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Lots of solar on the roof but no decking because the roof isn't weight bearing.

I tripped the breaker to demonstrate what would happen if the hook-up power was turned off. If the AC input power (hook-up) is lost, the inverter will kick in immediately. A faulty appliance will trip the protective device on both hook-up and inverter power. This installation ensures it meets current wiring regulations and is safe. Regards, Jolly

Cheers mate.

Hey, I'm more than happy to help but would need a lot more information from you to determine what the issue is here. Please go to my support website here - www.vandercampadventures.com/renogy-inverter-charger-installation/

Hey there, thanks so much for the support and kind words 👍. Greg is a legend in the field 🤘

Hey Lucas, that's a good question! Thanks for the kind words. Earthing and bonding in a campervan can be tricky because the right answer depends on your specific setup. The simple answer is yes. There could be issues if the electrical system is not installed correctly. A campervan's AC and DC bonding and earthing create a continuous bonded system, which can potentially energize the entire system in the event of a fault. Therefore, an RCD MUST be installed. The RCD will isolate the system in the event of a fault to earth. When inverters and 230v AC electrics are installed in a campervan, an RCD MUST be installed on the AC input (hook-up) and AC output of the inverter. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you need any help with earthing and bonding your electrical system. I can offer 1:1 support and wiring diagrams to suit your system. Kind regards, Jolly

The 35mm tri-rated cable I used has a current carrying capacity of 240A. The link to this cable is in the description.

Hey Pork-Chop, I manually switched the breaker on and off to demonstrate how the contractor works. You don't need to operate the RCD and breakers manually every time you're on hookup; leave them on. The inverter charger has a slight delay when switching over to AC bypass and charge, so it's safe to use the hook-up plug as the on/off "switch." Yes, double-pole appliances can be used without an RCD and N-E bond. They are double-insulated, so there is no earth connection. However, they must plug directly into the inverter, not via an extension lead. If you're referring to the Renogy inverter and not the inverter charger, the installation of the N-E bond will depend on whether you're using the AC input on the inverter. I have a wiring diagram for the Renogy inverter that details the N-E bond, RCD, and contactor installation. Here's the link - vandercampadventures.com/renogy-inverter-charger-wiring-diagram-rcd-contactor/ Centre-tapped inverters are safe to use as long as the electrical installation is done correctly. Regards, Jolly

Hey Pork-Chop, You may be reading 60 volts because there is a load on the AC output. Slight variations in tolerance and capacitance can cause the voltages to change. Try testing it with all loads switched off. Some new Renogy products in the US now have built-in N-E bonds, which is promising. However, even though an inverter states it has an RCD, protective device, N-E bond, etc., I would still install an external setup. This way, you know the safety devices and can ensure they work and will protect you. A small price to pay to be safe, I think! Regards, Jolly

Hey Gavin, Great to hear from you. I know about their automatic neutral grounding relay. The video and installation guide are not very clear and certainly not suitable for Mr and Mrs Laymen. Also, it doesn't include how to install it in regards to wiring regulations. I have a much better and much simpler wiring diagram for installing an automatic N-E bond. I also, offer support for installing it. The wiring diagram can be found here - vandercampadventures.com/renogy-inverter-charger-installation/. We have the 2000w Inverter Charger (PUH) installed. It's been used every day for 2 years with no issues. There are pros and cons to using a separate inverter and charger. Regards, Jolly

Hey Darren, i feel your pain. It's very dangerous and misleading which is why I've tried to reach people who have the product to educate them on the dangers and more importantly, a solution. There are only a few inverters that incorporate a N-E bond. Even so, i would still recommend installing an external N-E bond to ensure it functions correctly. I have a wiring diagram for installing an automated N-E bond switch, here's the link - vandercampadventures.com/renogy-inverter-charger-installation/. If you need any help or support, please give me a shout. Regards, Jolly

Hey, it depends what the weight is, if its a person then the roof would need replacing with a suitable wood sheet because it's made from fiberglass, fiberglass + human = disaster. Also, the roof batons would need to be thicker. Personally i would use thicker roofing batons and run them front to back and up against the metal roof supports. We did consider this but would have added to much weight with the extra wood and we didn't have the time. Another method we considered was installing an aluminium extrusion frame onto the roof that would act like a roof rack. Good luck with your project Regards, jolly

​@@vandercampadventures thanks guys, much appreciated

Thank you 👍

Hey, thanks so much for your comment and kind words. Yes, you can install more than one socket on a radial circuit. The important things to consider are: - The radial circuit cable must be able to carry the current of the total load of the sockets. - The MCB must be suitably sized to protect the cable. Regards, Jolly

Hey, good question! The chassis ground wire does not require a fuse. Fuses are only required on the positive cables that carry the current. Regards, Jolly

Hey buddy, we don't have the T5 campervan anymore, we sold it a few years ago, so can't comment on how it is holding up now. However, we used the van for 2 years with it installed and it worked without issues. If anything it was too powerful for the small space in the T5. If the gas ran out it would need resetting but this wasn't an issue. Like you, we travel 'off the beaten track' so the heater was exposed to the elements and was fine. Installing it underneath the van saved us so much space inside. If you do install it underneath i would highly recommend fitting it as high as possible under the sub frame to protect it from damage. Good luck! Regards Jolly

Hey there, thank you so much for the comment and kind words. Well, we're happy you eventually found us. We still have a lot of content to upload when we can find the time around our current projects, one of which includes being a parent haha. Feel free to drop us an e-mail if you have any questions about the build - info@vandercampadventures.com. Regards, Nemi & Jolly

Hey Gavin, thank you so much for the comment and positive support, it means a lot to know were helping. We swear by and highly recommend the Renogy inverter charger because of it's high quality at an affordable price compared to the competitors. Also, the lack of a N-E bond and RCD can put people off but i have designed a way to install an RCD with an addition of a N-E bond - I have a detailed wiring diagram for this. RCD & RVD - An RCD must be installed and an RVD is not required by regulations. However, an RVD can be installed with an RCD for additional protection. Additional Switch - The contactor and N-E bond setup in the video is not the same as a bypass switch. The contactor is designed to introduce a N-E bond when the AC output power is supplied from the inverter (not on hook-up). This N-E bond is required to ensure an RCD will function on the AC output and protect you. Changeover Switch - A changeover switch can be installed to bypass the inverter. However, in my opinion, a changeover switch is not necessary because the inverter has a built in bypass switch that will automatically bypass the inverter when it senses an AC input. There is a lot more to cover in this topic so would agree that this would make a great RUclips video. Ide be more than happy to go into more detail and work with you to find the best solution for you. I can also design detailed wiring diagrams to suit your setup. However, i do charge for consultations, support and wiring diagrams. Please drop me an e-mail if your interested, at jolly@vandercampadventures.com. Regards, Jolly

Thanks jolly. Watching the video are we concluding if ALL your 230-240v sockets are double pole, that's Means there is no need for a contactor switch ? Secondly, if there is no need for a change over switch from battery power to inverter power, how would this work if you plug in a generator into the external 15amp into the caravan? No need for may change over switch in that regard? I will run the 3000w RENOGY inverter as it's $400AU and already have a lithium charger,.so the weight of the inverter charger and the fact it's no earth bond anyway seems better option to run separate 240v charger imo. 3. Do you run battery to chassis ground or buss bar or shunt to chassis ground?

Hey Garry, thanks for the comment and kind words. The Renogy inverter (none charger) is also centre-tapped. The AC output is similar to what's explained in the video. I have a detailed wiring diagram to show how to wire an RCD to the inverter. It will be available on the website this week. I'll keep you updated. Here is the link to the webpage - www.vandercampadventures.com/renogy-inverter-charger-installation/ Give me a shout if you need any assistance. Regards, Jolly

Hey Pablo, 40A will be fine 👍. I should have said anything higher than 30A. Regards, Jolly

@@vandercampadventures legend mate thanks for the video it's helped me a lot!

The Renogy Rover is compatible with a 24v battery supply 👍. In the settings, you can select the input battery voltage (12, 24, 36 and 48v). There is an auto detect but I believe this is for non-lithium batteries. Regards, Jolly

6:10

Thank you Amy. English weather, fine. However, in Bosnia last year in 36deg heat the sealant melted a bit and caused them to leak. Also, a gust of wind got under one and cracked the perspex. We've changed the perspex and used C1 adhesive and sealant and they're much better.

Hey John, thanks for raising your concern. I presume your watching the video to gain knowledge and help with installing the product and how to get an RCD to function? As an expert on the I've provided a clear and concise wiring diagram to ensure your system is safe and meets current UK wiring regulations and standards. Something the product manual doesn't provide. The wiring diagram and product design have taken a few years of design and testing. This is to ensure the setup meets current regulations and will ensure anyone with a little knowledge can install it and be safe. Also, 20 years of electrical experience, time to make the RUclips video and designing the wiring diagram. The price also includes 1:1 e-mail support from myself if you need any help or guidance. Based on this, we feel the £15 price is very reasonable. However, if you still have concerns please e-mail me.

Hey Trevor, thank you for the comment. I hope the information was useful even though it's based on a UK specification. I'm currently building my knowledge of the US and Canadian electrical regulations and working on wiring diagrams. See my consultancy page for more information (link in the description). Regards, Jolly

Hey Tony, thank you for the comment and your kind words. The link to the contactor used in the video is here - amzn.to/3Iwk9JS. It can also be found in the video description. The contactor is 4-pole with 2x NO and 2x NC contacts. If required, I can provide a detailed wiring diagram for the RCD contactor setup and support. Please see here for more information - vandercampadventures.com/renogy-inverter-charger-installation/#our-services If you need anything else, give me a shout Regards, Jolly

@@vandercampadventures thanks Jolly! Just ordered it. 👍🏻 I’m not sure if you would know but I’m struggling to find a video on this.. I decided to get an Automatic Transfer Switch instead of a rotary selector switch. Do you know if this would be installed in between the RCD and the contactor, or after the contactor? I know the inverter has a bypass mode but we didn’t want to be limited by the inverter when on hook up. So decided to get a ATS to auto switch over when hook up is on. Thanks again mate! You’re a legend!

Hey Eddie, we're in the process of setting up the payment system on the webpage that will allow you to download the drawing. My apologies for the delay. However, if you fill out the contact form, select RCD and request the RCD contactor drawing I can send the invoice and drawing to you via e-mail. Here's the contact form link - www.vandercampadventures.com/renogy-inverter-charger-installation/#contact-jolly Regards, Jolly

Hey Wesley, thanks for getting in touch. The inverter charger is not neutral to earth bonded on the AC output. However, I've designed a way to N-E bond it. Take a look at my installation video - part 2 where I explain it in detail. I can't comment on the Tesla mobile charger as I don't have sufficient knowledge but would be happy to take a look for you. Go to my consultancy page where I can provide more information and a wiring diagram if you need. Heres the link - vandercampadventures.com/renogy-inverter-charger-installation/ Regards, Jolly

@@vandercampadventures ok. Thanks for the reply. Ive decived to go down rhe grid tied route as the house is grounded solving the tesla charger issues 👍

Happy days 👍

Hey, we've had to make a few repairs and modifications along the way but overall they've held up well. They bring so much light into the living space, especially in winter so it feels like your outside and not in a dark cave like most vans. After a trip to Bosnia, the 36+ degrees heat for several weeks melted the sealant which caused them to leak. We resealed them with CT1 adhesive and sealant and it's done a better job. Also the wind caught one of them and cracked the perspex so that had to be replaced.

Hey Courtney, Thank you for the comment and kind words. Your question is explained in detail in the video, have you watched it entirely?

Hey buddy, thanks for getting in touch. We don't really use RVD's in the UK, they're currently not a requirement in the regulations. However, some installations do benefit from them. The regulations state that an RCD must be used. Therefore, an RVD is to be used alongside an RCD as 'additional protection' and not to be used without an RCD. In some instances an RVD will pick up a fault before the RCD. I hope this helps 👍. Let me know if you have any more questions. Regards, Jolly

@@vandercampadventures you’ve helped and made things more clear than the answer Renogy has given. Thank you so much mate

Thank you for the comment and kind words. The Renogy manual only covers the unit itself, not installation side. I can provide installation help, RCD wiring and wiring diagrams if you need, get in touch with me here - vandercampadventures.com/renogy-inverter-charger-installation/ Regards, Jolly

Thanks Aaron 👍

Thank you! 😊

Hey Michael, thanks for the comment 👍

Hey Robert, The MPPT positive battery cable MUST be protected with a fuse. The fuse should be positioned on the positive wire, as close to the MPPT charge controller as possible. As a rule, all DC cables must have a fuse to protect them and the fuse must be positioned as close to the source of power as possible. Hope this helps! Regards, Jolly

Hey, ye we do get that as well. We pour a little water over the separator to 'rinse' it and empty the pee collected in the bung. It works and we don't find it an issue anymore

Hey, thanks for the comment. I'm in the process of drawing up a schematic diagram for the RCD contactor. The drawing will be available here - vandercampadventures.com/renogy-inverter-charger-installation/ A relay can be used instead of the contactor. However, relays are generally used for low current purposes (switching and signals). Whereas, contactors are designed to handle higher current circuits. Regards, Jolly

Hey Adam, thank you so much for the comment and kind words. It's reassuring to know it's helped you out. Ideally a short circuit current test should be performed at the mains hook-up to determine the size you need. However, this is impractical. Therefore, I would recommend 6KA. 6KA is typically used for domestic installations and 10KA is typically used for industrial installations. The KA value is how much short circuit current the CB can withstand. Hope that helps 👍. I now offer 1-1 assistance with installing and setting up the Inverter Charger so give me a shout if you need anything 👍. Regards, Jolly

Hey Harry Thank you for sharing your concern. As someone who has worked with electrical components for 20 years, I completely understand the devastation that heat can cause. However, it is important to note that the manual guidelines for the location and ventilation of the inverter charger are just recommendations. While designing our layout, I was worried about ensuring adequate ventilation for the inverter charger. However, to follow the recommended ventilation guidelines, we would have required a space of 1000mm x 700mm, which we do not have. Therefore, I contacted Renogy support to express my concerns and discuss our proposed airflow and vents plan. Renogy confirmed that their stated ventilation guidelines are recommendations only. The most important thing is to ensure the vents aren't blocked and the air can move and circulate through the inverter charger, which should not be in a sealed box. Our unit is not in a sealed box; it's in a space allowing sufficient airflow. We have installed 2x 75mm drop-out vents in the floor, one on either side of the inverter charger. Additionally, we have created 3x 50mm vent holes in the seat base to ensure the air can circulate underneath the bench seat and electric compartment. Given my concerns, I have closely monitored the unit's temperature when the charger is charging at full power (65A), and the inverter is powering a high load. I can assure you that the unit does get warm, but not enough to cause any concern, even during a 2-week heatwave of 40 deg C. Regards, Jolly

Hey Tim, thank you for the comment and kind words. It's reassuring to know the video is helpful. Regards, Jolly