VAN BUILD | RENOGY SOLAR AND GOAL ZERO INSTALL

[@yurban1111]

*Super compact and easy to carry and travel with accessories for the electric **Generater.Systems** .I was worried this was going to be bulky or hard to use.Hooks up easy and charges quickly*

[@amyf5948]

As a solo female whose wanting to take on a van build herself, I can’t thank you enough for your videos! They are the better van build videos I’ve watched and you break it down in a way I can understand. Thank you!!!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thanks Amy! Glad I could help :) let me know if you have any questions

[@cynthiacampbell2257]

I am in same situation as Amy and agree!!

[@ThailandMadeEasy]

Thank you for these videos, especially this one. I was contemplating wiring in a solar electric system with all the separate components, but now I realize I can do it in a much easier way with a power supply. Your channel has been extremely helpful as I get ready to convert my van here in Thailand. Cheers from the other side of the world.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

You’re welcome! Good luck on you build. Cheers 🍻

[@hollon1697]

Why do it with only a power supply?

[@jaymcintosh2918]

I agree with everyone elses comments. You do a great job breaking down each task and you are building my confidence to pulling the trigger on a Ford Transit.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

So glad I can help :)

[@SuzNbhollenberry]

I seriously needed a simpler solution to solar. Thank you

[@mgnissen]

Thank you for this video. We have been struggling with whether or not we need the bank of lithium batteries or a Goal Zero type of set up. You have confirmed our suspicion that we don’t need to create the complicated battery system with inverters etc. Nicely done!!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Nice!!! Glad I could help

[@swat8705]

Thanks for your videos and detailed instructions! I've been thinking of doing our own van build for some time but didn't have the skillset or the knowledge of what to do, especially anything electrical. I was glad to hear that I am not the only one intimidated by the whole electrical system. Once I watched this video and saw the simplicity of it it gave me that confidence to start my own van build and your videos are helping me each way. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

You’re welcome!!! Love hearing it! So glad I was able to give you the confidence you need! Good luck

[@amenlady]

Did you glue down these z clips to hold the panels?

[@amandayoest2432]

So helpful going step by step and including what was used!

[@lildewie2]

Glad it helped!! All links are on the description too!

[@christopherbrown6697]

The VHB tabe works very well, but one caveat I'll add is to make sure surfaces are thoroughly cleaned with a solvent and especially to be cautious if the vehicle has been repainted, as a strong bond to the paint doesn't do any good if the the paint isn't properly bonded. It's harder to paint the roof of a van and harder to see it once it's done, so this is where painters are more likely to be less diligent about prep work.

[@arturopadron6666]

Mr Colton i been learning many things in your videos, thanks so much.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Happy to hear that :)

[@taeum3062]

Looking forward to seeing how you wire it all together! Love this idea!! I also like the fact that you can have the goal zero charged from any 12v source while the van is on the move.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

This also makes it so easy to unplug and transport if you need to take it inside to charge!! Check out my ceiling and puck light install video. At the end I show how it’s all wired up!

[@taeum3062]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds it’s brilliant!! I happen to have a foldable 160w solar panel so I’m pretty sure I’m skipping the panel on the roof. Btw, don’t think you mention it but is the van a 159” or 159” extended?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@taeum3062 it’s the 159” high roof! Not extended!

[@normabournes5789]

Is it possible to charge the Goal Zero from a 2500 hp gas generator - if you have no other charging source?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@normabournes5789 yes! The yeti comes with a 110v plug in charger so you could take it inside and charge it in your house or in your case, with a generator

[@rmbru2k]

In addition to the butyl tape, Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant for every hole or cutout.

[@cynthiasloan5069]

I am going with the Jackery 2000 solar generator, and have four 100w Renogy Flex panels to go on top (if I have room). I wish I would have known that I could have ordered the Renogy panels with your site. I guess I owe you a commission!

[@cynthiacampbell2257]

You the best informer. THANK YOU!!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thank you Cynthia!

[@FrogLegz52]

Afternoon! Another random question for ya. We’re completing our framing and starting the wheel well boxes, but when it comes to shiplap next to wheel well boxes any of your videos or advice for framing for that portion? Thank you

[@ToddM7684]

Great videos. Looking at ordering a promaster. Do you think I should get the 220 amp alternator over the 100 amp? Thanks

[@hugosurfalot85]

thanks for all the help. we are about to dive into our build and triing to make some basic decisions and there seems to be so many options its hard to get started. My main questions to you is about the goal zero. it seems perfect, why besides the price do so many others go with maga batteries and converters vs just having a simple plug and play solution using the goal zero?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Honestly not sure! I love the Goal Zeros. Never had any issues with them!

[@dhinfantryman1645]

Just ordered this complete setup for my promaster. Love your videos. Thank you so much. Fyi, your link for the 15ft extension goes to the 5ft ones. Had to send them back to Amazon. Can you show us how and what you used to take the 110v line from the yeti?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Shoot!! Sorry about that!! I understand that gets frustrating. What I did for the 110V was buy an extension cord. Cut the end of it and wire it to the outlet! Then I just plugged that into the goal zero

[@mont3765]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Great solution!!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@mont3765 seems to have worked out great!!

[@HighIntentionsYoga]

I'm looking at the anderson to MC4 adapter that's linked in Amazon. Is the polarity correct on that for the Yeti, or did you need to use a reverse polarity coupling? (Folks mention that in the reviews on that one, and on the adapter sold on the Renogy site, but not clear what they're plugging into?) Thanks for your videos!

[@marygraff5284]

Thanks so much for these videos the detail is great. Just finished our floor and plan to use most of your methods, I'm wondering why you choose 300W of solar to support the Goal Zero 1500? Thanks

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

300 is a safe amount that keeps the goal zero charged up pretty quick with the amount of electrical to be used!! Ive been happy with it :)

[@jordonstevens9327]

Thoughts on a Jackery 1500 instead of a Goal zero?

[@danielwilliams4752]

Curious to know if the 3m tape worked. I know it's been a while since this video was made. not even sure if Ankeney still does builds, but if anyone else has tried the 3m tape and had success would love to not drill anymore holes in the top of my van than necessary. Thank you.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

The tape worked! Doesn’t hurt to double up the security of it buy screwing it tho

[@danielwilliams4752]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds oh wow the man himself! I’m thinking of using an auto body adhesive, supposed to be as strong as a weld. Fingers crossed. I used it for some rocker panel repair I had to do once and it’s held up great.

[@oscarcastillo6779]

So u put that glue to install the solar panel, no drilling?

[@Eve_Making_Moves]

Love your videos! I’m starting a van build myself soon and I’m very excited to see how you wire everything using the zero.(is that similar to the ecoflow1300?) I have one of those on the way. I ordered it yesterday to help me have power for an electric heater during my build out but I was also curious if anyone as used something like this to power the electrical like you would a regular battery.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thank you!!! Next weeks video will describe how I wired my my 12v puck lights and from that you’ll see how I plan on wiring everything else! I basically use a 12v cigarette plug to power a fuse block and run the positive and negative wires from that!

[@Eve_Making_Moves]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds I messaged your Instagram. Thanks for your amazing vids!

[@scottpavlakovic4644]

Hey, i am curious if you think its necessary to add a fuse block from solar panel wiring, before connecting into Goal zero unit?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Nope!

[@glenstamate7990]

What is the difference between that white vhb tape you used and the red vhb tape ??

[@minicasitas6376]

what adpater do you have connecting from the Yeti to the 15ft cable? I dont see that it comes with the battery bank. Is it bought seperately?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Sorry that wasn't in the description! I have made changes to that. Here is the link: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GHJ9QS6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=captainvantas-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07GHJ9QS6&linkId=89c20400e2c70f8bba28c9dc166d500e

[@paulreyes660]

Hi Colton, did you connect the solar panels directly to the Yeti 1500? No fuse needed on the positive wire? Just wondering if it needs any protection. Thank you for the detailed video. I’m copying your setup.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Just tied it directly in!! No fuse

[@LukeRockCimber]

What wire did you put in between the max power output to the 12 volt fuse box?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Just an 8AWG positive and negative wire :)

[@desbike1364]

Colton, Love your videos! At 9:11 in your video it appears that the bracket/tape/roof interface closest to your junction box is minimal due to the contour of the roof. Can these brackets slide along the panels in order to maximize bracket/tape/roof interface? Or, is the tape so good that just a bit of contact suffices? Thank you again!!!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Hi! Great observation. I addressed this in a newer video where I talk about “finishing touches” I’m sure that tape would have been fine. But I went through and added the self tappers and sealed them up! Just for extra precaution

[@rnathanson8224]

Im following your solar installation to the tee and buying to support you. Thank you! Can you tell me if the Goal Yeti 1500 would be adequate to support the induction stove you have listed?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

The 1500x is good but the 3000x may be better

[@fachman]

Very nice setup and tutorial! I bough a 1500X last week an have a question, whether your Yeti can charge in low light conditions, when solar power is between 2- 20W? Mine starts to charge when power reach about 30W and up. I try to establish that this is normal (are in others units is the same bug) or I have an MPPT regulator issue. It will be very helpfull if you can check it. Thank you

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

That is a good question. I haven't paid close enough attention to notice. Let me monitor that and get back to you!!!

[@apocalypse2941]

What size solar array and what voltage is it set up at?

[@jeremynotch6977]

To reduce the size of the hole you drilling in the top of the van, can you cut the renology wires and feed them through a smaller hole then reconnect them to the adapters inside the van?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

You absolutely can do that. Yes

[@hartdaniel224]

Where can I find your video with the rest of the electrical information? Thanks Ankeney, you rock!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

You’re welcome! I talk about it in my 12V lights install video!

[@andrewnelson7406]

do you think the mounting tape would work on a fiberglass roof that has a curve to it?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Hmm I couldn’t say for certain. I ended up putting self tapping screws in as well as the tape!

[@andrewnelson7406]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Do you think you could have gotten away with 10ft cable extensions? My setup is very similar to yours.

[@andrewnelson7406]

Also wondering if theres a waterproof double sided tape that's not quite as strong and could be removed

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@andrewnelson7406 10ft would probably work!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@andrewnelson7406 hmm I don’t know if I would trust something like that to hold the solar in place when your driving 80mph!

[@maheshpatel2086]

Hi, definitely very informative video. I am in the process of building my own camper van. I already ordered YAti Goal Zero, panels, etc. Now i need to install panels and i came across your video. I am planning to do the same thing of using VHB tape instead of screws. Are all VHB tapes same? or I have to use VHB 4952? What about VHB 59xx tape? thanks

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

I actually ended up screwing the panels into the van and ensuring I had a good amount of Lap sealant on. I had someone reach out to me recently saying they used the vhb and their pannels came off while they drove😳

[@oscarcastillo6779]

How do u stall the solar panels on the roof?

[@adamirujo6877]

I understand you have 3 100 watt panels for a yeti 1500x, do you think 3 200 watt panels would be good for the 3000x?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

I’ve used 400w for the 3000x before and it worked great! I have links to both of those in my last transit video! VAN TOUR | ULTIMATE ALL SEASON VAN | 148" HIGH ROOF FORD TRANSIT kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2mwg4BvoLqFaJo

[@adamirujo6877]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds awesome thanks man!! Do I need a voltage regulator of any type? I’ll make sure to go find those other videos

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@adamirujo6877 nope!

[@WTFwithU]

Some idea for transversal bed. Twin bed

[@sunniesideup74]

hey you, you're wonderful. tysm!

[@2GunzPerformanceTuning]

idk about that tape for this application but informative. subbed

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Welcome aboard:)

[@2GunzPerformanceTuning]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds building one soon! Just ordered a prmaster 159WB 😬

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@2GunzPerformanceTuning congrats!

[@KaukoSaarto]

a little bit off topic, but what did you use for insulation on the roof? Thanks!

[@jakerpnw]

Looked like 3m thinsulate

[@Rattlesomecages]

His wife is so lucky...

[@driver777]

👍

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

🤘🏻

[@minicasitas6376]

Do i do the same thing you did in this video, even if I only put 2 panels? Also, if I put 2 panels and use the Yeti 400 insted of your 1500, how much can I power with that? Thanks!!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Here is one were its a 2 to 1! www.amazon.com/dp/B08K8Y3LFN/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B08K8Y3LFN&pd_rd_w=bCr3v&pf_rd_p=7d37a48b-2b1a-4373-8c1a-bdcc5da66be9&pd_rd_wg=T3pDZ&pf_rd_r=ZFBB6258068DSF41TVNR&pd_rd_r=c5decbc0-8d34-4a16-8e89-0ea2a821df61&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzSDg4QkxOT1NBMlNRJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTcxNTYwQUhZTDI5OFcxMEhGJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzMzkwNDQxMkwxMlpRTkVVRzdLJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

[@rnathanson8224]

New question: I have seen some folks use Eternabond tape over the Renogy brackets (after using the VHB tape). Do you think this is a good idea?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Sure!

[@mpeters7044]

Thx for sharing!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

You’re welcome 🤘🏻

[@TuongNguyen-zb9fj]

Hi Colton.do you build the motorhome if I have the van?thanks

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Hi Tuong. I am doing 2 custom builds currently and I’m not accepting anymore at this moment! Thanks :)

[@TuongNguyen-zb9fj]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds hi.thanks to responding quickly. I will follow you and learn how to do it.😀

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@TuongNguyen-zb9fj right on! I believe in you. I’ve provide links to just about everything, and I’m open to answering your questions!

[@route66paul]

Mounting the forward panel does not have enough surface for the tape. Also, the cable should be contained in some type of plastic conduit(waterproof), rather than letting them move around on top of the roof, rattling between the panels and the roof.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

I ended up using the provided self tapping screws to secure the solar panels to the roof.

[@route66paul]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds I hope you were able to contain the power cables and waterproof the point where the cables enter the van. Cables bouncing around loose is never a good idea.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@route66paul renogy cables are waterproof and they’re secured under the solar panels. So there’s not going to be any issues

[@erickaerickson3304]

Thank you so much ! Im about to start my build soon and these videos are really helps! Does the solar set up fill all your power needs? What do you use it all for ?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Hi! This solar set up runs the lights, mini fridge, the heater (when running) , some USB ports and a 110 outlet! I don’t have the mini fridge installed yet but so far it’s been great 👍🏻

[@erickaerickson3304]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds awesome ! Thanks so much for the fast reply ; you are a GODSEND 🤘🏻

[@BroadHeadedAK]

Love it

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thanks homie

[@iflanzy]

69 subscribers... Nice.

[@lildewie2]

Ayeee yooo Hahha

[@courtneyhernandez3739]

Hi, i'm about to hook up two 100W solar panels to my van, but i was unsure if it's okay to leave the 2-way connector unprotected. Does it need to be covered by a junction box too? Or in your video it looks like you just leave them under the solar panels? I love your videos btw they've been so helpful during my build :) Thanks so much!!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Glad I could help! I have been putting the connectors underneath the solar panels on the latest vans, those connectors are designed to be used outside so you have nothing to worry about :)

[@courtneyhernandez3739]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds sweet, thanks!!

[@olepickle5366]

Does that renogy thing can run a portable heater? Thank you

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

What kind of portable heater are you looking at?

[@olepickle5366]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds just a ceramic heater 120 V ac/ca 60 hz 1500 w(25 deg C) or bigger

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@olepickle5366 from the specs of it. It would be able to provide enough output. But I don’t think you’d be able to run the heater very long before draining the battery. Maybe a few hours if you’re not getting any solar charge

[@olepickle5366]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds well thanks for your time, I really appreciate it, keep on posting informative videos

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@olepickle5366 you’re very welcome!!

[@mgnissen]

On average how much energy does a van take per day to run the various components? How did you decide to use just 1 Goal Zero?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Goal zeros are great! They’re super simple

[@michaeldaly54]

Could you run a pc computer with 3 screens for 9 hours with that battery?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Might need the 3000x for that… idk the draw it takes to run that..

[@stephensagebiel5668]

Where can I find all the links ? Show notes

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

In the description of the video!

[@lilyvaquero4406]

Wow I wished I knew this before to expend my money

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Hahah well now you know!

[@thepatternforms859]

How in the hell is that box suppose to be water proof? Seems like it would leak very easily

[@Nowindresistance]

Wow you have really cool eyes

[@pmastyle3913]

Can this system power an induction cooktop?

[@apocalypse2941]

Yes the yeti 1500x will go up to 2000 watts constant. I'm assuming you are talking about a single burner portable unit. They use around 1800 watts on high.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Yes what he said ^ 😂

[@bucketsmore1999]

How much did it cost

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

I have the links to everything, The prices fluctuate so its hard to give an exact!

[@jesusguicho8601]

No

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Yes

[@rgspeedwagon3127]

My goalzero yeti setup caught on fire in my truck causing damage. I'd think again if you're going to install their Chinese made goods in your vehicles. I've been emailing them for weeks and they will not reply to me. I expected better from what I thought was the top company in this industry.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

How did it catch on fire?