I’ve been using the Multiplus II for over two years. It’s a great system, and the power sharing is awesome. A point of clarification; if hooked up to 50a shore power, both phases do pass through the Multiplus. However, if on battery/solar only, you only get single phase to the panel. As most RV’s have nothing that needs a 220v supply, you never will know the difference.
Excellent point, and thank you for correcting my terminology. From a practical standpoint, as you point out that means nothing to the user because everything receives power, albeit single phase.
@@GrandAdventure thanks. I’m sure there are rigs out there with some 220v loads. This can be handled with dual Multiplus systems. In fact, if I had to design my system today, I would go 24 or 48 volt with two Multiplus systems in order to get 30a on both sides of the panel and smaller gauge battery cables. The only issue I have come across is those crazy push-in spring loaded terminals that exist only on the Multiplus.
@@waynee.3244 Tell me about it! I broke a terminal on my first install, and when I replaced the unit under warranty I hired a dealer to install it because of my experience with the spring terminals, and he broke one on the replacement unit. They are a PITA. And like you, I have seen the benefit to a 48-volt system as well.
I love the Victron Set-up. I have purchased all the pieces including the MultiPlus-II and just need to do the install. Thanks for another Great episode of Grand Adventure Marc !
Thank you Mike! Wishing you the best with the install. The worst part is getting the stinking 6/3 Romex into the spring terminals on the MultiPlus-II. It's a tight place to work for such a stiff wire. They should have put lever connectors in there instead, like Xantrex did. That step, which should have taken 10 minutes, took about 6 hours and a lot of swearing.
That’s awesome Couple features I just love is I can set it where it draws from the batteries only unless I draw more then 2100 watt or where ever someone sets it at. And the other is I can set it to only draw ever how many amps from the pole I set it at. Two very important setups when at a place that charges for electricity But if boondock it starts and stop the generator as needed
That last feature is a wonderful one if you have it on board generator, Roger. Unfortunately for us it doesn't work with a portable generator like we use. No matter what, it's an extremely capable and versatile unit.
We installed a multiplus ii as well. it has been good so far. We're headed to Quartzsite soon, too. Hopefully we will see you there! This will be the 1st rv rally we've attended. We're excited to meet a lot of new people!
Mark, what an excellent and simple comprehensive explanation on the function of the electrical system coupled with the solar and inverter!!! Soooo simple a 3rd grader understands it. We have the same inverter, but we have 2 xtra batteries and a generator in the front bay. We love the freedom and autonomy it provides us!!! 👍😃🍻
I ordered one and it will be delivered to the campground today, We hope to pair it with a Eufy camera to pet-sit our dog. Thanks again @@GrandAdventure
As usual, thanks gor sharing. My biggest challenge eith Victron is separating my drvices from everybody elses in the campground when ee get to our snowbird frstination, lol. Cheers, Davey.
Nice video. Great set up. I would mention that victron is not the only manufacturer which accommodates 50 amp 2 line service. I have an older go power ic 2000 and it does the same as victron EXCEPt the victron is the only system which provides power assist on line 2. The go power only has power assist on line 1. This victron was not available when I bought 4 years ago. If I was doing it today I would go with the victron because of that feature.
That’s a nice solar set up. I’m hoping to get mine upgraded (30a) in my Rv. New batteries, new panels if needed and especially that screen set up. In, out, usage, power left….thats what I need 👍🏼
Thank you! Not the Cerbo, but the MultiPlus-II receives and passes through the full 50 amps on each leg, while still being able to invert every branch circuit in the house. The Cerbo is just a communications hub.
Nicely done in your explanation. However….Your wiring is a mess! 😆 I like the trending graphs. Very useful in my past career monitoring potential refrigerator/freezer issues. Thanks for the info! Ram 👍🏼👍🏾
Great video! We have a Durango 326 with the Xantrex Freedom X 2000 inverter. I’m interested in upgrading to the Victron system and wonder if you’d share what all yours came with solar wise and what you changed. I’ve never been happy with the Xantrex components (charge controller and inverter) plus the Victron will eliminate the WFCO charger in the basement. Thanks for sharing!
Dave, thank you. Everything Victron is a la carte. Get what you want, don't take what you don't need. Our 2020 Durango came with one 190 W solar panel on the roof, the Xantrex 1200, and the cheap GoPower PWM 30 amp solar controller. We are now up to 1200 W on the roof, a Victron SmartSolar 150|100 solar controller, six 100 Ah Battle Born LiFePO4 batteries, a Victron BVM-712 smart shunt and battery monitor, and a Victron Cerbo GX with Touch 50 panel to keep everything communicating with each other, and with the internet. Everything we have done is in our boondocking power playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PLjEHCrqmvs1_MtyTAtjrMffdaOmtYBhJT.html&si=9Pdy-YD7-4Kd882N .
Fabulous information, Marc. Great system you have installed. I was interested in this episode because it showed all the monitoring being done on the new system via the internet, as you mentioned to me earlier.❤ Gord
Thanks Gord! We love having access to so much information from anywhere. Mrs GA had some issues while I was skiing the other day, and I was able to pull it up on my phone from the chairlift and figure out what was going on.
@@GrandAdventure "Phone from the chairlift"... does your phone have a safety strap? 🤔🧐🤣 I noticed you didn't use the Victron Lynx Distributor. What was the reason for that? All these components are very reasonably priced. The Xrantrex was more expensive than the Victron inverter/charger. I noticed that Victron also offer their own Lithium ion battery banks. If you hadn't already invested in the Battleborn batteries, would you have gone with the Victron batteries? Gord
@@gorrdd I think I would have stuck with Battle Born anyway, just on reputation and experience alone. As far as the Lynx distributor goes, I just couldn't see a need for it in my particular installation. It's a little more than a smart bus bar, although I sure could have used a bus bar or two to clean up my installation.
@@GrandAdventure Marc, yes, it seems like a nice accessory for cleaning up the installation, as you say. It pulls everything together and neatly distributes the interface. Something you might want to do if you have the mounting space. Why would you need the 12 volt fuses? Is this to protect the batteries from an electrical backflow, like in a lightening strike situation? Gord
@@gorrdd in case of an inordinate draw, I suppose. Victron's instructions call for them. I would've rather used a circuit breaker between the batteries and the inverter, to act as a switch, too, but 400A 12VDC circuit breaker was about $150 and half the size of one of my batteries.
Thanks for sharing. your final video in your intro, where you are camped by a river, there is a boat dock in the back ground. Where is this ? this looks to be a very beautiful place, would love to camp there !!
I’m going to order some of those temp sensors. How does you system measure your dc watts and amps, is there a separate shunt, our color control gx does not show dc voltage draw. I thought I was a solar geek, wow you beat me, haha. Great explanation. Larry
Thanks Larry! That information comes from the Victron BMV-712 battery monitor with smart shunt, which we have had for a while. We connected to the Cerbo GX with a VE.direct cable.
Great video ! Just got the tank sensors. What configuration did you have to do to get the Mopeka propane tank sensors to work with the Cerbo GX ? TIA....
I’ve been using the Multiplus II for over two years. It’s a great system, and the power sharing is awesome. A point of clarification; if hooked up to 50a shore power, both phases do pass through the Multiplus. However, if on battery/solar only, you only get single phase to the panel. As most RV’s have nothing that needs a 220v supply, you never will know the difference.
Excellent point, and thank you for correcting my terminology. From a practical standpoint, as you point out that means nothing to the user because everything receives power, albeit single phase.
@@GrandAdventure thanks. I’m sure there are rigs out there with some 220v loads. This can be handled with dual Multiplus systems. In fact, if I had to design my system today, I would go 24 or 48 volt with two Multiplus systems in order to get 30a on both sides of the panel and smaller gauge battery cables. The only issue I have come across is those crazy push-in spring loaded terminals that exist only on the Multiplus.
@@waynee.3244 Tell me about it! I broke a terminal on my first install, and when I replaced the unit under warranty I hired a dealer to install it because of my experience with the spring terminals, and he broke one on the replacement unit. They are a PITA. And like you, I have seen the benefit to a 48-volt system as well.
Just a friendly tip, never use romex or any solid-core cables in a RV, instead please use marine triplex .
Thanks for that.
Ah, I didn’t think about the 50A connection being split phase, but now the Victron makes perfect sense to me!
Darren, that's what differentiates the MultiPlus-II from every other inverter/charger on the market.
I love the Victron Set-up. I have purchased all the pieces including the MultiPlus-II and just need to do the install. Thanks for another Great episode of Grand Adventure Marc !
Thank you Mike! Wishing you the best with the install. The worst part is getting the stinking 6/3 Romex into the spring terminals on the MultiPlus-II. It's a tight place to work for such a stiff wire. They should have put lever connectors in there instead, like Xantrex did. That step, which should have taken 10 minutes, took about 6 hours and a lot of swearing.
That’s awesome
Couple features I just love is I can set it where it draws from the batteries only unless I draw more then 2100 watt or where ever someone sets it at. And the other is I can set it to only draw ever how many amps from the pole I set it at. Two very important setups when at a place that charges for electricity
But if boondock it starts and stop the generator as needed
That last feature is a wonderful one if you have it on board generator, Roger. Unfortunately for us it doesn't work with a portable generator like we use. No matter what, it's an extremely capable and versatile unit.
We installed a multiplus ii as well. it has been good so far. We're headed to Quartzsite soon, too. Hopefully we will see you there! This will be the 1st rv rally we've attended. We're excited to meet a lot of new people!
You're going to make lots of new camping friends at Q24, promise! We look forward to seeing you there.
Mark, what an excellent and simple comprehensive explanation on the function of the electrical system coupled with the solar and inverter!!!
Soooo simple a 3rd grader understands it.
We have the same inverter, but we have 2 xtra batteries and a generator in the front bay. We love the freedom and autonomy it provides us!!!
👍😃🍻
Thank you Mike! Those onboard generator setups are pretty sweet. Pricey, but sweet.
Finally everything is back up and running. Including the Truck. Have a great 2024 year. Thanks Don
Hear hear, Don, and same to you!
So sorry I missed your live stream but I am watching it now 👍
We missed you, but we'll catch you next time. Thanks so much as always for watching!
Thank for the reference to Ruuvi sensors. We love our Victron system.
You bet, John! We're going to do a separate episode on those very soon.
I ordered one and it will be delivered to the campground today, We hope to pair it with a Eufy camera to pet-sit our dog. Thanks again @@GrandAdventure
Thinking I am about to purchase a Durango 301RLT. You video of the factory was great!! Love the channel!! Thank you!
Thank you Lawrence! Glad that you found the video useful, and we wish you the best of success with that new 301RLT, should you choose it.
As usual, thanks gor sharing. My biggest challenge eith Victron is separating my drvices from everybody elses in the campground when ee get to our snowbird frstination, lol. Cheers, Davey.
LOL! Yeah, on Bluetooth it tends to notice the neighbors. But set your own PIN for security, and with the VRM you only see your own system.
Looks like snow for your area today, have fun skiing.
It was a blast up there today, thanks Kat!
Thanks Marc.
Thank YOU Robert!
Nice video. Great set up. I would mention that victron is not the only manufacturer which accommodates 50 amp 2 line service. I have an older go power ic 2000 and it does the same as victron EXCEPt the victron is the only system which provides power assist on line 2. The go power only has power assist on line 1. This victron was not available when I bought 4 years ago. If I was doing it today I would go with the victron because of that feature.
Thanks for the clarification, David! I was not familiar with that GoPower unit.
That’s a nice solar set up. I’m hoping to get mine upgraded (30a) in my Rv. New batteries, new panels if needed and especially that screen set up. In, out, usage, power left….thats what I need 👍🏼
You certainly won't regret it, TSM. It's by far the most complete our system has ever been.
Nice system! The 50 Amp has the two legs coming in so you can set the cerbo to accept 100 Amp.
Thank you! Not the Cerbo, but the MultiPlus-II receives and passes through the full 50 amps on each leg, while still being able to invert every branch circuit in the house. The Cerbo is just a communications hub.
Yes that’s true, I should have said that you can use the touch screen to adjust it to 100 amp input available.
Nicely done in your explanation.
However….Your wiring is a mess! 😆
I like the trending graphs. Very useful in my past career monitoring potential refrigerator/freezer issues.
Thanks for the info!
Ram
👍🏼👍🏾
Yes, it sure is a mess! Guilty as charged.
Great video! We have a Durango 326 with the Xantrex Freedom X 2000 inverter. I’m interested in upgrading to the Victron system and wonder if you’d share what all yours came with solar wise and what you changed. I’ve never been happy with the Xantrex components (charge controller and inverter) plus the Victron will eliminate the WFCO charger in the basement. Thanks for sharing!
Dave, thank you. Everything Victron is a la carte. Get what you want, don't take what you don't need.
Our 2020 Durango came with one 190 W solar panel on the roof, the Xantrex 1200, and the cheap GoPower PWM 30 amp solar controller. We are now up to 1200 W on the roof, a Victron SmartSolar 150|100 solar controller, six 100 Ah Battle Born LiFePO4 batteries, a Victron BVM-712 smart shunt and battery monitor, and a Victron Cerbo GX with Touch 50 panel to keep everything communicating with each other, and with the internet. Everything we have done is in our boondocking power playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PLjEHCrqmvs1_MtyTAtjrMffdaOmtYBhJT.html&si=9Pdy-YD7-4Kd882N .
Fabulous information, Marc. Great system you have installed. I was interested in this episode because it showed all the monitoring being done on the new system via the internet, as you mentioned to me earlier.❤
Gord
Thanks Gord! We love having access to so much information from anywhere. Mrs GA had some issues while I was skiing the other day, and I was able to pull it up on my phone from the chairlift and figure out what was going on.
@@GrandAdventure "Phone from the chairlift"... does your phone have a safety strap? 🤔🧐🤣
I noticed you didn't use the Victron Lynx Distributor. What was the reason for that?
All these components are very reasonably priced. The Xrantrex was more expensive than the Victron inverter/charger.
I noticed that Victron also offer their own Lithium ion battery banks. If you hadn't already invested in the Battleborn batteries, would you have gone with the Victron batteries?
Gord
@@gorrdd I think I would have stuck with Battle Born anyway, just on reputation and experience alone. As far as the Lynx distributor goes, I just couldn't see a need for it in my particular installation. It's a little more than a smart bus bar, although I sure could have used a bus bar or two to clean up my installation.
@@GrandAdventure Marc, yes, it seems like a nice accessory for cleaning up the installation, as you say. It pulls everything together and neatly distributes the interface. Something you might want to do if you have the mounting space.
Why would you need the 12 volt fuses? Is this to protect the batteries from an electrical backflow, like in a lightening strike situation?
Gord
@@gorrdd in case of an inordinate draw, I suppose. Victron's instructions call for them. I would've rather used a circuit breaker between the batteries and the inverter, to act as a switch, too, but 400A 12VDC circuit breaker was about $150 and half the size of one of my batteries.
Thanks for sharing. your final video in your intro, where you are camped by a river, there is a boat dock in the back ground. Where is this ? this looks to be a very beautiful place, would love to camp there !!
Hey Robert! That's called "Along the River" which we visited back in Ep. 205: ua-cam.com/video/wAaJCzjVaGw/v-deo.html
Yikes. Nice explanation.
Thank you!
I’m going to order some of those temp sensors. How does you system measure your dc watts and amps, is there a separate shunt, our color control gx does not show dc voltage draw. I thought I was a solar geek, wow you beat me, haha. Great explanation. Larry
Thanks Larry! That information comes from the Victron BMV-712 battery monitor with smart shunt, which we have had for a while. We connected to the Cerbo GX with a VE.direct cable.
Great video! We are in Quartzsite right now!! When will you be down here?
We look forward to seeing you! We will arrive sometime around the 19th or 20th.
Ouch, I hate to see the Truck torn up, but I did it myself this spring. Not Fun.
You should've seen me, Larry. I was like on a pogo stick screaming the same expletive over and over again. 😄
Great video ! Just got the tank sensors. What configuration did you have to do to get the Mopeka propane tank sensors to work with the Cerbo GX ? TIA....
Thank you Phil! Super simple. Just go into the touch screen menu, device list, I/O devices, and add Bluetooth device.
@@GrandAdventure Thanks much..... Love your videos.....
@@philedelen7025 Thank you very much! We love our viewers.
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