I’m a 53 y/o paramedic, general contractor, cabinet shop owner, finish carpenter, etc etc, and I’m using this to set up my Suburban. Excellent video mam 😁👍
I can’t even describe in words how awesome this video is. Not only the system itself but how you figured out how to do it yourself, and in doing so, now know your entire system intimately where if something needs replacing or fixing, you know what to do. The value of that is immeasurable. I’m so impressed, I can’t even say. Just…wow.
Great job! It was clever to use the circuit breaker as a cut off switch. *I do have a few safety suggestions: While your current design has been the most common way of building these systems for a while, a couple of months ago SAE came out with a new specification that all lithium based batteries (LiFePO4 batteries included) need to be housed away from flammable surfaces (like wood) and in an enclosed fire resistant container. LiFePO4 batteries are safer than Lithium Ion batteries but if the cells are ever punctured (say if a loose screw or nail works it’s way underneath or in a car accident) they can result in the same type of high intensity fire. Second your batteries have a minimum and maximum temperature setting for safe charging and discharging. You’ll need to contact the manufacturer or reference your documentation to find out exactly what those numbers are. Since vehicles (especially those designed for transportation and not for residing in, like minivans) routinely experience extreme temperatures you should account for this in your system design. Finally tucking unsheathed wire under the trim of your vehicle, where vibrations, sand and debris can wear away at the insulation potentially causing a short, is probably not advisable. It’s less attractive but it would be preferable to enclose the wires in conduit to protect them. Overall you did a great job and your explanation of the process is likely very helpful for those who are interested in trying something similar!! 😊
For that larger blue-handled crimper, I have the same model. For tough crimps, I put one handle against the floor and then I can put all my weight on the other handle. A little tricky getting everything lined up proper, but way easier than trying to do it with just brute arm strength.
This was so freaking cool. You did such a great job!!! Just as an option for other people, I have a portable Pecron E2000 with the extended E3000 battery. That's 5000 watt hours that I can take in and out of my minivan and they're connected to three 100 watt solar panels attached to my roof rack. Same amount of power but mine is plug and play.
So very well done! Helped me a lot with the feeling of being overwhelmed by building a safe system. Thank you so much for the excellent advice. Your hard work of researching, building out a solar system, and then teaching us about it in this excellent video is very much appreciated. Your encouragement to do our own research in order to feel competent was a very good thing, as we all have differing requirements. Thank you.
Thank you for the really great video! I'm also building an off-grid system in my minivan. I'm still relatively new to all of this, but it seems that you're missing a grounding cable from your negative busbar to the chassis of your vehicle. Right now I'm looking into exactly how I'm going to do that. I think it's going to be necessary to drill at least one small hole in the chassis of my minivan, even though I'd like to keep the vehicle pristine, as it's a no-build build, and I haven't had to modify any part of vehicle. In other words, I'll be able to return everything back to normal if I ever want to sell it. The only other modification I think I'll need to make is drilling another small hole somewhere in the body of the car to run cables from the alternator to a DC-DC charger. I will work with a professional (someone who does electrical work on RVs) to figure that out. Best wishes to you .... peace and safety out there!
Congratulations Kel, omg that looked so difficult, but you did it ! What a great setup now, and you're so right, you learn so much by fitting it all together, and you know where everything is if there's a problem. I think we actually learn more through our mistakes, and sometimes we have to make them, to be better prepared. I'm glad you didn't blow yourself up, you did an awesome job ! Lady Power ! ⚡❤💥
GAL YOU DID A REALY FANTASTIC JOB ON YOUR ELECTRICAL WORK, I SEE ON CZcams ALL THESE PROS ALL MAKE A BATTERY BOX WITH EVERYTHING MOUNTED TO SIDE WALLS STABLIZED, BUT I LIKE YOUR SETUP ITS A GREAT SETUP THANKYOU!
Hi Kelly, Wow! Great job. You learned so much and did it yourself. It was a lot of work and a little trial and error but now you are set and you know exactly how the system is set up and how it works. Be proud of yourself. I look forward to seeing your solar panel set up. It's neat that it will be charging the batteries all the time. 200 watts doesn't sound like a lot going into over 5000wh of batteries but it should be fine with the constant charging. That is one cool van and I hope it provides you with many more years of enjoyment! Well done. Steve.
you could run a line from the car alternator with a DC high amp switch to the inside of the vehicle to the charger controller... so when there is not much sunlight... run the car for an hour to have the batteries fully charged. that 150A alternator you got under the hood will charge your batteries very fast. so you will not have to be anxious about running out of charge. that's how i have it.
Thank you so much for this video! You took a very intimidating installation and explained it clearly and actually did it! I have been watching you tube video after video and they all have been so difficult to grasp. You did it! And now I have the confidence that I can too! Thank you so much!
Oh thank you! Yes, that was my goal. I know, the other videos are so confusing! I’m really glad I could explain it in an understandable way. Thanks for the feedback!
Very good tutorial on the battery system installation. I enjoyed your presentation (I have seen a few of your videos and each was very good, so I subscribed), I like how you illustrated the connection (prior to mounting), your tips on wire and mistakes and relative difficulty you encountered, and your positive approach to the task. Your videos are very good and helpful. Keep up the good work. Subscribed and will watch more. Happy trails!
Friendly suggestion to the channel: I think one thing missing from the video was the total cost of the new system (batteries, wiring, etc.). Even though prices may change over time, it would be helpful to have a general idea of how much all components together cost (without having to look for each on a linked sales page). Some statement such as: “I was able to assemble all of this for about $X….”
Well done! Regarding dropping things- I once dropped my cell phone down the tiny gap between the elevator and the 4th floor. Impossible! I could hear it fall all the way down!
@@minivancampergal1554 I couldn’t have replicated that if I had tried for hours and hours! I should have bought a lottery ticket- probably the same odds as winning the jackpot! Lol. But perspective is everything. #1 it was just a thing. Nonperson was injured. #2 I had apple care at the time and it was replaced.
You've got alot of space in that Pacifica. I put 100ah in the back seat foot area in my Ridgeline. Used only 30% over a 5 day trip a few days ago but I only used it to charge my phone/power bank and drone batts. It feels so nice knowing you have power to charge your devices so you don't have to find a shore outlet.
Velcro Tip: Use Industrial Velcro Brand. Then instead of trusting the mger's adhesive, I apply the velcro backs with permanent contact cement; especially Oatey 30246 PVC Regular Clear Cement. It works great on hard-to-stick-to surfaces. It gives velcro a permanent adhesive grip to any surface. - For more temporary velcro applications - use Elmer's Rubber Cement on the back of velcro. First apply Elmer's to both surfaces, but don't stick the two surfaces together until the rubber cement dries. - Forget the velcro mfg'er's adhesive - it is subject to heat and moisture. unlike Oatey or Elmers cement. - I use very hot, soapy, water to neutralize the original mfg'ers velcro adhesive. Let dry and then apply my own adhesive choice. - Note: The hotter, and wetter, it gets - the better Oatey's cement works - ___________________________________ Concluding Question: Why didn't you just buy a single 400ah battery? -
Safety Suggestion: Looks like your choices of part's are really good but, from past experience and from articles I have read, that all of the blade type fuses need to be replaced with better quality ones from Littlefuse. The cheap fuses that come with your Anderson power pole rig (and other items) don't blow at the current rating that they are rated for. Trust me you don't any wires burning up because of a cheap fuse. Don't save the old ones, just throw them away. Good luck with your project, cheers from El Cajon, Ca.
In the process of watching this now. As I learn, I do want to add one thing. Ecoflow and Bluetti both use the same type of battery. The Jackery I heard does not, unless they are the biggest sizes. But if you want a simple system, you can still get that same type ION battery. I know very little about this stuff but saw that on a different video. Im watching your video to see if I want a simple system or one like yours
Nice review & install. Not sure the 200Ah battery would fit in the space I have, but their 100Ah one definitely would. My cargo minivan’s auxiliary or house battery currently is an AGM, so going to lithium would increase how much I could draw it down. It also has a solenoid that will charge the auxiliary battery off the alternator once it has finished charging the vehicle’s starter battery. This is helpful if it’s cloudy & the rooftop 100w solar panel needs help keeping up. Hmmm, I need to go measure to see if a 200Ah would fit.
@@minivancampergal1554 , I know they are auxiliary or house batteries. I am thinking of replacing the 75Ah AGM battery that powers my 12v fridge & a few other things.
Hi if you don’t mind I have two questions first question is do you have a phd in minivan building Because I have been watching a lot of build videos getting ready to start my town and country build and your ideas re the best question two o you have a teaching degree because your presentations and explanations are the best I’ve seen I have check marked your ideas more them anybody thanks so much 😊
Loose connections are as bad as too tight heat can built up...steel does conduct electricity but it's good for mechanical connection and not to conduct electricity so your lungs must be securely attached so that they can carry power in and out of your batteries
Thank you! I don’t have a video about it yet- there’s really not much to it, you just plug in the router (shown in the video) to the little satellite stand. That’s it! It’s really simple. But I am planning on modifying it and mounting it on my roof. I’ll have a video of that in a few weeks!
Approx. Cost (Not including tools or solar panel) $1872.00 Here's a free diagram to download! drive.google.com/file/d/1xFts0JZTaclWDPtVxeYvBqbEWCCtpL74/view?usp=drive_link Find all the parts at www.minivancampergal.com, click on "Battery Install." Redodo 200a Battery: amzn.to/3RpHKl8
They aren’t self heating, so they won’t charge if it gets cold enough. But they will run even when it’s pretty cold. Redodo makes self heating batteries if you’re going to be in cold a lot.
Kinda' surprised you're using only AWG4 at the batteries? I need AWG 0-4 for parallel on my 400 Ah of LiFePo4 storage and inverter. And always use stranded copper wires in a vehicle.
A great battery monitor is the Victron BMV-712 with a 500 amp shunt. I have one, works incredibly well. It will chart past usage 😮 yes. So cool. How much solar come in yesterday? It will chart that.
I’m a 53 y/o paramedic, general contractor, cabinet shop owner, finish carpenter, etc etc, and I’m using this to set up my Suburban. Excellent video mam 😁👍
I can’t even describe in words how awesome this video is. Not only the system itself but how you figured out how to do it yourself, and in doing so, now know your entire system intimately where if something needs replacing or fixing, you know what to do. The value of that is immeasurable. I’m so impressed, I can’t even say. Just…wow.
Great job! It was clever to use the circuit breaker as a cut off switch.
*I do have a few safety suggestions:
While your current design has been the most common way of building these systems for a while, a couple of months ago SAE came out with a new specification that all lithium based batteries (LiFePO4 batteries included) need to be housed away from flammable surfaces (like wood) and in an enclosed fire resistant container. LiFePO4 batteries are safer than Lithium Ion batteries but if the cells are ever punctured (say if a loose screw or nail works it’s way underneath or in a car accident) they can result in the same type of high intensity fire.
Second your batteries have a minimum and maximum temperature setting for safe charging and discharging. You’ll need to contact the manufacturer or reference your documentation to find out exactly what those numbers are. Since vehicles (especially those designed for transportation and not for residing in, like minivans) routinely experience extreme temperatures you should account for this in your system design.
Finally tucking unsheathed wire under the trim of your vehicle, where vibrations, sand and debris can wear away at the insulation potentially causing a short, is probably not advisable. It’s less attractive but it would be preferable to enclose the wires in conduit to protect them.
Overall you did a great job and your explanation of the process is likely very helpful for those who are interested in trying something similar!! 😊
Thanks for all the great tips! I appreciate your time!
For that larger blue-handled crimper, I have the same model. For tough crimps, I put one handle against the floor and then I can put all my weight on the other handle. A little tricky getting everything lined up proper, but way easier than trying to do it with just brute arm strength.
Well done, we can do hard things, yes your correct now you know your setup so an issues you can fix.
Great Job! DON'T forget to mention audio warning on voltage meter.
This was so freaking cool. You did such a great job!!! Just as an option for other people, I have a portable Pecron E2000 with the extended E3000 battery. That's 5000 watt hours that I can take in and out of my minivan and they're connected to three 100 watt solar panels attached to my roof rack. Same amount of power but mine is plug and play.
VERY smart Lady!!! 😊
Aw, thank you!
Red o d o 😂😂😂 why does she say it like, either she’s a clown or she’s a troll.
I think I just saw the happiest smiley person on the internet......and that makes me happy and smiley :)
Haha, thanks!
So very well done! Helped me a lot with the feeling of being overwhelmed by building a safe system. Thank you so much for the excellent advice. Your hard work of researching, building out a solar system, and then teaching us about it in this excellent video is very much appreciated. Your encouragement to do our own research in order to feel competent was a very good thing, as we all have differing requirements. Thank you.
Hey Dusty! Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it! I hope your system turns out great!
Thank you for the really great video! I'm also building an off-grid system in my minivan. I'm still relatively new to all of this, but it seems that you're missing a grounding cable from your negative busbar to the chassis of your vehicle. Right now I'm looking into exactly how I'm going to do that. I think it's going to be necessary to drill at least one small hole in the chassis of my minivan, even though I'd like to keep the vehicle pristine, as it's a no-build build, and I haven't had to modify any part of vehicle. In other words, I'll be able to return everything back to normal if I ever want to sell it. The only other modification I think I'll need to make is drilling another small hole somewhere in the body of the car to run cables from the alternator to a DC-DC charger. I will work with a professional (someone who does electrical work on RVs) to figure that out. Best wishes to you .... peace and safety out there!
Congratulations Kel, omg that looked so difficult, but you did it ! What a great setup now, and you're so right, you learn so much by fitting it all together, and you know where everything is if there's a problem. I think we actually learn more through our mistakes, and sometimes we have to make them, to be better prepared. I'm glad you didn't blow yourself up, you did an awesome job ! Lady Power ! ⚡❤💥
Hey Marion! Thanks for being such a supportive fan! Yeah, I’m glad I didn’t blow myself up too, ha!
Just found your channel…this was so good and your explanation was great!!! Great job!!!!🙏🏽💖
The absolute BEST video I’ve seen on installing a system! Thank you.
Hi Carol, oh thank you! I’m glad you think so. Thanks for commenting!
GAL YOU DID A REALY FANTASTIC JOB ON YOUR ELECTRICAL WORK, I SEE ON CZcams ALL THESE PROS ALL MAKE A BATTERY BOX WITH EVERYTHING MOUNTED TO SIDE WALLS STABLIZED, BUT I LIKE YOUR SETUP ITS A GREAT SETUP THANKYOU!
Hi Kelly,
Wow! Great job. You learned so much and did it yourself. It was a lot of work and a little trial and error but now you are set and you know exactly how the system is set up and how it works. Be proud of yourself. I look forward to seeing your solar panel set up. It's neat that it will be charging the batteries all the time. 200 watts doesn't sound like a lot going into over 5000wh of batteries but it should be fine with the constant charging. That is one cool van and I hope it provides you with many more years of enjoyment! Well done.
Steve.
Hey Steve! Ah thanks for the encouragement and compliments! Yeah, I'm pretty wiped out from the project and video, phew! Thanks for watching!
Great job ! The best part is the end result, personally, you are good and can be named Madam explain stuff, very impressive video.
you could run a line from the car alternator with a DC high amp switch to the inside of the vehicle to the charger controller... so when there is not much sunlight... run the car for an hour to have the batteries fully charged. that 150A alternator you got under the hood will charge your batteries very fast. so you will not have to be anxious about running out of charge. that's how i have it.
Thanks for the tip! I’m a little worried about burning out my alternator that way. But I don’t know much about it.
I genuinely learned so much watching this!
Yip..I’m from northern idaho and know exactly what you mean about the weather…it’s terrible.. I love what your doing here with the power!
Thank you so much for this video! You took a very intimidating installation and explained it clearly and actually did it! I have been watching you tube video after video and they all have been so difficult to grasp. You did it! And now I have the confidence that I can too! Thank you so much!
Oh thank you! Yes, that was my goal. I know, the other videos are so confusing! I’m really glad I could explain it in an understandable way. Thanks for the feedback!
Very good tutorial on the battery system installation. I enjoyed your presentation (I have seen a few of your videos and each was very good, so I subscribed), I like how you illustrated the connection (prior to mounting), your tips on wire and mistakes and relative difficulty you encountered, and your positive approach to the task. Your videos are very good and helpful. Keep up the good work. Subscribed and will watch more. Happy trails!
Thanks for subscribing! Thank you for the feedback, I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos!
Friendly suggestion to the channel: I think one thing missing from the video was the total cost of the new system (batteries, wiring, etc.). Even though prices may change over time, it would be helpful to have a general idea of how much all components together cost (without having to look for each on a linked sales page). Some statement such as: “I was able to assemble all of this for about $X….”
Ahh, yes, great point! I’ll see if I can pin that in the comments.
Another awesome video
Thank you!
Your system is great. Totally impressed.
Well done! Regarding dropping things- I once dropped my cell phone down the tiny gap between the elevator and the 4th floor. Impossible! I could hear it fall all the way down!
Hi Carrie! Oh. My. Gosh. That's horrible! Haha, of all the places for your phone to land - how does that happen, right? Oh how sad! 😂
@@minivancampergal1554 I couldn’t have replicated that if I had tried for hours and hours! I should have bought a lottery ticket- probably the same odds as winning the jackpot! Lol. But perspective is everything.
#1 it was just a thing. Nonperson was injured. #2 I had apple care at the time and it was replaced.
great job
Kelly, very impressive! Great job…. I like the way you explained and broke everything down. Thanks😊
Thanks Douglas! I appreciate the comment!
You've got alot of space in that Pacifica. I put 100ah in the back seat foot area in my Ridgeline. Used only 30% over a 5 day trip a few days ago but I only used it to charge my phone/power bank and drone batts. It feels so nice knowing you have power to charge your devices so you don't have to find a shore outlet.
Yes, the stand alone batteries really are game changers as opposed to the little power stations. Glad you had a nice trip!
Velcro Tip: Use Industrial Velcro Brand. Then instead of trusting the mger's adhesive,
I apply the velcro backs with permanent contact cement;
especially Oatey 30246 PVC Regular Clear Cement.
It works great on hard-to-stick-to surfaces.
It gives velcro a permanent adhesive grip to any surface.
-
For more temporary velcro applications -
use Elmer's Rubber Cement on the back of velcro.
First apply Elmer's to both surfaces, but don't stick the two surfaces together until the rubber cement dries.
-
Forget the velcro mfg'er's adhesive -
it is subject to heat and moisture.
unlike Oatey or Elmers cement.
-
I use very hot, soapy, water to neutralize the original mfg'ers velcro adhesive.
Let dry and then apply my own adhesive choice.
-
Note:
The hotter, and wetter, it gets - the better Oatey's cement works
-
___________________________________
Concluding Question: Why didn't you just buy a single 400ah battery?
-
Wow! It is more complicated than it would seem. Great video!
Yes, that’s what I thought too! Thanks for watching!
They are a little big but your happiness makes them small.🎉
Haha, thank you!
Love your energy
Thanks Charlie!
Can I suggest an audio. Sound on. Volt meter so you don't have to look away when testing connections.😊 from Dave's RV.
Gread job .I like your video.
What you state this is? worm or cool.Beause i play us dv lottery visa so just acquaint.When i win i want to live in your town. I from burma sir.
Safety Suggestion: Looks like your choices of part's are really good but, from past experience and from articles I have read, that all of the blade type fuses need to be replaced with better quality ones from Littlefuse. The cheap fuses that come with your Anderson power pole rig (and other items) don't blow at the current rating that they are rated for. Trust me you don't any wires burning up because of a cheap fuse. Don't save the old ones, just throw them away. Good luck with your project, cheers from El Cajon, Ca.
Hey Sandcruzer, ooh, good tip. I hadn’t heard that. Thanks!
Awesome job!
Thanks!
nice one, thanks
Thanks Patty!
In the process of watching this now. As I learn, I do want to add one thing. Ecoflow and Bluetti both use the same type of battery. The Jackery I heard does not, unless they are the biggest sizes. But if you want a simple system, you can still get that same type ION battery. I know very little about this stuff but saw that on a different video. Im watching your video to see if I want a simple system or one like yours
Looking forward to seeing your solar panels!
Thanks!
Nice review & install. Not sure the 200Ah battery would fit in the space I have, but their 100Ah one definitely would. My cargo minivan’s auxiliary or house battery currently is an AGM, so going to lithium would increase how much I could draw it down. It also has a solenoid that will charge the auxiliary battery off the alternator once it has finished charging the vehicle’s starter battery. This is helpful if it’s cloudy & the rooftop 100w solar panel needs help keeping up. Hmmm, I need to go measure to see if a 200Ah would fit.
Hi Karin! Oh, you should know- these AREN'T starter batteries. They won't work as a replacement to your car battery, sorry!
@@minivancampergal1554 , I know they are auxiliary or house batteries. I am thinking of replacing the 75Ah AGM battery that powers my 12v fridge & a few other things.
You really broke that down well.
Hi if you don’t mind I have two questions first question is do you have a phd in minivan building Because I have been watching a lot of build videos getting ready to start my town and country build and your ideas re the best question two o you have a teaching degree because your presentations and explanations are the best I’ve seen I have check marked your ideas more them anybody thanks so much 😊
Hey Steve! Haha, thanks for the compliments! Good luck on your build!
the batteries need to be connected in parrallal at the batteries and plus to one battery and the minus to the other battery to draw equely
Loose connections are as bad as too tight heat can built up...steel does conduct electricity but it's good for mechanical connection and not to conduct electricity so your lungs must be securely attached so that they can carry power in and out of your batteries
Thanks for the tips!
Another outstanding and informative video. Just a quick question, you have installed Starlink, do you have a video on that installation?
Thank you! I don’t have a video about it yet- there’s really not much to it, you just plug in the router (shown in the video) to the little satellite stand. That’s it! It’s really simple. But I am planning on modifying it and mounting it on my roof. I’ll have a video of that in a few weeks!
❤❤
Thank you!
Cool
Thanks!
How did you make a folding bed which fitted into the van? And how do you get warm in winter? Is your van isolated?
Can you get them batteries in the U.K. good to see you thank you so much for sharing
Hm, sorry, I’m not sure!
Hi, Do you have a cut sheet for your bed by chance?
Approx. Cost (Not including tools or solar panel) $1872.00
Here's a free diagram to download! drive.google.com/file/d/1xFts0JZTaclWDPtVxeYvBqbEWCCtpL74/view?usp=drive_link
Find all the parts at www.minivancampergal.com, click on "Battery Install."
Redodo 200a Battery: amzn.to/3RpHKl8
Okay thank you 😊
What type of solar panels are you using and how are they installed on top of your van?
Very impressive Just curious as to why you built a 110 volt system rather then just using 12 volt devices.
Hey Doug! I use AC 110 volts for my rice cooker and my Starlink internet. Everything else uses DC power.
Wow you are amazing! Do you have a science background?
Thanks Amy! Haha, nope. I didn't know how to use a screwdriver 10 years ago, but I've been slowly learning!
I was wondering why you chose two 200Ah batteries instead of one 400Ah battery? Is there a pro and con to it? Thanks, I really appreciated the video.
400Ah battery is around 80 pounds. That's not a good time for one person to lift, especially in an awkward space.
So where’s the air conditioner now that you have all that power?
Would just using 2 AWG wire for everything and not using any bus bars/circuit breakers effectively accomplish the same thing?
Not quite- you’d have a lot of wires coming off the battery itself, and you wouldn’t be able to put one fuse that would protect everything.
Not sure your insurance would cover this. You would need to get it safety checked by a professional, every year before renewal.
Ooh, hadn’t thought of that. Thanks!
Great job. Sad redodo was it affordable?
Thanks! Check back to the pinned comment soon and I’ll put the amount of the system!
How does these batteries preform in the cold?
They aren’t self heating, so they won’t charge if it gets cold enough. But they will run even when it’s pretty cold. Redodo makes self heating batteries if you’re going to be in cold a lot.
Kinda' surprised you're using only AWG4 at the batteries? I need AWG 0-4 for parallel on my 400 Ah of LiFePo4 storage and inverter. And always use stranded copper wires in a vehicle.
I would need bigger if I was using a bigger inverter.
@@minivancampergal1554 that's correct, I do run a 3Kw AC inverter 🙂 Rock on 👍
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks again!
you need a 600wh battery pack to run an a.c.
Cost of all parts
It was about $1800
Sorry, it's very long video and I slept
A great battery monitor is the Victron BMV-712 with a 500 amp shunt.
I have one, works incredibly well.
It will chart past usage 😮 yes. So cool.
How much solar come in yesterday? It will chart that.
Ooh, cool, I love that it charts it! I just installed a LiTime monitor. I'll have a video about that coming out soon. I wish it charted though!