Loving these videos. You make it so simple to understand. WIth the SKT kit - need to add solar panels and the Odyssey BM Pro and a shunt. Correct? Glad to see you guys are still smiling and enjoying yourself despite the trolls and naysayers. Keep it up. Its great to see a young couple have the adventure of a lifetime. We are still looking for our first van.
Hey G’day Keelan, firstly a big thanks for all your videos, taking the time to prepare and share in plain language. Yours are the first uploads I go to for info. I agree the 240v Starlink is a bit of a load. Have you seen/tried the 12V conversion for the Starlink supply. A couple of methods work fine so what works best for each system will change but it works a treat for us with the simple 12/48V step up, PoE injector to dish (still on stand) and data to a travel router. The dish interface can be done with an adapter, no cable cutting required or, as I’m about to do, set up an external weather proof plug using RJ45 T568B connectors. Enjoy your travels, and again, we really appreciate your work educating us numpties.
Well said ! we have a similar setup but with 400amps lithium & 840 on top, have NEVER plugged in to 240 simply because we havent needed to. Had it done by a guy who knew his stuff while it was being built. Saved nearly $4k on an equivalent "other-drive" system. As you say, get the right advice from someone QUALIFIED ! Thanks Keelan
Great advice Keelan. There's so much hype around off grid set ups that you can spend a fortune just to run your 12v fridge and some LEDs at a free camp for a couple of nights - next to all the people doing the same thing, just like in caravan parks! Most of us don't have production equipment and StarLink recharging requirements. Water is the main consideration for us. That's worth a video on it's own.
Nice system. 100% agree on the shore power charging. I have our inverter turned down so it charges at 40A from shore power. You don't need massive shore power charging as like you said, you're plugged into it overnight usually. I have a 960ah hardkorr system with renogy 3k inverter/charger etc. Works well.
I built my van,18 yrs ago , A quote to fit a solar system back then was $10,000, I designed my own system, cost me about $3,500, , , Solar was expensive back then, Had 2 ,260amp ,Full River batteries, Wet cell, They lasted 12 yrs, Ran my 220 fridge freezer, converted to 12 v, Plus lights pump etc, Only had 1 solar panel , simply because of cost back then, Because I was in a caravan park, at least twice a week, my 45 amp charger kept the batteries charged, Now have ,2 AGMs, 270 amp hrs each, 500wats panel , has being doing the job, for Over 5 yrs , still have charger for those cloudy weeks, Also now have inverter, for Fan , charging phone etc, My I believer in the KISS , system, Never had a problem with my own designed system, Cheers Bevan 🤠❤️🦘🦘🇦🇺
I actually have the same system in my Urban it’s fantastic. And as for the people complaining about SKT advertising it’s good gear. I’m a bald man and can’t wait till Keelan brings out a range of hair products.
I run 3 x 300Ah Enerdrives (about $3.2K each) in my van, 2300W inverter, 800W rooftop solar, 50A MPPT controller, 40A DC-DC charger, shore charger is 50A, an iTech 200W blanket, a Redarc 100W blanket (for the canopy batteries) and my Honda petrol genset replacement is an iTech 160Ah PS2000. I don't require 'green inputs' or twin controllers as 900Ah of battery bank is, not frivolous, but necessary and sufficient. If I run down to 50% SOC, I still have 450Ah remaining :) I predominantly work in very remote locations without resort to 240V shore power and often have cloudy days. I run four fridges - a WAECO 50 and Bushman's 55 in the canopy (320Ah of Lithium) and two fridges in the van - a WAECO 95DZ in the boot tunnel and an upright 125 inside the van. I do run gas; I have 5 x 3.5Kg bottles for the weber, gas heater in the van and a two burner stove, a portable high output twin burner butane stove and a Jet Boil. Run the inverter in the mornings and cook with gas at night (or in low light conditions when the SOC is getting very low). I've found that Elon pulls about 4A max when powering up and then relaxes to 2-2.5A. Newer models have a 'sleep' function (for overnight) and it's important to disable the 'snow melting' function in Australia, unless you're in the Vic high country in Winter. I've never used more than 50A over a 24 hour period. With regards to solar, the BOM publishes a PSA map, or Peak Solar Area map. The PSA is an inflection between solar hours available and temperature. Put simply, you'll always get peak solar at 30C rather than 40C; at 50C it's time to park in a partially shade area. Cheers
Nice vid. I have the stedi pros x2 and love the blue covers as i can run them without the highway signs blinding me. Tell them to bring blue filters mate. I find when i change the light filter colors i tend to leave them on for a while so now just keep the blue ones on👌
Keelan, we have a van being built shortly and it’s coming with 2x 120ah lithium that are chassis mounted in boxes and 3000w itech inverter under the bed, in the future I plan on upgrading to around 700ah of lithium and more panels, my question is should I ask them to put the 120ah batteries under the bed instead of chassis mounted so that I have all the wiring in a good location for when I upgrade? As I won’t be able to fit the big 240ah batteries in the chassis mounted boxes
Hi just subscribed how safe are batteries inside your caravan I've got 3 115 amp agm batteries under my bed how safe are they compared to lithium and also I heard there's 2 different types of lithium batteries and was told to stay away from lithium ion as they are not safe is this true thanks
Great videos very helpful. I have a question that is a little off topic but does reflect 12v systems. I just purchased a Renogy Rego 3000 watt inverter/charger. I live in Canada and am up in the air about what 10/3 wire I should purchase, marine grade or romex? I know in the states you need marine wire because it’s a rv trailer. I guess with romex there is a possibility with the solid core to come loose causing a short. I know you are in Australia just curious as you are a Sparky. Thanks in advance Rich
You can tell you’re passionate about your 12v system… there was a “ya smart shunt” pun there that was missed. Usually Keelan would have been all over that one. 😂😂
Nice setup & definitely an advantage to run ur solar charging seperate to dcdc charging for the extra input amps while mobile. Can you tell me Keelan, a list of the cons of using a 24v system in ur situation, &/or why specifically you have not, is it mainly to do with extra cost of boosting ur 12v -24v dcdc charging profile from car to van, or something else? I thought I would be seeing a trend to more 24v systems now with server rack style batteries (or 48v, but more codes over 50vdc in system), due to their small, solid, simplistic & feature full design, reliability & availability. Cheers
Hey Keelan, what is on your dash, RHS near the A pillar. Is it a engine temp sensor? Could you let me know what it is please. Wife and I enjoy your channel and Merry Christmas to you both. 🎅🍻
No I wouldn’t, makes everything twice as complicated, I can run everything I could possibly need with 12v (aircon, coffee machine ect) why over complicate it just so you can run smaller cables..
If starting from scratch go 24v especially for 3000 watt inverters then use 240v for everything,lights,fridges,tv etc,much less complicated,have plenty of solar which is more efficient at 24v so if driving a 12v car you wont miss a bcdc charger One more reason is one 24v battery @100ah =2400wh one 12v battery @100ah is half power stored at 1200wh. Do more research b4 you decide.
Very disappointed that you have not shown how you are to comply with new lithium battery requirements .The regulation starts in November 2023 .My understanding from insurance agents that lithium installations are on the radar . From a previous comment a viewer asked about pros and cons of running Starlink through inverter or changing to 12volt router have you looked at the losses running the inverter for Starlink.
Hi Garry save your disappointment because this video was filmed prior to these new regulations. Like I said this is not a retrospective legislation. All vans built prior to that November date don’t need to comply with new laws. Our new van (not the van in the video) our brand new one 100% complies with the laws and I’m 100% doing a video on it
Nice one guys. With 240v integration to 12v systems becoming so much more of a normal install, it is becoming increasingly frustrating the level of unqualified and incorrect advice that is so readily available and circulating the industry.
Loving these videos. You make it so simple to understand. WIth the SKT kit - need to add solar panels and the Odyssey BM Pro and a shunt. Correct? Glad to see you guys are still smiling and enjoying yourself despite the trolls and naysayers. Keep it up. Its great to see a young couple have the adventure of a lifetime. We are still looking for our first van.
Hey G’day Keelan, firstly a big thanks for all your videos, taking the time to prepare and share in plain language. Yours are the first uploads I go to for info. I agree the 240v Starlink is a bit of a load. Have you seen/tried the 12V conversion for the Starlink supply. A couple of methods work fine so what works best for each system will change but it works a treat for us with the simple 12/48V step up, PoE injector to dish (still on stand) and data to a travel router. The dish interface can be done with an adapter, no cable cutting required or, as I’m about to do, set up an external weather proof plug using RJ45 T568B connectors. Enjoy your travels, and again, we really appreciate your work educating us numpties.
Well said ! we have a similar setup but with 400amps lithium & 840 on top, have NEVER plugged in to 240 simply because we havent needed to. Had it done by a guy who knew his stuff while it was being built. Saved nearly $4k on an equivalent "other-drive" system. As you say, get the right advice from someone QUALIFIED ! Thanks Keelan
Great advice Keelan. There's so much hype around off grid set ups that you can spend a fortune just to run your 12v fridge and some LEDs at a free camp for a couple of nights - next to all the people doing the same thing, just like in caravan parks!
Most of us don't have production equipment and StarLink recharging requirements.
Water is the main consideration for us. That's worth a video on it's own.
Agree 100% with shore/240v charging.
I only run a 30amp AC charger for my 560ah bank. It works. Very bloody slowly! But it works!
Best Thumbnail and such a great clip! great work team!
Nice system. 100% agree on the shore power charging. I have our inverter turned down so it charges at 40A from shore power. You don't need massive shore power charging as like you said, you're plugged into it overnight usually. I have a 960ah hardkorr system with renogy 3k inverter/charger etc. Works well.
Another awesome video full of info.
Huge thanks 👌💕
Love you guys, you always make us laugh. Looking forward to see where you go in 2024. Happy New Year 🎉🍾
I built my van,18 yrs ago , A quote to fit a solar system back then was $10,000, I designed my own system, cost me about $3,500, , , Solar was expensive back then, Had 2 ,260amp ,Full River batteries, Wet cell, They lasted 12 yrs, Ran my 220 fridge freezer, converted to 12 v, Plus lights pump etc, Only had 1 solar panel , simply because of cost back then, Because I was in a caravan park, at least twice a week, my 45 amp charger kept the batteries charged, Now have ,2 AGMs, 270 amp hrs each, 500wats panel , has being doing the job, for Over 5 yrs , still have charger for those cloudy weeks, Also now have inverter, for Fan , charging phone etc, My I believer in the KISS , system, Never had a problem with my own designed system, Cheers Bevan 🤠❤️🦘🦘🇦🇺
I actually have the same system in my Urban it’s fantastic. And as for the people complaining about SKT advertising it’s good gear. I’m a bald man and can’t wait till Keelan brings out a range of hair products.
I run 3 x 300Ah Enerdrives (about $3.2K each) in my van, 2300W inverter, 800W rooftop solar, 50A MPPT controller, 40A DC-DC charger, shore charger is 50A, an iTech 200W blanket, a Redarc 100W blanket (for the canopy batteries) and my Honda petrol genset replacement is an iTech 160Ah PS2000. I don't require 'green inputs' or twin controllers as 900Ah of battery bank is, not frivolous, but necessary and sufficient. If I run down to 50% SOC, I still have 450Ah remaining :)
I predominantly work in very remote locations without resort to 240V shore power and often have cloudy days. I run four fridges - a WAECO 50 and Bushman's 55 in the canopy (320Ah of Lithium) and two fridges in the van - a WAECO 95DZ in the boot tunnel and an upright 125 inside the van.
I do run gas; I have 5 x 3.5Kg bottles for the weber, gas heater in the van and a two burner stove, a portable high output twin burner butane stove and a Jet Boil.
Run the inverter in the mornings and cook with gas at night (or in low light conditions when the SOC is getting very low).
I've found that Elon pulls about 4A max when powering up and then relaxes to 2-2.5A. Newer models have a 'sleep' function (for overnight) and it's important to disable the 'snow melting' function in Australia, unless you're in the Vic high country in Winter. I've never used more than 50A over a 24 hour period.
With regards to solar, the BOM publishes a PSA map, or Peak Solar Area map. The PSA is an inflection between solar hours available and temperature. Put simply, you'll always get peak solar at 30C rather than 40C; at 50C it's time to park in a partially shade area.
Cheers
Nice vid. I have the stedi pros x2 and love the blue covers as i can run them without the highway signs blinding me. Tell them to bring blue filters mate. I find when i change the light filter colors i tend to leave them on for a while so now just keep the blue ones on👌
Interesting stuff Keelan. Interesting about the changes.
Keelan, we have a van being built shortly and it’s coming with 2x 120ah lithium that are chassis mounted in boxes and 3000w itech inverter under the bed, in the future I plan on upgrading to around 700ah of lithium and more panels, my question is should I ask them to put the 120ah batteries under the bed instead of chassis mounted so that I have all the wiring in a good location for when I upgrade? As I won’t be able to fit the big 240ah batteries in the chassis mounted boxes
Hi just subscribed how safe are batteries inside your caravan I've got 3 115 amp agm batteries under my bed how safe are they compared to lithium and also I heard there's 2 different types of lithium batteries and was told to stay away from lithium ion as they are not safe is this true thanks
Is everything under the bed IPX4 rated for what happens on the bed above
Great videos very helpful. I have a question that is a little off topic but does reflect 12v systems. I just purchased a Renogy Rego 3000 watt inverter/charger. I live in Canada and am up in the air about what 10/3 wire I should purchase, marine grade or romex? I know in the states you need marine wire because it’s a rv trailer. I guess with romex there is a possibility with the solid core to come loose causing a short. I know you are in Australia just curious as you are a Sparky. Thanks in advance
Rich
You can tell you’re passionate about your 12v system… there was a “ya smart shunt” pun there that was missed. Usually Keelan would have been all over that one. 😂😂
Nice setup & definitely an advantage to run ur solar charging seperate to dcdc charging for the extra input amps while mobile. Can you tell me Keelan, a list of the cons of using a 24v system in ur situation, &/or why specifically you have not, is it mainly to do with extra cost of boosting ur 12v -24v dcdc charging profile from car to van, or something else? I thought I would be seeing a trend to more 24v systems now with server rack style batteries (or 48v, but more codes over 50vdc in system), due to their small, solid, simplistic & feature full design, reliability & availability. Cheers
Which set of tow mirrors are you using?
Is your 240v out of your inverter hard wired back into the caravan
Hey Keelan, what is on your dash, RHS near the A pillar. Is it a engine temp sensor? Could you let me know what it is please.
Wife and I enjoy your channel and Merry Christmas to you both. 🎅🍻
This has nothing to do with the video lol, but what is your bedspread Sarah? Is that a picnic blanket / bedcover?
It smells like ads, fair enough tho
Press skip next time
This was from 6 months ago when they announced and showed the new caravan setup. Sponsored products, but still important info.
Why put the battery under the bed?
Keelan, I have a burning question. If you have a choice, would you run a 24V or 48V system, rather than 12V?
No I wouldn’t, makes everything twice as complicated, I can run everything I could possibly need with 12v (aircon, coffee machine ect) why over complicate it just so you can run smaller cables..
@@SarahandKeelanTravels thank you. True words.
If starting from scratch go 24v especially for 3000 watt inverters then use 240v for everything,lights,fridges,tv etc,much less complicated,have plenty of solar which is more efficient at 24v so if driving a 12v car you wont miss a bcdc charger
One more reason is one 24v battery @100ah =2400wh one 12v battery @100ah is half power stored at 1200wh.
Do more research b4 you decide.
🍻legends👍
A smart shunt. 😂
8:36 where is the next vid? Keelan
Apologies mate it’s amended now if you go to 8:36 it should come up now
lithium batt. under the bed?... scary stuff...
Y62 owner😀
Thanks, as usual, great video. We will, within the coming few months, are going to build 12v systems in the car and van. Very informative!
👍👍🍻
Very disappointed that you have not shown how you are to comply with new lithium battery requirements .The regulation starts in November 2023 .My understanding from insurance agents that lithium installations are on the radar . From a previous comment a viewer asked about pros and cons of running Starlink through inverter or changing to 12volt router have you looked at the losses running the inverter for Starlink.
Hi Garry save your disappointment because this video was filmed prior to these new regulations.
Like I said this is not a retrospective legislation. All vans built prior to that November date don’t need to comply with new laws. Our new van (not the van in the video) our brand new one 100% complies with the laws and I’m 100% doing a video on it
your a smart shunt mate lol
😂😂😂
Nice one guys.
With 240v integration to 12v systems becoming so much more of a normal install, it is becoming increasingly frustrating the level of unqualified and incorrect advice that is so readily available and circulating the industry.