Another great presentation, Paul. We have two 200AH Lithiums, two 200watt Solar Panels, and a 2000watt (auto switching) Inverter. All goes great. Just remember, when the Inverter is on even if no 240volt appliances are on, it still draws some power from your batteries.
Living full time ya going to need the generator some times thats life im thinking off getting mine to run off the gas bottles then i don't need to carry petrol 😊
No mention of a B2B charger (also called DC to DC). That will save having to run a generator unless you camp in one spot for a long time (no driving). It also prevents the lithium batteries killing your alternator (though I'm not up on how that's handled with caravans, maybe there's a way to prevent it without using a B2B). That's an expensive way to get a 2000 watt inverter. Ok it has an 80 amp charger in it too, but do you really need one that big? Maybe if you're charging off a generator that reduces the time it's running, but if you charge on a site overnight you could manage with a smaller one. My plan is a 3000 watt Fchao inverter (that's the 'Peter' mentioned on Off Grid Garage), modest sized mains charger (though I've never needed mains charging), 710 watts solar, 30 Amp B2B, 608Ah DIY lithium (got carried away there). If you install an RVD you can safely run an extension cable from inverter to van power inlet. Some of that was in the motorhome, some bits I had before I got it.
Hi David, A 3-way fridge is not my preferred, it was in the van when I got it. I always run it on gas, it's the cheapest and most efficient way to run it, cheers 👌
Victron make good gear. However you are under some misapprehensions. Lithium batteries are not better than lead acid. Lithium batteries were originally designed for super long life very low current applications such as backing up RAM in machinery. When you force lithium batteries into high current applications they exhibit several undesirable qualities, they dont like vibration, they dont like extended high current draw, thats why tesla car batteries are refrigerated. There are a number of different substrates , some suitable some not, there a a couple of different types some you should not charge more than 80% or you negate its long life. Deep cycle lead acid and a 440w solar panel are just as effective but as you say weight is a big issue. AGMs also dont like heat or vibration. rcd protection is necessary for external power but is useless with an inverter as there is no bonded earth., you absolutely need an dual rvd which runs around $200 upwards. You need to treat power stations as generators and must be kept isolated. You also need to avoid a loop such as an inverter providing power to a gpo feeding a battery charger charging the battery while the battery is running the inverter. You can isolate the battery charger gpo or have an isolating changeover
Another great presentation, Paul. We have two 200AH Lithiums, two 200watt Solar Panels, and a 2000watt (auto switching) Inverter. All goes great. Just remember, when the Inverter is on even if no 240volt appliances are on, it still draws some power from your batteries.
Hi third time around, sounds like a great setup you have. What brand are the batteries and solar panels?
Jolly good Paul, these progressive upgrades as time goes by are a game changer, glad you've done it, happy and safe travels !!
Thanks 👍
Thanks Paul, great information. I happy for you about your new electrical system.
You and me both!
Thanks for the information 😊Awesome content and helpfull😊 Greetings from South Africa 🇿🇦
Hi Yusef! 👏
Lovely set up,
I think so too!
The 15amps from the 3 way is not to bad. Thought it might be more. You shouldn’t have to much trouble now. The multi plus are great.
Cheers 👌
Paul, have a look at ‘Power Paul’ lithium batteries, also, the victron 12/2000 is 2000VA (approx 1600W) another great presentation
Hi Peter, I watched a UA-cam video by a random singing his praises about the battery. Is there any reviews on them available?
Can you fit more solar panels on the roof of the van Paul?
Yes Ben,
I could install another 3 if I chose
what solar panels do you run to charge your batteries
I have 3 X 330 watts solar panels on the roof
Who did you get to install it ?
Dm me, I'll get you the details
How many amps does the inverter draw per hour always being on ?
Hi Ben,
This inverter draws about 1 amp
Living full time ya going to need the generator some times thats life im thinking off getting mine to run off the gas bottles then i don't need to carry petrol 😊
Wow, let me know how you go!
No mention of a B2B charger (also called DC to DC). That will save having to run a generator unless you camp in one spot for a long time (no driving). It also prevents the lithium batteries killing your alternator (though I'm not up on how that's handled with caravans, maybe there's a way to prevent it without using a B2B).
That's an expensive way to get a 2000 watt inverter. Ok it has an 80 amp charger in it too, but do you really need one that big? Maybe if you're charging off a generator that reduces the time it's running, but if you charge on a site overnight you could manage with a smaller one.
My plan is a 3000 watt Fchao inverter (that's the 'Peter' mentioned on Off Grid Garage), modest sized mains charger (though I've never needed mains charging), 710 watts solar, 30 Amp B2B, 608Ah DIY lithium (got carried away there). If you install an RVD you can safely run an extension cable from inverter to van power inlet. Some of that was in the motorhome, some bits I had before I got it.
Thanks for your comment
Running a 3way fridge on 240 all the time is the best and only use gas 4 backup is that what ya doing
Hi David,
A 3-way fridge is not my preferred, it was in the van when I got it. I always run it on gas, it's the cheapest and most efficient way to run it, cheers 👌
Victron make good gear. However you are under some misapprehensions. Lithium batteries are not better than lead acid. Lithium batteries were originally designed for super long life very low current applications such as backing up RAM in machinery. When you force lithium batteries into high current applications they exhibit several undesirable qualities, they dont like vibration, they dont like extended high current draw, thats why tesla car batteries are refrigerated. There are a number of different substrates , some suitable some not, there a a couple of different types some you should not charge more than 80% or you negate its long life. Deep cycle lead acid and a 440w solar panel are just as effective but as you say weight is a big issue. AGMs also dont like heat or vibration. rcd protection is necessary for external power but is useless with an inverter as there is no bonded earth., you absolutely need an dual rvd which runs around $200 upwards. You need to treat power stations as generators and must be kept isolated. You also need to avoid a loop such as an inverter providing power to a gpo feeding a battery charger charging the battery while the battery is running the inverter. You can isolate the battery charger gpo or have an isolating changeover
Wow!