You know Marc, one of the reasons I started following y’alls blog/website over a year and a half ago (new to the RUclips channel), is because you make the complicated easy to understand. Your explanations of things like this, has taken away a ton of mystery and the usual 𗀺𗀴 look on my face. I just love you, Trish and your kids, the blessed life you have...but mostly I like how you simplify the complicated, thank you for that!
It's about a year after this video was posted, but I've just been watching your old videos to pass the time and learn something new. My boyfriend and I just bought a 2004 Trail Cruiser 527RL Fifth wheel this spring, and have been fixing it up and learning along the way. This will be our 4th trailer. Started with a pop up, then a 32ft bumper pull, then an 18ft bumper pull, now our 28ft fifth wheel. Now the reason why I decided to actually comment, but the fact that I am in school for Electrical Engineering. And this video made me update my resumes to go hand out to RV places because I had never even considering using my education to work in the RV world. So thank you. I'm incredibly grateful for even making me thinking about that idea!
We are going to be full time bone dockers haven't even bought the rv yet . But videos like this, is what really helps us understand what you really need to look at and help us get started right. This was really helpfully .
I saved this video just to learn more and get the company that did the job! When my wife and I do go full time we will be going there to get that done! Thanks for the video!
Battle Born is the ONLY !!! Company to buy your batteries and off grid supplies !!! They have the best customer service not only in the industry but with any vendor I have ever done business with.
Awesome video! I’m drooling over that amazing boondocking set up. If I lived full time in my trailer I’d save for something like it!! Also very informative for us electrical newbs!!
What a great, well organized install and thank you Mark for breaking the technical side down so it’s easy to understand. I hope you guys have a lot of off grid adventures to show us. Safe travels.
Battleborn is awesome if you want a drop in system from the lead acid batteries. But the Tesla modules provide far more energy density and with the EVTV bms it’s basically as safe as the bms in the battleborns.
Oh my gosh! All of this time I’ve had problems understanding the workings of solar, batteries (will invest in lithium), the inverter and so much more, and now, I am really getting the hang of it all. Of course, I still have a great deal more to learn, but I’m finally getting it. Just wow. Amazing and feels so good too. You’d be great at writing a book, and you’d save so many people from thinking they were stupid. I can’t pinpoint when the light bulb finally came on, but it did and it has. I will be forever grateful. Thank you, you and your explanations rock.
OMG OMG OMG!!! I UNDERSTAND! Thank you so much for breaking this all down into simple regular "hairdryer" language...lolol. Now I get the watts and what I can/cant use simultaneously. I actually feel GIDDY. Totally embarrassed here, but hey...its all about learning, right?!
Well done Marc. I had no need to understand your explanations but had no difficulty following this. You manage to make technical things interesting. I think it's your passion about your 'toys' and enthusiasm for sharing. Thank you. All the same I'm looking forward to getting back on the road and doing some more vicarious travelling with y'all.
Very informative! I noticed one small mistake at 10:32. USB is not a 12 volt DC system, it's a 5 volt DC system. You're right about it not needing an inverter, but it does need to be stepped down via a DC-DC converter (aka "buck converter"). Thanks for the video! I'm considering converting a school bus into an RV/tiny house. Not sure if a solar/battery setup would be in the budget right away, but I'd like to have it eventually.
I don't understand why they didn't offer you an inverter with full 50A passthru... Our GoPower 3000W inverter has it and the entire RV is powered via the inverter, so we don't have to pick and choose... Makes wiring much simpler too. ATS >> Inverter >> Distribution Panel. Pretty sure Victron makes a model like this.
This is our third battery/solar install. The first install included two 6v batteries and a small 600-watt inverter and we were thrilled to charge a laptop in a Walmart parking lot! Starting small now is better than starting big, later. Today, we're excited to show a "big rig" system for those looking to see what's possible. The pricing for the entire system is included in this blog: www.keepyourdaydream.com/offgrid Many people have asked if solar is necessary when having a generator. The problem with *only* having a generator is it needs to be on for every individual task. If the boys want to game - the gen must be on. To make coffee, charge a laptop, turn on the TV, etc. In our experience, no one task seems important enough to turn it on... so it either stays off or stays on all day. After hours of running and smelling the fumes, it gets old. Not to mention hearing the hum for hours. Thus, it might be best to have a small battery/solar setup to handle things like charging small devices or watching TV and use the gen for the heavy lifting or to run the AC.
Great video and a great break down on the install and the app use. But i did notice something at 9 minutes in the video that they used a grommet in a pvc box . I am an electrician and i know that those type of grommets used with two wires in it like they did it will leak water into the box . The box will fill up with water and follow the conduit inside along the wires right into your trailer . the best solution for that set up would be to fill the box with a gelatin sealant so the water can't get past it .
Hey Mark - you brought up the flux capacitor... that's exactly the thought that came to my mind when you started your overview of the power compartment. Just a few more watts and you should be ready for time travel.
Very good explanation of the solar/inverter, etc... I first became aware of inverters back in 1991 when I got a job at Heart Interface, which later became Xantrex, when Xantrex bought up all three major inverter manufacturers in the PNW back in about 2000 or 2001: Heart, Trace Engineering and Statpower. I've had inverters in every RV I've owned, including a small enclosed trailer with I used as a camping rig prior to buying my first RV. Once a person has the freedom offered with an inverter, there's no going without one, hence the reason Heart came up with the name "FREEDOM" for there second generation models of inverters. I have a Xantrex PS2.0 (aka Statpower ProSine 2.0 "2000 watt pure sine wave") in my truck camper and a Victron Multiplus 2000 in my small travel trailer. I'm still undecided if I will put solar on the TT since I also have an onboard genny in it.
I had those breakers mounted under my hood in the van, in AZ heat of 100 plus and the heat of the engine running those breakers tripped on their own. Just a FYI
Yep - I'm here in Scottsdale and the bank of batteries for my inverter are right up front in front of the generator. Fully exposed. I'm reconfiguring to put all 8 of my LiFePO4 inside a bay.
Great Comment! I've noticed that no matter how well thought out a system is, sometimes it misses a couple elements, and unfortunately, those are the ones that make all the difference when you're going through them... ;)
Yar Nunya we are installing our batteries under the bed just above the front bay. This way it allows a simple connection straight below them to the front storage bay as well as allowing us to use that storage for other non-temperature sensitive items.
Glad there is a quality solar installer close to us in Indiana. We're in Illinois. When the time comes that the wife finally retires and we get either a Grand Design or Winn TT or possibly a Class C (depending on my health) I intend to have solar so we can basically stay out of RV Parks 75% of the time. I know a quality solar system isn't cheap but what we can save in CG fee's will help pay for the solar system. Plus the ability to dry camp when and where we want is priceless. GREAT VID!!! Oh yeah, I like the curly coat Charley is getting, my Golden "Boo" is a curly coated Golden......love that curly coat! :)
I like this video and gave it a thumbs up BUT! Your viewers watched it for educational reasons & although you did a very good job on explaining the dynamics & limitations of the install, you really left us hanging on what a similar install might cost us. That is as important as power management for hair dryers & toasters IMHO. Your viewers are smart enough to understand costs would vary based on a multitude of factors but some range of cost (simple to complex) would have been nice. Thanks for your videos!
@@Fordgroup00 Do you know for a fact that his solar install cost him $1,500? No? I asked the cost of a "similar install" would cost his viewers as a frame of reference & budgeting. Keep your wild speculation thank you. Just the install of the solar panels would cost more than that. That's why I asked the fair question.
@@2003Harleyguy He also stated $1000 x 6 battle batts = $6k and thats before the other gear, My guess with fitting charges this job is way over $10k might even be upto $13k ?
@@mishafrog8786 This is my whole point, they should have given us SOME IDEA of the cost for a similar installation. My guess is closer to 20K (labor & equipment) for this install but now we'll never know. Again, my whole point.
Btw sorry don’t mean to sound negative. This is AWESOME for the target audience you have. You guys helped us like crazy when we started out. Just mentioning there is a lot out there. That’s all.
Hey there fam, You guys are very inspiring and I hope your videos don’t ever stop cause it’s amazing to watch this lifestyle grow. Much love, The Deason family
Marc you could be a teacher. You explained the new solar system so well. I am a beginner in both RVS and solar but I know for sure that I want to boondock as much as I can whenever I do get on the road. Cheers!!!
Scott in MN thanks Scott, I know Minnesota can have worse weather than southern Ontario. I didn’t realize that the batteries were affected that much. I need to be aware of that in the future. Cheers!!!
I discovered your channel a few months ago and I have finally made it thru every single episode. I absolutely love your family! I was just watching something from your first season. I think it would be fun for you to bring up your inital episode and talk about how you would do that inital year differently with the knowledge you have now. Its been fun watching your kids grow up and the profession video production of your videos. Looking forward to your next video on Sunday.
I just finished our shake down of our new lithium ion battery system with a victoron 3000 watt inverter. I also have a 200 watt portable solar power and 2 2000 watt Honda generators. It was quite cloudy and we were camped in the forest so not much solar but will be trying it out in a more sunny location in a week or so. I got most of my supplies and technical advice for AM Solar in Springfield, Oregon. Great customer service.
Just getting into the process of thinking about full time RV living. Thanks for the great explanation on power issues. Your videos are such great representations of the how to issues of living on the road.
You have to figure in recovery costs. What is cheaper to recover, the cost of a generator and gas (which you probably already have), running your truck to charge batteries (you are already paying for that), staying at an RV park that will keep everything running and charged or solar? Why spend money you don't have to unless you are being sponsored.
It's not just about the money, it's also about quiet. Generators make noise, which can be annoying; there can also be restrictions on running it in some locations--like National Parks.
Thanks for this video, Marc. I'm planning on going the same route in the near future. Couple of questions: 1. Did you check with your insurer about this? Did they need to inspect? Did your rates go up? 2. 12V X 600A = 7200WH. Wouldn't this be drained rather quickly considering how big your RV is? 3. Why 12v and not 24v or 48v? Thinner conductors and you have a lot of unused space. 4. Why install raised glass solar panels when you could have the latest high efficiency Sunpower flexible panels? 23 to 25 % efficiency and only around $100 per 12v 100 watt. 5. There's a lot of unused space on your rooftop. Are you planning on getting more panels in the future?
Vidyadhar Pai - on point 2, I was thinking the same thing. The initial cost of that system for the amount of power output is generally cost prohibitive for most of us. Not to mention that the generator still needs to be used in some cases. It would be better i.e. more cost efficient to just run off Gen Power and carry more fuel. This is just my opinion though, but I do work in an all DC environment and we typically use Commercial or Generator power to charge our battery banks.
@@DanMar5858 16 x 3.2 volt 200AH CATL LiFePO4 batteries are around $2600. That's 10KWH of power. The solar panels are $100 per 100Watt. Is it still expensive? Of course if you're buying some really expensive brand or hiring a very expensive contractor (like the ones in this video) your price will go up significantly.
Didn't realize you were here for the airshow. Hope you saw one of the night shows. Such an awesome job they do and it just gets better every year. Nice job on the video. I've watched a lot of solar videos and aside from some of the tech terms, it was pretty easy to get a good idea of how the system runs. Thank you
I'm surprised they didn't go with a 24v system which is more efficient and cheaper. Also glad to see you realized with your app that you can indeed think of using the solar panels to provide a net less discharge from the batteries. So while it is true they are charging the batteries, they are also providing more amps to use in real time.
Great job breaking down the term “solar” (in this application). We have a solar set up on our Airstream, and I have been completely intimidated by it because I had now idea how it all worked. I think I’ll watch this video a couple more times. The biggest drawback to our system is our lead acid batteries. Again, great job!
Nice video thanks for sharing it, I only have one comment if you dont mind, I would go with more panels here at least 2x that size, since they are fixed on the roof they will probably catch 40-60% of the sun at most (for the entire day)… and during the winter it will be a little worse due the sun’s position which will barely touch the top of the solar panels. 1300 sounds like a lot, but in fact it is vey little for that system. I have 1600W solar system with 1600AH Lithium batteries in my Fleetwood Bounder 33c
Same here! And I haven't even started RV'ing yet! Which means I am already breaking one of the most talked about fundamental thoughts that KYD mentions... Which is to not totally over-think things, but purchase whatever you can afford and get out on the road sooner, rather than later.. ;) I'm a recovering perfectionist and occasionally I have withdraws... Okay, a lot of them... LOL
Marc & Trish, this is the best breakdown on electrical source input/distribution output explanation out there for folks that RV. Lithiums are the way to go with the warmer blankets! You'll have to give the viewers an update soon once you've had the chance to put them through the testing phase. Thanks for this very useful vlog and safe travels! ☕️
Results are in. It's amazing! We didn't expect the events we've been attending to be all dry camping and up to 5 days. This system has made it possible.
It definitely would, but they are just loud, require maintenance and fuel. We had solar on our old rig and it was amazing, looking forward to adding it to our new rig.
This is a must have system for me....I will be doing the same thing very soon....Its a must! So the truck will also be charging them battery's well your going down the road moving from one place to the other....nice!
Marc, If you pull out the SPEC sheet for the Victron Inverter you will find that that is a 3000VA(Volt Amps) and NOT 3000 WATTS. 3000VA will convert to approx 2400 watts as AC power is calculated different than DC power. AC Power will be calculated by use of the RMS formula. Google RMS Calculation and you will see that normal house AC voltage is actually about 170 VAC Peak to Peak, not you take that number and multiply by the sin of 45 degrees (.707) and you will get the actual voltage (RMS) 120VAC. This is why AC is power is measured in Volt Amps, DC power in Amps*Volts = WATTS. Clear as Mud ??
With all that roof you certainly can pull some amps. For those will a little less square footage, additional panels can be stored in garage. Set them out and plug them in while you are camped. Gorgeous install. Well done.
I am going to make a guess 6batteries-$6000, 4 controllers- $1000, panel $800, wiring $700-$1k, then the install.... probably around $16000 or close to it.
What an awesome explanation! When we first bought our RV we didn't understand that we needed an inverter when we plugged things in, the lights worked, but hat was it. We thought we just needed a Solar panel, so when things weren't working we went back to the place we bought the RV and they explained how it all worked. We learn as we go, were still trying to figure out how to back it in with ease. I swear when we pull in people get there chairs out, popcorn and soda just to watch us 😲
at 16:23 you say each panel (at peak) creates 30amps. When I looked at the specs for that panel, it creates 32.26 volts (Vmpp) but only 9.3amps (Impp). What am I missing?
Your truck came with green anti-freeze? I thought all the Fords were on the Orange anti-freeze. $6,000 in batteries OMG then panels, inverter/converter, wiring, controllers and labor. Had to be a $10,000 upgrade.
BattleBorn GAVE them their batteries, saving them about $6000.00! If you have a RUclips channel with over 200,000 subscribers, they might give you some batteries, too!
@@akbychoice That's absolutely true! The point I was making is that it didn't cost them $10,000.00, even if it would cost us that much, or more. And, we don't know what other components might have been provided by other suppliers, either. Did they get a discount on their Victron inverter, too? We don't know, they didn't say!
I would estimate 14K. That is what someone who does not do their own system would expect to pay. Much less than that for a stick and brick home. Still most than most can afford methinks. BTW...you both are stating the obvious yet Richard seems to be having issues with a fellow full-timer getting a helping hand from BattleBorn and is bogged down in Jealousyville. Myself I am happy for them...
I could do the math (and will) but I'm so far below my GVWR, I haven't looked. That's the nice thing about a toy hauler. Full water is no problem. The axles are 7k x 3 = 21k and the GVWR is 20k.
If I may make a suggestion. Since you put those solar panels on the roof, it created more flat spots for air to run up against and causing more drag on your truck when going down the road causing you to possibly use more fuel. I like would suggest having an air dam installed on the roof of your camper to help deflect the air up and over all of the new obstacles on the roof of your camper to help reduce the wind drag which would possibly help to increase your mileage since you do so much traveling. Every little bit helps. Another thing I would like to suggest is if your truck doesn't have it already is to have a heavy duty high output alternator installed to help with the extra load. Another thing to do as well is to have a second battery installed just for the camper so the trucks main battery can just run the trucks electrical system and starter. With a large enough alternator it would charge both batteries. These are just suggestions I have to hopefully help prevent problems later on down the road. One more thing I would like to suggest, I watched your video where you got stuck in the wet grass in a campground. If you get stuck out in the middle of nowhere, I would like to suggest purchasing a set of tire chains for all of your tires for extra traction in hairy situations. If you had tire chains in that last situation, you would've been able to get out easily. I would still suggest also installing an electric winch and having a really good ground anchor for when there would be no trees to hook the winch cable to.
We have the coachman beyond class b with lithium and love it. Also has 12 volt a/c and 3,000 watt inverter. Had it about 6 months and never plugged in yet. 2 dolor panels on roof but the real charge comes from a second alternator under the hood .
I loved the wiring part so that the truck can charge the coach while driving which is really cool. I thought about doing that if I even bought a rig and this showed me a great way to do it
Robert Mememe Depending on your alternator capability, this can be a quieter way to charge in a campground also, an idling truck is less noticeable than an outboard generator. I use a Victron cyrix and it gets me 120amps on idle in my MB Sprinter based motorhome.There is a 230amp version also. These need heavy cabling though for the amperage. Or use a buck boost is the other way to do it
17:06 ... "lets talk about the cost", "should you invest" . Forgot one point: "can you afford $6,000 in just batteries?" . Great system, clearly designed, assembled and installed professionally. Problem is, most of us aren't influencers and have to pay full boat. More "power" to ya (yes, pun), but the search continues for the cost / performance sweet spot. It seems that Battle born has hooked-up just about every RV channel on youtube and that's cool ... unfortunately, they are catering to a very small portion of the RV community as a whole. When someone comes up with an affordable system, THAT will be news and THAT will have a major impact on how we all get our power. THAT is innovation, throwing insane amounts of $$ at something is not.
@Bob: I'm planning on getting a Class B motorhome in a year or so (2021 model, maybe early 2022) and as we've been seeing lately, they seem to be moving in the all-electric direction. I hope by then (2020) we still won't be paying $1K each for 100Ah batteries. I'd want 4 as a minimum, 6 would probably be the max (and I'll be lucky to find space for 6 somewhere on a B). -- BR
Bill Redding suggest you look at diy batteries from 4x 180AH cells. Watch Will Prowse’s videos. He has kits now too. Cheapest way to go and good quality
@@kdkd693 Thanks for the info, but I'm not a fan of Will Prowse (for a couple of reasons). While I certainly could "build my own lithium batteries" skills-wise, at my stage in life I'm not as "enthusiastic" as I was when younger, so I prefer things already done (like going for a factory-built Class B vs. me buying a van shell and building my own B). Battle Born (for one brand, there are others I'd expect) has a quality product and (apparently) very good customer-support goin' on. I'm just hoping the market itself will bring down their prices as this technology becomes more mainstream. Even though I'd also have a small generator on board (backup), I'd prefer a mostly-solar-solution to my power needs off-grid/boon-docking. But...I haven't given up undertaking "projects" completely, so in a year's time or so (when I get my Class B) if prices are still high like they are today (over-pricing as the market will bear presently), then yes, I'll look at rolling-my-own." ;-) However, since we don't know what features (power-wise) Class B makers will be offering for their 2021 models, I'll have to wait until then to re-evaluate what to do. Regards, -- BR
I’m a fan of Will. I built a portable for my 4Runner with 2 battle borns in a pelican box. Way more than I need. Connected to a red arc and it kicks butt. Expensive, and I’ve been fortunate to sell a large business. That said. If funds are tight will will tell you how to build a battle born for 1/3 the cost. But I love my battle borns
@@billredding2000 Well said. The cost of these batteries ... 6K? They should be 1K for four. It's just too expensive upfront for the average RVer. I will stick to my six 6-volt lead-acid batteries that I could replace six to eight times for that price. Ouch!
I've been so excited the last few weeks having you guys in my home area, driving the same roads, going the same places I've gone. I live in the Toledo Ohio area, we visit cedar point often, and my father lives in Elkhart IN.
Marc--at @12:07 you stated the GFCI or circuit breakers will pop. What will really happen is the inverter will be driven into an overload condition and if left in that state too long it will shutdown. (I have the 12/3000 Multiplus--I've done it!) Think about it. If the GFCI and circuit breakers don't pop on shore power, why would they do so off the inverter? They won't. But if too many devices are turned on you can quickly overwhelm the capabilities of the inverter. (Only got to yell "Hi Marc!" and "Did you get your refrigerator fixed?" at the rally but it was still nice to see you!)
I have same unit, and my fam killed the 300amp slow burn fuse on the battery bank. The inverter obviously didn’t stop as they might have noticed that! All i got was a phone call (in hospital) saying the batteries were flat and we have to go to a powered motorcamp every night for the next 2 weeks... Doh!
Great video for the new folks! I’ll be updating my channel with my changeover from Tesla to Battle Borns in the coming weeks, we’ve got 2,520 watts on the roof and two Victron inverters, 12 Battle Borns going in. I noticed you mentioned the AC units being high efficiency, I’d have to see what model they are but I’d venture to guess they’re each pulling roughly 1,300-1,500 watts if they’re 13.5k BTU units (which is what Grand Designs website says they are). That said on a 12v system like yours I’d certainly expect them to be pulling 100 amps or so being that you’re likely running around 13.5-14v. Anyhow enjoy the system and you’d certainly benefit from adding a CCGX from Victron especially for the videos, it’ll take all the guesswork out of the calculations. You’ll see exactly what’s coming in, going out and where it’s coming from etc. Sean can certainly set you up with one, he’s a great guy and we chat regularly. Happy to lend any advice I can if you’ve got any questions!
Good job on explanation of solar. It just shows that we don't need to be dependent on only certain sources of power. We run a complete 2500 sq ft house on solar with a back up generator. We also use propane for furnace , dryer and cook stove. No power bills.
Marc with the battery heat wrap you have the cold taken care of for the Li's but how do you address the "too hot" for Li's in the compartment? Great vid!!!!!
I have a offgrid house, it's setup basically the same as a rv, with alternator charging capability, with 30+ kwh battery, generator backup, and ups backup, and going to add about 3kw of PV soon, for a week without sun, and complete charge in a couple days, without the generator, my system is 24volt, that charges to 29v full charge, with 7s lithium ion, over 30 kwh is alot of batteries! I'm still installing, and uses a 5kw inverter,
you can use solar pv directly from the panels and charge batteries at same time . It depends on the system you have. The batterys are most important since you have a generator don't even really need panels but its nice and I would put as many panels on as you have room for.
Currently we only use our travel trailer maybe 5 weeks out of the year cumulative, but i switched to dual 6v golf cart batteries based on your recommendation with Ginger 1.0 and OMG.what a difference just that made for us.
Hi KYD: I HOPE YOU READ THIS COMMENT: This video was centered on some upgrades you Guys determined was necessary for your efficiency in your work, and your overall quality of Life. That was cool. I do not know, however, if you realized what USEFUL information you shared in a concise way that could greatly assist Newbies (and "Wannabe" RVers like me) in comprehending the function and correlation between Batteries, Inverters, Solar Panels, etc. I really appreciated this info. My fear is that some ( who perhaps could truly benefit) will bypass this informative share, thinking that they need not view a upgrade to a rig unlike their own. (Would it help to make the title longer/ more detailed?)
Would be nice to mention how much all materials and labor costed you. Robust system. I did very similiar system on my ginormous toyhauler and i love it. I used a used lithium battery pack from a nissan leaf ev. Tesla are even better. 24 volt system with 3k watt victron inverter. 4 solar charge controllers and smart start on the roof ac was cool upgrade on your system. My system has worked excellent so far. Phone app for victron is excellent-use mine alot too. While texting and parking my nose on my smart phone-just easy to look at stats on solar\battery system with victron app.
Missing out on some extra juice without the sun trackers Could power an outdoor swimming pool with em! And/or also limits where/how you park without them since you will want them positioned appropriately.
OMG Marc. You are Hired.Your really good at explaining everything . Lets hope they paid you to do this video .. So much interesting info of solar power for Rigs, Now ,The only thing we all want to know is, WHAT DOES IT COST TO INSTALL SOLAR ON A RIG. We Luv Y'all.
Thank you for posting this video. I finally understand. My eyes didn't glaze over, my ears didn't flip to a buzzing sound. I finally know what to look for and how to work with the techs that will be installing my system. I finally feel confident and comfortable. That don't happen everyday 😂😂
Except for the fact that if you were living in an RV full time, this $6-10k install is the equivalent of having roof damage on your home. RVing isn't for people who can't budget or save money along the way. They have hundreds of other videos on how to do things cheap.
Speaking of upgrades If you don't like drinking from your holding tanks, Jayco has started putting a secondary 5gal water jug under the sink with its own faucet. It can be refilled at any big box store and can probably be a DIY as well for any rv that doesn't come with it.
this was an excellent explanation .. i really learned the answers to a lot of questions I had .. I wish i had this setup but the video really explained a lot for what i want to do for a truck camper with solar
Oh you were in michigan thats where im at. Im dabling with solar for camping at my favorite place. Buckley Old Engine Show in Buckley Mi which the show has a gen curfew. Right now i dont have a camper. I sleep under my 9 ton equipment trl that i haul my tractor there on. I use tarps to keep me dry and every there knows my campsite since its unique. I run a fan for heat and or bugs and im happy. Last year my mom joined me with her fifth wheel but i dont stay with her since she stayed 2 nights and i was there 4. I ran my 7500 watt gen to charge her battery and mine and friends had problems with there gen so they plugged 2 campers in also. Worked great running gen for 1 or 2 hrs a day. This year 200 watts of solar i charged the 75 ah agm? bat i have and inverted to charge my tractor bat as its old generator went south on me (kept tractor charged so i continued show as normal) i also charged friends fifth wheel so they ran gen for 1 evening 1 hr for ac and that was it. I was given an 80 ah agm? bat that he got for free from work. Im thinking of making a power box that i can load on my flatbed f350 and have a plug to hook up panels to the controlers and have a oulet and not have to hook everything up just certain parts.
Ah! Elkhart, Indiana! My hometown and “RV Capital of the World”. Born and raised there until 20 years young and now live west of Bisbee, AZ. We recently went from a 2017 pop up to our first travel trailer (2019 Jayco Jay Flight) and it feels like a mansion to us. 😂 I’ve been binge watching for a few weeks and really enjoy your channel, your travels and your family! 👍🏻👍🏻
Your rig is massive! Over here in New Zealand we don't see 5th wheelers very often (might be because the best places to go are pretty much impossible to get to in a vehicle that large), so was very interesting to see how you manage your power system.
Jeez Louez but you made this completely understandable....thank you so much I have been so confused as to the whole solar/amp/watt issue. Believe it or not I made electricity for 33 years at a power plant but I understood big voltage but not household stuff. LOL Thanks so much...this video is on save for sure, have a new Airstream Basecamp 20 X coming this week and will be needing this information.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
You know Marc, one of the reasons I started following y’alls blog/website over a year and a half ago (new to the RUclips channel), is because you make the complicated easy to understand. Your explanations of things like this, has taken away a ton of mystery and the usual 𗀺𗀴 look on my face. I just love you, Trish and your kids, the blessed life you have...but mostly I like how you simplify the complicated, thank you for that!
It's about a year after this video was posted, but I've just been watching your old videos to pass the time and learn something new. My boyfriend and I just bought a 2004 Trail Cruiser 527RL Fifth wheel this spring, and have been fixing it up and learning along the way. This will be our 4th trailer. Started with a pop up, then a 32ft bumper pull, then an 18ft bumper pull, now our 28ft fifth wheel.
Now the reason why I decided to actually comment, but the fact that I am in school for Electrical Engineering. And this video made me update my resumes to go hand out to RV places because I had never even considering using my education to work in the RV world. So thank you. I'm incredibly grateful for even making me thinking about that idea!
Truly the best video I’ve seen on RUclips about solar charging systems - very easy to understand!
couldn't agree more. I have been thinking of one and this answered all my questions.
Yup 100% helps with understanding everything
We are going to be full time bone dockers haven't even bought the rv yet . But videos like this, is what really helps us understand what you really need to look at and help us get started right. This was really helpfully .
Highly recommend a large solar setup if you plan on boondocking alot, it was amazing having it and not running the generator.
You broke down the basics really well Mark. That stuff is confusing for sure.
Yes it can be! We still don't understand 100% but loved our solar!
not really. its simple. I already taught myself
I saved this video just to learn more and get the company that did the job! When my wife and I do go full time we will be going there to get that done! Thanks for the video!
Wom! Nice set up. I'm sure getting those batteries for free helps with the justification. Li-Ion is definitely the way to go.
Battle Born is the ONLY !!! Company to buy your batteries and off grid supplies !!! They have the best customer service not only in the industry but with any vendor I have ever done business with.
Awesome video! I’m drooling over that amazing boondocking set up. If I lived full time in my trailer I’d save for something like it!! Also very informative for us electrical newbs!!
It really was quite informative, solar is essential we boondock quite often.
What a great, well organized install and thank you Mark for breaking the technical side down so it’s easy to understand. I hope you guys have a lot of off grid adventures to show us. Safe travels.
Battleborn is awesome if you want a drop in system from the lead acid batteries. But the Tesla modules provide far more energy density and with the EVTV bms it’s basically as safe as the bms in the battleborns.
Tesla modules??
Enlighten me...
Oh my gosh! All of this time I’ve had problems understanding the workings of solar, batteries (will invest in lithium), the inverter and so much more, and now, I am really getting the hang of it all. Of course, I still have a great deal more to learn, but I’m finally getting it. Just wow. Amazing and feels so good too. You’d be great at writing a book, and you’d save so many people from thinking they were stupid. I can’t pinpoint when the light bulb finally came on, but it did and it has. I will be forever grateful. Thank you, you and your explanations rock.
OMG OMG OMG!!! I UNDERSTAND! Thank you so much for breaking this all down into simple regular "hairdryer" language...lolol. Now I get the watts and what I can/cant use simultaneously. I actually feel GIDDY. Totally embarrassed here, but hey...its all about learning, right?!
Thanks Marc and Trish. One kid in college waiting for her to fly the nest so we can get on the road and your videos we watch faithfully
Well done Marc. I had no need to understand your explanations but had no difficulty following this. You manage to make technical things interesting. I think it's your passion about your 'toys' and enthusiasm for sharing. Thank you. All the same I'm looking forward to getting back on the road and doing some more vicarious travelling with y'all.
Yeah he did a great job explaining everything!
Very informative! I noticed one small mistake at 10:32. USB is not a 12 volt DC system, it's a 5 volt DC system. You're right about it not needing an inverter, but it does need to be stepped down via a DC-DC converter (aka "buck converter").
Thanks for the video! I'm considering converting a school bus into an RV/tiny house. Not sure if a solar/battery setup would be in the budget right away, but I'd like to have it eventually.
That rig and tv are so awesome! Love you guys! We watch each week. Thank you so much. You have so inspired us on our journey to full-time RV living.
I don't understand why they didn't offer you an inverter with full 50A passthru... Our GoPower 3000W inverter has it and the entire RV is powered via the inverter, so we don't have to pick and choose... Makes wiring much simpler too. ATS >> Inverter >> Distribution Panel. Pretty sure Victron makes a model like this.
This is our third battery/solar install. The first install included two 6v batteries and a small 600-watt inverter and we were thrilled to charge a laptop in a Walmart parking lot! Starting small now is better than starting big, later. Today, we're excited to show a "big rig" system for those looking to see what's possible. The pricing for the entire system is included in this blog: www.keepyourdaydream.com/offgrid
Many people have asked if solar is necessary when having a generator. The problem with *only* having a generator is it needs to be on for every individual task. If the boys want to game - the gen must be on. To make coffee, charge a laptop, turn on the TV, etc. In our experience, no one task seems important enough to turn it on... so it either stays off or stays on all day. After hours of running and smelling the fumes, it gets old. Not to mention hearing the hum for hours. Thus, it might be best to have a small battery/solar setup to handle things like charging small devices or watching TV and use the gen for the heavy lifting or to run the AC.
Great video and a great break down on the install and the app use. But i did notice something at 9 minutes in the video that they used a grommet in a pvc box . I am an electrician and i know that those type of grommets used with two wires in it like they did it will leak water into the box . The box will fill up with water and follow the conduit inside along the wires right into your trailer . the best solution for that set up would be to fill the box with a gelatin sealant so the water can't get past it .
I really like these types of videos. This and the steel mill video remind me of the "How it's made" series . Great job!
Love how it's made! Totally agree with you!
Hey Mark - you brought up the flux capacitor... that's exactly the thought that came to my mind when you started your overview of the power compartment. Just a few more watts and you should be ready for time travel.
Great topic. I found 2x used 138ahr batteries lithium on eBay that are being charged by 2x160w panels. Should last a long time for our purpose.
Very good explanation of the solar/inverter, etc... I first became aware of inverters back in 1991 when I got a job at Heart Interface, which later became Xantrex, when Xantrex bought up all three major inverter manufacturers in the PNW back in about 2000 or 2001: Heart, Trace Engineering and Statpower. I've had inverters in every RV I've owned, including a small enclosed trailer with I used as a camping rig prior to buying my first RV. Once a person has the freedom offered with an inverter, there's no going without one, hence the reason Heart came up with the name "FREEDOM" for there second generation models of inverters.
I have a Xantrex PS2.0 (aka Statpower ProSine 2.0 "2000 watt pure sine wave") in my truck camper and a Victron Multiplus 2000 in my small travel trailer. I'm still undecided if I will put solar on the TT since I also have an onboard genny in it.
I think that this video is great, only have one question. Why not more panels on your roof, you had plenty of room up there?
MikeJ F must be 1200W was plenty.
great vid,but the main plus wire out of the inverter which goes into a mega fuse is that only 150amp or thats what white is in the uk thanks
I had those breakers mounted under my hood in the van, in AZ heat of 100 plus and the heat of the engine running those breakers tripped on their own. Just a FYI
Yep - I'm here in Scottsdale and the bank of batteries for my inverter are right up front in front of the generator. Fully exposed. I'm reconfiguring to put all 8 of my LiFePO4 inside a bay.
Great Comment! I've noticed that no matter how well thought out a system is, sometimes it misses a couple elements, and unfortunately, those are the ones that make all the difference when you're going through them... ;)
Yar Nunya we are installing our batteries under the bed just above the front bay. This way it allows a simple connection straight below them to the front storage bay as well as allowing us to use that storage for other non-temperature sensitive items.
@Yar Nunya yep. My plan is to keep out of the extremes. haha
Glad there is a quality solar installer close to us in Indiana. We're in Illinois. When the time comes that the wife finally retires and we get either a Grand Design or Winn TT or possibly a Class C (depending on my health) I intend to have solar so we can basically stay out of RV Parks 75% of the time. I know a quality solar system isn't cheap but what we can save in CG fee's will help pay for the solar system. Plus the ability to dry camp when and where we want is priceless. GREAT VID!!! Oh yeah, I like the curly coat Charley is getting, my Golden "Boo" is a curly coated Golden......love that curly coat! :)
I like this video and gave it a thumbs up BUT! Your viewers watched it for educational reasons & although you did a very good job on explaining the dynamics & limitations of the install, you really left us hanging on what a similar install might cost us. That is as important as power management for hair dryers & toasters IMHO. Your viewers are smart enough to understand costs would vary based on a multitude of factors but some range of cost (simple to complex) would have been nice. Thanks for your videos!
2003Harleyguy
They start at $1500-$2500 on up
@@Fordgroup00 Do you know for a fact that his solar install cost him $1,500? No? I asked the cost of a "similar install" would cost his viewers as a frame of reference & budgeting. Keep your wild speculation thank you. Just the install of the solar panels would cost more than that. That's why I asked the fair question.
@@2003Harleyguy He also stated $1000 x 6 battle batts = $6k and thats before the other gear, My guess with fitting charges this job is way over $10k might even be upto $13k ?
@@mishafrog8786 This is my whole point, they should have given us SOME IDEA of the cost for a similar installation. My guess is closer to 20K (labor & equipment) for this install but now we'll never know. Again, my whole point.
@@2003Harleyguy Ref my other post , also suspecting freebie s here ?
Mark, you are such a pro on these technical videos. Bravo.
Great video Mark on explaining a solar system for a RV.
Btw sorry don’t mean to sound negative. This is AWESOME for the target audience you have. You guys helped us like crazy when we started out. Just mentioning there is a lot out there. That’s all.
No worries.
Hey there fam,
You guys are very inspiring and I hope your videos don’t ever stop cause it’s amazing to watch this lifestyle grow.
Much love,
The Deason family
They are so inspiring, they got us started in fulltimeing!
$17000.00 in Batteries does NOT inspire me!
Marc you could be a teacher. You explained the new solar system so well. I am a beginner in both RVS and solar but I know for sure that I want to boondock as much as I can whenever I do get on the road. Cheers!!!
Scott in MN thanks Scott, I know Minnesota can have worse weather than southern Ontario. I didn’t realize that the batteries were affected that much. I need to be aware of that in the future. Cheers!!!
I discovered your channel a few months ago and I have finally made it thru every single episode. I absolutely love your family! I was just watching something from your first season. I think it would be fun for you to bring up your inital episode and talk about how you would do that inital year differently with the knowledge you have now. Its been fun watching your kids grow up and the profession video production of your videos.
Looking forward to your next video on Sunday.
I just finished our shake down of our new lithium ion battery system with a victoron 3000 watt inverter. I also have a 200 watt portable solar power and 2 2000 watt Honda generators. It was quite cloudy and we were camped in the forest so not much solar but will be trying it out in a more sunny location in a week or so. I got most of my supplies and technical advice for AM Solar in Springfield, Oregon. Great customer service.
Just getting into the process of thinking about full time RV living. Thanks for the great explanation on power issues. Your videos are such great representations of the how to issues of living on the road.
They really are, very well said. Great information here!
Good luck
I believe this is your best technical video...i don't even own an RV, but enjoy the channel.
You have to figure in recovery costs. What is cheaper to recover, the cost of a generator and gas (which you probably already have), running your truck to charge batteries (you are already paying for that), staying at an RV park that will keep everything running and charged or solar? Why spend money you don't have to unless you are being sponsored.
It's a good point, but we're not alone with these installs out here. I continue to see even bigger all the time.
If you plan to use the system for all your power needs, it makes perfect sense. We haven't plugged in for 2 months now. Love solar. 😎🌞
It's not just about the money, it's also about quiet. Generators make noise, which can be annoying; there can also be restrictions on running it in some locations--like National Parks.
Thanks for this video, Marc. I'm planning on going the same route in the near future.
Couple of questions:
1. Did you check with your insurer about this? Did they need to inspect? Did your rates go up?
2. 12V X 600A = 7200WH. Wouldn't this be drained rather quickly considering how big your RV is?
3. Why 12v and not 24v or 48v? Thinner conductors and you have a lot of unused space.
4. Why install raised glass solar panels when you could have the latest high efficiency Sunpower flexible panels? 23 to 25 % efficiency and only around $100 per 12v 100 watt.
5. There's a lot of unused space on your rooftop. Are you planning on getting more panels in the future?
Vidyadhar Pai - on point 2, I was thinking the same thing. The initial cost of that system for the amount of power output is generally cost prohibitive for most of us. Not to mention that the generator still needs to be used in some cases. It would be better i.e. more cost efficient to just run off Gen Power and carry more fuel.
This is just my opinion though, but I do work in an all DC environment and we typically use Commercial or Generator power to charge our battery banks.
@@DanMar5858 16 x 3.2 volt 200AH CATL LiFePO4 batteries are around $2600. That's 10KWH of power. The solar panels are $100 per 100Watt.
Is it still expensive?
Of course if you're buying some really expensive brand or hiring a very expensive contractor (like the ones in this video) your price will go up significantly.
I understand solar a lot more now! Thank you. What was the cost of such a build?
Didn't realize you were here for the airshow. Hope you saw one of the night shows. Such an awesome job they do and it just gets better every year. Nice job on the video. I've watched a lot of solar videos and aside from some of the tech terms, it was pretty easy to get a good idea of how the system runs. Thank you
What is your pin weight now after the installation?
This is one question none of the high subscriber RUclipsrs ever answer...puzzling.
I'm surprised they didn't go with a 24v system which is more efficient and cheaper. Also glad to see you realized with your app that you can indeed think of using the solar panels to provide a net less discharge from the batteries. So while it is true they are charging the batteries, they are also providing more amps to use in real time.
Great job breaking down the term “solar” (in this application). We have a solar set up on our Airstream, and I have been completely intimidated by it because I had now idea how it all worked. I think I’ll watch this video a couple more times.
The biggest drawback to our system is our lead acid batteries.
Again, great job!
Nice video thanks for sharing it, I only have one comment if you dont mind, I would go with more panels here at least 2x that size, since they are fixed on the roof they will probably catch 40-60% of the sun at most (for the entire day)… and during the winter it will be a little worse due the sun’s position which will barely touch the top of the solar panels. 1300 sounds like a lot, but in fact it is vey little for that system. I have 1600W solar system with 1600AH Lithium batteries in my Fleetwood Bounder 33c
You are the first channel we followed and still our favorite.
Same here! And I haven't even started RV'ing yet! Which means I am already breaking one of the most talked about fundamental thoughts that KYD mentions... Which is to not totally over-think things, but purchase whatever you can afford and get out on the road sooner, rather than later.. ;)
I'm a recovering perfectionist and occasionally I have withdraws... Okay, a lot of them... LOL
Marc & Trish, this is the best breakdown on electrical source input/distribution output explanation out there for folks that RV. Lithiums are the way to go with the warmer blankets! You'll have to give the viewers an update soon once you've had the chance to put them through the testing phase.
Thanks for this very useful vlog and safe travels! ☕️
Results are in. It's amazing! We didn't expect the events we've been attending to be all dry camping and up to 5 days. This system has made it possible.
@@KeepYourDaydream Mission accomplished 💪🏼👍🏼
Someone may have already commented on this,but wouldnt your onboard generator power all this?
It definitely would, but they are just loud, require maintenance and fuel. We had solar on our old rig and it was amazing, looking forward to adding it to our new rig.
The generator would make too much noise while he’s trying to make videos inside the RV.
This is a must have system for me....I will be doing the same thing very soon....Its a must! So the truck will also be charging them battery's well your going down the road moving from one place to the other....nice!
Marc,
If you pull out the SPEC sheet for the Victron Inverter you will find that that is a 3000VA(Volt Amps) and NOT 3000 WATTS. 3000VA will convert to approx 2400 watts as AC power is calculated different than DC power. AC Power will be calculated by use of the RMS formula. Google RMS Calculation and you will see that normal house AC voltage is actually about 170 VAC Peak to Peak, not you take that number and multiply by the sin of 45 degrees (.707) and you will get the actual voltage (RMS) 120VAC. This is why AC is power is measured in Volt Amps, DC power in Amps*Volts = WATTS. Clear as Mud ??
With all that roof you certainly can pull some amps. For those will a little less square footage, additional panels can be stored in garage. Set them out and plug them in while you are camped. Gorgeous install. Well done.
So how much would that total set up cost for anybody else
I am going to make a guess 6batteries-$6000, 4 controllers- $1000, panel $800, wiring $700-$1k, then the install.... probably around $16000 or close to it.
Super solar flex by montana
What an awesome explanation! When we first bought our RV we didn't understand that we needed an inverter when we plugged things in, the lights worked, but hat was it. We thought we just needed a Solar panel, so when things weren't working we went back to the place we bought the RV and they explained how it all worked. We learn as we go, were still trying to figure out how to back it in with ease. I swear when we pull in people get there chairs out, popcorn and soda just to watch us 😲
Awesome video. Love you guys. Had to quit what I was doing cause I got the notification for your video.
at 16:23 you say each panel (at peak) creates 30amps. When I looked at the specs for that panel, it creates 32.26 volts (Vmpp) but only 9.3amps (Impp). What am I missing?
RV With The Tanners that peak number he gives is roughly the amount of current going into batteries after the charge controller.
Your truck came with green anti-freeze? I thought all the Fords were on the Orange anti-freeze.
$6,000 in batteries OMG then panels, inverter/converter, wiring, controllers and labor. Had to be a $10,000 upgrade.
BattleBorn GAVE them their batteries, saving them about $6000.00! If you have a RUclips channel with over 200,000 subscribers, they might give you some batteries, too!
Richard Owens you stayed the obvious however it’s not gonna happen for the majority of viewers.
@@akbychoice That's absolutely true! The point I was making is that it didn't cost them $10,000.00, even if it would cost us that much, or more. And, we don't know what other components might have been provided by other suppliers, either. Did they get a discount on their Victron inverter, too? We don't know, they didn't say!
I would estimate 14K. That is what someone who does not do their own system would expect to pay. Much less than that for a stick and brick home. Still most than most can afford methinks. BTW...you both are stating the obvious yet Richard seems to be having issues with a fellow full-timer getting a helping hand from BattleBorn and is bogged down in Jealousyville. Myself I am happy for them...
Great breakdown. Seems like an absolute necessity for anyone who does this full time and has to get work done in the online world.
How much weight did the whole system add? Including the batteries?
I could do the math (and will) but I'm so far below my GVWR, I haven't looked. That's the nice thing about a toy hauler. Full water is no problem. The axles are 7k x 3 = 21k and the GVWR is 20k.
Of all the solar installations I've watched I finally got it watching yours. Thanks for sharing.
Sweet. That was the goal. We don't do amps and watt conversions :) Google is pretty good at it though.
Your in my back yard! I grew up in goshen. Live down by fort Wayne love the channel
If I may make a suggestion. Since you put those solar panels on the roof, it created more flat spots for air to run up against and causing more drag on your truck when going down the road causing you to possibly use more fuel. I like would suggest having an air dam installed on the roof of your camper to help deflect the air up and over all of the new obstacles on the roof of your camper to help reduce the wind drag which would possibly help to increase your mileage since you do so much traveling. Every little bit helps.
Another thing I would like to suggest is if your truck doesn't have it already is to have a heavy duty high output alternator installed to help with the extra load. Another thing to do as well is to have a second battery installed just for the camper so the trucks main battery can just run the trucks electrical system and starter. With a large enough alternator it would charge both batteries. These are just suggestions I have to hopefully help prevent problems later on down the road.
One more thing I would like to suggest, I watched your video where you got stuck in the wet grass in a campground. If you get stuck out in the middle of nowhere, I would like to suggest purchasing a set of tire chains for all of your tires for extra traction in hairy situations. If you had tire chains in that last situation, you would've been able to get out easily. I would still suggest also installing an electric winch and having a really good ground anchor for when there would be no trees to hook the winch cable to.
This is such a cool episode. I love this techy stuff
We have the coachman beyond class b with lithium and love it. Also has 12 volt a/c and 3,000 watt inverter. Had it about 6 months and never plugged in yet. 2 dolor panels on roof but the real charge comes from a second alternator under the hood .
What was the cost to install your solar system through that company?
15000 ish
I loved the wiring part so that the truck can charge the coach while driving which is really cool. I thought about doing that if I even bought a rig and this showed me a great way to do it
Robert Mememe Depending on your alternator capability, this can be a quieter way to charge in a campground also, an idling truck is less noticeable than an outboard generator. I use a Victron cyrix and it gets me 120amps on idle in my MB Sprinter based motorhome.There is a 230amp version also. These need heavy cabling though for the amperage. Or use a buck boost is the other way to do it
Well haulers will normally be diesels with large alternators to power everything
17:06 ... "lets talk about the cost", "should you invest" . Forgot one point: "can you afford $6,000 in just batteries?" . Great system, clearly designed, assembled and installed professionally. Problem is, most of us aren't influencers and have to pay full boat. More "power" to ya (yes, pun), but the search continues for the cost / performance sweet spot. It seems that Battle born has hooked-up just about every RV channel on youtube and that's cool ... unfortunately, they are catering to a very small portion of the RV community as a whole. When someone comes up with an affordable system, THAT will be news and THAT will have a major impact on how we all get our power. THAT is innovation, throwing insane amounts of $$ at something is not.
@Bob:
I'm planning on getting a Class B motorhome in a year or so (2021 model, maybe early 2022) and as we've been seeing lately, they seem to be moving in the all-electric direction. I hope by then (2020) we still won't be paying $1K each for 100Ah batteries. I'd want 4 as a minimum, 6 would probably be the max (and I'll be lucky to find space for 6 somewhere on a B). -- BR
Bill Redding suggest you look at diy batteries from 4x 180AH cells. Watch Will Prowse’s videos. He has kits now too. Cheapest way to go and good quality
@@kdkd693 Thanks for the info, but I'm not a fan of Will Prowse (for a couple of reasons). While I certainly could "build my own lithium batteries" skills-wise, at my stage in life I'm not as "enthusiastic" as I was when younger, so I prefer things already done (like going for a factory-built Class B vs. me buying a van shell and building my own B). Battle Born (for one brand, there are others I'd expect) has a quality product and (apparently) very good customer-support goin' on. I'm just hoping the market itself will bring down their prices as this technology becomes more mainstream. Even though I'd also have a small generator on board (backup), I'd prefer a mostly-solar-solution to my power needs off-grid/boon-docking.
But...I haven't given up undertaking "projects" completely, so in a year's time or so (when I get my Class B) if prices are still high like they are today (over-pricing as the market will bear presently), then yes, I'll look at rolling-my-own." ;-)
However, since we don't know what features (power-wise) Class B makers will be offering for their 2021 models, I'll have to wait until then to re-evaluate what to do.
Regards,
-- BR
I’m a fan of Will. I built a portable for my 4Runner with 2 battle borns in a pelican box. Way more than I need. Connected to a red arc and it kicks butt. Expensive, and I’ve been fortunate to sell a large business. That said. If funds are tight will will tell you how to build a battle born for 1/3 the cost. But I love my battle borns
@@billredding2000 Well said. The cost of these batteries ... 6K? They should be 1K for four. It's just too expensive upfront for the average RVer. I will stick to my six 6-volt lead-acid batteries that I could replace six to eight times for that price. Ouch!
I just think tonnage and clearance. I would be a anxious mess all the time. Guess I’ll stay w my 22 ft. Whoops, that was for the I’m stuck video. Haha
I've been so excited the last few weeks having you guys in my home area, driving the same roads, going the same places I've gone. I live in the Toledo Ohio area, we visit cedar point often, and my father lives in Elkhart IN.
Findlay Ohio here.
Marc--at @12:07 you stated the GFCI or circuit breakers will pop. What will really happen is the inverter will be driven into an overload condition and if left in that state too long it will shutdown. (I have the 12/3000 Multiplus--I've done it!) Think about it. If the GFCI and circuit breakers don't pop on shore power, why would they do so off the inverter? They won't. But if too many devices are turned on you can quickly overwhelm the capabilities of the inverter. (Only got to yell "Hi Marc!" and "Did you get your refrigerator fixed?" at the rally but it was still nice to see you!)
I agree and I was wondering if someone would catch that :) We have had GFI's pop before, but not for that reason.
I have same unit, and my fam killed the 300amp slow burn fuse on the battery bank. The inverter obviously didn’t stop as they might have noticed that!
All i got was a phone call (in hospital) saying the batteries were flat and we have to go to a powered motorcamp every night for the next 2 weeks...
Doh!
This was such a great explanation Mark! Thank you. We don’t own an RV yet but you did such a great job explaining this where I could understand it.
Great video for the new folks! I’ll be updating my channel with my changeover from Tesla to Battle Borns in the coming weeks, we’ve got 2,520 watts on the roof and two Victron inverters, 12 Battle Borns going in. I noticed you mentioned the AC units being high efficiency, I’d have to see what model they are but I’d venture to guess they’re each pulling roughly 1,300-1,500 watts if they’re 13.5k BTU units (which is what Grand Designs website says they are). That said on a 12v system like yours I’d certainly expect them to be pulling 100 amps or so being that you’re likely running around 13.5-14v.
Anyhow enjoy the system and you’d certainly benefit from adding a CCGX from Victron especially for the videos, it’ll take all the guesswork out of the calculations. You’ll see exactly what’s coming in, going out and where it’s coming from etc. Sean can certainly set you up with one, he’s a great guy and we chat regularly. Happy to lend any advice I can if you’ve got any questions!
Too cool! We JUST did the same exact install on a Momentum 395M
Good job on explanation of solar. It just shows that we don't need to be dependent on only certain sources of power. We run a complete 2500 sq ft house on solar with a back up generator. We also use propane for furnace , dryer and cook stove. No power bills.
Marc with the battery heat wrap you have the cold taken care of for the Li's but how do you address the "too hot" for Li's in the compartment? Great vid!!!!!
I have a offgrid house, it's setup basically the same as a rv, with alternator charging capability, with 30+ kwh battery, generator backup, and ups backup, and going to add about 3kw of PV soon, for a week without sun, and complete charge in a couple days, without the generator, my system is 24volt, that charges to 29v full charge, with 7s lithium ion, over 30 kwh is alot of batteries! I'm still installing, and uses a 5kw inverter,
Love your channel keep up the good work I wood
Love to meet you some day 👏🏻😁😍👍
you can use solar pv directly from the panels and charge batteries at same time . It depends on the system you have. The batterys are most important since you have a generator don't even really need panels but its nice and I would put as many panels on as you have room for.
The thumbnail description looks fishy,🤔😊
Lol. I really do you think you should do a video - Keep Your Day Truck. Should someone get a truck just for towing?? ;)
@@KeepYourDaydream lol might have to.
Currently we only use our travel trailer maybe 5 weeks out of the year cumulative, but i switched to dual 6v golf cart batteries based on your recommendation with Ginger 1.0 and OMG.what a difference just that made for us.
When our standard crappy 12v’s crap out, I’m switching over to lithium
We played a drinking game in this episode.... every time you said “hair dryer” we drank a shot.....😄🥴
LOL And the next morning you needed that "Iron" to get out the wrinkles... ;)
Hi KYD: I HOPE YOU READ THIS COMMENT: This video was centered on some upgrades you Guys determined was necessary for your efficiency in your work, and your overall quality of Life. That was cool. I do not know, however, if you realized what USEFUL information you shared in a concise way that could greatly assist Newbies (and "Wannabe" RVers like me) in comprehending the function and correlation between Batteries, Inverters, Solar Panels, etc. I really appreciated this info. My fear is that some ( who perhaps could truly benefit) will bypass this informative share, thinking that they need not view a upgrade to a rig unlike their own. (Would it help to make the title longer/ more detailed?)
When is China going to start making the Lithium batteries at 1/4 the cost?
Would be nice to mention how much all materials and labor costed you. Robust system. I did very similiar system on my ginormous toyhauler and i love it. I used a used lithium battery pack from a nissan leaf ev. Tesla are even better. 24 volt system with 3k watt victron inverter. 4 solar charge controllers and smart start on the roof ac was cool upgrade on your system. My system has worked excellent so far. Phone app for victron is excellent-use mine alot too. While texting and parking my nose on my smart phone-just easy to look at stats on solar\battery system with victron app.
Your full time lithium is a no brainier. No tilt kit on your panels?
Missing out on some extra juice without the sun trackers Could power an outdoor swimming pool with em! And/or also limits where/how you park without them since you will want them positioned appropriately.
OMG Marc. You are Hired.Your really good at explaining everything . Lets hope they paid you to do this video .. So much interesting info of solar power for Rigs, Now ,The only thing we all want to know is, WHAT DOES IT COST TO INSTALL SOLAR ON A RIG. We Luv Y'all.
has whole rig generator... adds 10,000$ solar.
omgnothingisavl ... Hmmmm, I am wondering if this solar system was FREE?? Or...if they really paid??
GenSet is a backup system.
Thank you for posting this video. I finally understand. My eyes didn't glaze over, my ears didn't flip to a buzzing sound. I finally know what to look for and how to work with the techs that will be installing my system. I finally feel confident and comfortable. That don't happen everyday 😂😂
Excitement about free stuff that 95% of viewers can't afford...
😂
Yeah I'm tired of watching super white privilege, Unsubscribed
Except for the fact that if you were living in an RV full time, this $6-10k install is the equivalent of having roof damage on your home. RVing isn't for people who can't budget or save money along the way. They have hundreds of other videos on how to do things cheap.
Speaking of upgrades
If you don't like drinking from your holding tanks, Jayco has started putting a secondary 5gal water jug under the sink with its own faucet. It can be refilled at any big box store and can probably be a DIY as well for any rv that doesn't come with it.
You are the best I would love to meet you some day you are the best👍❤️😁
this was an excellent explanation .. i really learned the answers to a lot of questions I had .. I wish i had this setup but the video really explained a lot for what i want to do for a truck camper with solar
👋🏻Florida ☀️🌴🇺🇸 Great Excuse for a Cat Re-Weigh . 😜😂
Oh you were in michigan thats where im at. Im dabling with solar for camping at my favorite place. Buckley Old Engine Show in Buckley Mi which the show has a gen curfew. Right now i dont have a camper. I sleep under my 9 ton equipment trl that i haul my tractor there on. I use tarps to keep me dry and every there knows my campsite since its unique. I run a fan for heat and or bugs and im happy. Last year my mom joined me with her fifth wheel but i dont stay with her since she stayed 2 nights and i was there 4. I ran my 7500 watt gen to charge her battery and mine and friends had problems with there gen so they plugged 2 campers in also. Worked great running gen for 1 or 2 hrs a day. This year 200 watts of solar i charged the 75 ah agm? bat i have and inverted to charge my tractor bat as its old generator went south on me (kept tractor charged so i continued show as normal) i also charged friends fifth wheel so they ran gen for 1 evening 1 hr for ac and that was it. I was given an 80 ah agm? bat that he got for free from work. Im thinking of making a power box that i can load on my flatbed f350 and have a plug to hook up panels to the controlers and have a oulet and not have to hook everything up just certain parts.
Ah! Elkhart, Indiana! My hometown and “RV Capital of the World”. Born and raised there until 20 years young and now live west of Bisbee, AZ.
We recently went from a 2017 pop up to our first travel trailer (2019 Jayco Jay Flight) and it feels like a mansion to us. 😂 I’ve been binge watching for a few weeks and really enjoy your channel, your travels and your family! 👍🏻👍🏻
and what panels did you use thanks
Your rig is massive! Over here in New Zealand we don't see 5th wheelers very often (might be because the best places to go are pretty much impossible to get to in a vehicle that large), so was very interesting to see how you manage your power system.
We really enjoyed our NZ season. Fav season to date.
Great video. Wow. They gave you all those batteries! You lucky ducks.
For me, the BEST youtube video I've seen in your series. Bravo, just got a chance to catch it and it was a great lesson!!!
Jeez Louez but you made this completely understandable....thank you so much I have been so confused as to the whole solar/amp/watt issue. Believe it or not I made electricity for 33 years at a power plant but I understood big voltage but not household stuff. LOL Thanks so much...this video is on save for sure, have a new Airstream Basecamp 20 X coming this week and will be needing this information.