RE: VE.Direct cables. I made the mistake of trying to detach a VE.Direct on my MPPT 100/20 when it was below freezing. The Victron cable was so stiff that when I moved it, the connector tore off from the MPPT's circuit board. Those devices are glued together, so no repair without hacking it to pieces.
Factory wiring mess is a disgrace. Thumbs down. I like that you checked operational heat signals. First time I have ever seen that on the Tube.Two Thumbs Up. Current builds favor 48-volt for a lot of good reasons. It would be nice to know what the system parts cost is on a particular build and the parts build sheet. Two big thumbs up on your build and explanation narrative. Retire those retired buddies and get an Orangutan helpmate. If nothing else he can throw the ball. And .... I would build a stair platform to the typical RV roof height and put it on two wheels and move it about with a trailer moving dolly.
Hey Shawn, do you know if this rig has what Keystone calls the 'giggy box'? It's a fused 12V bus/distribution that's usually in the front with the batteries. I didn't get a good look on the left where the wiring is. I'm starting work on mine (Keystone Montana High Country) and I'm debating replacing it with a standard Blue Sea setup. I've had some trouble with ours--if a fuse blows, it's really difficult to replace, and they aren't necessarily as available. Just curious if this one has it if you're keeping it.
Everyone should get going with a 48 volt system. 12v will just piss you off in a year when you realize you want to expand your system to power both or 3 air conditioners while also realizing you want to expand your solar panels too and a 48v will only save you money whereas a 12v will cost you tons and the inverters etc on the market revolve around 48v systems. Just stfu and go 48v if you’re thinking about doing solar and batteries. Don’t waste your time with 12v unless you’re just powering a simple wall outlet or something small to charge your cell phone. Shush, go 48v…
Good point. We have a video on that topic. As far as Victron goes in RVs, we feel the 2x120 inverters fit most people best so that means 12 or 24v right now. If we bring 2x invert in the mix then 48v becomes more realistic. As far as expanding solar, with the controllers this guy has he can add 2 more panels with this setup and that will about max out his roof space anyway. I hear what you’re say though.
RE: VE.Direct cables.
I made the mistake of trying to detach a VE.Direct on my MPPT 100/20 when it was below freezing. The Victron cable was so stiff that when I moved it, the connector tore off from the MPPT's circuit board. Those devices are glued together, so no repair without hacking it to pieces.
Great video. Thanks Don
Be sure you get the “JD carpet corners” on that board
@renegadelife is the master of those for sure.
Factory wiring mess is a disgrace. Thumbs down.
I like that you checked operational heat signals. First time I have ever seen that on the Tube.Two Thumbs Up.
Current builds favor 48-volt for a lot of good reasons.
It would be nice to know what the system parts cost is on a particular build and the parts build sheet.
Two big thumbs up on your build and explanation narrative.
Retire those retired buddies and get an Orangutan helpmate. If nothing else he can throw the ball.
And .... I would build a stair platform to the typical RV roof height and put it on two wheels and move it about with a trailer moving dolly.
I noticed that you didn't ground the multiplus and the 2 solar controllers. Do you think it is not necessary?
Hey Shawn, do you know if this rig has what Keystone calls the 'giggy box'? It's a fused 12V bus/distribution that's usually in the front with the batteries. I didn't get a good look on the left where the wiring is.
I'm starting work on mine (Keystone Montana High Country) and I'm debating replacing it with a standard Blue Sea setup. I've had some trouble with ours--if a fuse blows, it's really difficult to replace, and they aren't necessarily as available.
Just curious if this one has it if you're keeping it.
I never saw one.
I like how airstream does theirs. A copper bar connecting 50 amp thermal breakers.
Everyone should get going with a 48 volt system. 12v will just piss you off in a year when you realize you want to expand your system to power both or 3 air conditioners while also realizing you want to expand your solar panels too and a 48v will only save you money whereas a 12v will cost you tons and the inverters etc on the market revolve around 48v systems. Just stfu and go 48v if you’re thinking about doing solar and batteries. Don’t waste your time with 12v unless you’re just powering a simple wall outlet or something small to charge your cell phone. Shush, go 48v…
Good point. We have a video on that topic. As far as Victron goes in RVs, we feel the 2x120 inverters fit most people best so that means 12 or 24v right now. If we bring 2x invert in the mix then 48v becomes more realistic.
As far as expanding solar, with the controllers this guy has he can add 2 more panels with this setup and that will about max out his roof space anyway.
I hear what you’re say though.