Awesome video and recommendations thanks for sharing - fortunately I haven't skimped on cables but placing MPPT close to the battery is a change I am about to make. And cleaning the solar panels isn't hard, surprised so many don't do it.

[@alanhat5252]

"out of sight, out of mind", also they're often awkward to get to & cleaning gets put off.

[@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 🤙🏽🍻

[@WhiskeyHunterVAT69]

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

[@susanrockliff2182]

I cant believe I understood your enthusiastic explanation. Thanks.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

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

[@jamesmertzelos210]

Thanks for sharing 👊

[@jedwing9221]

Mate one of the best explanations I have seen on KZbin.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Jed! Appreciate it mate

[@Bloomers99]

Great summary of a complex topic. Thanks mate

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks mate!!

[@maccas44]

Thank you mate great info...... big help on where to actually position things

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks macca! Glad you got some good info out of it!

[@bramble2020]

Wish I’d found this vid before I had my cabling done last week … now to see what size they put in. Thanks for the advice 👍🏻

[@JamesRousseaux]

Fantastic info. Thanks for sharing

[@big.red.76]

from a rookie- thankyou, gonna make my life much easier for my upcoming build 👌

[@LostTribeAdventures]

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

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

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

[@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

[@kennycowell4624]

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

[@rufioreed3953]

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

[@georgecarra]

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

[@wingingitadventures]

Good info. Thanks

[@paulhardie9450]

Got it Length X Girth = Bigger Bang 👍 Mate best explanation on 12 volt off grid power for campers / Vanners yet !

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Hahaha that’s it mate! No fuse = even bigger bang 😂🤙🏽😂 thanks mate means a lot 🍻🍻🍻

[@peterblake3029]

You are fantastic, thanks for all the great advice....you've inspired me to get it right!!!

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Peter!! Glad you got something out of it! 🤙🏽🍻🤙🏽

[@2marice2]

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

[@swashbukla]

The best advice is the simplest. Thanks mate.

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks legend glad you enjoyed it

[@IB6-UB9]

Best explanation I've heard. Thanks heaps mate

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks legend

[@darkhorseeuc]

Very helpful thanks!

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks for taking the time to explain that in detail mate, that was excellent and confirmed what I believed I was doing correctly, was actually correct 😂 Good solid reminder to keep an eye on the panels and give them a cleanup regularly too. 🤙

[@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!!

[@SeanCleverly]

That was epic mate and much appreciated.

[@tonygreen8221]

Bloody great video mate. I know nothing about this stuff but you explained it in a way I could understand. Thanks.👍

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks Tony! glad you got some good info out of the video!!

[@mtzproductions]

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

[@roberthoffman1691]

some great points very helpful .

[@clarasmith1873]

The demonstration was very clear. Thanks!

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks legend glad you enjoyed it

[@penelopemcnulty2035]

Really clear explanation. Thanks

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Cheers mate

[@alvamlmltd9031]

Very informative, thank you.

[@michaelcameron8904]

Well explained Keelan. Bravo from Victoria Australia

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks legend!! Glad you enjoyed it

[@razer192]

Great information thanks ❤

[@mickwatson2177]

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

[@marcosilvestrini5231]

Thank you

[@stephenbray4624]

Awesome video for people to see Keelan thank you for this I knew this but it's awesome to watch, thumbs up mate

[@SarahandKeelanTravels]

Thanks legend!! Appreciate the kind comment mate