Van Build Mistakes Made & Lessons Learned

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  • Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
  • We put 2,000 hours into our van build and we learned a ton of things along the way. Here are our biggest takeaways and things we learned.
    ➤ 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...
    00:00 Introduction
    00:22 Don't Overthink Sound Deadening
    01:36 Don't DIY Your Walls
    03:14 Make Sure Parts are Available BEFORE Starting a Project
    05:48 Custom = a LOT more work
    08:00 Everything Takes LONGER Than You Think
    10:42 Your build is YOUR BUILD
    12:30 Bonus: Don't Trust Strangers On Facebook Groups
  • Авто та транспорт

КОМЕНТАРІ • 138

  • @brlowe1
    @brlowe1 7 місяців тому +3

    Your videos are great. I have enjoyed watching your build while doing my own. My wife told me to use the adventure wagon kit and it was a great choice for us. I installed it in 1 week. I knew it would take me time to build as we have cold winters and no heated space to work in so during winter and the peak of summer no building. I gave myself 3 years to finish the build. May 2024 will be 2 years and I will be at 95% done so doing good there. Watched many of your Victron videos and they helped me to design and build a great electrcal system. 24v 7500+ watts, DC-AC-DC charging and 600 watts of solar. You videos helped me to put together my solar setup too. All electric cooking and a 12v AC. System has worked great from day 1 but I took weeks to build it. Was great meeting you in Hood River this summer and I think your wife is great. Hope to see you on the road sometime or maybe just drop into your shop.

  • @brianchetelat6601
    @brianchetelat6601 7 місяців тому +7

    I've learned a lot from you guys and want to thank you again. You guys and others are what have given many of us the confidence to DIY our builds with a high degree of craftsmanship. Keep on keppin' on : )

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      Hey @brianchetelat6601, Thanks so much! Cheers!

  • @TerryManitoba
    @TerryManitoba 7 місяців тому +1

    Lots of great considerations.
    I think the most important thing I did WRT my van DESIGN/Build (especially being a 1st build) is to 'NOT' make it the build beautiful & NOT make it the final design from the get go.
    I traveled for 3 months in pretty much bare van while thinking about where things will go and not be afraid to dump ideas. (trusts me - I have a closet full of abandoned things (purchases) that are left at home)
    Sooo after 3 years (15 months that I slept in the rig) I have no concerns that the design kept progressing and happily screw or glue new design tweeks into existing infrastructure.
    As an example - I started of with a bar sink (big enuf to brush your teeth) moved to a larger plastic tub - Ended up with an 18*13*10" (deep) SS sink with a large commercial (read spring style) faucet. could not be happier.
    Another Example - I wanted a small closet to hank shirts - started with a moving hanger box under the bed platform - moves it to under the counter - Final place was directly behind the drivers seat from ceiling to top of counter.
    I would not have optimized these to examples if I had done a final build from the get go. I am se happy I did it my way.
    FYI my 2nd build will be more beautiful as the design will have been already optimized...

  • @igoslomo
    @igoslomo 7 місяців тому +2

    I just want to say thank you. I’ve learned so much through your build and got a few chuckles too. What you gave me was education and ideas. My van is my build but learning different techniques and creative ways to solve problems is what I find most enjoyable about the process. So again, thank you. (And I think it’s ridiculous you have to defend your choices🙄)

  • @BTNomad
    @BTNomad 7 місяців тому +2

    Thank you, once again, for keeping this all so real. I started a box conversion last November, and as I've never done one before, am doing it completely by myself, and designing as I go since I don't know what I want until I get to that point, suffice to say it's taken a bit longer. But, thank gawd, I found you guys for the electrical system!! At least for that part, I didn't have to try to figure out what I needed, how to install it, etc.
    There's a guy somewhere in Europe who does van builds, and he has the best t-shirt. It says in big bold letters, " IT WILL ONLY TAKE A HALF HOUR." I bought one! 😂😂😂
    Again, thanks so much for all that you've done and shared!

  • @dirkelber9111
    @dirkelber9111 7 місяців тому +2

    Your build is your build... Best advice yet. But I do want to say that learning the steps you did on your van not only helped me lay-out my build bu also for afirst-timerr taught me so much to minimize the errors. Would do some things differently the next time, but the build works perfectly for us and still adding to it as we go. So I really appreciate all the effort the two of you have gone through to make this video series.

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому +1

      Awesome! Glad the series was helpful! Thanks for watching!

  • @netposerx
    @netposerx 5 місяців тому

    I've learned so much with my van the past 6 years and even more watching you two and other YTers. I give similar advice to those who ask about about a van build. I say back something similar to "are you living in it?", "are you going out for long weekends/a couple of weeks?" etc. I've done a ton of minor tweaks and a few major upgrades like an awning, roof rack, larger solar panels, water pumps. And build out what you can afford and roll with it for a bit and you will have a better insight into van builds later.

  • @reem46490
    @reem46490 6 місяців тому

    7:58 - AMEN TO THAT

  • @awkwardt
    @awkwardt 7 місяців тому

    This video is the quarterly focus meeting everyone needs to use as a reminder.

  • @paulm7578
    @paulm7578 6 місяців тому

    Great job on all your videos and your information, we are just in finishing stages of 2023 Sprinter build and I have referenced your videos a lot. Thanks and we may see you on the road. Shout out to Battle Born also great product.

  • @bruceaux174
    @bruceaux174 7 місяців тому +1

    Along with everything taking longer is everything costs more than expected. I agree with having the major parts on hand before starting the project. I wished I’d had the refrigerator on hand before starting the cabinet layout. Great tips for DIY builds.

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      Oh yeah; especially on things that need to be measured in order to move forward.

  • @berthaduniverse
    @berthaduniverse 7 місяців тому +1

    "Would you like to bet on that? I'm prepared to wager a large sum of money that 1/0 is smaller than 4/0." Epic Lol!

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому +2

      I'm not normally a betting man, but when there's a fastball down the middle... Gotta swing for the fences. 🤣🤷😂

    • @berthaduniverse
      @berthaduniverse 7 місяців тому

      @@EXPLORISTlife Doh!

  • @thomaseusterbrock6980
    @thomaseusterbrock6980 7 місяців тому

    Thanks!

  • @GeorgeHardin
    @GeorgeHardin 7 місяців тому

    Thank you Nate and Steph for producing these excellent videos. My van is 95% complete, and I have watched a lot of your videos to get ideas, information and know how. Yes, there are many different ways to build a van and people are free to do it any way they want, so I don't understand why people think it is necessary to disagree with the info you provide. Again, thank you!!

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      Hey @GeorgeHardin, Thanks so much! Cheers!

  • @john.antonio.collins
    @john.antonio.collins 7 місяців тому

    The Featherbuilt kit would save time for sure, but I lime how extensively you secured your tack. I'd still add extra plusnuts at regular intervals with a kit. Interestingly, Featherbuilt uses a higher position for the upper track so that it can go over the slider and be the symetrical. I'm definitely doing aluminum unistrut, and I'm debating using the factory m6 weld nuts location vs the higher location. I'm considering welding the strut to wide base plates to use factory nuts with the higher location.

  • @gerymiller2358
    @gerymiller2358 4 місяці тому

    Your comments are on point. I will say the making mistakes can be fun?????? I am/was a greenhorn and have put together and taken apart most everything at least 3 times. Being retired I can afford to do this. I also think your future direction of focusing more on electrical is a good direction. Your electrical videos are well detailed but I did get burned bad on batteries. I initially went with a single 200 ah lithium battery thinking it would be a simple matter of adding additional power. I quickly decided to add power but the original supplier said he no longer marketed the battery (only 2 months later) and would not identify the manufacture so I could find a compatible alternative. I also had an inverter/charger to dump (I cannot no longer trust this brand). The issue is that I was blindsided by the complexity of having a multiple battery system. It would have been helpful to know about issues relating to mismatch of battery age, brands, chemistries etc.

  • @landrover827
    @landrover827 7 місяців тому

    Thanks for this video!

  • @erickessler6094
    @erickessler6094 6 місяців тому

    Thx for these great lessons learned!
    Cheers, Eric

  • @davidmoore8741
    @davidmoore8741 7 місяців тому +2

    And I know big semi truck companies make 24v alternators and have been for 30 years😊

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      There are definitely 24V alternators out there; but getting the brackets to fit and the ECU programming to work is where the difficulty is.

  • @HuangXingQing
    @HuangXingQing 7 місяців тому

    So true, I overdid my first Sprinter with FatMat. Ditto on product releases. I've waited several years for Orion Designs 3 level PV Rack and now that it's near released am not presently in the market for another build. I love your channel because of your presentation, feedback and there are no serious competitors on the electrical front. Good on ya'll!

  • @JasonintheWilderness
    @JasonintheWilderness 7 місяців тому

    Thank you, all useful advice as I start to plan a budget van build that I hope I can keep simple and easy to maintain.

  • @Downhil990
    @Downhil990 7 місяців тому

    Just wanted to say thank you for your content and found it very useful during my build. Your comment about your build, being your build is 1000% right on.

  • @e-square9976
    @e-square9976 7 місяців тому

    Love your candor. You folks are simply awesome. I bought much of my build components from your shop to retro my Northern Lite truck camper following what you did back in May when you did the NL truck camper retro build. Exceptions for me were to not use BB and up the inverter / charger to 3k. I used 3 Dakota DLs for the power source but wired / fused appropriately to the bank size. It is a completely over kill system but it is what I wanted. I had my plan in mind for over a year but Without your help in these videos and your store, I probably would have installed not as good of components and still be struggling. You provided the mindset to get it done. Thanks to both of you and your team.

  • @user-hm3xs1cv9m
    @user-hm3xs1cv9m 6 місяців тому

    Thanks for doing such a great job! I’ve designed home solar systems yet learned a lot from your site before doing my RV upgrade. Your instructions are steady, slow and complete which can frustrate advanced users. They need to understand you are speaking to all levels of experience. I believe you have advanced the collective knowledge of RV builders/owners world wide! Thank You!!!

  • @dougtouchette3630
    @dougtouchette3630 7 місяців тому

    Appreciate your thoroughness. Thank you.

  • @michaelscarfi3196
    @michaelscarfi3196 7 місяців тому

    Your SO right when it comes to your build is your build !!! I constantly see what I think is the worst idea I’ve ever seen but unless you’ve been in those people’s shoes you never know. I’ve learned so much from your videos. Thank you for all the hard work you put into it.

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      Hey, @michaelscarfi3196! We appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀

  • @ntran2012
    @ntran2012 7 місяців тому

    Thanks for all the videos and info that you guys put out. Building a van is very time consuming and filming while doing it takes even much more time. Haters are gonna hate no matter what you do, so hope those negative comments won't keep you from doing what you are doing.

  • @SimonWad
    @SimonWad 7 місяців тому +1

    I have been learning a 𝘷𝘢𝘴𝘵 amount from you both and I'm really, really grateful. it's incredibly generous of you to provide so much information. I'm in the UK, so once I start my build, I think it'll be quite tough to get your wiring/kit kits (please correct me if I'm wrong). Your channel is one of my main sources of learning. In fact I'm currently thinking of bringing Victron kit into my workplace to act as a battery back up for -80 freezers...and maybe even solar. But I still need to learn myself some more first...
    Edit: also - if it's not overengineered, it's not engineered at all 😉 (imho)

  • @mrkapychill
    @mrkapychill 7 місяців тому

    Although it may have taken you longer than you expected I wanted to thank you for guys for not taking shortcuts and doing it the proper way. This past video series had some of the most detailed and thought through videos I've seen anywhere. I happened to be just starting my first build in late 2022 when I saw your build series show up on YT feed and have been following ever since. The main electrical, plumbing and walls videos were particularly helpful for me. I've also enjoyed some of the smaller electrical videos about specific things like the one about choosing solar configuration. Anyways I'm happy you guys are completed and I think you have achieved a great video series here that will be referenced by DIYers for a long time. Hopefully you guys can take some time off and enjoy the final product :)

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      Hey, @mkaisercross! We really appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀

  • @johnplyler7054
    @johnplyler7054 7 місяців тому

    Great summary. My build took three years, but I didn't have a wife helping like you two working together.

  • @yvesroberge8884
    @yvesroberge8884 7 місяців тому

    Both of you are amazing!! This is a great video. Your honesty and transparency is very much appreciated. Cheers..

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      Hey, @yvesroberge8884! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀

  • @jims261
    @jims261 7 місяців тому

    Thank you both for what you do, I enjoy your content and find it very informative.

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      Hey @jims261, Thanks so much! Cheers!

  • @madforit9661
    @madforit9661 7 місяців тому

    Watched all your vids, you have helped me tremendously. Thanks guys.

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      Great to hear! Thanks so much for watching, cheers!

  • @TeutonicNordwind
    @TeutonicNordwind 7 місяців тому

    You two provide such incredibly valuable information. Thanks for what you do

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому +1

      Hey @TeutonicNordwind, Thanks so much! Cheers!

  • @timr6290
    @timr6290 7 місяців тому

    Thanks for all the information! You guys did an awesome job!!

  • @davidmoore8741
    @davidmoore8741 7 місяців тому +2

    Wait Ford used to make a 24v 250amp-400amp alternator had one in my 7.3l powerstroke

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      For sure! So, if you had an auxiliary alternator in your vehicle already geared up and prepared to charge an external battery bank or something; that would indeed be a great choice and should indeed be considered; but that's not the case for... probably 94% of people.

  • @user-wx1sb1yd7g
    @user-wx1sb1yd7g 7 місяців тому

    Super channel. I learned so much from your videos. Million thanks. I enjoy Scottish Highlands in my Campervan with custom built electrical system built with your expertise showing the way to do it.

  • @rickmaudlin2160
    @rickmaudlin2160 7 місяців тому

    Wisdom gained through experience. Thanks for sharing these lessons learned

  • @FR-sr9sy
    @FR-sr9sy 6 місяців тому

    I have the adwagon kit (diy) in my 144. I love it! Wired to a goal zero and the ad wagon upper canvas cabinets… they are great too. I just did a diy custom kitchen that is 63.5”. I thought I’d be done in a few days. It was almost a month later that it was done. Power, water, pumps… ugh. Anyway, I appreciate what you guys do. The struggle is real!

  • @RamblinRalph
    @RamblinRalph 7 місяців тому

    Very interesting!

  • @sergedesrosiers3414
    @sergedesrosiers3414 7 місяців тому

    Thank you very much for all your videos and all the information you give us for free, it is really appreciated. I'm from Quebec, Canada and I really like what you've done with your latest van. I want to buy a Ford Transit Trail next year and start building it. I will definitely use several of your ideas. Thanks again!

  • @gavinfitzgerald668
    @gavinfitzgerald668 6 місяців тому

    Love you guys.................

  • @lucboisseau5586
    @lucboisseau5586 7 місяців тому

    Sooo good, you are currently the reference for van electrical and a must stop for general van building. I went my own way (inspire by your configurations) and have to admit that despite I thought I could save on good deals (got a Samlex EVO 3012 for 1250US$) in the process, figuring the lengths of cables, parts with the wrong eyelet size or of poor quality, challenges with large capacity batteries etc. I end up not making any substantial savings. And I am not even talking about tools, I went through 3 different crimping tools for large cables.

  • @cheryl7917
    @cheryl7917 7 місяців тому

    Thanks for all the great content you have taken valuable time to put out there for the DIY'er. I love that you promote "make your van for you, your way", that's the beauty of building it yourself, you can get what works best for you. Your content has been extremely helpful in my van build, which is quite different from yours, but that doesn't make my build better or worse. If everybody needed the same thing every RV on the market would be exactly the same with no options or different floor plans. Silly people out there thinking they know what everybody else needs or exactly how other people should be doing something. Happy to hear you delete bad info put in comments. Keep up your great videos, your channel has always been at the top when it comes to quality info!

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      Hey, @cheryl7917! We really appreciate that! Thanks for watching! 🙂😀

  • @Claytonstamm
    @Claytonstamm 7 місяців тому

    Good info here! Love your channel and it’s taught me so much!

  • @richardevelyn293
    @richardevelyn293 5 місяців тому

    Great practical advice on what it takes to undertake a van build. Just browsed pre-built custom vans and the prices are driving me to think about a scaled, phased custom build. (Retiring soon so considering options). Thanks for the helpful advice !!

  • @GirdHerd
    @GirdHerd 7 місяців тому

    I enjoy all of your videos and I especially appreciate this one. You're giving sound advice all the way through from overthinking sound deadening to warning of misinformation/disinformation given by people on Facebook [and UA-cam]. I built my system using your detailed 3000w/400ah diagram and have had ZERO problems with it since the installation 2 years ago. Whenever a fellow camper has a question about systems, I try to explain the basics as I know them and then I point them to your website and UA-cam channel. Bottom Line: I trust you guys and always encourage others to trust you too. Keep up the outstanding work.

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      Hey, @GirdHerd! We really appreciate that, so great to hear. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀

  • @ricklarson114
    @ricklarson114 7 місяців тому

    Couldn't agree more on your comment about Facebook groups and others that pass on information that is incorrect. It's surprising how many people will give advice on something that they obviously don't have expertise on, but they act as though they do! Bad information could be dangerous, especially with electrical systems. I so appreciate your knowledge!

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      Hey @ricklarson114, Thanks so much! Cheers!

  • @olamideiledare5233
    @olamideiledare5233 7 місяців тому

    Bro thank you so much for sharing your passion I hope to one day do this myself so thank you for encouraging me to follow your footsteps

  • @stevehori673
    @stevehori673 7 місяців тому

    I've been watching your videos since your first van build along with all the adventures skiing across the country and you two are great. Nate the basic electrical videos were so helpful to me. Not only the technique but the tools, everything. Thank you. I'm near the end of my build and can't be happier with the way everything turned out. I guess my 2 cents on advice for DIYers is to take your time. I've been at it for 2 years now working mostly on the weekends. If I didn't feel like building I took the day off and just used the van to go to the beach with my dogs. Don't make the van build a chore, then it's no fun and you won't like the results. Hopefully I will see you guys out on the slopes somewhere this winter. You guys really improved that year you skied out of your old van.

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому +1

      Hey, @stevehori673! We appreciate that. Sounds like a great way to do your build! Thanks for watching! 🙂😀

  • @grayandgrumpy
    @grayandgrumpy 7 місяців тому +1

    My van build motto was "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing it wrong the first time"

  • @gregnorman3183
    @gregnorman3183 7 місяців тому

    Great advise! I went with a DIY custom build with no experience. On top of that, I'm cheap, so the build took 4, 5, 6 times longer than I thought. Not only that, after my drive to Alaska and back, I realized that some of my design choices were??? I built my son's bed to pull & fold out from the driver's side of the van to the sliding door. It is almost impossible to get out of the van from the back without crawling over him-he did not like it. Now, I'm removing it and replacing it with a bed along the driver's side wall. Which means removing and changing everything along that wall. My advice is to put a rough, usable structure in the van and use it to see if it works for you.

  • @samhartfieldlewis5247
    @samhartfieldlewis5247 7 місяців тому

    Ha custom takes SOOOOOO much longer been doing our caravan for over a year now on and off, but as you say it’s your own build.
    All part of it, my main thing is all electric stuff able too get at too diagnosis problems & repair. Also the caravan too be light weight and able too be clutter free.
    Anyway thanks nice one bet your well proud of you van ✊

  • @0brandonemmons0
    @0brandonemmons0 7 місяців тому

    Great video to see mid-build and remind me I'm on the right path :) Thank you for all the super valuable, well curated knowledge.

  • @timf6916
    @timf6916 7 місяців тому

    Good job, your needs is what you want. GREAT JOB.

  • @johanlindqvist99
    @johanlindqvist99 7 місяців тому

    Closing in on 2 years on my MAN 4x4. The list is still long, all custom like you. I expected 1 year of building. Luckily I have been able to use it in between building.Thank you for motivating and helping. Great channel!

  • @chewchew74
    @chewchew74 7 місяців тому +1

    Unless you are solo camper DO NOT install shower booth.
    The water wouldn't last more than 2 days anyway. Most of us will stop/stay at RV/Camp site anyway for water and other necessaries.
    If you have family of four your water wouldn't last more than a day if you are using the shower so you will have to visit the RV/Camp site.
    So called extra seats in the rear won't provide decent comfort for trip, just install better seats with extra space for families and install
    more storage which you never have enough of.
    Shower booth will turn into storage spaces according to many of campers.

    • @chachi5975
      @chachi5975 7 місяців тому

      A recirculating shower helps conserve water.

  • @luckyjim51
    @luckyjim51 7 місяців тому +1

    As a 40yr carpenter, I was sure I could build out the interior in 6 weeks. Well, 12 to 15 was the real number. It's not the building that takes time. Design, find and figure takes all your time...lol!

  • @caseyarmstrong7064
    @caseyarmstrong7064 7 місяців тому

    I think you guys would be great in showing the steps in a DIY home battery/solar system. Love watching guys, so knowledgeable

  • @mrdjducky
    @mrdjducky 7 місяців тому

    I'd love to see a video on how to combat condensation in depth with options and about rust prevention under the floors and walls.

  • @davidpatrick1813
    @davidpatrick1813 7 місяців тому

    keep doping a great job...

  • @ddemon1
    @ddemon1 7 місяців тому

    I loved your rebuttal you posed in the video when you were talking about FB groups. Keyboard experts are always trolling and misguiding people. Great work on the build, loved watching all of the videos on it.

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому +1

      It's always tough to tell if somebody is misguiding people on purpose/maliciously or if it's plain ignorance.

  • @patmoore863
    @patmoore863 7 місяців тому

    Another great video! Greatly appreciate all of your hard work. Can you please let me know the make and size of baskets you used for your shelfs?

  • @davidnorton1201
    @davidnorton1201 7 місяців тому

    Nate, thanks for all of the knowledge you share! Quick question I was hoping to get your opinion on. I have a 12v system, 690ah bank, 3000w inverter, 400 amp master fuse,& 350 amp shutoff switch. I have enough 4/0 wire to connect battery bank, but not enough to run to Victron distributor/chassis ground. If I use 4/0 for battery connections and 2/0 to the bus bar, what is the possible downsides? Why would I not want to do this?

  • @johnnyboymedia
    @johnnyboymedia 7 місяців тому

    What second alternator kit would you recommend for the vs30 sprinter

  • @HybridBattery
    @HybridBattery 7 місяців тому

    I’m working on a 48v system, and I’ve found a few battery switches that are rated to 60v @300A on Amazon. Also, Sterling makes 12V->24V charger (and I have purchased their 12V->48V charger).

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      Yeah; I can't trust no-name amazon switches on Amazon rated to 60V. For the systems we've HAD to do at 48V (10,000VA of Inverting power); we've used 125VDC rated 250A breakers; they are just $100+ each.

    • @HybridBattery
      @HybridBattery 7 місяців тому

      @@EXPLORISTlife I’m actually building a hybrid system (because I suddenly have access to 12v batteries as well). I’m having the 48v system top up the 12v via a 30A MPPT that has been verified to be able to convert the 48v to charge the 12v indefinitely. My cerbo will allow the 48v to go no lower than 20% soc so that the 48v loads will still have reserve. Summary: 15kwh 48v charged by nations 100a alternator and Sterling 12->48v charger feeds power to 5-10kwh 12v. Multiplus and heavy loads are on the 48v, smaller loads are on 12v. But that’s my system so I can experiment.

  • @dmwi1549
    @dmwi1549 7 місяців тому

    I used your diagrams and the tools recommended in your videos along with Victron/Battleborn equipment in 2020 to assemble my first ever electrical system in my first van build.
    This was prior to your business which now provides user friendly kits.
    If I started over I would gladly use your kits rather than the endless sources of wiring I did.
    My system has been trouble free.
    Enough Said.

  • @stefetjew
    @stefetjew 7 місяців тому

    hello you two and thank you for your videos and your spontaneity. Quick question: in your first regret you say not to overthinking sound deadening. Would you say that you would not install the sound deadening layer ? Have a great day

  • @JasonConroy
    @JasonConroy 7 місяців тому

    You two are the best! I just started my build and am planning to rely on your videos heavily. First question regarding insulation; I'very worried about condensation in the walls, do you recommend teh lizard skin to help solve this problem or do you think something else would work better?

  • @simon359
    @simon359 7 місяців тому

    You mentioned the 48 V switch for on and off (this was used from the battery bank to the bus bar). I kept blowing these every time I was working on my house 48 V system, so I eventually started using a resistor to connect wire lug to the busbars and just left the switch on when I attached it. Seems to have solved my problem. Not sure why they don’t make a better switch?

  • @user-wg2sd7fd9p
    @user-wg2sd7fd9p 7 місяців тому

    Thanks guys for another informative video. I used your 600 AH layout for my van build and it's worked out great, however, I've seen a lot of posts from others that there should be a circuit breaker between the circuit breaker/fuse panel and the positive bus bar, which doesn't appear on the Explorist Life layout. With your comment in this video regarding inaccurate information online, I trust your opinion, so: Should I install a circuit breaker now?

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      There are fuses on every line coming from the busbar/Lynx Distributor in all of our systems. Additional breakers for wires coming from the Lynx Distributor is not necessary, no.

    • @dmo4032
      @dmo4032 7 місяців тому

      Haha. I read the recommendation about the circuit breaker and forgot I have fuses on my Lynx. Thanks.

  • @matthewcoombs
    @matthewcoombs 7 місяців тому

    Do you have any advice on the use of Paper Template Kit for DIY Sprinter Van Panels like those from Titan DIY Kits? Shipping the Featherbuilt panels to Canada is cost prohibitive for me

  • @GK49245
    @GK49245 7 місяців тому +1

    Surprised you didn’t mention weight distribution, dynamic load balancing, and aerodynamics. These are the biggest mistakes I repeatedly see in van builds.

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      Our build is perfectly balanced, as all things should be.

    • @brucefay5126
      @brucefay5126 7 місяців тому +1

      But as a teaching channel, it’s important to mention things like this.

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому +2

      The thing is... nobody is going to be happy with whatever any of these projects weigh. It's ALWAYS too heavy according to the people commenting on these videos.
      If I put 2 pieces of plywood in the back of the van for transporting back to the shop, nobody bats an eye...but as soon as I cut those pieces apart, screw them together as cabinets, and attach them to the van... all of the weight weenies lose their shit and it weighs too much.
      So, I'd rather not discuss weight. 🤣🤷😂

    • @brucefay5126
      @brucefay5126 7 місяців тому +1

      @@EXPLORISTlife I’m not suggesting you tell people what something should weigh, only that weight and balance are an important issue in any conversion, and DIYers should be paying attention to this.

  • @unimog404
    @unimog404 7 місяців тому

    I do like Facebook groups. And after all the years I think Im an expert in the things I worked on so far. So I sometimes help others with some info or perspective how I see it.
    My 1965 unimog is for example 24volt. But my camper is 12volt with a 2000va inverter. If I would go 24volt camper then my solar controller can take double the power which is nice. And I save some money on cables. But my diesel heater and subwoofer amps uses 25A and 30A fuses. So I need to buy two 24v-12v 30A DC-DC. And a 24v-24v DC-DC. I now only bought a 24-12v 30A DC-DC. So if I go 24volt it will become more expensive

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      There is definitely the occasional piece of good advice in FB groups but WOW is if few-and-far-between when it comes to technical discussions like electrical.

  • @lyfandeth
    @lyfandeth 7 місяців тому

    Aren't Volta and Mastervolt both using 48v alternators and batteries? And supplying them to the major van manufacturers?

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      There are indeed various 48V components and parts out there, but they are not consistently available to the average end-user/DIYer; so I can't recommend going that route at this time.

  • @madcow3417
    @madcow3417 7 місяців тому

    10 gauge is fine?!? I really hope that was a typo and they meant 1/0 (which is still a bit thin for 250A)

  • @jamestreanor182
    @jamestreanor182 7 місяців тому

    A video about rolling your own…

  • @JohnS-zq8ks
    @JohnS-zq8ks 7 місяців тому

    Good video. Technology is wonderful, but social media has given voice and empowered folks that would be better off staying in their closets. :-)

  • @charlevoix418
    @charlevoix418 7 місяців тому

    I didn't know that the Victron Multiplus can be installed horizontally, like shown at minute 9:51 of this video.

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому +1

      It depends on the model. Check the user model for the unit in question.

    • @charlevoix418
      @charlevoix418 7 місяців тому

      @@EXPLORISTlife Thank you for your quick response! I can I know before purchasing the Victron unit if it can be installed horizontally?

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому +1

      Check in the user manual. They are all online.

    • @charlevoix418
      @charlevoix418 7 місяців тому

      @@EXPLORISTlife Thank you!

  • @garycummings1706
    @garycummings1706 7 місяців тому

    When comes to electrical…”there is no such thing as good enough”

  • @shannonkohl68
    @shannonkohl68 7 місяців тому

    I learned that there is no way I'd do this. Rather I just buy a bunch of camping gear included a portable battery / solar generator. Easier, cheaper, faster. OK it does not look anywhere near that nice. Then again that look is a very expensive look. And it is trivial to move all my camping gear to some other vehicle or to a tent when I want. So make sure you really, *really* want to spend that much time and dollars before you decide to do something like building a camper van.

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому +1

      To each their own! Your build is your build.

  • @jlmartin2308
    @jlmartin2308 7 місяців тому

    My rules for most projects: Starts later, takes longer and cost more

  • @EXPLORISTlife
    @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому +1

    *Check the full tour of the van we built:* ua-cam.com/video/stAFBOGk3H8/v-deo.html

  • @TumbleweedRvLife
    @TumbleweedRvLife 7 місяців тому

    😎🤓💜💚CA❤🤙

  • @TRAINSUP1
    @TRAINSUP1 7 місяців тому

    👉🚐👍👊

  • @sbd4552
    @sbd4552 7 місяців тому

    You could make it easier by just deleting Facebook

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      We use it for marketing, otherwise I 100% would.

  • @rolling-home
    @rolling-home 7 місяців тому

    hey guys! Thank you for your work, learned a lot!

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  7 місяців тому

      Hey @rolling-home, No problem! Glad it helped! :)