Changing directions a bit - What's next?
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- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
- We have spent the last two years turning a cargo van into our dream campervan rig, but now it's time for us to pivot our channel, and we need your input.
➤ Shop the EXPLORIST.life Store: shop.explorist.life
➤ Shop Battle Born Batteries: battlebornbatteries.com/?afmc=...
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful with planning and installing your DIY Camper:
FULL ELECTRICAL INSTALLS:
➤50A 5th Wheel RV - Full Electrical Upgrade: • We added 2400W of Sola...
➤30A Class C Motorhome - Full Electrical Upgrade: • Motorhome RV Solar & L...
➤ 30A Travel Trailer - Full Electrical Upgrade: • RV Electrical System S...
➤ Truck Camper - Full Electrical Upgrade: • How To Upgrade Your Tr...
➤ Ford Transit Camper Van Electrical Install: • DIY CAMPER VAN ELECTRI...
➤ DIY Sprinter Camper Van Electrical Install - Full Tutorial: • DIY Sprinter Camper Va...
OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES:
➤ Binge the Transit Van Build: • The Ultimate Camper Va...
➤ DIY Camper Solar Wiring Diagrams: www.explorist.life/solarwirin...
➤ How to Perform a Power Audit: • How Much Solar Power D...
➤ Basic Parts & Components of an Electrical System: • Basic Solar Parts Need...
➤ How to Cut Wire: www.explorist.life/how-to-cut...
➤ How to Strip Wire: • How to Strip Wire from...
➤ How to Crimp Wire: • How To Crimp Wire Lugs...
➤ How to Make MC4 Connectors: • How To Make MC4 Connec...
➤ How to Wire Solar Panels in Series-Parallel: • How to Wire Solar Pane...
➤ How to Crimp Wire Ferrules: • How to Crimp Ferrules ...
➤ How to Wire an AC/DC Breaker/Fuse Box: www.explorist.life/how-to-wir... - Авто та транспорт
Thank you for all your comments and suggestions! We have gone with EXPLORIST.life Mobile Marine & Off-Grid Electrical. We appreciate everyone's input. Please check out our new EXPLORIST.life Academy HERE: ua-cam.com/play/PLmvhcyi4n0TVgcroqXl5QvJM0afUes_zX.html
I think 'Mobile and Off Grid Electrical' is by far the best name for your channel. Short and catchy enough and fully inclusive.
I think it is inclusive enough, it can also include even mobile devices of the futur!
SOLAR ELECTRICAL, not just electrical. The solar is the relevant factor
I agree Explorist Life - Mobile/Off grid Electrical. It includes all Mobile folks (RV, marine, Vehicles,etc) and Stationary buildings.
@@LolaandPooch Not all off grid electrical is purely solar. As well as integrating mains shore power some off grid electrical systems that I work on include motorised generators of different types as well as wind powered devices etc.
I agree with bitworkx6028. Mobile includes everything mobile, and off grid covers the 😮
WOW! We are so grateful for the overwhelming support from the EXPLORIST.life community. We received over 400 comments in the first day, and while the team and I are reading each one, we don’t have the ability to respond to every comment right now. We appreciate everyone’s input and are taking all of it into consideration. Thank you so much and stay tuned for the EXPLORIST.life Academy later this month!
Since your focus is on Victron components perhaps you should consider something like "Victron for Dummies"🙂 FWIW I've tried to wrap my head around the Victron ecosystem and found the learning curve to be daunting... The beauty of what you're doing is making that ecosystem DIY friendly.
FYI, there is a “offgrid power solution” channel already. Might want to research names are close as you choose one.
I think you hit it in your mission statement, "mobile, marine, and off grid electrical"
I agree with this.
1st thing I thought when reading the mission statement.
I believe the "RV, Marine and Off-grid" will include/attract the largest audience.
Folks don't come to your channel because of the name they come because of the quality work that you do. They tell other people about your channel because of who you are that the quality work that you do. You are down to earth and are very good at educating folks on how they can do what they want to do (DIY). I built my off grid home 40yrs ago and learned what I could through books and RealGoods magazine. I watch your channel because I'm building out a van and want to learn what is new in the off grid industry. Follow your passion and folks will come along for the ride. Thank you for doing all that you have done!
This is where I come for mobile electrical! Your channel has the Best Practices you can’t find anywhere else. Most folks want to do it right the first time, to use as a tool when mobile or off grid, so they don’t have to think about afterwards, it just works reliably. Thanks!
As a live-aboard sailor, marine electronics engineer, and planning a major electrical upgrade for my boat, I've found your channel extremely useful. I applaud your efforts to make the channel more inclusive. I only recently discovered your channel, really enjoy it, and look forward to using it as a reference going forward.
As you pivot to more inclusive content, there are some differences in the marine environment that would be good to start including in your content. I've already seen you refer to some ABYC standards, which is great. One particular thing is the use of tinned stranded electrical cable - while this does increase costs, the protection against corrosion is critical due to the harsh nature of the ocean - electrics and sea water don't get along so well! I believe that some of ABYC's fusing recommendations are a bit different too, especially when it comes to batteries.
An area where you could consider extending your content, without diverting much from your core electrical focus, would be electronics and Internet connectivity. These are topics that are closely related and of keen interest to boaters, RVers, and off-gridders. On the connectivity side there are technologies like 4G/5G, Starlink, and the routers that make them work together seamlessly. On the electronics side there are many "marine" devices that work just as well for RVs, campers, etc. One thing in particular you might take a look at is digital switching, which can replace your load-side breaker/fuse panel and provide some interesting opportunities through their programmability. I may be a bit biased as I'm a firmware engineer for a company that makes stuff like this, and worked on the code for many of these devices.
Not sure I can offer a good opinion on your rebrand. I'm generally of the mindset that shorter-is-better.
Regardless of your new direction, keep up the good work 🙂
I agree when I hear "Off-grid" alone I think of cabins, tiny houses, etc. (more permanent than mobile).
"Explorist Power" would play off words. you're exploring the technology (DIY & Pro) and those exploring applications of the technology while paying hommage to history and audience of geared towards campers.
I have to agree with Steph, “Off Grid Electrical” in a title alone would not compel me to stop on your channel to look for RV solar content, which is why I like #1. However, youtube’s algorithm would certainly populate your video’s if I searched for RV Solar or off grid electrical build Van, regardless what you name your channel.
I really enjoy your content. It’s educational in ways that other channels can’t compete with-step by step, system by system.
I would really like to see a thoughtful consideration of using other battery storage options aside from battle born batteries. I can purchase 900ah of high quality batteries with Victron com ports for the same price as 1 270ah BB battery. The batteries I’m referring to are Epoch and SOK.
I’ve learned a lot from watching your videos. Keep em coming!
Yes alternative battery storage is a great idea…maybe separate device application specifically for electric cars
Charging the Cars/trucks dc vs ac at large amp volume to fast charge..all from solar connections and inverters with large batteries and what’s needed
I like the #4 option for your channel. Rv, Marine, and off-grid. It pulls everyone that has that on their brain. I Like your videos (or I wouldn't be posting and watching 🙂)
I like where you're going with this!
Good luck! I'll be watching and learning!
Stef is correct. "Off Grid Electrical" is not enough to pull in RV, mobile, marine viewers. I like #4 as I feel "RV" includes Vans but doesn't have to say it. Your mission statement is spot on and expands on #4.
RV, Marine, and Off Grid Electrical. Covers all without leaving anything out and without being redundant.
Having mainlined every last one of your electrical system videos over the last couple of years, I'm excited to hear about your direction. I like "Mobile, marine and off-grid." Let's go MM&O! Thanks for all the know how.
I think number 1 describes you the best.If I had an RV and I saw "Off grid electrical" I would skip it because I would think it was for cabins/homesteads. I think you would HAVE TO include something about mobile! I love your mission statement. I would love to see in the future periodic live stream Q and A (I would gladly pay to participate) for those of us following your diagrams that need a few spots of help or weekly videos answering some of the most common questions. One thing to add, the cargo trailer conversion community is really starting to follow you because many of us in the community have spread the word. We would definitely feel included with the term mobile. Thanks for all you do!!
This is the first time I've listened to one of your videos today. I actually listened to about 15 in a row and really enjoyed all the content in those videos. I'm from Quebec and 3 years ago, I bought a Mitsubishi Delica 4 X 4 (right-hand drive) diesel modified with vegetable oil which I transformed into a camper. Then after listening to some 50 videos on solar, I purchased a first basic solar kit 2000 watt modified inverter, 2 x 40 W panel which I changed the following year for a 3000 watt pure sin used like new + 150 W rigid + 2 x 100 flexible (which I place under the bed during transport) with a good used charge regulator. I have just adopted your channel and will naturally share with everyone new or more experienced who are starting in this field because of the incredible, comprehensive and professional information you give. Thank you for existing, the two of you, or three, or the whole team.
I like #2, I think using the word Mobile is very inclusive of RV, Marine and Off-Grid. I appreciate your videos and true DYI people will learn and adapt your shared knowledge to what they are trying to do.
Electrical - RV, Marine and Off-grid. I will definitely keep watching. Thank you for all you do!
No worries, I'll keep watching your channel. Just be yourself and do what interests you and the rest will follow.🙂
Option 1 - Because you do such of a great work on what you do, no matter what name you brand, you will do great!!! Thank you for what you do!!!!
What I got the most from your channel is taking the mystery out of Victron, when I first came across Victron equipment it was a jumble of parts and I had no idea how it all fit together. I looked hard at Redarc as it looked easier to fit together a system but I could never size it up enough for what I am planning. After watching most of your content on electrical installations it made sense. I hope this guides the channel in the future and I look forward to more electrical content. Thank you :)
Steph is right. Off grid makes me think of cabins not grid tied. I’m an RV dealer in New Zealand and love your content. It helps me design better systems for my new rvs. Importantly more robust systems. I can then educate my staff and even my electrician who is great at AC power but not so much on DV systems.
You guys have literaly changed my life. I came and stayed for the electrical expertise as I am an electrician interested in all the off-grid stuff. I will be in the first in line for the "for pay" course. I will be pivoting my career in the near future and this announcement dovetails perfectly with the direction I am going with my own company. You have a loyalist here. This announcement is music to my ears. ❤
Number 1 for sure ! 100% with Steph and when i Hear Off-Grid i see a cabin, tiny house etc… i love your mission statement. Good Luck guys. I didnt hear the growling stomach 😂
#1 because the more inclusive you are in the title, the more people you will appeal to when they search for content. I love your van build videos, especially the electrical ones, so I will absolutely keep watching! 🤩
Your UA-cam persona conveys honesty and real expertise. I know that many, many RV forums are full of references to your videos on solar issues. I think that that is you product. You know your stuff and you convey your knowledge very well. If the van build videos didn't have a large following it is only because most UA-camrs don't have the money to build a 150,000 van. I think if you target a more "middle-class" population your numbers would soar. By the way, I loved your Transit videos and am using it as a basis for my upcoming near no-build van build.
I found your channel based on solar electrical install and stayed because of the quality of the content. That said, the videos about the other parts of a van build were of interest to me; you were already credible from the electrical videos and super relatable. While I understand the need to focus and these videos take a significant amount of time, a one-off here and there can't hurt despite the stats. I like the mission statement and think a mash up of 2 & 4; "Mobile, Marine, and Off-Grid Electrical".
Whatever you decide, I will still be following!
You are doing great and have taught me a lot about solar installations. I think the Mobile and Off Grid Electrical approach is great.
If I hadn't already found your channel as a RV owner, I wouldn't think that "Off-grid" would be particularly applicable to me and may not have viewed the channel. Your videos have been very helpful to me as a I plan on adding a solar system to my 5th wheel.
Option 4 is probably the most inclusive without being too long. I refer people from other sites that want to learn from the ground up to follow you guys. Would like to see upgrades on or new systems like Nate’s mom’s class C. Looking forward to the future with you guys
I agree you have hit it with your mission statement.
People watch and share your channel because you are a great teacher of the complete electrical system. Keep the direction you have always been on but concentrate on teaching the electrical side of your business.
You guys are amazing. Do what you guys love to do best.
Cheers
RV, Marine and off grid. We all are here for one of those three! Great content. Thank you.
A suggestion for a future episode is a step by step process in finding a fault in an electrical system. How do you go about finding the error in the build. Big fan. Your instruction was critical in helping build a van electrical system. Don't really care what you call the channel.At this point ,your reputation is already well known and outstanding.
In 2023,
I completely revamped our electrical systems in our sailboat to lithium and used your site as reference. Thanks for the invaluable information. Keep up the good work.
I like the "Mobile and Off Grid Electrical". Not too long, but inclusive.
#4 - from a sailor, powerboater and now RVer, with lots of AC and DC experience.
Thank you for going back to your roots
My choice is #1. As an RV owner, " off -grid" I would not have looked at which would have been my loss. Thank you as you have helped me so much as I have moved over to a Victron based system.
I like the simplicity of "Off-grid electrical", but I agree that it brings to mind a cabin in the woods. If I had an RV, boat, or van I might not think the channel applies to me. 2) "Mobile and Off-grid electrical" is more inclusive. The others are just too many words.
To the broader point of this video, I appreciate that you are innovating and pivoting to a more specific focus. I can see that it's a passion of yours, Nate, so it makes sense. That said, I've watched hours of UA-cam van videos, including your entire Transit series (most of them 2+ times). It was your channel more than others that inspired me to buy the van and start the journey myself. You speak well to an audience with beginner-level woodworking/electrical/plumbing skills, but you show how to implement the work in a professional way. I really appreciated the nuts-to-bolts series: From which options to consider when ordering the van to lifting the suspension (I watched that one twice...but probably won't try it on my own). Thanks for all the extra work your crew put into filming that process for that series...I thought it was very well done.
Electrical: Full disclosure, the Transit electrical episode(s) scared the hell out of me. But I'm learning to understand the theory and purpose of all those expensive blue boxes and big fat wires. I'll continue to watch your new offerings so I can continue to better understand 'mobile and off-grid electrical'. I'm intrigued by the idea of a class series format....
BEST NAME EVER!!!!
Explorist Life Homestead, Marine &Mobile
Please say it out loud. You’ll Love It!! I love your show. You, Will Prowse and Alan (aka Seven O Savage) helped me build my Box Van.
Thanks for everything and keep bringing the knowledge of electrical builds.
Jay Elle
Boat guy myself & I’ll be sticking around - honestly I never felt excluded w/ the transit build b/c so much of that work crosses over to boats (minus suspensions) - keep up the good work
I agree that including the triad of "RV, Marine and Off-Grid" in your name is the most inclusive and least vague choice for your channel name! P.S.--I used and continue to use your channel more than any other for thorough, reliable and detailed explanations and tutorials about anything electrical for my travel trailers. I learned almost everything from your channel on my first solar/inverter project in a 30 amp system, and I will rely on your expertise again for my second travel trailer solar/inverter build, this time with a 50 amp system. And, now that you made me aware of it, I will definitely be perusing your camper van cabinetry build too. Y'all are the best!
As a subscriber for several years and having spent many hours binging your content preparing for my own solar build, I’m looking forward to the Academy. That said, I like #1 the best - Van, RV, Marine and Off-Grid Electrical. It’s all inclusive in the branding and doesn’t leave anyone out. Keep up the good work. BTW, I like the change to focus on electrical. That’s what my interest has been and have occasionally lost track of some of your videos as u went in different directions for a while.
The production quality of your content and downloadable documents are amazing. I wish my college professors had put in half the effort you do. I'm not an explorer or RV person, but come to your channel for the solar, battery, and electrical training. My home is on the grid, but I want solar backup and / or augmentation. Hinting at content ideas for us on grid viewers.
#4 and Excellent mission statement! Keep up the good work. I have recommended your channel to anyone who has seen my
Solar and battery system and may want to tackle it themselves. With a background in electrical and electro-mechanical equipment I used your professional training vids to do a professional job with wiring up 16 solar panels and 800AH battery bank utilizing Victron devices. We now use our 26ft travel trailer off grid comfortably.
#4. Your RV work is my favorite.
I'm still sticking around! I trust your information on electrical more than anyone else. I loved your live chat a couple months ago and have a couple more questions whenever you want to do another one!
Soon to be attempting my first build and your content is amazing. Liked your ‘non battery’ content because of your battery expertise. You’ve built trust with me through that expertise. Thanks.
I have always enjoyed your content, but I agree with the feedback you have received and your new direction. I grew up wrenching with my dad and living in a house where you almost never called for someone to help fix something. Plumbing, roofing, fraing, etc. are all things I am comfortable with, but electrical has always been something I am not good with. Your content has helped me so much. To answer your question, I like "Mobile, Marine, and Off-Grid Electrical" it is longer, but as simple as it can get for the entire range. Off-Grid feels more "homesteady" to me.
I think your focus on what you like to do best, electrical systems is good idea. That's why I watch and learn from your videos. I had a woodshop (until my house sold) but I wouldn't watch this channel for woodworking over the dozen or other channels I subscribe to for woodworking. When I watch your channel I try to learn about things I can use on my Class A diesel pusher. So, even though your focus is vans, your electrical content was still useful and relevant to me.
Keep up the great work Focus on your passions and I will continue looking for each new video you guys put out.
I started following you for the DIY Camper but continued watching the channel first and foremost for quality and clarity of the videos and for my interest in off-grid cabins (more specifically tiny house on wheels) and passion for sailing.
I best like option 2bis: Mobile, Marine and Off-Grid Electrical.
I am part of the audience of people willing to take my knowledge and skills to the next level.
I will stick around and would be thrilled to see a cabin build series (including the cabinets ☝️)
Many thanks for your videos and long live the channel 🙏
I think your refocusing on the electrical aspect is spot on. Personally almost a year ago this month I made the decision to completely redo the entire electrical system on my 50 Amp Fifth wheel including Solar, lithium etc (well before you did the video on the subject) The content on your channel in combination with your extremely detailed wiring diagram that I purchased (and used as my "blueprint" for a successful install) which I am so proud of. Your content and the knowledge I have learned (along with the confidence of having done this) have started discussions between my son (who is an electrician serving currently in the USAF) about the possibility of starting a business to offer RV related electrical installs/updates since that service is in demand and not currently offered in our part of the country! Thank you for your "professional " approach and content in your channel. I look forward and anxiously await future content release. Cheers!
Hey guys! I’d vote #1. A good video idea might be “how to integrate portable solar panels into your existing solar setup”. Love your stuff and thanks for the advice you provided us at hood river van scoop last year 👍🏼
You guys are awesome! I'm very excited for you and pray for wild success!
I like #4 best because it addresses the projects many of us who love Boats, RV's & Cabins. Basically Education is a key component.
Well done on the business plan "Mission Statement."
Cheers, Eric
Don't get caught up on the name in my opinion.
Folks who visit your channel within a few minutes can figure out your content.
ExploristLife is all you need, you'll never have to worry about changing your name in the future again as you never know you might want to shift gears slightly in future again for whatever reason.
Focus on the great informative, quick delivered content & watch it grow! 🤘
Thanks by the way for all the educational content so far over the years. 🙂
Nate and Natalie, I really have enjoyed your videos on electric builds over the past 3 years. As far as your UA-cam name: I think it needs to be about three words to keep it short (so that people can remember it).
EXPLOYER Life: Mobile Electrical Builds.
IMHO, the sentence #2 ist the best summary.
For me, it has to include "mobile".
This is my first comment here. I am currently living fulltime in my RV since 2.5 years after having redone and upgraded the electrical system all by myself, with the help of your excellent tutorials.
Keep on your awesome work !
Many thanks from France. 🇫🇷
We come to you because your instructions are clear and we have confidence you are correct. We trust you. I want to see you bring me new information for example I waited to complete my design until I could get the new Orion DC to DC 50A charger because I saw it on your channel. I am building my entire system with Victron because you recommend it. Update old systems and show us new information on electrical systems and components. You do it better than anyone else, you don't need to change just keep going.
Knowing you guys, anything you take on you will do well at. I like your thorough Mission Statement which leaves things open to you guys helping folks with any of those things you mentioned. I can tell you this much, you guys gave me the confidence to build my own electrical system, which when done, I will send you a picture.
Another service that you guys could offer is to do electrical system inspections in order to recommend changes or enhancements for a fee if the person brings their van to you. Because getting your plumbing wrong won't necessarily destroy your whole van, but an electrical system fire, because of a mistake, most likely would. Anyway, press on guys, your team is providing a great service to the Vanlife community. Peace...
I found your channel after watching City Prepping and Will Prowse, and watched the "How to Design a Solar Array for a Camper" playlist when I was building my off-grid system. All of the same concepts apply. I love the new direction. I would say for SEO purposes I like the longest title where everyone would feel welcome. FWIW, I personally searched DIY Solar Power when building my system and I didn't see your channel come up. Excited to follow along the direction.
#1 for sure, I would have never found you if it had'nt been for your Van electrical videos. I was looking specifically for Van electrical! So I'm with Steph! Keep the great content coming!
I didn’t even realize that DIY Campers was at the end of your name. Personally, id keep it simple. Explorist life itself can cover a wide variety of applications. You keep referencing electrical systems and that’s where your passion is. I’d go with Explorist Life - Electrical Systems.
#4 for me. We are off grid and marine. Your videos are huge in the marine world. We use the exact same equipment and personally I have learned a ton from you.
To be honest I don't really care that you channel is focused on van/RVs I have a boat myself and I find the rv videos fun to watch and even useful (like installing a van specific water system)
I like #2 😃 So excited to see what’s next!
8'30" #1 (since you are trying to target all of Van, RV, Marine, and Cabins, then I would pick the first option).
10'40" for me "off grid" = "off grid cabin"
We have been building our van for a very long time, I've learned a lot from your channel. And yes, I think of you guys as the electrical guys. For example, when I need to find some information about electrical stuff, I usually check your channel before I google it.
Going all in about electrical systems. I think this is a great decision for your channel growth! And you guys clearly like that! 😊
Thank you for all the hard work !
I am excited to see you branching out! I am a sailboat owner and love watching your stuff because it breaks it down into chunks. As far as a name I don't have a strong opinion. I do think as we try to be more sustainable that these applications will continue to grow past, Boats, RV's and cabins to things we have not thought of yet. So something generic might be nice. Coming back to boats I am looking forward to seeing how you incorporate ABYC standards into your videos. Keep up the great work!
It's all off-grid. Off-Grid Electrical, Mobile and Marine. Right there in the opening sentence of your mission statement.
Guys i was so happy to find your channel when starting to plan my Van build, so much information and how-to information. What ever you decide to call it ill still be watching!
Explorist Life-Off Grid Homestead, Marine & Mobile
Or
Explorist Life-Homestead, Marine & Mobile Off Grid.
I Love the Explorist Life Team and look forward to the Academy and up coming tutorials.
Jay Elle
My vote is #2 Mobile and Off Grid Electrical. I can see why the other ones may be more detailed, yet not really any more inclusive. Maybe a bit too many words. Adding the mission statement to help the search engines might be helpful.
Thanks for what you guys have provided to date. It’s been huge for me personally in working on my personal travel trailer and helping others.
As a full-time rv’er in a 1999 marathon Prevost, I have a hard time piecing everything together. The electrical system is closer to a yacht than an rv. I am in the process of swapping 2 trace 4000 inverters for 2 Victron 5000 Quattro, power in, lynx shunt, lynx distributor. (Love Victrons equipment ) I thought I was okay with electrical until I found the 4 transfer switches that are in use. I guess what I am attempting to say is, your channel is amazing and helps so many people. When it comes to the more complex systems that are not built from ground up this is where some of us need the help. I'm not sure if off grid would help as I need more help with the grid side. Lol.
Love the channel and can't wait to see what 2024 brings.
I agree with Steph that “off grid” makes me think only of a stationary cabin. I would go with “RV, marine and off-grid electrical” as your key message to cover your bases but still keep things relatively simple. You can bury van, camper etc in other text or metadata so that search will find it.
Just want to say... The 80/20 cabinet builds are top notch. The "hack" to use 5/8" 8020 as a mount was genius. Thanks for the cabinet build...
I think you may be overthinking the diy concept, It was actually those three letters that originally brought me to your channel. You should in my opinion have diy in something that can be found in a search. Option 4 is short, sweet and inclusive as a name. I almost never follow or comment on any youtube vids but I really like your teaching style and have watched many of them. The videos on cerbo gx was really good. You are in my top three gurus list. Thanks for what you do and know you have helped many even if you don't know you have.
That’s a tough one ya’ll! Off Grid I feel leaves out the mobile crew, while listing everything does get long winded. Your crew does awesome work, love watching your content. When your done with this dance I’m sure your direction and brand will rock as always!
Hi guys. Your efforts to redefine your business are admirable. I like your mission statement and the business pivot to "alternative" electrical systems from mechanical build-outs. Before I commit to my new tag line, I would analyze where my current customer base comes from (van installations, RV installations, Marine, or off-grid cabins) and which customers I want to focus on in the future. I personally see the RV and Marine customers being most interested in complex systems, and more able to fund those systems. I often see Van people looking for more minimal and less expensive systems. I see off-grid cabin people as another (completely different) customer base, even though they may use similar technologies. Follow your customers! Good luck.
I have long considered you to be the best source of information and quality education on mobile systems, off grid solar, wiring, etc. As a devoted DIYer in general I referred your channel to a number of people who were planning van builds and wanted to understand electrical systems. While I was happy to see you finally being able to build your own van, I wasn't watching the process as intently as I usually do for the electrical content. After I installed the solar and battery system in my own van, the reality of renewable energy became much more relevant to my life and made me think more about adding equipment to my home. We live a humble life so the first project I have in mind is a small system that can be independent of our home electrical system but be able to power a small workshop, or a home office. I welcome any ideas you have as you branch out and continue to "explore" the types of new videos you create.
Trust Steph. Number 1 isn't so long that it is unwieldy, so it's my preference.
Explorist life- Off Grid Electrical.
Thanks so much for your work. I would NEVER have figured it all out without you and I am a licensed electrician.
I think use the name that you guys are the most comfortable with, as it does not matter to me, I will forever continue to watch!! I agree with one of the comments above that you are the most complete channel when it comes to solar and off-grid electrical. You guys are amazing teachers and even though the step by step instructions can be monotonous for you to teach, it is what the people need!! LOL. Just completed a system in our new to us 5th wheel and I have to say, parking in a rest-stop overnight and brewing coffee the next morning off of my lithium batteries and Victron inverter was really nice!!! Love all of your videos and so appreciate all that you do. Have also bought and used several schematics from your store and love to support the small business because you guys have made such great videos to support all of us. Keep up the good work and thanks again for all you do!! Cheers!😊
Sounds like a good plan guys.
Love your channel. Keep it simple but RV, Marine and Offgrid electrical covers all bases. I feel "RV" is inclusive enough of Vans, RV's, Trucks etc. You explain everything in simplistic enough ways to cater for all levels of knowledge. As a viewer from Australia I'm able to adjust for the 110 - 220 volts difference in Shore power along with the different mains electrical connectors. Keep up the great work.
#4 RV, Marine and Off-grid. Love your channel and plan to continue following you. Always great, understandable and well thought out content. Thanks!
First off, thanks for everything you have taught me so far. I fitted out a Nissan Patrol canopy with 2x120ah lithium batteries and 380w of solar, fridges, inverter etc. Using the knowledge I gained from this channel.
About your new brand. No.1 you include the word Van which is a form of RV so is really redundant. I think No.4 would be the best option to cover all your mission statement.
Also building a cabin would be great, I run my shed off solar and a 200ah battery for lights, charging batteries and of course running an old car stereo for my music. Good luck in the future, I will be watching no matter what you call it. 😃👍
I too like Mobile and Off Grid Electrical, not over long and other content headings can draw specific applications togther. I will still be watch even when my install is complete. Looking at new developments and ideas will be important too.
I think the #2 option mobile and off grid is the best mix of concise and inclusive. Off-grid sounds good and is fine for those who know but those who are learning may steer clear of off-grid as a title if they are looking for van or RV applications.
I think “mobile marine and off grid electrical” is the best fit for what you do. I like your videos so instructional many thanks.
Off grid electrical makes me think of the channels I watch that are about homesteads or home based living off grid. Although the first choice is the longest name it is the most accurate. I think the option of mobile and off grid electrical is a shorter all encompassing description.
Although I do not have an off grid homestead, cabin, camper, or expedition vehicle I enjoy the information from your (and other) channels for "some day" when I do build my fantasy build.
Thanks for all you do, your information about the changes ahead, and don't forget you can always throw us a bone with a full build down the road.
AFTER THOUGHT: I thourghly enjoyed the "other peoples" camper upgrade series to help DIY people do it in a semi professional manner. $ spent on quality equipment not $ spent on labor.
"Explorist Electrical" tells you everything you need to know and nothing you don't
Car and truck charging is a great idea. Large battery storage systems that can trickle “low cost” from grid and solar panels that collect large amounts of storable energy- that can discharge into a vehicle in a short time and also overnight charge options…
Possible a stand alone system, maybe even something you can have a transfer switch to allow a home to feed off extra stored/collected energy either by daily use or even as a disaster or public grid failure time
I've enjoyed the van build, it's re inspired me to carry on with my conversion. I think title 2 works, it's short enough to not be tongue tied, but shows everything off grid and mobile as inclusive to most electrical systems.
Nate, Stef & Team, Whoa only 13 hrs and you already have a ton of comments to read, good for you guys! You guys are amazing!
I think Stef is on point with #1. I like this option because it does list them all. I think it is important especially for your intended audience including beginners whom may not be familiar with the most accurate/appropriate terminology. If you state the user group the beginner thinks he/she belongs in then I think it will resonate w/ them.
Secondly I like that you are getting back to focusing on electrical systems. Like you said this is your strength and obviously you do an amazing job delivering this content in an approachable and thorough manner. I think you will be well served by focusing on this area. Also this is an area that many people do not have a ton of knowledge in so there a need here. Most handy people can turn a wrench and can cut plywood to fix a car or build a cabinet, but electrical is a skill that many people do not know well and you make the content approachable.
I used your vids to build my van and I love it. I have since helped other with their vans as well. What I have found is that some of friends think the full blown electrical system like you put in the Transit or the Sprinter before that is 1) too expensive for their budget or 2) too complicated for their needs. It may be worth exploring a series that focuses on a super simple system that includes a self-contained portable power/inverter source. Where someone that knows very little can buy one of these off the shelf and put it in their rig and plug their DC frig, overhead lights, into it and maybe a USB charging port into it. All they have is $1k-ish to put into their van or slide-in camper electrical system. And maybe they could add solar or a DC to DC charger later as time and money become available.
I look forward to the off-grid tiny home/ cabin series when you get there. Thanks for sharing your content for free and thank you for being wonderful giving and caring people! -Eric
I loved this video. Mission statement is fantastic. Of your choices for a name, I like #1 the best as I think it helps to guide the most people towards what specific build they are looking for. I love what videos I have seen so far as I am just starting my build. And I’m a dummy with no memory. Thx for all you have already done. And good luck on your new chapter.
I like number two: mobile and off grid electrical. The main reason is I like simplicity, and this tells exactly what you’re working with.
As for wanting to do this full-time, not likely as I’m 66 and don’t want another job. But I do like tinkering and learning as much as I can.
I was hoping you would do more off grid and houses with somewhat hybrid connections. There are a lot of all in one kits now, versus total DIY.
What area I think everybody has missed, is going to peoples homes or their mobile homes, and just inspecting what they’ve done and giving suggestions on how to improve their already made electrical. I always found that fascinating to see what people could do to make it better or show things they did wrong!
Other than that, I love your channel! 🖖
I used your information to wire my mountain property shed when we go camping. Yes please do more off-grid subjects include off-grid grounding for small solar system.
What first drew me in to watch your channel was everything solar. But it was your knowledge and passion for your work that inspired me to keep watching. I don't think the name of the channel is so particular as to the actual name of the videos that you create. Mobile and Off-Grid Electrical says it all. And now I know enough to be dangerous. Thanks!
RV, Marine & Off Grid covers the spectrum in my mind. Oh and not for nothing, with your videos I just finished up a full solar / inverter upgrade on my are 5th wheel. I'm a beginner and nailed it thanks to you guys.
I'd love to see an electrical installation/set-up on a pick-up truck with a topper with solar install. I've watched you do a truck camper, van, bus, RV but not a truck with a regular topper set up for weekend getaways.