Building A Solar System for PC GAMING in a VAN | Episode 1

[@TrentTheTraveler]

The entire 1 hour and 35 minute zoom call that I had with Tiny Build Electrics is available to my Patreon supporters right now (www.Patreon.com/TTTHEFINEPRINTTT )! If you're looking into building out an off grid electrical system, I highly recommend you check it out because it's slam packed with some great info! ALSO! This video took a LONG time to organize and get it pushed out to you guys! So if you enjoyed it, make sure you pass it a like and share it with a friend that want's to game off grid like this! Also, make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss next episode when we actually put together the new electrical system!

[@lancetrades7978]

How many hours do you get from your current setup if you where running everything

[@cameronbarratt2189]

Hey mate, please check out my comment.

[@Carni-Nana]

I love your gaming van content. I am a WoW gamer, 12 years now. Turning 70 and would love to travel and game at every stop! I would probably be on the road all the time. Kudos to you sir!! “For The Alliance!”

[@RandomGuy-jq3jz]

Been living in a skoolie for the past 2 years. I upgraded my charge controller, inverter, and battery system about a year into my bus life. Will say that Battleborn Lipo4 batteries, Victron C-controller, and Victron multiplus inverter is well worth it. I have an Alienware pc in my build and I wanted to make sure I could use it. I have a 400AH battery bank and 1,200 watts in soler. I had a second alternator installed and its only function is to charge my Lipo4 batteries.

[@rickgrimes931]

This was very, very cool and highly informative. I was doing the quick math in my head when he was talking about how much recharge capacity would be optimal in a worse case scenario. And that was assuming full capacity in good weather. But it did prompt some ideas that may or may not be helpful. 1) A slide out rack that would hold additional panels to increase capacity when parked. These would be awkward to clean in bad weather and ice and snow would add weight that could wreck the system. 2) A fold down system on the non entry side of the van that would do the same thing but be easier to clean and setup/build. That would block windows when not deployed and might be vulnerable to damage when folded down as well.

[@freemaysin5088]

There may be more specific, or scientific videos about this subject on youtube.... but hands down this is the most direct and informative along with being laid out in an easy to understand and relatable way. I would go so far as to say you have the best vanlife channel out here! At least for our "demographic" i'll say

[@andyinexistence]

I’m in the process of building my gaming van and seeing your battery capacity numbers kind of line up with what I was planning is so motivating. You are truly living my dream and I can’t wait to be gaming on the road one day . Who knows maybe we’ll bump into eachother. 🤷‍♂️😉 Keep it up man!

[@cedricgermain7977]

I 'm live in Germany, and I want to build my gaming Van as well!!! 😅

[@syqad2927]

Genuinely really excited for part 2 . This helps me out a lot

[@inamartina9985]

Wow the view outside your van is so awesome n snowy scenery 😍I love it

[@xenohunter2995]

Did you ever follow up on this and install an upgrade? I cant find a continuation on the channel

[@Steve_travels]

I'm working on this exact thing, excited to see the rest

[@argusburebistus8602]

I got a Mercedes Unimog beast ! Excellent for Off Road 🛣️ heavy duty perfect for camping 🏕️ ! I do gaming wen i go fishing 🎣 and hunting ! I use a flexible solar panel atât for recharge and a very silent Honda dual fuel generator ! And 8 large bricks 🧱 of lithium batteries it gives me tons of autonomy....

[@yungbzfriedgaming3686]

hands down the best van and vanlife channel

[@dividendbro6362]

*liked* -- Sounds like tom provides an awesome service and with housing and rent prices as they are I'm sure he'll see an increase in business! Thanks for the video!

[@MariaWelsh-lu6fg]

Look at Trent with his glasses! So cute! So handsome! Yes, and I am crushing much🤗

[@VitalizedG]

yess sirrr perfect timing! just realized i had watched all your content, keep doing your thing man much love!

[@tabby842]

I feel like this could serve as a solid foundation for next level irl streaming, you'd still have to get publicity the old fashioned way and there could be security concerns but it's a unique starting point

[@maianhhuynh305]

oh my, hope to see your complete electrical systems !!!! Im so excitedddd

[@hawkeye8712]

Hey thank you very much Trent I appreciate, it I'm gonna do the same thing but on a houseboat thanks brother.👊👍

[@TheJuiceman247]

Glad to see you're finally looking into upgrading to Lithium batteries. You definitely won't regret it

[@ahmedkarmoum7290]

upload every hour :) :) ur videos quality man .. editing / sound / colors / camera scenes / music / transitions / content / script / .... FKING PERFECT !

[@Icewarrior101]

Great info! I always dream of having a van like this! That would be awesome. To travel and game.

[@terence18999]

I see your KZbin channel going to be an entertaining and interesting to watch. From ground to up...above...and beyond bro.

[@zacherykaetzel2929]

I never leave comments but I love your videos man keep making them !

[@rikkoshaeromero2977]

I’ve been spending the past three days watching your videos, I wanna be like you when I grow up 🥺

[@DevB.]

Youre probably the niched creator ever! Idk how many people game in a van! Keep up the good work.

[@vladislavjovan7000]

Love what ur doing man, GOOD JOB ! More power to ya !

[@jah-jah87]

You make this content very entertaining 👏, thanks

[@JK-te2mm]

This is a good video on fitting solar when you don't have enough space on your roof .... don't forget that cost is a huge factor too ... anyone can upgrade when you have enough money, but when funds are tight - it gets tricky

[@EchoYoutube]

In terminology that people who don't understand solar panels/electrical systems well: Pretty much, he needs to have a system that utilizes the MOST from the sun. That means strong enough panels to absorb energy, big enough batteries to store enough charge for a few days, and good enough equipment to distribute it efficiently

[@MrLuige15]

Yes this helped me, THANK YOU 🙏, save travels, maybe ill see u on the road one day

[@Hypezgaming1]

U can make like a foldable solar panel like it fold back when it's night and at the morning it opens and ofc a auto/manual switch to open and close

[@BenLynd-w3t]

Exactly what I needed info on. Thanks heaps! Very informative

[@klutch6196]

Love your content Trent, Keep it up ❤

[@pater429]

In other words 1000w inverter on the altenator for the lithium bateries charger. Got it... thanks for the info

[@cameronbarratt2189]

Hey mate, check out Renogy 175w panels, me and my partner calculated we could get 6 175w solar panels on our Toyota HiAce. However this would take up the entire roof so we wouldn't have any room for an exhaust fan. I'd say your roof is bigger than ours, might be doable. Me and my partner decided to go with 500 watts in the end as we scaled back our requirements of being able to power an airconditioner (we live in a very hot climate)

[@DeceasedONE]

I could never be inspired enough. MORE. (ty)

[@livingtiny1586]

i was thinking about doinbg the same tho my systems a bit different... i decided to go with silicon dioxcide batterys they get 80% drain tho some say 100% "doutful" also good to be used all the way down to -40c they are drycell batterys so no venting needed and alsocheaper then lith.... also u can use a normal battery charger and or ur car alt to charge them oh and there lighter then agm or lead acid keep it up buddy love you videos

[@KAT4NA__]

Good stuff Trent, keep on living your best life! and as Tim "the toolman" Taylor would say ....... MORE POWER !!!

[@dennisparker7541]

Excellent been designing my solar system for my campbulance... good info... cost wise I'll have to wait and upgrade to the victron inverter/charger... One question: You have the power why don't you install a mini-split ac/heater... remembered awhile back you said something about too hot inside for millie in the summer...

[@Oberryzguitar]

I love your channel man! Keep up the outstanding work

[@therealdestro1]

Bro I love ur vids and sometimes it rly wanna make me become a vanlifer

[@owenrichardson3026]

Not only that your gona save on weight in the van!! good job Trent :)

[@Time4Xploring]

Really cool video on batteries and solar. I came over from VanlifewithGina's live.

[@dfgatorfan]

If you're being stationary for a while, you could potentially get a second charge controller and hook it up to foldable solar panels that you place outside the van. 600w on the roof is more than most people have already, but your needs are also more than most.

[@TrentTheTraveler]

That’s honestly a really good idea.

[@chan_va]

Exciting journey to see you embark on!

[@mariedarsy]

Hi! Loved it!! Any chance I can find Episode 2 somewhere? Thank you !!

[@tylerty7235]

Hello, Again MR Print, Cant wait for the Live Q&A coming up it will be fricking awesome. It's funny how once you said your name is Trent at the beginning of the video most of the comments have just been calling you Trent Lmao. Keep living life the way you want to live it, it's a huge inspiration for everyone watching these videos, and keep being yourself!

[@cmamsler]

Bro I can tell who you been watching a lot of lately. Smart job bro. Keep grinding!

[@TrentTheTraveler]

Who? Now I’m curious haha.

[@cmamsler]

@@TrentTheTraveler this was a straight up mark rober video style…..and I liked it!! Keep up the grind man. Just saw your CNBC video too! Nice stuff man!

[@maianhhuynh305]

I wanna watch your video now but it’s kinda late in my place so I just wanna say that you are awesome as always 😎 I will watch your video tomorrow and have a good dayyyyy

[@unisole71]

Hey Trent it sure is great to see how well you do and all your videos and your online gaming . I have been a online gamer for years and building my own Systems and i also joined your discord

[@neuk3r]

Great content as always. Keep doing what you love.

[@mathiasmueller8240]

I would start all this by making my PC more power efficient by switching to a fast but low power graphics chip like the Radeon RX 6600 (max 130 watt) or the 6600 XT (max 160 watt). Also those are the best underclockable chips as far as i know to save even more power without losing much FPS. And you dont need more FPS than your monitor is able to display anyway. Thats why i usually limit all games to the monitor max FPS (usually 60 or 75).

[@RVingwithG]

YEP, that is the way to go. BUT, you could LIFT up and build a 6"+ rack to put your solar on and above your van. I know a guy that has 4x450 solar (1800 watts) on his van.

[@kaydeandkatrina]

Great video! We're getting prepared to upgrade our electrical system as well before we take off this summer! We're going with the 50a Renogy DC-DC Charger MPPT so we can run both solar panels and the vans alternator to it. Combined with a Battle Born 100ah battery and 200w of solar!

[@AvaPotterfieldandFriends]

Came over from Van LIfe wtih Gina! Rang the bell.

[@ConnorMcGaffey]

Dude I know you get this a lot, but your channel is very well done 🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@martyYyYyYyYyYyYYy]

Legends everywhere! Huge fan of you both 💗👻🎮

[@playboized742]

what are you gonna do if something happens to your van? like a head gasket blows or theres a crack in your block?

[@lastdracon]

Question. For the water storage. Does it ever need to be cleaned to kill bacteria/smell if any? If so how is it done? Or is it just fill then use and fill then use and fill month after month year after year?

[@Chaseosa]

What I would love, is the possibility to charge the batteries super fast at an electric car charging station. Is that possible? Or is it the same issue as the alternator thing charging the batteries too fast?

[@tristanaddie330]

Awesome series, getting my game on mobile and not using mobile has been a dream, just getting on the road from my week in the office to travel and get to my destination for my week away from the office :P

[@tristanaddie330]

I planned 1200 Ah of Life4po, 600 Watt solar and was thinking of a shade with flexible solar panels to extend the 600w to at least 1000w or more, water is big in Australia, recirculating shower, composting toliet, I like to make beer, so I need a beer fridge :D

[@lovethebearded9506]

Sounds like a 10,000 dollar upgrade!

[@sew237]

Have you thought about cooling the graphics card through a heat exchanger in the form of 2 aluminum blocks and a liquid pump to a cold water tank? I myself have a 12x GTX 1660S cryptocurrency miner at home and I know how much heat it generates. In the 25m^2 room, it is currently 35-40*C (95-104*F). Less water heating losses. The water in the tank will not freeze so quickly and on warm days the computer will not make you a sauna inside :)

[@Raynor88]

where's pt2? I can't find it.

[@BlueFierce]

Absolutely love your content!

[@sauravgautam5307]

when will you upload the second episode? been waiting for the video....much love from Nepal❤❤

[@DoPeTz]

Love it Trent!

[@crazythegamer329]

Would you ever think about dropping the 3d files for your van? I absolutely love this design and would love to use it as a base for my own van design

[@zachledoux2137]

Second this!

[@shadow392]

@@zachledoux2137 3rd this!

[@zeppy6824]

How do you wash your cloth in a van?

[@alyssaalkire3008]

This helps me out a lot! I know this video was made a while ago, but I am genuinely interested on how you set up this new electrical system. Did you post that video?

[@ryangignac3251]

What about adding the exact same solar set up, stacked on top of the existing ones but on sliding rails, so you can double the solar when parked

[@DansOgar]

What kind of keyboard do you use? :) Wondering of that wristsupport.

[@baitboy3191]

Is that antennae in the back of your van some sort of signal booster for your mobile internet?

[@TrentTheTraveler]

Yes it is!

[@donnachristakakis8232]

Thanks Trent mille interesting video on internet connections and solar when gaming ❤ l will know when l get s caravan in the future thanks Trent Millie is beautiful

[@incorectulpolitic]

So when it is cloudy then one is fucked ? There is no photons coming through clouds to charge the batteries ?

[@james6454]

Check up sliding solar panels. Allows you to literally double your solar capability. Or if your handy triple it.

[@OCs_And_Stories]

I want to run some podcasting out of my van so this is a much watch for me

[@korsanar9564]

VAN LIFE FEAST PLSSSSSSS

[@loganator2929]

so good at what u do!!!

[@DragonRidersTV]

Can you tell me what Van you have? Is it a sprinter? Or what model? I might me intrested in buying one!

[@Natzawa]

Is there any alternative methods of setting up power without solar panels? Like maybe using a dual battery isolater and running off car batteries, ETC. If anyone knows?

[@TrentTheTraveler]

Yeah! By using a DC to Dc charger. It uses your vehicles alternator to charge your batteries. I mention it in this video.

[@Natzawa]

@@TrentTheTraveler You think solar panels is the way to go though?

[@TrentTheTraveler]

@@Natzawa it’s best to have multiple ways of charging your batteries. Solar panels for when your car isn’t on, and the dc to dc to charger for cloudy days.

[@JayR079]

When is part 2 of this video going to come out?

[@Skar38rus]

what what would be cool? make a rotatable platform for 45 degree solar panels on the roof so u can rotate it in front sun and this will increase it's power and also lower the problems with snow or leaves falling on the top, don't u think so?

[@LaCrepe_]

Hey Trent! Really like what you're doing with your home on wheels. Do you have any build video? What's the big window behind your oven? Can't find anything close to it... Thanks dude!

[@broitried4022]

I need a van exactly like this for when I travel for work as a lineman.

[@chrisnieder5407]

Great stuff but honestly what I'm more curious about is how are you getting reliable internet as you're "off the grid"? And what's a typical download/upload speed? Definitely inspiring to travel and game!

[@breakthecycle5489]

He switched to something called Nomad internet I believe, it runs off of cell service.

[@tjay2197]

How do you get mail and stuff like that?

[@flo_togo9553]

I hope you will stream regularly at some point. I would love to just hang around and enjoy the atmosphere

[@TrentTheTraveler]

That’s what I’m working towards!

[@flo_togo9553]

@@TrentTheTraveler i know these words get thrown around way too much but you re a legend and an inspiration

[@TrentTheTraveler]

@@flo_togo9553 thank you man. I really do appreciate you saying that. ❤️

[@EVMANVSGAS]

I would go a little higher if you can afford it. 800-1000 would be much better and you wouldn't have to fully charge them to still get 600 out of them so they would have a longer lifespan. Charging to 100% is not optimal for battery life either. I'd shoot for only using the 20%-80% range for battery longevity.

[@theindianallrounders]

Finnally got the video waited for it from a year

[@MikeKilo1969]

As your mobile and trying to maximize your solar power, why not park in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado or Texas?

[@jtr82369]

Maybe do a second slide out layer of solar that slides out from under your current panels. That would give you 1200 watts of solar.

[@CameronBuchan]

It's really interesting I have a really similar system to one you're talking about minus the shore power. What amps does your solar charge at? I peak at around 25amps or around 300w charging on a really sunny summers day. How often do you run the engine? I couldn't charge my batteries purely based on solar when I'm gaming but driving around an hour a day with a commute keeps it topped up. Noticed you were parked up for a bit so not sure if you drive around at all. Would be cool to know if you manage better with solar, maybe I need some changes to my panels if so!

[@GaudyMarko]

how are you handling gas prices given the current rates?

[@manosgamer23]

this is the first video i have seen of his, this is the most Ashton Kutcher guy that has ever Ashton Kutchered that wasn't Ashton Kutcher

[@TrentTheTraveler]

Lol what????

[@billthebandit2466]

There are some panels which are 655watts

[@mistercrayle]

I'm super confused now and I'm hoping someone here can clarify this : I've read from multiple different sources online that the ratio should be at least 1:1 regarding solar power to battery power, so for example, if you have 600Ah of battery power, you'd need, at the least, 600W of solar power, yet the guy in the video suggested more than double the battery power (600Ah).

[@zeppy6824]

Do you know how much all of it Cost? Like 100K?

[@zacharyconley1727]

Love your videos

[@Sprout174]

awesome video :)

[@Silent_523]

Where is part 2?