This is one of the best and most helpful videos on electrical systems I have found. Thanks for sharing this and great work on planning and research. Great job man!
Tip 1 if you vehicle has a seven pin trailer connector. It has a circuit to charge aux battery easier setup fewer parts automatic disconnect when vehicle is off already fused. Splice into trailer connector wiring easy.
After months of research, your videos were EVERYTHING I’ve been looking for. I’ve never been able to fully understand electrical wiring and now it’s finally clicking. Thanks so much! Wishing you the best! ❤️
I'm a retired marine electrical installer. The information you present is concise and well laid out. I wondered about your wire sizing, but your explanation about minimizing the number of different wire sizing makes a lot of sense for a one off project. The only criticism that I have is about the use of the vampire tap splices. While they are easy to install, their long term use is problematic. They allow moisture into the wire and under the insulation causing long term corrosion. No point in going through the expense and effort of using heatshrink terminals when you've already compromised the wiring. The other problem with these splices is that they damage the strands of the wire and over time will result in broken strands as the wire moves from vibration.
@@LaplacianFourier This comment was two years ago so I don't recall where they used vampire taps. There are 2 into 1 heatshrink butt terminals which can be used. Localized buss bars can also be used. These provide more flexibility and repairability going forward.
Hey, I agree about not using vampire connectors and I addressed this (and provided better alternate options) in a recent video where I deconstructed this van.
This is probably the best explained power video I've watched, and boy I've watched a bunch. Thanks for making it so easy to understand. You just lowered my build anxiety immensely.
Where do I start? Expat from Michigan/California based in England. Was quoted £900 for just labor to do the wiring . Don't have the kind of Dosh. Hence watching videos. Good to have and hear an American accent as having been in UK for 18 years, massive difference in the nuances of speech. This video is by far the best I have seen. Greg Virgoe in UK is the holy grail van build vlogger and his videos helped me install the solar on my own. You just may be his NAmerican counterpart. I am starting a build from scratch on new van and electrical wiring is most daunting. The rest, hey will rely on the A grade I got from workshop in 7th grade. Cannot wait to see more of your videos. THANKS a bundle for actually writing down the size of wiring 👍 Why did you order wiring as opposed getting them at Home Depot (B&Q in UK)? Also most vids recommended one cut off switch but you have 3. I would have liked to hear if having the extra one are do or die must haves. Sorry this is long winded but really want to get a handle on wiring and start the build.
You need something to switch between charging sources. Potentially having 3 different charging sources all working at once can create havoc with their monitors. What I usually install is a dual input mppt dc/dc charge controller, and hook up the shore line charge dc output, and the alternator to the same input (you'll rarely have both running at the same time, if ever) and the solar to the other. That way the controller can utilize all inputs without electrical havoc, or battery damage.
I just came across your video and even though it was posted 3 years, the information and the way you diagramed and explained everything, it is super helpful for beginners like myself. Thank you
Sam - I just replaced 4 Lifeline AGM batteries (got 7 years out of them) with a new set in my Chevy van camper. I often carry 2 sea kayaks on the pop-up roof, so solar panels are out of the question. I just added a Victron Orion dc to dc charger in order to properly charge the batteries while driving. After watching way too many RV electrical videos, I stumbled upon yours. I am a retired teacher, who knows much more about art/photography than 12 volt electrical systems. I also know good teaching when I see it and you have the gift. Your Camper Van Electrical System - Comprehensive Look! is full of useful information and is beautifully presented. I have already made a few electrical changes because of what I learned from you. Thank you!
I’ve spent countless hours researching, reading and watching videos. Some electrical systems are either super complex systems I don’t need, or super basic and I want more. I put together my own layout but was struggling to make sure it would work. You system is exactly what I was going for. Thank you!!!
After watching 12 of your videos I am pretty confident I can begin my van conversion without any additional sources. And since I like the way you think and go about it things I have no doubts to even need a second opinion. And for that I thank you Sam.
love how you broke it down into easy to understand sections. This is the first of your videos that I have watched, hope there is a more in depth installation video. Thanks. I subscribed.
I really miss watching your videos as you are so clear and concise. We are finally about to start our van build and I have come back to your lessons to guide us,.
Bro, of all the videos that I’ve looked up to research this topic, yours was easily the most helpful. Thank you!! I loved how you carefully walked through each step and clear gave examples. So so well done!
3:50 Note that a simple voltmeter is only useful to determine the state-of-charge (SoC) for a lead acid battery. For a lithium battery, the voltage drop-off is very flat from 90% to 10% SoC, which means you won't get accurate readings if you try to determine the SoC from voltage in that range. A smart monitor measures both the voltage ánd the current draw over time, while keeping track of how many amp-hours (Ah) have been used, and therefore how many Ah are still left. Though overkill for lead acid, this is necessary for lithium batteries.
Super helpful...was not even thinking about a bus hub until I saw this. That Blue Sea product kills two birds for me and removes the need for a separate DC fuse block.
Moses, you are very very bright - I am blown away (mostly because of your age), as to just how incredibly knowledgeable you are. I can tell you are not just rhyming off info from manufactures etc... you you truly know what you are talking about. great videos.
Great video, I appreciate the clarity in the we you speak and the respect you show your audience. There’s no annunciation like you’re talking to a child on a technical topic.
Why did I only stumble onto this video today, top quality mate! So much better than all the other overland gurus and pros out there. Thank you and keep it up!
If I could like this content everyday I would. You've made what most probably mentally labored over for their builds (including myself), first grade comprehensible. Salute to you good sir!
I wanted to thank you personally. There is not other video like this. Before watching this I didnt know my heard from my backside. Thank you so much for your hard work.
Hi Sam, great video. Only question I have is you don't seem to have a low voltage cutoff to protect the battery. I suspect the Lithium battery has this built into it's internal BMS, but it would be good to show that. Also, perhaps consider an interlock between the Alternator and AC charger outlets so only one can be connected at a time, perhaps biased to the Alternator, but also switch over when shore power mains is plugged in.
@@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath It's a device that, when setup correctly ensures that two opposing conditions cannot exist at the same time. Think of one like a pair of switches where only one can be on at a time.
Wow I've literally watched thousands of videos explaining electrical systems for van conversion and I still wouldn't really quite understand what im doing or what things I needed for my van conversion. This video is so useful, everything is explained in such a way that's easy to understand and doesn't leave anything out.
You are a very good craftsman! I think of some ideas to use if I do a DIY van build in the distant future. I might do a little different without cabinets and pretty, home-like walls for example, to save weight and space. To keep smell down, some things I'd like closed off like bathroom waste containers and dirty laundry. A couple other reasons: Have a sealed cabinet vented outside for propane, and it might be nice to have a dry foods storage area that's sealed tightly to prevent easy access to critters. I always think of my stationary recumbent bike which I'd like to still have. It's low but long of course and I use it as a seat all day, as a way to make it more likely I just start spinning and exercising: setting up the environment success and it works at home.
Finally someone makes videos on the electrical side of things. I know doing the wiring isn't very complicated, but no one actually sits down and explains what all the components are and what they do. I would've liked more detail on what things do but I can always just look that up on my own. Thanks for making a video liek this.
Im scared of my upcoming RV Van electrical systems.. Im glad i found you.. you made electrical system simple. Thanks for doing this. you are so organized as well
You are a HERO, Moser! Thank you so much for providing this incredibly informative video! I'm working on making a camper van project within the next 2-4 years, and I've been looking for something exactly like this to show me how the electrical part can be worked into the van. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Seriously mate, this was the most comprehensive and helpful video for newbies like myself that i could find. Absolutely brilliant. You should be a teacher.
Thank you Thank you Thank you. FINALLY an electrical video I could actually understand AND diagrams I cold follow to see a visual explanation. THANK YOU!
I’ve had my system in for two years now after this video. I finally put an inverter in & glad yo recommend running it to the busbars instead of directly to the battery, porobaby do a video this week on UA-cam & mention you.
Bro you are legit!! as an Audio Video Integrator , and in search for the ideal setup, i love your prints. they are very easy to read most importantly organized. First time watching your video, and subscribed. ok back to watching your video
Very nice set up and well thought out. However, allow me to recommend a small change. Years ago, two of my friends both worked in a factory that built Power inverters. We were all sitting around a camp fire and I started telling them about how I was having trouble with a cheap 300 w inverter. I told them that when I first bought it, it worked great but for some reason I couldn't get it to power my power tools anymore. The first thing my friends asked was how long were my battery cables going to the inverter. I told him about 10 feet. The second thing they asked me was the gage of the cable. Long story short, The gage was okay, however they explained to me that the 10ft length was the reason for my problem. They explained that inverters are very sensitive to resistance. They told me that DC power in general does not carry amps very well over longer distance. I was told to get as close the be battery as possible. With a little math we figured out the resistance in the line which brought the inverter efficiency down to less than 50%. I didn't want to believe them. I'm a DC guy. About a year later I read that the reason we use AC power in our homes is because it is not effected by line length. So the time came that I dusted off my little inverter, shortened the cable down to 1 ft and mounted it as close to the battery as possible. Now I'm an AC guy. Suddenly my inverter was putting out 95% efficiency. It was running better than when I first bought it. What I learned was when it comes to inverters keep the battery cables as close to the battery as possible. Today I have a 5000 W inverter and the same principal remains solid. You can test this theory like I did. The results will surprise you. I happily used that little inverter for smaller loads for over 30 years. It was still working great when I sold my van. I just wanted to clarify this to your viewers because you had suggested keeping the negative lead far away from the shunt. However I did see in the beginning of your video that your inverter location is practically sitting on top of your battery. That's why your system is working. Cheers!
Really enjoyed the level of detail your provided, the schematic and how you went through it all step by step...much appreciated and great series of videos you have put together. They really boost confidence in tackling this kind of project!
I'm a Retired Master Electrician, Field EE and Code Inspector .. including AC/DC Systems .. both High and Low Voltage .. This young man provided great information for the Novice and Amateur to do a DC/AC Van Electrical System .. I do question using LA with LI source batteries and lack of fused interruption or disconnecting means at both the Line Side at the DC Load Center and on the Line Side of Invertor to service, repair and/or safety
A diagram and discussion an engineer would love! You even provided lots of information non-engineers could use. Once again, deep research and an intimate understanding that leads to a great implementation! Nice!
Best laid out and explained electrical system I've seen. I don't know if the manufacturers would explain it as well... If you could find a video from the manufacturer
Nice Moser, with your AC switch and needing to make sure the battery to battery switch is off. You could wire a relay to drop out the line whenever theres AC power
You did a really great job with this video. I was a little overwhelmed with starting, but now I really feel confident. Video was thorough and no fluff.
after all my research into solar set ups this is by far the best and most concise video ive seen. Might be getting a couple more battery cut off switches to match this set up
This video was awesome! You have a real talent for organizing and clearly describing the subject matter. You could be a terrific professor or engineer. Thanks Sam!
Not bad mate. Only recommendation I would say to you is to change those couple of crimp wire splices out to soldered connections instead. I have found they will always fail after a year or two. Since they are an insulation displacement joiner, they are prone to eventually spread further open and create intermittent connections. If you are drawing enough current through them, they can heat up and eventually burn out The rest of the terminals etc are really good. Great work.
Amazing as always. Great video, audio, lessons, tutelage, ideas, explanations... Sam your just too awsome !! Keep up the great work I look forward to more videos & go enjoy your new camper & see the WORLD !!!
Pretty much knew everything. Because I watched many, many, many, many, many other videos. Wish I had seen this first. The one thing I would add is that you said you used oversized wire for convenience at times. Some (a lot of) emphasis should have been placed on the safety factor of installing oversized wiring. Great video!
First, Wonderfully safety setup. Good job. This next is a thought or discussion seed not a complaint or a criticism. Solar to CC fuse. The one fuse that has me confused is the one off of the solar panels. Fuses protect from excess current. Solar panels will never output excess current. If a solar panel sources 9 amps max, it supplies 9 amps max if it is supplying the CC charge controller or shorted to ground. Always 9 amps max. Also, a system uses all the current solar panels can supply, so the fuse would be more than 9 amps. What would pop the current fuse? Solar fuse placement. The only melted/possible fires I have seen were arcing melted parallel connectors on the roof of an RV. I don’t know if the delicate MC4/H4 internals were damaged from arcing due to disconnecting under load, not connected right (almost fool proof), or defect. The point being, the fuse location would not have prevented that fire. I don’t think a fuse anywhere along that path from the connections directly on the solar panel to the CC would protect from that. Really, only a GFI type of “fuse” would be any use anywhere along that path to the CC. I can think of one reason (dont read only one reason) to have a fuse on the solar panels. If somehow the line was energized by a higher current source, and there was a short (eg combo during an accident). Other general safety. My one real worry is having a common ground, and some high energy short energies a non-grounded component, or a piece of non-grounded metal, or a not-quite-grounded piece of metal, thus touching that energized component and the common ground metal van could be a problem. I need to check solar panel frames, solar panel frame to vehicle connections, metal brackets mounted to wood, ???, etc.
Thanks for the terminal fuse block idea. I have big fuses and breakers, but they need big wires on both ends. Always wondered why a fuse or breaker that bolted directly to the battery did not exist! It does! Thanks!
Very useful thank you!! I have just bought a small van for conversion to an adventure camper and this is going to be my guide to purchase of components, tools and installation. Many thanks.
Outstanding delivery and calm explanation of all the components and wiring. Best YTD on youtube. Thanks for a great practical tutorial for the novice installer. I'm happy I found you.
I found it extremely useful. You're very good at explaining for complete newbies such as myself. I've always been scared and confused by electrical systems, but a lot less so now. Thanks to you.
I built my own electrical system from scratch on my van. I WISH I had this video beforehand! This is easy to understand and simplifies the process. I'm learning more about how to improve my next build too. Thanks, Sam!
Do all brands of RV Solar Panels connect in series. I have 2 ZAMP 160 watt panels and didn't use Solar Roof Cap and I connected the panels in parallel before connecting them to controller. Your videos are great!
Extremely well explained that made me feel like, how something quite complex/complicated can become so easy, made me feel I can do that, Many thanks for sharing such valuable info!
I’ve been an electrician for 35 yrs and I just learned a few things there! Excellent job
@Lance Counihan lmfaoooooooo.. im still just learning but golly this cracked me up
I love that you're still learning!
Sam - you’re a natural and gifted instructor. Thank you once again for a concise and very helpful video. You’re raising the bar!
I was trying to figure out what it was with him, but you are right. He is really good. He has given me confidence on attempting to do my own built.
I was thinking the same, he is a natural instructor. So good!
Jennifer Sallis Jennifer you’re a little old for Sam but I’m sure you could teach him a thing or two.
Wow, you all think about this guy a lot....I see a cat fight between Jennifer and Jose for sams pickle.......... you go girls.
I agree
I have watched 100's of hours of van build content while I prep -- this singlehandedly was the most helpful video to date. Nice work man.
This is one of the best and most helpful videos on electrical systems I have found. Thanks for sharing this and great work on planning and research. Great job man!
Tip 1 if you vehicle has a seven pin trailer connector. It has a circuit to charge aux battery easier setup fewer parts automatic disconnect when vehicle is off already fused. Splice into trailer connector wiring easy.
Hands down the best video on Van/overland 12v wiring.
This was SO useful, and ten times more informative than any other videos from van conversion channels. Thanks Sam!
Nah, not really. Several good channels out there. I would recommend Greg Virgoe for noobies.
Hi Kevin, thanks I appreciate the support (and I do agree that Greg has some great videos).
@@MoserMakes Greg's schematics are free.
If the cat says it’s the best out there- it’s the best, end of story.
After months of research, your videos were EVERYTHING I’ve been looking for. I’ve never been able to fully understand electrical wiring and now it’s finally clicking. Thanks so much! Wishing you the best! ❤️
I'm a retired marine electrical installer. The information you present is concise and well laid out. I wondered about your wire sizing, but your explanation about minimizing the number of different wire sizing makes a lot of sense for a one off project. The only criticism that I have is about the use of the vampire tap splices. While they are easy to install, their long term use is problematic. They allow moisture into the wire and under the insulation causing long term corrosion. No point in going through the expense and effort of using heatshrink terminals when you've already compromised the wiring. The other problem with these splices is that they damage the strands of the wire and over time will result in broken strands as the wire moves from vibration.
So what do you recommend as an alternative?
@@LaplacianFourier This comment was two years ago so I don't recall where they used vampire taps. There are 2 into 1 heatshrink butt terminals which can be used. Localized buss bars can also be used. These provide more flexibility and repairability going forward.
@@jimmccorison thanks!
Other critique i have, the fuses should always be after the switches. Source -> switch -> fuse Besides that its a nice job
Hey, I agree about not using vampire connectors and I addressed this (and provided better alternate options) in a recent video where I deconstructed this van.
This is probably the best explained power video I've watched, and boy I've watched a bunch. Thanks for making it so easy to understand. You just lowered my build anxiety immensely.
Where do I start? Expat from Michigan/California based in England. Was quoted £900 for just labor to do the wiring . Don't have the kind of Dosh. Hence watching videos. Good to have and hear an American accent as having been in UK for 18 years, massive difference in the nuances of speech. This video is by far the best I have seen. Greg Virgoe in UK is the holy grail van build vlogger and his videos helped me install the solar on my own. You just may be his NAmerican counterpart. I am starting a build from scratch on new van and electrical wiring is most daunting. The rest, hey will rely on the A grade I got from workshop in 7th grade. Cannot wait to see more of your videos. THANKS a bundle for actually writing down the size of wiring 👍 Why did you order wiring as opposed getting them at Home Depot (B&Q in UK)? Also most vids recommended one cut off switch but you have 3. I would have liked to hear if having the extra one are do or die must haves. Sorry this is long winded but really want to get a handle on wiring and start the build.
You need something to switch between charging sources. Potentially having 3 different charging sources all working at once can create havoc with their monitors. What I usually install is a dual input mppt dc/dc charge controller, and hook up the shore line charge dc output, and the alternator to the same input (you'll rarely have both running at the same time, if ever) and the solar to the other. That way the controller can utilize all inputs without electrical havoc, or battery damage.
My dude you are the boss for even making this video. This was exactly what I was looking for
man, this was super informative! I feel like I can do it now
I just came across your video and even though it was posted 3 years, the information and the way you diagramed and explained everything, it is super helpful for beginners like myself. Thank you
Sam - I just replaced 4 Lifeline AGM batteries (got 7 years out of them) with a new set in my Chevy van camper. I often carry 2 sea kayaks on the pop-up roof, so solar panels are out of the question. I just added a Victron Orion dc to dc charger in order to properly charge the batteries while driving. After watching way too many RV electrical videos, I stumbled upon yours. I am a retired teacher, who knows much more about art/photography than 12 volt electrical systems. I also know good teaching when I see it and you have the gift. Your Camper Van Electrical System - Comprehensive Look! is full of useful information and is beautifully presented. I have already made a few electrical changes because of what I learned from you. Thank you!
I’ve spent countless hours researching, reading and watching videos. Some electrical systems are either super complex systems I don’t need, or super basic and I want more. I put together my own layout but was struggling to make sure it would work.
You system is exactly what I was going for. Thank you!!!
Im not even a minute in and this guy is already badass
Your videos are better than any other van build series out there. You explain things, but you don't make people feel dumb.
After watching 12 of your videos I am pretty confident I can begin my van conversion without any additional sources. And since I like the way you think and go about it things I have no doubts to even need a second opinion. And for that I thank you Sam.
love how you broke it down into easy to understand sections. This is the first of your videos that I have watched, hope there is a more in depth installation video. Thanks. I subscribed.
I really miss watching your videos as you are so clear and concise. We are finally about to start our van build and I have come back to your lessons to guide us,.
Bro, of all the videos that I’ve looked up to research this topic, yours was easily the most helpful. Thank you!! I loved how you carefully walked through each step and clear gave examples. So so well done!
Great videos! You explain everything so well, especially the electrical. I've never seen such a clear, in-depth explanation. Keep it up!
I come back and rewatch this video every now and then. Great job! I hope you and yours are in good health.
3:50 Note that a simple voltmeter is only useful to determine the state-of-charge (SoC) for a lead acid battery. For a lithium battery, the voltage drop-off is very flat from 90% to 10% SoC, which means you won't get accurate readings if you try to determine the SoC from voltage in that range.
A smart monitor measures both the voltage ánd the current draw over time, while keeping track of how many amp-hours (Ah) have been used, and therefore how many Ah are still left. Though overkill for lead acid, this is necessary for lithium batteries.
Super helpful...was not even thinking about a bus hub until I saw this. That Blue Sea product kills two birds for me and removes the need for a separate DC fuse block.
I’m an electrical engineer so I understood the theory, but am not an electrician so I didn’t know the implementation. This filled in the gap. Thanks.
Moses, you are very very bright - I am blown away (mostly because of your age), as to just how incredibly knowledgeable you are. I can tell you are not just rhyming off info from manufactures etc... you you truly know what you are talking about. great videos.
Easily the best video online for setting this up
Great video, I appreciate the clarity in the we you speak and the respect you show your audience. There’s no annunciation like you’re talking to a child on a technical topic.
Thank you so much. My last fear about building out the van has been dashed.
Why did I only stumble onto this video today, top quality mate! So much better than all the other overland gurus and pros out there. Thank you and keep it up!
If I could like this content everyday I would. You've made what most probably mentally labored over for their builds (including myself), first grade comprehensible. Salute to you good sir!
I wanted to thank you personally. There is not other video like this. Before watching this I didnt know my heard from my backside. Thank you so much for your hard work.
I still can't say I completely understand how to set up my wiring yet, but this has been the best video I've watched on it so far. Thank you
Hi Sam, great video. Only question I have is you don't seem to have a low voltage cutoff to protect the battery. I suspect the Lithium battery has this built into it's internal BMS, but it would be good to show that. Also, perhaps consider an interlock between the Alternator and AC charger outlets so only one can be connected at a time, perhaps biased to the Alternator, but also switch over when shore power mains is plugged in.
What is an interlock?
@@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath It's a device that, when setup correctly ensures that two opposing conditions cannot exist at the same time. Think of one like a pair of switches where only one can be on at a time.
I’m considering buying a transit and found your videos. I am addicted! You are so thorough. Thank you you so much!
Wow I've literally watched thousands of videos explaining electrical systems for van conversion and I still wouldn't really quite understand what im doing or what things I needed for my van conversion. This video is so useful, everything is explained in such a way that's easy to understand and doesn't leave anything out.
I really like how well you speak, very clear and thought out, no filler words or um’s. 👍
You are a very good craftsman! I think of some ideas to use if I do a DIY van build in the distant future. I might do a little different without cabinets and pretty, home-like walls for example, to save weight and space. To keep smell down, some things I'd like closed off like bathroom waste containers and dirty laundry. A couple other reasons: Have a sealed cabinet vented outside for propane, and it might be nice to have a dry foods storage area that's sealed tightly to prevent easy access to critters.
I always think of my stationary recumbent bike which I'd like to still have. It's low but long of course and I use it as a seat all day, as a way to make it more likely I just start spinning and exercising: setting up the environment success and it works at home.
It’s like watching my (geek) self 40 years ago. Very informative and well laid out. Nothing wrong with double fusing!
Finally someone makes videos on the electrical side of things. I know doing the wiring isn't very complicated, but no one actually sits down and explains what all the components are and what they do.
I would've liked more detail on what things do but I can always just look that up on my own. Thanks for making a video liek this.
Thanks for the information, Sam Moser.
See you Nick's time!
Im scared of my upcoming RV Van electrical systems.. Im glad i found you.. you made electrical system simple. Thanks for doing this. you are so organized as well
You are amazing !
Intellectual, precise, accurate,yet easy to follow.
You must be a genius.
You are a HERO, Moser! Thank you so much for providing this incredibly informative video!
I'm working on making a camper van project within the next 2-4 years, and I've been looking for something exactly like this to show me how the electrical part can be worked into the van.
Thank you so much for sharing this!
Seriously mate, this was the most comprehensive and helpful video for newbies like myself that i could find. Absolutely brilliant. You should be a teacher.
Thank you Thank you Thank you. FINALLY an electrical video I could actually understand AND diagrams I cold follow to see a visual explanation. THANK YOU!
Felt so overwhelmed with electrical before i found your video and now it makes so much more sense! Thank you 💚💚
I’ve had my system in for two years now after this video. I finally put an inverter in & glad yo recommend running it to the busbars instead of directly to the battery, porobaby do a video this week on UA-cam & mention you.
Bro you are legit!! as an Audio Video Integrator , and in search for the ideal setup, i love your prints. they are very easy to read most importantly organized. First time watching your video, and subscribed. ok back to watching your video
Very helpful video. Suddenly wiring my DIY camper doesn't seem so daunting. Thanks a bunch Moser!
Very nice set up and well thought out. However, allow me to recommend a small change. Years ago, two of my friends both worked in a factory that built Power inverters. We were all sitting around a camp fire and I started telling them about how I was having trouble with a cheap 300 w inverter. I told them that when I first bought it, it worked great but for some reason I couldn't get it to power my power tools anymore. The first thing my friends asked was how long were my battery cables going to the inverter. I told him about 10 feet. The second thing they asked me was the gage of the cable. Long story short, The gage was okay, however they explained to me that the 10ft length was the reason for my problem. They explained that inverters are very sensitive to resistance. They told me that DC power in general does not carry amps very well over longer distance. I was told to get as close the be battery as possible. With a little math we figured out the resistance in the line which brought the inverter efficiency down to less than 50%. I didn't want to believe them. I'm a DC guy. About a year later I read that the reason we use AC power in our homes is because it is not effected by line length. So the time came that I dusted off my little inverter, shortened the cable down to 1 ft and mounted it as close to the battery as possible. Now I'm an AC guy. Suddenly my inverter was putting out 95% efficiency. It was running better than when I first bought it. What I learned was when it comes to inverters keep the battery cables as close to the battery as possible. Today I have a 5000 W inverter and the same principal remains solid. You can test this theory like I did. The results will surprise you. I happily used that little inverter for smaller loads for over 30 years. It was still working great when I sold my van. I just wanted to clarify this to your viewers because you had suggested keeping the negative lead far away from the shunt. However I did see in the beginning of your video that your inverter location is practically sitting on top of your battery. That's why your system is working. Cheers!
Just took something so high level and made it simple for me to understand and accomplish. Great job!
Really enjoyed the level of detail your provided, the schematic and how you went through it all step by step...much appreciated and great series of videos you have put together. They really boost confidence in tackling this kind of project!
to the point, no chit chat, good diagrams, great editing and pictures. well done.
i would love for you to do a video on how you draw your diagram . which software you use, how to do you export? draw? images of parts. WOW.
also wondering this!
Yeah. My too?
Best campervan electrical system explanation I have seen. Thanks for your time!
I'm a Retired Master Electrician, Field EE and Code Inspector .. including AC/DC Systems .. both High and Low Voltage .. This young man provided great information for the Novice and Amateur to do a DC/AC Van Electrical System .. I do question using LA with LI source batteries and lack of fused interruption or disconnecting means at both the Line Side at the DC Load Center and on the Line Side of Invertor to service, repair and/or safety
A diagram and discussion an engineer would love! You even provided lots of information non-engineers could use. Once again, deep research and an intimate understanding that leads to a great implementation! Nice!
Hey theres an issue... I can only LIKE this video once???
THIS IS AMAZING
Thank you and your beautiful brain
Best laid out and explained electrical system I've seen. I don't know if the manufacturers would explain it as well... If you could find a video from the manufacturer
I have been watching a lot of RV videos recently to learn and this is the best I have seen! Excellent work!
The great teachers make complex ideas easy to understand. You are a great teacher mate
Nice Moser, with your AC switch and needing to make sure the battery to battery switch is off. You could wire a relay to drop out the line whenever theres AC power
You did a really great job with this video. I was a little overwhelmed with starting, but now I really feel confident. Video was thorough and no fluff.
after all my research into solar set ups this is by far the best and most concise video ive seen. Might be getting a couple more battery cut off switches to match this set up
This video was awesome! You have a real talent for organizing and clearly describing the subject matter. You could be a terrific professor or engineer. Thanks Sam!
Fantastic wiring diagram. I viewed at least one hundred videos before I found this! I'm subscribing now!
Best van power setup video I have seen. And I have seen thousands....
Hats off to you sir
Not bad mate. Only recommendation I would say to you is to change those couple of crimp wire splices out to soldered connections instead. I have found they will always fail after a year or two. Since they are an insulation displacement joiner, they are prone to eventually spread further open and create intermittent connections. If you are drawing enough current through them, they can heat up and eventually burn out The rest of the terminals etc are really good. Great work.
OK, so who is the biggest fan of how your wiring turned out? ;-)
Seriously, nice job, really well organized and clean design.
I spent 2-3 hours looking for this explanation, then I found you! Awesome job on your video. Thanks!!
your videos are so helpful. I have never heard someone explain electrical setup so clearly!
Amazing as always.
Great video, audio, lessons, tutelage, ideas, explanations...
Sam your just too awsome !!
Keep up the great work I look
forward to more videos & go
enjoy your new camper & see the
WORLD !!!
Pretty much knew everything. Because I watched many, many, many, many, many other videos. Wish I had seen this first.
The one thing I would add is that you said you used oversized wire for convenience at times. Some (a lot of) emphasis should have been placed on the safety factor of installing oversized wiring.
Great video!
FANTASTIC video, full of information and details. Many many thanks
This has to be one of the best instructional videos I've ever seen. Well done.
First, Wonderfully safety setup. Good job.
This next is a thought or discussion seed not a complaint or a criticism.
Solar to CC fuse. The one fuse that has me confused is the one off of the solar panels. Fuses protect from excess current. Solar panels will never output excess current. If a solar panel sources 9 amps max, it supplies 9 amps max if it is supplying the CC charge controller or shorted to ground. Always 9 amps max. Also, a system uses all the current solar panels can supply, so the fuse would be more than 9 amps. What would pop the current fuse?
Solar fuse placement. The only melted/possible fires I have seen were arcing melted parallel connectors on the roof of an RV. I don’t know if the delicate MC4/H4 internals were damaged from arcing due to disconnecting under load, not connected right (almost fool proof), or defect. The point being, the fuse location would not have prevented that fire. I don’t think a fuse anywhere along that path from the connections directly on the solar panel to the CC would protect from that.
Really, only a GFI type of “fuse” would be any use anywhere along that path to the CC.
I can think of one reason (dont read only one reason) to have a fuse on the solar panels. If somehow the line was energized by a higher current source, and there was a short (eg combo during an accident).
Other general safety. My one real worry is having a common ground, and some high energy short energies a non-grounded component, or a piece of non-grounded metal, or a not-quite-grounded piece of metal, thus touching that energized component and the common ground metal van could be a problem.
I need to check solar panel frames, solar panel frame to vehicle connections, metal brackets mounted to wood, ???, etc.
Great video. I am trying to wrap my head around wiring my first van and this video helped me a lot with visualizing the whole set up. Thanks man !
Thank you big time for this video!! It's helped me a TON on my van build journey. Watched it at least 50 times
Thanks for the terminal fuse block idea. I have big fuses and breakers, but they need big wires on both ends. Always wondered why a fuse or breaker that bolted directly to the battery did not exist!
It does! Thanks!
Just sent the link to a friend to quote a set up like this. Thank you so much your videos are valued by me immensely!
how much was it?
@@madisoncrawford8129 He said it was outside his skill set
Very useful thank you!! I have just bought a small van for conversion to an adventure camper and this is going to be my guide to purchase of components, tools and installation. Many thanks.
Very helpful video in understanding how these systems all go together, really appreciate the efforts!
Outstanding delivery and calm explanation of all the components and wiring. Best YTD on youtube. Thanks for a great practical tutorial for the novice installer. I'm happy I found you.
literally the best video I've watched explaining van electrical wiring
I have seen thousands of videos and this is the most logical and understandable.
I found it extremely useful. You're very good at explaining for complete newbies such as myself. I've always been scared and confused by electrical systems, but a lot less so now. Thanks to you.
With no exceptions, you have the most detailed concise van build videos on youtube.
Absolutely the best electrical information for wiring a van I have ever seen. You made it so simple thank you for the instruction!
Get some dc-dc laptop cables! step up voltage to 19 or what your laptops take ;) You're helping me so much I'll let you know how it goes
straight to the point. no fluff no bs and well researched. thank you!
I built my own electrical system from scratch on my van. I WISH I had this video beforehand! This is easy to understand and simplifies the process. I'm learning more about how to improve my next build too. Thanks, Sam!
Wonderful explanation. Thank you for taking the time to explain such a complex subject.
Do all brands of RV Solar Panels connect in series. I have 2 ZAMP 160 watt panels and didn't use Solar Roof Cap and I connected the panels in parallel before connecting them to controller. Your videos are great!
Extremely well explained that made me feel like, how something quite complex/complicated can become so easy, made me feel I can do that, Many thanks for sharing such valuable info!
we are so glad to have found your videos! We have just started our van build - your advice & knowledge is priceless! Thank you!
Thank you so much that’s the best explanation of a 12 volt camper that I’ve seen.