New Approach to Electrical System in CamperVan (48V)
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- Опубліковано 4 лип 2024
- This campervan is built with a 48V system for a reason. This new approach makes our van build more like an off-grid house rather than a camper van!
📝 Van Build Parts List: www.ladiandmargaret.com/produ...
Save yourself hundreds of dollars & hours of research time!
🌐 More tools, ideas, and information on our website: www.ladiandmargaret.com/
⚡ Take a look at our powerful DIY eBikes: mysuperebike.com/
📸 Follow along on INSTAGRAM @curlyhaircamping / curlyhaircamping
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The Ultimate Van Build Journey:
In Season 1 of the van build, we stripped off the old DPD stickers, rust-proofed the entire van, painted it our favorite matte grey color, redesigned the cab, planned our van's design / layout, created our epic water tanks, built our custom panorama roof windows, installed new wheels, & installed an insulated floor! PHEW! Building a home is something else! bit.ly/LM_SEASON1
Then Season 2 of the van build rolled around, and with our workshop's renovation behind us, it got TECHNICAL! We built a 47 degree solar tilt (1kW of solar power!), made custom seat bases & installed our custom seats, we took security to the NEXT level, breaking down our 12 incredible layers of security, wired everything our tech-dependent home will need, created the BEST insulation we've ever seen in a campervan (check out our video on campervan insulation & cold camping insulation), installed our own custom security cameras, framed the ceiling, AND created our peak-a-boo curtains. WOW!! We are beyond ready to be off grid in this Ducato van home! ❤️ bit.ly/LM_SEASON2
Now Season 3 of the Van Build is kicking off in our brand new space, allowing us to work regardless of the weather or time of day! This is going to be the most exciting phase of this van life build yet!! bit.ly/LM_SEASON3
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🐾 Who are we?
We’re Ladi (from Czechia) & Margaret (from USA) and we love eBikes, campervans, & cats. In 2020 our van life lifestyle flipped upside down, & we needed to stop traveling in our camper to lockdown in eastern Czech Republic due to the pandemic. With no travel plans and some new time on our hands, we decided to sell our old van, start an electric bike business, begin a youtube channel, build our ultimate dream campervan, renovate a junkyard into a tiny house homestead, plan a container & upper workshop space… well, some other smaller projects in-between 😅.
What we thought would only be 6 months of “stillness” has become 2 years of innovation, progress, and so much fun, and most of that is thanks to YOU. Although we’re excited to be back on the road and traveling the world again soon, we’re so thankful to lay a foundation here in Central Europe & bring you with us on this crazy journey. Thank you for supporting us and being part of this incredible community!
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#diycampervan #vanlifeelectrical #campervansolar
Ladi, you are a beast! Thanks for giving us the update / keeping your fans informed. Dude, you may have just switched my current build from 24v to 48volt. Can't wait to see the breakdown for electrical.
I have been looking for a48v system for so long and i even went to several US expos and learned so much. I’ve even outlined and wrote down everything. You are the first to actually do it and I’m so happy i found you two!!!!
Ladi you excel more and more in each video, it really is amazing watching how you brain works, you really are blowing this van building world apart
Super informative video! Usually when people talk electrical I feel like they’re speaking Klingon but Ladi makes it make so much sense.
I knew your electrical system would be over the top but this exceeded anything I could think of. I can't wait to see what batteries you're using and to see the whole thing in use.
Thank you. The battery is going to be installed within two days hopefully 🤞
Truly impressive setup! But I'm somewhat confused on your conversion for the 12V system comparison: Wouldn't this correspond to 1100Ah (rather than the 6500Ah you're saying in the video)? This would not quite add up in terms of weight (our 400Ah 12V system weighs around 45kg)...
I thought the same. It is a pain to convert for the less electrically minded like myself, however I have a 48V 15.4kWh system and by my reckoning that's 1200Ah @ 12V
Yeah, got me really scared there for a second, 6500Ah and only 77kg? Almost threw my setup out the window! haha.. I am at 28kg and merely 240Ah.
Hi Ladi, this is one of your best, in terms of inspiring and engaging, videos. You are an awesome couple. Each of you is relatable in a unique way.
As someone also mentioned you have made complex electronic systems understandable. I couldn't do what you've achieved but you encourage me to be less afraid of trying to understand and install simple electronic system in a small van.
I like the way you share the experience of your previous cling film wrapped, eretractable extension cable. Keep up the good work.
I'm looking forward the next video with you both.
Thank you very much! Principles are relatively easy to understand. The rest is designing the system :)
Can't wait to see it on the road and to see how all of your great ideas work in the real world. Keep up the good presentations.
Thank you. We can’t wait to start filming season 5 - testing 😂
You have no idea what a relief it is to know that a whiz-kid like you has reached a point where uncertainty is a big issue. I thought you had ALL the answers!! Now I don't feel so bad about so many uncertainties in my own build. I think this is like when a child finds out his parents are human :D
My head hurts. It's been a lot of work but going to be a fantastic machine when it's finished.
Yay! Happy happy Sunday! 🌅😍
At last! Have been waiting this video for a long time!
I love these technical videos, they are so interesting.
Good decision to prefer a 48 VDC system and great installation job too. The only thing I would choose is a Microwave inverter oven (Panasonic example). I have one at home and can never live without it. The time for cooking can be reduced significantly. The program for pizza (frozen too) is just perfect. Convection, turbo bake and grill are doing a good job too, you just need to find the correct settings over time. I will never build a camper, but it is exciting to follow your handcraft and skills, which can be adapted even in the house. Keep going. 👍🤘
Wow Ladi… I dint understand lots of what you were talking about cause I’m not mechanically minded! But I was amazed that there was something besides 12 and 24 volt! I really loved the compact kitchen and the oven! I can do without microwave but I need an oven too! I really appreciated the space saving you have in this cabinet! Thank I’ll keep watching! Love you guys!
Ladi, absolutely love you! love the videos. Electrician here. Please make sure your system is wired for 3 phase if you're going to be using more than 1 phase. If the phases connect/touch, you'll get a huge surprise and probably end up in hospital. So, please be careful.
Ladi is always breaking boundaries, always unique design! Madladi!
I have a few project where the 48V battery is charged from the 12V car system. A dual alternator is challenging ( awkward mounting, double wiring, load control ), however upgrading the existing 12V to a higher current one is often more feasible / easier. In those systems I used a Calex bidirectional controller ( 48S12.3K0BCA ) ( wicht allows many fun stuf because of its bidirectional features, like using high power 12V stuff from the energy of the 48V system), that controller allows to charge the 48V system from 12V alternator power. This controller, with some use of an external controller, allows similar things as the Scotty bidirectional converter from Safiery ( they have many videos, to get an impression of what it does ).
Hey Danny, this was very interesting to me because I was looking for the same thing. The best I came across was the Sterling BB1248120 12-48 which isn't even released until Q1/Q2 of 2023 and is 1500w output. Yours is 3000w output? I found the Calex one for sale for $775, is this about right? Already it is $150 cheaper than the Sterling one and double the wattage? :S. I was thinking to upgrade my 150A alternator to 280A, though that will cost $1k. What size alternator do you have? and how have you found it charging so far? What is your real world input/output? Can you throttle the input/output so you're not overdrawing from your alternator? I think this is the only semi-realistic approach as a 48v alternator is $$$$$$. Also what is the external controller you're using?
@@Seqhael I am also interested in using this device in my next conversion. Have you used the device @Reubs?
Excellent video.... People will greatly benefit from this ! ❤🙏
Generative braking system for a diesel without hybrid system seems amazing, if and only if you are applying to that van
Damn, I've watched season 1 all the way to just starting 4, and this is definitely your best video for me. This was just so engaging. Amazing.
The best channel ever that covers campervan
You guys are geniuses! Love it! Keep it coming!
Wow, you are going for it!!
Ladi u are incredible & also very generous with technical info! 👍🤗🇦🇺
I'd check with a qualified electrical engineer on using 3-phase the way you describe. In my industrial-technician phase/career we were warned to not unbalance a three-phase system the way you describe.
Keep pushing Ladi! Jesus I'm so inspired!!!
Wow! Fascinating stuff you’re doing. I think I even understood much of the discussion of power. I like how you are focusing on systems as a whole like this. I love watching creative moments happen, those aha! Moments. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. I wish I could offer you insights on the alternate alternator. I’m sure with enough crowd sourcing, research and pondering you’ll find the answer.
That’s was great. I didn’t understand everything but you sure have me convinced. Ladi you are so smart I like listening to you talk. You guys are ready for the start of the apocalypse.
As an electrician I'm in pain... running 3 different phases via CEE7/4 or CEE7/7 in a 5-wire-cord (L1/L2/L3/N/PE) is very dangerous, there are sockets (outise czechia) with an indefinite L/N behaviorso you can't just plug 3 CEE7/4 or CEE7/7 easy together
Thanks for pointing that out. I’ve already been educated and I can’t thank you enough 🙏
would it be impossible for you to explain what does it mean for non electirians?
@@ladiandmargaret So could you solve the problem and make it safer in the meantime?
Awsome work! Im setting up a 48v system for the same reasons as you running from 4 x 300ah 12v batteries, Victron do a 12/24 step up to 48v battery to battery charger which can run from a second alternator.
Epic setup!
Thanks... yet another great video :)
V impressive. I only understand bits but love your enthusiasm and appreciate you pushing design.
Always interesting to see people happy to have solved problems..., they themselves manufactured...
Great Work .the term you were looking for was "transfer switch" for the automatic switching box
you're the man brother
Totally epic
This guy is a frickn Genius!!!
Electric system sounds incredible, Ladi. I wish I understood any of it!
Great explanation👍
I love your approach regarding 48V and distribution of weight! When it comes to ways of charging: On top of the price for alternator ++ comes the price of actually charging, using expensive gasoline/diesel as source of energy. Not cheap. Something to avoid if you can. May the sun be with you!😎
You might be right!
I don't know the specifics, but I know my late brother started a welding business with a homemade welder. His welder consisted of a bracket and separate (manual engage/disengage) serpentine belt to run 5 extra alternators on his old F-150. RPM's controlled by a brick on accelerator pedal. We called him the red neck McGyver!!LOL!!
Wow! How do you fit all that knowledge into your brain? This is so impressive.
Run the 2nd alternator using the pinion on the diff housing, When the rear wheels are turning it will generate power
Thanks for the video
I don't know what BMS you have, but I would recommend putting a monitoring system in place. There is a VenusOS (by Victron) driver out there that can monitor and log many of the popular BMS brands. My advise would be to go straight for the Cerbo GX. You will thank yourself later
No idea what you were designed but I know it must be over the top and first class. Can’t wait until you roll out the finished van.
Insane. So jealous.
Great video 👍 I think your system is so ahead of any other in vehicle system out they.If a second alternator is used maybe a modified one with a air conditioner drive pulley which has an electric clutch on the pulley output controlled by an Arduino.
Thanks!
I think 24v is the sweet spot because you can find lighting, outlets, and appliances in 24v to run without voltage conversion inefficiencies and still save on wiring compared to 12v. My Dometic fridge and LED lights which consume the vast majority of power on a daily basis are 24v.
I was ending up with too big cables on 24V system. Seeing how cheap the inverter was for 48V, I was hooked.
Next level
I saw a guy use cheap 12-48v step up converter to boost his alternator voltage to 48v and then fed that to an MPPT controller to charge batteries. He wired 4x (300w) in parallel which required balancing resistors and diodes to make converters work together, he uses this to charge 24v system
Thanks for the electric system details! Were you able to find 48V lights? What about USB charging? What power is running your overhead fans? I missed you talking about or showing a step-down unit for these smaller appliances.
Thanks. All of these run on 12V, right bottom corner is 70A dc-dc step down powering it all.
Perhaps having 12v inverter connected to starter battery and charging 48v battery bank while you drive. Great channel!
Ladi yr a genius 🚐
I don’t understand how they can claim that “microwaves are waste of space”, yet they slapped a fucking oven in there... I think most people seriously underestimate how often they use microwaves. What do you do with leftovers? Heat them up in a frying pan? Come on, no one does that. You slap it in the microwave. Some things don’t re-fry well also (stir fries etc) and it’s also creating extra mess and cleanup, which is difficult & impractical in a van with limited water supply.
Also, if you are hell bent on getting either a microwave OR an oven, you should still at the very least get one of those modern 2-in-1 units that can do both. That way you can stop fighting which one is essential. They even have 3-in-1 units now (i.e. Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1), where it’s a microwave AND convection oven AND also an air-fryer! Why compromise, when you can get all of them as 1 single unit?!
We seriously don’t have leftovers, it’s easy to estimate food for two people.
@@ladiandmargaret I absolutely can't relate. I love eating delicious, healthy food, but I hate cooking. I don't want to cook every single meal, that's such a waste of time. And I absolutely can't justify the ridiculous cost of eating out these days either. So I meal prep instead. There are a ton of dishes that store very well in the fridge (or even freezer, like most curries and sauces), so I cook/prepare them in large batches and then eat them for a while (you can even cook multiple different dishes at once, so that you could mix them up throughout the week). I just pull them out, microwave and I'm done. Healthy, fast, delicious and cheap.
My point is you want to avoid any extra work, especially when travelling and living in a small space. So often you pull over after a long trip/hike and you are too tired to cook. Most people in that situation will just stuff their gut with some garbage snacks or fast food. But if you have your pre-made healthy food in the fridge & a microwave, then you don't have to do sacrifice your health - the food is ready to go with no prep or cleanup, so it's much easier to make the right choices.
Besides, even if you don't microwave often, it still makes sense to get a 3-in-1 type of devices. The more features the better. And they don't take any more space either. It's a win from all angles, in my opinion.
cars in music competitions occasionally use multiple generators, 24v is used by heavy-duty machines, tractors, trucks. I myself have seen three 12v generators on a passenger car.
hello watched someone with a vw T5, he put the socket behind the bit of plastic under the rear lights and put a hinge on it, when closed socket is hidden, open when you need to use it
Great Video as always. Meanwhile, Who else noticed there was no regular intro and outro just straight up to the deed of the day. I had to restart the video after it ended to be sure it wasn't my imagination.
Thanks Alaye. We are absolutely crazy busy and overworked so we decided not to publish this Sunday. This video was my last minute decision so I’m sorry for downgrading editing standards on this channel. Hopefully information value compensates a bit.
@@ladiandmargaret I loved the video regardless. It was packed with valuable information. Well done guys. I always personally look forward to your Sunday Uploads...
Thanks for another cool video and technical explanation. I have been back and forth with my electrical system, one 48 V system or separate 48 and 12 V systems or just a 12 v system. My reasoning has been similar to yours, cheaper 230 VAC apliances and just necessary 12 VDC (like lights ans some 12 VDC sockets - even water pump could be 230 VAC). Only problem with this is the need of a 48/12 VDC converter and the efficiency of it, but as long as the load on those 12 VDC circuits is low it should not be a deal breaker.
I think it’s better to convert down to 12V instead of converting up from 12-230V with cheap inverters.
Super 👌 , Cheers 🍻
Great Job Ladi , 48Volt system is way more efficient than 24 or 12 vollt system.
I wish you were getting paid big bucks from RV industry leaders for all this free consulting! You’d deserve it! Although today’s vid was all over my head, I really enjoyed it! I love creative, imaginative smart thinkers who share and seek knowledge & creativity in return = how the world should be! 😊
Thanks so much. You might reach out to few companies in our behalf to drop some money to out account 😂😂😂
Great Video. Thanks Ladi. What fridge do you have? Best regards from Switzerland, Silvano
48 Volt alternators are very common in the marine industry, looking at $1200-1500. 48V/200amp
I had been contemplating the same for last 6 months.
What kind of AC/DC battery charger is this? Love your setup! thx!
Sick setup!!!!! Look forward to more detailed video on your water systems, and electrical systems. I wish you guys could do a solar system educational video, explaining the systems , but with Your Ladi and Margaret comedy. Would be sweet. Thanks for what you do. Your both geniuses!!! Have a blessed week.
Thanks a lot. Some topics are well covered on youtube already. We could do such video but maybe when we actually live in the van and have more spare time.
Hey guys, been looking at your cyberbike and wondering if you will be charging yours off the house batteries or just off campsite power inlets? (apologies for lack of technical lingo and if you have mentioned this already).
Good video thanks, no dumb dancing or over excessive editing crap.
An alternator setup for 48v charging is using a dedicated 2nd alternator with an external voltage regulator to step up to 48v output.
There are 48v alternator out there. Stepping it up is an option too.
...glad to know that I'm not the only one who needs a 3D printer on my rig. (Print-a-Part)...
Forgive me I've only just stumbled across your video. But at time 3:49 in your video your showing your distribution blocks. Might you know the AIC (amps interrupt capacity) of these particular fuses? Are they rated to break a 48VDC nominal ark? Again I'm not trying to be confrontational or rude; just wanted to ask so everyone is as safe as possible (I've seen to many use standard automotive fuses that will cause fires & not act as true rated fusible disconnects). All the best to you and your van build 😊👍. Thanks for sharing!
Wonder if the 3d printed ventilation grids to the side of the oven will hold up with the heat from the oven ...
Geez you have more battery capacity then I'd be planning for an off grid house.
Indeed 48 Volts is the way to go. It is the maximum voltage to still be safe!
48 isn't safe anymore
Ladi its an amazing set up and woww well done its off the grid with design, BUT you are missing one thing CAMP sites only normally give you 6-8amps if you are lucky, with the power draw you are asking it will keep tripping the camp sites electric. So you will be relying on sola DC to DC to keep the batteries charged. Or just charge the batteries with the 6-8 amps. Is this somthing you have thought about. Love the design and how its coming together, 👍 michael UK
So funny when you say. this is pretty much my simple setup. hahaha. but amazing work
HI. There is a van manufacture in Australia that uses the 48V system. Kimberley. 👌
Ladi: some advice on the compressor fridge. Those things are VERY loud, especially because they jump on at night. The only reason why I still prefer Gas!
They really aren’t nowadays, I’ve run them for years and they’re much better than absorption fridges.
wow thanks
What are your thoughts on server rack 48v 100ah batteries with an all-in-one solar charger inverter (EG4, by signature solar)?
Ladi, I have a question young man...
regarding the toaster oven.... did you line the interior of the cabinet housing with steel or anything as a heat protector from the oven? I noticed you place vents on the side.... I am guessing they are lined up with the ovens venting ports... will those exterior vent ports be enough to vent the heat from the oven, considering its in a fixed tight spot and those ovens generally need space... I would like to do something similar as opposed to having to pull it out and place on the counter top and wait to cool before putting away...
Thanks so much!
My best
Randolph
You might want to check out another youtube channel "sailing sophisticated lady" and a recent episode.
They just installed a 48volt generator to their new boat engine, and switched over to 48volts.
They also have solar and a massive batterybank from battleborn brand.
Thanks. I actually know this alternator brand. They are very expensive and controllers are around $2000. That’s too much for electricity generator.
@@ladiandmargaret Similarly, "Odd Life Crafting" just got a WS500 Advanced Alternator Regulator from Wakespeed for their boat. How about adding a Super capacitor and regen, when you are not too busy🙂🚐☢
You should take a look at Balmar. They make alternators specifically for the second alternator use case. They have a 48V alternator system and provide better serpentine belts etc.
I know but they are crazy expensive.
@@ladiandmargaret that they are. Boaters are rich :D
I got it now, that’s why 😂
Best not to try and add another alternator to the existing serpentine belt system if it's not possible to do so without adding any additional lateral pressure to the bearings of the other components (a/c, engine water pump etc).
If possible, use an additional belt running off a double pulley for the non-essential alternator so if there are any issues with it you're still mobile. And it goes without saying, always carry spare belts. They're light and priceless when you need them!
Keep up the awesome work 👍
Good idea!
I have no experience with 3 phase, when you plug in one phase into a domestic system, are the remaining two unused plugs not made live in any way?
Why did you configure the battery for that lower than normal voltage? Will the victron inverter still make AC power at 36 volts?
Good question. The pack seemed to be better configuration to fit my space and series are much easier to upgrade. I think the inverter stops working at 36V so having 14s would be more suitable for sure.
Looks pretty.
Sounds good.
I'm not a fan of the Phoenix.
And, in the US, running 120, I'd not set my system up like that.
Is that fuse box rated for 48v?
Are you certain this is the smallest possible profile you can come up with for the power? Feels like you could hide is a bit more
I love the design of your power setup. Be careful though with the 3phase input. Don’t try to put 3 house plugs as plugs. If you plug in one of them the wrong way you have 400v going into your system! You should rather have one main phase you wanna use all the the time and maybe some switching in the back to decide how you distribute it.
Thank you for the input, I’ll consider.
Subscribed! 🔔
Will we be getting detailed video of all the things shown above?
Cause i am waiting 🥴🔥
Your videos are too good
And i feel motivated to do things 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Hi, sure I would like to publish build videos of mentioned projects. They are just all half way done 😂
@@ladiandmargaret Man you really replied 🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴😮👍🤩
Good job out there
Thanks a lot!
Check out the Killer Wasp from Safiery in Australia. It will take the 12v from your existing alternator and charge your 48v battery bank. It can draw up to 1000w from your existing alternator
I’m after 3kW alternator and ideally higher voltage. Conversion like this would be less efficient and I would need much bigger wires.
Try the safiery Scotty. Rated at 3kw. It’s an awesome piece of kit.
It’s crazy expensive.
Confused about the 6,500 Ah @ 12v. Isn't it ~1,200? I have a single 400A 12v battery which is 5,120w. This is awesome, though
You are right, my mistake.
Can you please explain how you did the wiring that is a perfect system. And how you did the wiring for the j1772 plug
What do you mean? I found a guide online and made it accordingly.
@@ladiandmargaret I been looking for it on UA-cam but no video explaining how it's done. By any chance do you still have the link.
Very cool! 48 V architecture does offer many benefits. What are the dimensions of your whole power module?
I agree. The blue back panel must be around 950x650mm.