is Cheap LITHIUM a BAD IDEA?? Building a REAL Budget 12v Setup
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- čas přidán 1. 04. 2022
- Today we are making a BUDGET Lithium 12v Setup in the back of my 4WD, we are doing SOLAR, 240V, Remote Switching, Battery Diagnostics and MUCH MORE!
Links to EBAY items I USED!
Watt Meter (Monitored the Input) ebay.us/WRCVNT
Watt Meter (Monitored the Output) ebay.us/S7fRbf
Copper Cable Lugs ebay.us/m4OLTs
720PCS Assorted Crimp Terminals ebay.us/8HgLrP
40A Relays ebay.us/aa3FFg
Motion Sensor ebay.us/ndMEV9
Fuse Box ebay.us/PNGJYB
Switch Panel ebay.us/5SklUo
Wireless Remote Control Relay ebay.us/kphJ5i
Circuit Breaker ebay.us/zG3RV6
Roof Lights ebay.us/hCinxr
LED Strip Light ebay.us/DgDLuN
Duel Core Wire ebay.us/D5zZMf
Heat Shrink ebay.us/VKLYOb
Support the channel $5 Free Shipping Aus Wide! ✔️
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Follow Aussie Arvos @ / aussiearvos
Follow Patrick @ / thepatrickj
Thanks so much to everyone for watching and supporting the videos!
BUILDING a CHEAP LITHIUM 12v Setup That isn't $10,000
is Cheap LITHIUM a BAD IDEA?? Building a REAL Budget 12v Setup
is Cheap LITHIUM a BAD IDEA?? Building a DIRT CHEAP Lithium 12v Setup
Music by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
Music from #InAudio: inaudio.org/
Track Name.
#4x4 #12v #Camping - Auta a dopravní prostředky
There's just something different about watching Aussie Arvos compared to the larger ones. No bullshit, straight to the point - don't ever change guys!
Thanks mate! Means alot!! 🙏
Plus each projects are all in one episode. 👍
@@HammerRocks I think a follow up video with tidied up cables and marine carpet on the 12V box would not go astray.
It is great that this was all up and running in this video though…
Agreed, I very rarely watch the other big name channels these days
Aussie arvos is big channel quality with small channel fun lol
Oh no the cabling isn't perfect from a bloke giving it a try himself. Honestly I think it's a bloody good job for a cheap DIY setup from a non auto electrician.
I come to y’all’s videos for 3 reasons. They are entertaining. I’m living vicariously through you guys since I’m not a camp kinda guy. And finally, I’m learning Australian slang on the off chance it ever comes in handy.
Dude, I dont comment on CZcams videos much, but I have to say that I've been following your channel for a bit now, and I'm loving it and the work you do. It's refreshing to see a "normal" guy doing "normal" stuff and not someone who is sponsored with megs $$$ gear. Well done and keep it up. Thanks.
Thanks Jim! Glad you liking it! I really enjoy doing the budget builds! Cheers :)
Hey Pat, love ya work mate keep it up. It's good to see someone having a go to show people that it's worth having a go at it themselves. I do have a couple of ideas that might help a little more with your setup. 1- is loom tape from car builders. Their tape is amazing and will work good through the grommet holes and will protect positive wires from rubbing through insulation on places like cargo barrier and nicer looking than split tube too.
2- consider making your own gull wing window now you have your plasma cutter. Some hinges from bunnings, metal or ally frame and perspex window to make the gullwing would work well too if you wanted to see how ya go with it.Keep up the awesome work guys
Thanks mate, yeah I think the tape is a good idea!! And doing a DIY gull-wing would be awesome!
@@AussieArvos theres a guy in the states -dirt lifestyle and he does a really good video on making gull wings
Legit 👍
Hey man, recommend on getting some tinting done on your vehicle. It's a cheap mod which gets you bang for buck. Better thermals, increased security, blocks out UV. Plus it will make your 80 look so much cooler
Love the idea!!
But then how will he compulsively monitor his solar power input all day?
just found ya chanell today and i gotta say its refreshing to see someone just sharing their passion instead of heavily edited and marketed videos. Keep up the solid work
Cheers brother. These videos have helped this 4wd newb get started. I have just ordered most of the electronics you have used in this vid. Makes it really accessible.
Well done !! You had a crack , it works,you have a big smile on your face and more importantly you still have all your fingers and toes.
I have been running a 100 amp lithium power station for just over two years now , and love it.
I have a 25 amp DC/DC charger because that’s the my power station isn’t rated for anything bigger and that works well.
Keep up the good work , love the enthusiasm and the no BS approach !!
Thank you 😊
Great video! Thoroughly enjoyed this one. I have always maintained that there is no need to break the bank on a decent 12V system. Your channel is growing for a reason, keep up the good work.
Solid effort!
The only thing you got wrong is, lithium doesn’t work like an agm voltage wise (it’s a 12,8-13.2 resting voltage & 14.6v Max charging, if possible, set the max charging voltage to 14.2-14.4v so you get the most life out of it)…it’s a stable voltage until it’s empty, then it drops off quickly. Which is why you need the shunt monitoring.
Spot on mate
Thanks Paul, yeah definitely different charge and discharge curve !
@@AussieArvos although your setup is good… I’d definitely suggest a victron bmv712 unit. It’ll do everything automatically & give you a % of battery capacity @ all times, just input battery capacity & a few other specs…then use a Bluetooth app on your phone.
@@pauladams4890 dude that thing is like $350. I think you've missed the point, he wants to do a budget build. Of course there are better products out there that do everything but that's not what the series is about. This is showing that for a fraction of the cost you can get something that is very functional and is accessible for most people's budgets.
(In an American Southern accent) DAMN SON! Minus the cable mgmt 😁, that's one slick DIY power box. Well done👌 Yeah, painting the box, particularly the cover would improve the looks. And since the cover is transparent, I'd recommend painting it (cover) from the inside. Plus have you considered fitting an extension cord to your inverter, then mounting the extended end at a more convenient location? Perhaps even use a household type 240V outlet. I too geek out on the information like what those digital screens shows you. 🤣👍
You're an inspiration Pat. I always look forward to watching your LC80 projects. Makes me want to do projects on my own LC80. Good work.👍
Thanks mate, that really means alot! :) Cheers - Pat
Great vid, thanks. You make this accessible to DIYers. Keep up the good work. 👍
Another great episode. I think you did really well to fit it all in such a small box. I could see your excitement when it all worked at the end. Have a great week mate. 🍻
Another great video! And timely for me as I'm working on my own 12V set up!
I have a mixture of cheap and expensive items with my 12volt setup and those monitors are exactly what I was looking for thanks for the link !!
HANDS DOWN THE BEST 12v budget video
Love the new 12v set up! Just in case you don’t know, you can get glass gullwings for the 80 series!
Great work, to keep track of your cables I would suggest a label maker and labelling each cable at each end. Has been handy and saved me loads of time in the past.
Looks very neat and accessible! I don't mind the sliding doors on my 80 either. Still usable without needing a gull wing.
Only thing I would change is the battery monitors. I researched these a lot before I bought mine and quite happy with it. I looked at those 2 types but couldn't get over the fact they didn't do charge and discharge in one, so I picked a juntek wireless battery monitor. Has a shunt that supports 300amps with a wireless screen. Screen can be powered by either 12v or a usb cord, so I can move it from the front to the rear to see the charge while driving or at camp. And it only cost around $50. Only downside I have found is it doesn't read current well below around 0.7amps. But can be easily reset to 100% charge if it ever gets out of whack.
Always giving me more motivation to do more to my 80! Love your content guys! 🤙
Thanks Stefan!
I know what you mean about setting up your own 12volt gear, You can easily get lost in it. The best feeling is when you finish up all the wiring, crack a beer and start putting it to the test, watching the gauges and see what she's capable of. Biggest advice is being honest with what you want your battery and 12v setup to do if you just go on the weekender/occasional holiday week- 2 weeks. The kings 120AH lithium while cheap it's charging and discharge parameters should be more than sufficient for running a fridge and a few creature comforts with your 1500w inverter especially with a 25amp DCDC to keep it topped up (Lithium if I remember charges 5x faster than AGM). I live full time on the road (In Tassie at the moment) Travelling around and all I can say is if you're parked up for a week or 2 with shitty weather, having a DCDC is a life saver. Keep up the good work mate.
Great work.
It’s very high tech, the 12 volt system in my 80 is a $25 solenoid between the battery’s and a Anderson plug in the rear with a circuit breaker at the battery end👍
That works for a lead battery but won't work for a Lithium
I really enjoyed this episode. I liked the solution, I liked that you stuck to using cheaper and affordable alternatives and im also looking forward to the next episodes where you fill the back seat with something and fit a gull wing window😁.
Well done love seeing someone have a go and don’t worry about what the nit pickers say about how neat your wiring is the main thing is it works and probably looks just like a lot of the work the rest of us diy people do. After watching your set up I will be setting up mine soon.
Fantastic freakin work man! Your ingenuity and creativity is contagious. Can't wait to see more !
Thanks mate!!
Love this! breath of fresh air seeing a 12V setup thats not 10k worth of redarc gear. No complaints on the install you did a good job! and you already mentioned the grommets. Only nitpick is I got a little dizzy with the haldheld camera work on the big TV 😂
Sorry mate, I'll try and hold it better , I can see what your saying!! But thanks!!!👌
This is actually an awesome job! Perfectly imperfect.
That's actually a really neat & well-wired up box. Very well done.
Awesome job
Mess or no mess you built something with your own hands with a plan in your head
🐘⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great Video. Im building a truck camper solar system with Victron Dc-DC charger 24/12- 30 Orion Tr Smart, two 100ah Battleborn heated batteries, a Cotek 2500watt inverter, 300 watts of flexible solar on roof cargo boxes running to a Victron Charge Controller. I have yet to get all my cables, switches, DC Fuse Block, Breakers (two like you mentioned) and other bits and bobs. Also appropriate crimpers, strippers, heat shrink, connectors and such. I was keen to learn of your key fob light system. Very cool. Dig your storytelling and your thorough presentation is so well delivered. Thanks.
Awesome job that’s so compact!!!!!! So DIY using materials found on the roadside and all 🙌🏽💪🏽
And I love how passionate and excited you are with your remote controlled lights and amp monitoring, so great
Good set up! Nice little box! I will have to drive slow and look for nice neat box as well!
Cool stuff man it's been a long time I was willing to watch something like this. But it was hard do find something more humane and less corporative to build. Finally something I can really base my budget and skills on. Thanks for all the effort mate!
Superb work mate. Like you pointed out, budget usable reliable 12v. You nailed it Patrick. Smart work, doesn't have to be pretty. Keep up the top vids. Now show us you getting out there and using it mate 👍
Thanks Jon! That means alot mate :) will do , gotta put all this gear and work to the test :)
Another great video !!! I only run a 20amp DCDC charger and it's fine and my 200w solar was pushing 8amps average last trip away. It's enough to keep my 75l dual zone fridge going & lights, USB charging etc. A powerboard off the inverter is also a handy idea 💡👍
Does insurance cover kings stuff anymore 🤣🤣 lol best of luck. Keep some marshmallows on hand for the fire
Awesome set up! I reckon the inverter up on the side next to your box would be mint and easier to access.
Good work man, I like how you keep your videos real !
Very nice setup 👌 it's come together nicely and I can't believe you fit it all in that tiny box! Well done mate 👍
I'd never look at king's gear for anything these days after previous experiences so will be interesting to see how it goes. Would be good to see a capacity test in the battery to see if it stands up to their specs. Their prices are certainly not cheap in comparison to a lot out there so you would hope they are decent quality.
I've been looking at lithium for a few years now and to me allspark look like the best value for quality out there.
For now my basic isolator with under bonnet agm is working fine for my needs but it will only be a matter of time before I make the switch!
Love your approach and rationale. Nice work too. For those cables coming out of the battery box have a look on eBay for SP21 connectors.
Honestly, I reckon you did a great job, and since everything is shunted and fused - at least it's safe. Good job mate!
Lots of work here... well done 👍
I think labelling the cables is a good idea for any time you need to make changes to your system. That might be more about my memory than anything else 😜
I purchased a fused 12 volt distribution box, similar to yours, from eBay and found that when the fuse was pulled there was still current coming through.
It looks to be one of the fuse panels that has a red led light to indicate a blown fuse... put a multimeter on it with the fuse pulled just to be sure there's no voltage coming through. I ended up removing the circuit board from inside.
Enjoying your series on the 80 👌
Nice setup mate! Looking nice and neat :)
Well done, looks awesome, maybe paint the clear lid so u can't see inside box, but it all looks awesome, I am about to do similar in my GU patrol wagon, keep up the great shows.👍👍
I think people forget about the mid range products and what they’re actually going to use their 12v setups for. Sure you don’t need 5k+ setup but it doesn’t mean you automatically buy the cheapest products and expect the same results. Just have to find the happy medium off cost and functionality
Exactly!
Spot on 👍🏼
100%!!!
Absolutely.
I have a lithium in my rig. Did I go and spend $2k on name brand stuff so I can run two hot plates, and a kettle all at the same time?
No. I bought a cheap one to run my fridge and charge my lights and phone - like 90% of the people going on trips lol.
Have to remember there are so many more products out there than the ones everyone on CZcams peddles.
perfect - most people do maybe 6 trips a year including weekends so makes no sense to spend $5-$10k on a full system
Such a genuine video and person! Keep up the awesome work!
Thanks Clark!
Awesome video Mate
I picked up a few good tips from you here as I also have limited space, so thanks for that. 🙂👍
Hadn't thought of a fuse block thats for sure.
Just ordered a 175ah Atlas lithium battery from Aussi Batteries and Solar to power my fridge/freezer and lights in my camper trailer.
Also ordered power meters that show Ah, volts etc usage.
Good video. Glad you added the comment heat shrink.
I almost gagged when you opened the box. Lol
Nice one man 👍
Just did a week on Fraser Island, had a brand new Baintech 110Ah slimline with built in 20A DC to DC.
It is not a budget option but I have 3 kids and had to prioritise space.
Lithium is the only option for a new setup, initial outlay is worth the long term usability
I like that set-up I might borrow some of those ideas
I'm happy that you have a go at anything you choose to do👍👍. And as a bonus saving money 💰. Got the same car and colour *twin's* great show's.
12volt systems are awesome! I run an ikea induction cooktop on 2x 100AH Aolithium :D
Great video. I’m keen to do the same. Keep them coming.
Awesome job there.
Great stuff, a well thought out, bulls**t free and low $$$ setup that is perfect for Joe Average… 👍👍👍
Thanks swish swish!
Absolutely brilliant, mate! Keeping it simple, cheap, and DIY. Learning as you go with every mod you do. That's exactly how I do too. Won't lie that sometimes I fall with the good ol "the poor man pays twice" but I still like the idea of looking for cheaper options to obtain the same result. Your roof lights, for example, I had NO IDEA about the existence of those dual white+amber LED of yours, they're cheap! And they are great! Or the wireless remote aka garage door remote hehe such a good idea. Definitely going to look at them to implement on my setup.
Anyways, great video, Pat.
p.s. Keep us updated about how is Kings Lithium Battery performing, please!
Great job mate!
Love the videos buddy, no bullshit, home made works anyone can do. Keep em comin man. Where are the battery monitors from.🤙🤙🤙
Great system and if it does what you need it is perfect! Great job on saving space and adding functionality in a solid setup!
One point I'd like to make since it seems lost here: DC/DC charger capacity needs to be tuned to the battery bank size, not what you're alternator can provide.
One 120Ah LiPO battery is probably not going to be best served by anything bigger than 30A chargers. I know I know I know - battery manufacturers claim their max cap can sometimes be higher, but in the end charging is a chemical process to charge a LiPO. Going too fast is going to cook the battery and/or shorten its life. If you have sponsors footing the bill for parts - go ahead. Myself - If I need more capacity I'll upsize my battery bank AND the charger to fit needs.
No roasting from me. You have my admiration. I’m way older than you and I would hesitate to attempt what you have done.
Great job....love the channel.....watch it everyday....seen some videos several times....
Great video mate. Be cool to see you have another crack at this with all Victron gear. That’s the way I went and couldn’t be happier. 😊
Nice shed
Love the setup just waiting for a trip from Mansfield to dargo😉
Love the videos always a well worth watch!! I have a question as I'm trying to do something similar in my set-up and was just wondering how you managed to get the power coming in, how did you wire that?
Cheers
Bloody awesome job. Wish I had the knowledge/confidence to do my own system
You can do it man ! Just start small, its awesome once you get your head around it! Cheers :)
@@AussieArvos cheers mate. I'll give it a go. I'm building my own camper trailer. So far just have the solar panel, Kings battery box and king's power switchboard thingy
Great work Pat, so good to see you having a go, be proud of what you have done mate, I am only running a 25amp bcdc charger myself and a 120amp lithium with a 250w solar panel mounted to the roof, it works perfectly for running a 45litre fridge and all my lights and camera charging etc, never seen it get bellow 70%, be careful going too big with your charger as idle speed on alternators can overheat as the fan is not spinning fast enough with the amount of current the lithiums charge draw?
Thanks mick for the info, that's great to hear! Yeah I think from what I've heard today the 25a charger will be fine!!
Mate that camp setup/rig is my dream god damn XD I'm trying to make it work with a Triton but it just aint the same, the drawers to my god those are perfection. All I will say is if you have any long cable for example connecting your start and auxiliary battery, fuse both ends of that cabling. I have no idea how it works with a DCDC but thats a tip I never knew.
Gooday fellas, it must have been a solar system kind of weekend I reckon. I've just extended my roof rack and set the panel over my ute cab and set the controls and batteries in better more usable positions too. I'm not a tech savvy old bloke so mines a bit primitive compared to your awesome setup. Well done on a great job boys.
Don’t listen to the haters mate.
You’ve done a good job 👍🏽
Very very interesting, great job pat 👍
you look so excited but you sound even more excited...... good to see
Another quality video! As long as it’s safe and all functions who cares what it looks like mate. Very well thought out! And how about carpeting the non clear part of the box to match the draws?
cool guys, bit messy but some good ideas came out of it. Would be interested to see what the solar panel produces in full sun on a nice sunny day
Hey Man. Love the videos and the fact that you are upfront straight and honest no BS. Things might not be perfect but it works for your needs and that is all that matters. With the Kings DC-DC charger, what is your take on it? Good or bad? Looking at getting one but there is so many different types on the market these days and it is difficult to choose. Also read that most DC-DC chargers will damage main battery and drain it if you are running solar or a battery charger? Have you experienced this?
On the DC-DC charger be sure to size the input cables properly. I measured a Renogy drawing 13a over the rating. So 20a charger was drawing 33A from the car. Get yourself a DC clamp on Ammeter multimeter. That way you can test individual cables etc
Looking unreal mate! Keep up the good vids. You’re doing a lot better than a lot of others can, no need to think you’re going to get roasted, it all looks shit hot 👌👌
Thanks Sam! Appreciate it mate! :)
Love your content, no bullshit or crap just actual content, well done. Only issue ive seen is those ebay circuit breakers can be pretty hit and miss, ive had them trip randomly with minimal power draw etc, a midi fuse could be a better and more reliable option.
Just like Kings products be mindful of the quality of circuit breaker you use. There are plenty of Chinese, poor quality items out there. Buy good quality circuit breakers and you will have no problems.
Hey mate, Awesome setup.
Be interested to see how you go with the DCDC charger as I built a system for a camper set up and found that most if not all of the budget DCDC chargers do not have a float voltage when set for lithium. Without a built in float voltage your battery will cycle once fully charged to 80% before the DCDC charger will allow charging of the battery back up to 100%, even if you have solar available or the vehicle is running with your alternator input active. With 100Ah battery I don't see this being an issue for you but I had a 50Ah setup and it was very noticeable. Just something to keep in mind for viewers planning a smaller battery capacity setup. I would not recommend any of the budget DCDC chargers for
Put grommets on! The vibration will breakdown the insulation and cause short circuits. Vibration and cables are deadly 🔥
Great buildup and honestly reusing old parts for the budget minded is a great way to keep costs down. However I do have a gripe:
- You're using a circuit breaker (the 200amp one) as basically a switch to turn stuff on/off. What you should be doing is having a smaller breaker; somewhere around the 60 to 80 amp as the main aim for circuit breakers/fuses is to protect the wiring from catching fire in a short. The wiring going into your 200amp breaker looks like it'd handle 80 amps max. It's a suggestion - of course you don't have to listen but that breaker is way bigger than it should be to protect your gear :)
Yeh I thought the same, seems as though he is relying solely on the fuses, but with everything so close together in that box I'd want a breaker as a back up.
awesome vid!
Another great video on making a basic / cheaper 12v setup work. On another note, what happen to your spotties? The Supernova Infinite - Still got them? Do you rate them after having them for a bit now? Have you tried the spread covers?
Hat of to you for giving it a go. Im not much of a person to comment on anything but your wiring maybe working but its all over the place. Im not a hater at all, im here to help. If you want i can come past and give you a hand to clean it up because i believe people dont need the 5k syatems and it would be good for people to see how good a cheap setup can be.
Up to you.
If you do end up getting the Gul Wing you can always chuck some Clear perspex in it so you can still see through it
Hey Pat total newbie to 12v here.
I've got a 100agm battery that in the past I charged up via 240v to run my fridge in the back of the car. I'm now considering a solar panel for the roof with an Anderson plug and using the kings 25amp dc2dc chargr then, over time expanding on that system.
Your system, although great, would be to overwhelming for me. I think those incremental steps done in stages would be better.
Keep up the great work.
Cheers
you can tidy the wireing up to the lid by makeing a small flexable loom that will rotate (flex in torsion) as the lid is rotated
- run the loom along the top edge where the lid rotates
Love the idea of the box I'm re doing my 12v aswell.
Thinking of using the same sort of box after seeing your video
How did you secure your dc dc / relays etc to the actual box ?
Patrick really knows his tech stuff.
Meanwhile I'm still learning basic stuff with 12v. The problem is I don't find the technicalities interesting....
But if someone tells me how to do it I can do it, enjoy the process as well as the finished result.
Relays are still a bit of a mystery to me, eith regards to wiring.
Awesome to see how the V.2 setuo has improved and I like seeing things become more condensed.
I would personally like (when I eventually get my own wagon) to keep the rear seats in the car. Just makes it more convenient for driving family and friends around.
But I can definitely see the benefit of removing them for extra storage.
Next mod for the 80 series.......
New/reproduction "Turbo" stickers.
Hey mate love your videos very helpful great content as well.. I have a question for you hope it is not to silly but for the Watt metres....did you wire the Shunts different for In and Out volts
Just a FYI - meters do not measure the resistance of a shunt (which is fixed) what they measure is the voltage across the shunt which changes according to the current (amps) goint through it. Enjoyed your video and will be interested in seeing how the Kings Lithium performs over a longer time. Wiring can be tidied by using cable wraps without a heap of work on your part which is what you said you will be doing in future. Like the setup you have done and using available space.
Would also like to see some follow up videos on how your 12v system is working out for you.
Great content keen to see how the kings battery goes with time . The waiting game begins.
😂 that's it, thanks mate!
While your at it you should grab some conduit and tidy up the roof platform wiring 🤣👌
Keep up the good work
Thanks mate, oh it's so bad , but it issue is that those rock lights have 5-8m of cable EACH!! and they are 4 core 0.1mm wires so not keen to cut and solder over 30+ tiny connections as they might not hold and act dodgy. Trust me I hate the roof wiring too, but not much I can do about it 😫
I’ve really been looking forward to this. It’s a complete pay off that you basically did everything I plan to. And based on experience, wiring is ALWAYS messier than the plan the second you have to actually start running them through grommets and seeing how the wires actually “interact” in the enclosure. Well done. Excited to see more, and curious how long it will take for you to rebuild that little case…
Thanks mate! Yeah a plan is super helpful , and 100% I thought I'd be able to keep it way neater , but it was pretty hard fitting everything in with a door and everything!
Hey, video idea.
I came across a camper van that had a cheap inverter running of a 2nd battery. Everything running off the inverter and what was interesting is they did it all for under $300. *Was a 2nd hand bar fridge, tv, and battery.* Doing a AC setup could be interesting with showing pros and cons. As far as I can tell, AC is heaps cheaper
You should put an emu wing to replace the rear window next to the new 12v system. It would make life so much easier