Solar Power UPGRADE | Full Time Van Life
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2024
- I finally ditch my old gel battery for TWO Lithium Ion Battle Born batteries. This how-to video will set you in the right direction if you are looking to upgrade your solar power too. This is LIFE CHANGING, I wish I had invested in these batteries from the start!
Battle Born Batteries - battlebornbatteries.com/produ...
Here is the FAQ page for Battle Born, this includes really helpful information and things to know when choosing your batteries. battlebornbatteries.com/faq/
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Solar Installation - • SOLAR INSTALLATION 200...
Solar Explained - • VAN BUILD SOLAR EXPLAI...
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We are Linnea and Akela. Through the van build, I used my stubbornness and drive to show individuals that they, too, can convert a campervan by themselves and on a budget, with a lot of learning, rolling up the sleeves, and getting to work.
Our goal is to inspire individuals to chase their dreams... to break from societal limitations and live the life they truly desire.
SUBSCRIBE for solo travel, all things outdoors, and the in's & out's of van life with a big german shepherd.
Follow on Instagram: @linnea.and.akela
I love the wonder of electricity. It’s because when understanding it and it clicks, I get so freakin happy. Nothing else beats that.
The positive can't spark if it doesn't touch ground, always connect the positive before you connect the ground to prevent spark.
I should also mention when disconnecting from a battery always disconnect the ground first, now when you disconnect the positive it can't spark because you removed its ground. Hope that makes sense.
Builds, like our lives, are ever evolving. They grow as we grow. Our needs change slowly, but they change. I have watched your channel through your first build and decided to tag along with you on your journey. Very glad I did. Your laugh and your humour (and your mum) are refreshing. Your good times are contagious and how you’ve dealt with the hardships is commendable and inspiring. You are a very good teacher with very clear and understandable direction and explanation. I follow only a few VanLifers and always look forward to your posts. So! Where are you taking us next? Cheers from Vancouver eh!
Linnea. I'm an old guy. You're one of my favorite channels. You have the right combination of info and delivery that makes some youtube channels succeed. Thnx.
You are doing a good job! 👍. I've been installing solar on remote homes for 27 years, and your diagrams look good. The one safety detail I would recommend would be to wear safety glasses when doing this kind of work. And I've always disconnected the negative first, and reconnecting it last.(rather than the positive shown here)
Yep, those darn sparks when making that last connection are always uncomfortable. The only way to avoid that would be to use a breaker switch rather than a fuse. But you have learned a lot! And learning on your own like this makes the lessons permanent. Like I said, well done! 👍
Couldn’t agree more on the negative connection being disconnected first. No ground no worries.
To prevent sparking you could install a kill switch between the battery positive and the shunt. That way there can be 0 current draw when making wire connections. The switch is designed to reduce for eliminate the spark when it is turned on and keeps the spark, if any, in the switch enclosure.
Linnea! I have to tell you.
ELECTRICAL was my scariest part of the vanbuild process, like most people are.
I came across your video couple months back, the one with you crying when the lights first came on in your VAN!
Fast forward 4 months I am traveling in our completed Promaster build, 18 states and 3 months later and and I am ABSOLUTELY loving every minute of it.
I have to thank you because, you sharing your moment of joy and steadfastness throughout your build journey gave me strength to finish my Van Build.
So have a Great rest of the year, have a better year next year! and WE LOVE YOU! (and of course Akela! We have Linus that looks just like Akela! )
My son just graduated trade schools with a “degree/certification “ in electrical…. He does understand he will be helping me when I can get my van and start a build.
When you utter softly the words "I did it," I knew I have to subscribe. I do the same hesitation when doing the final battery terminal connection.
Yes, you are very smart to wrap the wires as remove them. That way they won't accidentally touch across where they shouldn't and give you some exciting sparks. 😳.
The only AC DC I understand is the rock band. Good for you for being so smart and self sufficient
Great work on this, and putting it in human terms. You have made me less worried now when I need to set up mine.
good practice is always to cover the panel with a blanket or jacket to lower the load to none before pulling the wires
I’m the same when I expect sparks. I have to mentally prepare myself 😂. Some things I’ve learned:
Pre-charge capacitors help with the spark. It is also essential to protecting your components , such as your inverter, if you have a higher volt system like 48v.
Proper crimping and connections are important. I was hand tightening my connections, and I soon learned from a burning smell that, that was a huge no no. Had to concede and invest in proper tools 😩
You are so inspiring. I plan to do the short dog nose bus life starting in 2023. My biggest fear was the electricity it is so mind-boggling. You have taught me so much in a language I could understand. I'm still afraid but, it isn't a paralyzing fear any longer. Thanks.
I didn't want to compare you to other vanlifers, but it's readily apparent that you have a head on your shoulders and can think through problems and issues. Your attitude and work ethic, along with problem solving is an inspiration (hopefully to many), will get you far. Your independence and capabilities are motivating, for women and men. Keep on doing what you're doing! Wish you nothing but success.
Good morning Dave,
Thank you so much for this kind comment, I appreciate it more than you know! ♥️
@@Linneaandakela Not a problem. It's deserved. Now.. .if you need a police thriller novel or two, to read, let me know! (author here).
I love how your confidence has grown, and that you remind others this was a big learning curve.
Your vids have inspired me and encouraged me. It gives a normal person like me hope.
Okay this makes me feel like upgrading the very basic system my van came with could actually be doable. I was just going to muddle by because figuring out all those wires and components seemed way too overwhelming. Will definitely check out your other videos when it comes time to sort that all out 👏🏻🙏🏻
You can do it! I knew nothing when I started the van build. Now I've got working heat, light, chargers, a fan in the roof (scariest part if the build) and an enormous boost of my confidence.
I enjoy your videos so much, you show us all to that if we study and we can get he get confidence to do the van build. I am 74 years old and my wife is 73, we are converting a 2016 sprinter van to go snowboarding out west and all your videos are fun to watch and I am sure inspire many people to step into the van build. Thanks for all you do and maybe we will run into you out west later this year.
You need a DC to DC charger! They give you 40-60 amps of power while the engine in running. Really good supplement to solar, particularly in winter.
I really appreciate you sharing your journey with all of the learning lessons in between - you have taught me A LOT especially when it comes to solar and electrical. I have saved so many of your videos for when I commence my own build in the spring (upon receiving of my van). THANK YOU for your knowledge and simplified explanations! Best to you and Akela!
Another stellar, detailed, and easier to understand build video. You have been so inspiring. Thank you ❤️
Very nice!
Consider getting the combined MPPT solar charger and DC-DC converter from Renogy. I got the 50A unit and getting a charge while driving is a game changer. I don't even need solar anymore. The 50A version is ~$300 and the smaller 30A version is ~$250.
Any chance you have a video showing the install?
THANK YOU!! We are starting a build and need to finish quickly. The solar was the most daunting part and seeing your diagram just made it click!! We have been so stressed about this and now I feel like I understand the connections enough to tackle this!
So glad to see you back.
Very impressive! I especially liked your proud smile after you did it. Big difference between a man and a woman doing electrical is women care about safety. My husband does electrical work and he is so careless about safety, it drives me crazy. Great job!
Safety glasses when working with batteries, cover battery terminals when there's a chance of something falling on them to cause a short. Even just a rag will do.
I'm midway through my own build, and your videos have been instrumental in my choice of going with a Promaster, as well as being a good general guide to how to build it out. I very much doubt I would have initiated this move and stuck with it without your content. Thanks.
Your so brave and smart! Loved learning a little about what is scary to me!
One suggestion. Upgrade your panels ideally 560w minimum 400w. The panel footprint will be slightly larger but allow much more liberal use of power.
I worried about you both when I didn't see any video last week, what a relief today, love to both, regards from Yorkshire England xxx
Great video! You are really learning and teaching a lot. Please start wearing safety glasses at critical junctions of hooking up wires! In tight quarters like that- one flash and it could be all over.
Thank you!
Thank you for the morale boost half way through - I'm so overwhelmed and so grateful you made this video! I have to replace my batteries and I'm so nervous :)
So cool that your doing everything yourself. Keep up the great work. Stay safe. 👋🐾
Loved this. You are very inspirational. Thank you!
Those are some great batteries. Being a CZcamsr comes with perks. I purchased a 206 amp SOK and then decided to build my own batteries with more amps and only about half the cost of the SOK. Of course reliability is a very important variable and Battleborns have a great warranty and might be more reliable.
Great job and a great video Linnea. I agree with some comments here re: disconnect negative first; reconnect it last.
Where we dont have a ‘van build’, we do have a fifth wheel (that we dry camp with) and it is need of some upgrades to the solar system. This video was SO well done and I appreciate that you simply drew out your system! Thank you so much!!
Very clear and concise explanations and diagrams. I saved this video for future reference since I don't have my van yet. Thank you Linnea!
Wow, just think what you did girl, fantastic to see you do this and I know it wasn’t easy to get in that small garage to get the job done, but hey you get my vote and interesting to see take care both of you 👍💖
Congrats on the upgrade! Reminded me how much I miss your build videos! And btw, just wanted to let you know - now that your inverter is connected through the bus bar, it will be limited by your 20 amp ANL fuse (20 amps x 12 volts = 240 watts). It should still handle laptops and camera just fine. And doesn't seem like you have much high current (amperage) stuff. Just wanted to let you know, in case you blow a fuse and are wondering what happened. You could also probably go a little higher fuse size depending on your existing wire sizes, if it becomes an issue. Best of luck!
Oh thank you so much Noel! That’s awesome info :)
You bet! 👍
if the inverter is directly connected to the battery when the load draws 2000w from the inverter. what is the amp between the battery and the inventer?
Amazing, you explain everything so well. Great diagram. I just purchased a 1500 two weeks ago and found you. I can't wait to get started
it worked for a while! What I have in Taj-Ma-Haul to start is: 5x530watt Panels | 12kWatt Growatt Solar Charge Controller | 14kWatt PowerWall (second coming this summer)
Thank you thank you thank you. I feel so much more confident now. We CAN do anything! And i hate sparks too haha. Leah from Oz
Thanks for explaining with pictures!!! Made sense to me!
I watched your video of your electric build over and over again. It gave me confidence I could do it too. And I could. Everytime I turn on the lights in our van, it also sparks a litte proudness inside. Thank you so much!!!!
Congratz on the upgrade!!!
Love your videos but FYI I would seriously consider upgrading to 2/0 wire at least. I am not a professional, but those small wires are not large enough for the current. Battle born even recommends 2/0 wire to connect to the batteries. the 4 awg wire is not large enough to carry that load and your at risk of fire - would recommend reaching back out to BB and ask!
Awesome product as always. Thank you for the great video.
You Go Girl !!!! You need some safety glasses though , protect those eye's from sparks when hooking up inverters... also when working with the saws and every thing ....
Another excellent video. Thank you for your time and effort you put into making these videos for us. Wishing you and Akela a very happy time in the desert.
Good job! Thanks for the detailed information 👍
Such a joy to watch your videos...your energy is beautiful..
Thank you Linnea, you really cleared up my electrical questions I had for my cargo trailer 🙂
WELL DONE! Congrats and thanks SO MUCH for sharing! All the BEST to you and have a GREAT Christmas! Cheers :)
You rock!!! Merry Christmas to you and akela!!! May the Angel's watch over you in your travels, and keep you both safe!
🍃🤗🍃
That was just a lovely update. Nice diagram, seriously. Functional and artistic. Seriously organized wire situation, nice!😏
This is so helpful! I' m building my van Morrison out right now:) Thanks for sharing!
Merry Christmas Linnae&Akela
I discover your channel few days ago, and I'm watching your old videos on how you transformed your van. I'm thinking about doing the same here in Italy. (I'm still in the "thinking" phase). But you have inspired me in doing the same. You are awesome and your "lessons" are so easy to understand and very well done. Never stop thinking big! Marco
Love your content Your amazing a real inspiration God bless you and Akela ❤️
All of your videos are awesome and you are an inspiration, keep up the good work!
Thank you soooo much for this Linnea! This is the most fully explained, easy to understand step by step solar! I have a house but in the wilderness the electric goes down a couple times a month and so have been looking at solar back up, I think this is it!
YES, positive and negative connecting by mistake, i.e.. touch together or some metal going across them is not good. I know this from experience. Well I was changing my battery in my car and by mistake I touched a wrench across both + and - poles causing the battery to blow up in my face. I was so lucky my face was not directly over the battery. Be carful ot there and take all Rings off also.. Good luck, be safe.
So happy for your upgrade. Congrats!. I have just entered this zone on my build. 750w to run one single 200a Lith Batt. All that I could afford for now…not yet installed…so again am watching you closely …spirit helper. and yes electrical is all that you said for me…stressful af. For ex…still struggling with wiring the rest of my lights and switch/dimmers. But as of now I can no longer procrastinate…I have to dive in. That is the thing that has been holding back the speed of completion of my build which is now going on about 6 months.
Congrats on the upgrade
Thank you Linnea! Very helpful explanation and diagram :)
Nice informative video, Love your upgrade , hope the vehicle is running smoothly after the repairs . Your one smart cookie, nice work setting your solar up id be nervous as well. Nice diagram of the set up one can really understand how it is done Thank's Linnea.
Great job build and repairs. I enjoyed your video and have great Day
I love seeing your sub count starting to skyrocket. You are hitting the nail on the head with the algorithm. Keep it up!
Awww I missed you last week. This video is awesome, I am a carpenter but when it comes to electrical I hardly understand anything, but you did a great job explaining it. ❤️
Nice job! Yay for more comfort!
Dang you are super cool! I'm about a year behind you but I'm basing my van build mostly off your build. Just installed my Chinese diesel heater yesterday! It's so nice to have heat!
Great video as always loved it Happy Holidays to you two beautiful ladies.
This was a very cool video.
My first to see of your channel. Well done on the electrics. It taught me alot. Subbed
You are an amazing lady. I'm so happy to see you back. When you were talking "battery/power" talk...well it's beyond what I understand. I'm so impressed with your knowledge and independence.
Battleborn batteries in my opinion are absolutely phenomenal. I have four battleborn in my fifth wheel they do a very nice job. Very fortunate indeed. When I set it up I called battleborn and they were very helpful about explaining things and sending me the right jumper cables that go from battery to battery. Great company to deal with. Thank you for the video. Safe travels.
Great job its good you got more power. I got 540 ah and feel like it's not enough during winter with so many short days and clouds in the northeast.
Excellent video, thank you.
I’m laughing, but I think what you do is BRILLIANT!! I’m doing the same thing here in Oz. Love your work!! I felt all the anxiety and exuberance. Well done!
This was such great information, thank you!
Thank you for this explanation
First time watch your channel, I have been wanting to install solar panel for a while, you explained everything in detail that was incredibly helpful, I am very much appreciated.🦌
I am so glad it was helpful!
Such a great job as usual keep up the awesome work
Been waiting for your build video. Really well done and very informative. Quick thing, since you’ll be wintering in the van, have you thought of connecting your batteries to the alternator so it gets charged when you drive ? Just in case you end up with days of no sun. Looking forward to the freezer build. Thanks for taking the effort to make your vids clear and concise.
Wondering about this as well.
i ordered some hydraulic lug crimpers off amazon, they work great! highly reccomend. also, it really would be a good idea to add a master switch to your system, makes any changes, repairs, or emergency disconnection so much easier and safer.
You're an inspiration for sure!
Have a merry Christmas 🎄
Damn woman you are killin it! You are so inspiring!! I’m hoping to get a few batteries soon. Right now I’m plugging in to shore power at night to charge my Jackery 240 which I have my diesel heater plugged in to. My batteries are MIA coming from China. so at this point I am thinking I will just wait until spring to order new ones. I live in Whitehorse Yukon Canada so I’m living in below freezing temps right now. It’s all a learning experience right? Thanks for being so open about the whole process. I know you inspire lots of people. Keep up the awesome work and great videos.
(CHIC'S RULE) YOUNG LADY. LUV THAT UR NOT AFRAID TO LEARN.
i got a sok 206ah last fall. i just got to finish my system. it came in handy the last couple days as we lost power at home!
Loved your video as usual but want to say, Its good to have a means to isolate anything that produces or stores power ie the solar panels and the batteries, it not only allows for quicker, safer and easier diagnostics and maintenance but allows you to isolate systems without having to remove cables and if youre going to be away from the vehicle for extended periods
Nice work Linnea! 🔥🔥😊😊
Wow you got it going on 👍 nice build be safe out there
my setup is almost the same but I use a _Chins 200w LiFePo battery_ and _Victron Bluetooth shunt_ . The bluetooth makes it easy to set alerts and monitor from other places in the van.
congratulations and thank you for helping us girls understand electrical jargon a little better, happy trails
Awesome! Thank you!
I am brian its nice to meet you thru watching your video .My first time seeing your channel.