How my DIY Camper Van Electrical System Captures, Stores and Uses Power

How my DIY Camper Van Electrical System Captures, Stores and Uses Power | Ram ProMaster Van Build

Рет қаралды 19,051

Күн бұрын

In this video I share how my DIY camper van electrical system CAPTURES, STORES and USES power. Also, I briefly touch on the Victron Connect App, Power Assist function and provide three tips on how to maintain your electrical system.
Check out my ENTIRE electrical install start to finish here: • DIY Camper Van Electri...
AND learn how to prewire your van for 12 volt and 120 volt power here: • Pre-Wiring 12v DC & 12...
Tune in to my next video where I'll be sharing some things to consider BEFORE you buy your solar panels.
Until then, subscribe to my channel and turn on notifications so you don't miss a beat!
For more frequent van life updates, connect and interact with me on Instagram and Tik Tok @LaurenLawliss.
Instagram: / laurenlawliss
Tik Tok: / laurenlawliss
Thank you for your support - Venmo: www.venmo.com/u/LaurenLawliss
Victron Wiring Unlimited PDF Book: www.victronenergy.com/upload/...
EXPLORIST.Life Website Homepage: www.explorist.life/
EXPLORIST.Life Shop: shop.explorist.life/
All In-One Wiring Kit: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-...
Individual Wiring Kits: shop.explorist.life/product-c...
EXPLORIST.Life KZfaq Channel: / @exploristlif. .
EXPLORIST.Life Blog Posts: www.explorist.life/
How to wire solar panels in parallel: www.explorist.life/how-to-wir...
How to wire solar panels in series: www.explorist.life/how-to-wir...
Wire Gauge Calculator: www.explorist.life/wire-sizin...
Fuse Calculator: hwww.explorist.life/fuse-sizin...
What charging options would you choose?
Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for being here :)
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
0:59 - How a DIY camper van electrical system STORES power
1:48 - How a DIY camper van electrical system CAPTURES power
2:05 - How Solar Charging captures power in a DIY camper van electrical system
4:54 - How Alternator Charging captures power in a DIY camper van electrical system
6:24 - How Shore Power Charging captures power in a DIY camper van electrical system
7:39 - Which charging option is best for YOU?
8:05 - How a DIY camper van electrical system USES 12 volt power
8:42 - How a DIY camper van electrical system USES 120 volt power
10:03 - How other components in my DIY camper van electrical system function
12:59 - What is the Victron Connect App?
13:34 - How to use Power Assist on the Victron Multiplus Inverter-Charger
15:52 - Three ways to maintain your DIY camper van electrical system
16:55 - Closing
Disclaimer: I am not a professional. This information is what I have gathered from my own research on the topic and is only intended for reference. Further research should be conducted for your specific project based on your needs. Please note, not everything you see online is the correct nor the only way to do something. Contact a professional if in doubt as following an incorrect procedure could lead to a dangerous and ineffective result.

Пікірлер: 101

@kabewar77 9 ай бұрын

This was the best “electrical for dummies” video I have seen. It feels like explorist is our teacher and you’re my tutor lol hugee help thank you!

@LaurenLawliss 9 ай бұрын

Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting🫶🏻

@vincentstouter449 7 ай бұрын

🤔 Lauren, I am amazed at how organized and thorough are your electrical presentations. You must have spent much time writing the script and adding all the graphics. Your speech pattern is measured and never falters. The sequence follows a logical progression. I could suspect AI except you always use correct pronunciation 🤣 👏. Well done! 😎

@LaurenLawliss 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for noticing all the little details and effort I put into my videos. It means a lot. I appreciate you watching and commenting🥰

@user-tk9mx7ny6m Жыл бұрын

Absolutely amazed at how much your videos have increased my understanding of power in the van!

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Ahh, thanks, Mary! I’m so glad to hear that🥰

@stevepinckney7998 Жыл бұрын

The amount of information contained in this video is astounding to me. I've learned so much. And the fact that it is presented in such a simple, straight forward, organized manner is just the cherry on top. THANK YOU.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the kind words, Steve!

@LukaJane Ай бұрын

Amazing job, Lauren! I actually understood about 90% of the content in this video and your explanations are clear, concise & w/o fluff (too much irrelevant info). Thank you.

@LaurenLawliss 17 күн бұрын

Glad I could help!

@halffastguy8024 6 ай бұрын

Holy cow, this is exactly the video I need. I'm just getting started on a van and I keep seeing all those electrical components and wondering how the heck will I figure this out. Well, you cleared that up. Thanks so much for everything and especially your attention to detail in your vids.

@LaurenLawliss 6 ай бұрын

I am so glad you found this video helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting. You got this🙌🏼

@amham48 6 ай бұрын

The best explanation of the Victron devices I've seen. Congratulations on your professional production videos!

@LaurenLawliss 5 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching and commenting.

@captbob1494 10 ай бұрын

U only the best (Tina Turner) true first good video about electricity on RV thanks a lot

@LaurenLawliss 10 ай бұрын

Wow! That means a lot. Thanks🤩

@josephyang9490 3 ай бұрын

Awesome vid!!! Very well detailed for dummies. I've learned a lot on what I need

@LaurenLawliss 3 ай бұрын

Glad you found it helpful!!

@mausie1967 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for those whise words 🙂

@LaurenLawliss 11 ай бұрын

Of course!🥰

@i-d-m-system.5697 6 ай бұрын

You are a great electrical engineer teacher ❤ thank you 🙏

@LaurenLawliss 6 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@i-d-m-system.5697 6 ай бұрын

I hope you are doing well

@i-d-m-system.5697 6 ай бұрын

I would love to pay you if it’s necessary if you guide me through my van buildout.

@LaurenLawliss 6 ай бұрын

Very well, thanks.

@LaurenLawliss 6 ай бұрын

I will be offering consultations some time this year - once i roll it out I’ll be sure to update everyone!

@skyjacobs Жыл бұрын

That is a beautiful system you've designed and built there. So very organized, well thought out, and put together.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thanks you so much, Sky! All my preplanning really paid off🤩

@stefanomartano4032 6 ай бұрын

Brava Lauren 👏👏👏

@LaurenLawliss 6 ай бұрын

Thank you!!

@childers63 Жыл бұрын

Best video out there explaining van electrical systems and how they work! You are a rock star!!

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the kind words! Glad you found it helpful🥰

@yanglin28 9 ай бұрын

I am beginner of car camping field and learned a lot from your video clips. Many thanks to learning from your amamzing project.

@LaurenLawliss 9 ай бұрын

That’s so cool. I’m glad you are finding my videos helpful💖

@GK49245 Жыл бұрын

Excellent summary.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@bikeninja956 Жыл бұрын

hi @ 1:17, I noticed the first lugs on the negative side are not flat against the terminals. Ideally you want to get those super flat and snug for most efficient use, it will reduce arcs etc.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Yes! You are so right. This clip was from when I first installed it but I have since fixed it. I appreciate you looking out for me and commenting. Thank you🥰

@pjstumpf Жыл бұрын

Another awesome explanation, Thank You!

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thank you, I appreciate it🥰

@Marius-th9ku Жыл бұрын

Great detailed video!

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Marius!

@jasonjones5213 Жыл бұрын

I love your explanations, and your videos.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thanks Jason! I appreciate that😊

@craiglouw4057 Жыл бұрын

Love your work 👍 keep on Educating us 👍

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Craig! I’ll keep trying☺️

@fredricjulien8738 Жыл бұрын

Once again, thanks for posting. Also, I like how you break up your videos into separate labeled segments. It makes finding certain topics you discussed so much easier to find.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Hi Fredric! Glad you like them! I’ll be sure to keep using those timecodes in future videos. Appreciate the feedback🤩

@toxrex 10 ай бұрын

I just admire how precisely and clearly you explain everything. wish you luck. I will definitely subscribe and like the video.

@LaurenLawliss 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate you joining my journey!

@marvellousmarvin Жыл бұрын

Hi Beautiful Lauren 🥰 Your van is going to be awesome when you finish. Keep up the great work. 💞

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Hi Marvin! Thanks for being here. I hope it turns out well🤞🏼

@johnd2131 Жыл бұрын

I loved this video. It is as simple and clear as your build. I have subscribed and I will be following your progress with great interest. Thank you for making this process seen so possible to understand and execute.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Wow! Thank you for the kind words. That means so much. Welcome to my journey🥰

@remcochervet7492 Жыл бұрын

Greetings from the Netherlands. My compliments to you, love the way you explain the different items. I hope to learn a lot more from you👍👍

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! Welcome to my journey🥰

@edwinkrikhaar7223 11 ай бұрын

Another great video Lauren with even a lot of understandable information for anyone who is not professional in the profession. Victron should reward you for how you promote and explain their products in an understandable way. I saw one thing that I personally would do differently, I would omit the electric fan and grille and install floor ventilation in two places with the advantage that you have no noise in your campervan from the electric fan.

@LaurenLawliss 11 ай бұрын

Thank you, Edwin! I’m glad you found the video easy to follow. Thankfully my 12v fan is quite and the vent seems to help as well. But ventilation near the floor like you shared would also be a great solution. Thanks for the comment!

@richardwilkinson6305 Жыл бұрын

Hi Lauren I've missed you 😘 I love watching your videos so much knowledge you have learnt. I Will be watching your next one hope it's soon please take care always ❤️❤️

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Hi Richard! Thank you for the kind words. Next video will be out on Monday!!🤩

@richardwilkinson6305 Жыл бұрын

@@LaurenLawliss thanks for informing I'll wait for it can't wait to see your video

@CPRebels21 Жыл бұрын

That long ground wire lug has what looks to be quite a gap where it is sitting on top of the other lug on the battery terminal. You'll want to make sure the lugs have full surface area contact.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Yes, you are right! That clip was right after I installed it, but I have since fixed the gap. Thanks for commenting and looking out for me.

@cujo7240 Жыл бұрын

Very nice job Lauren! Have you found that the 600W of solar panels keep up with your charging needs of your 400Ah battery bank? I'm currently building a similar setup to yours for my 50Amp Motorhome, but with 800W of solar to start with. My much larger RV with 2 AC's, Microwave, & residential fridge will definitely have a larger power consumption than your van setup, so I'm thinking I will definitely need to add more solar panels eventually to be able to boondock for longer periods without the need to run my generator.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Hey there! Thanks for commenting. My van build isn’t complete yet so the only thing I’ve been powering off my system so far are my two roof fans, ceiling lights and one outlet. But I think it should be more than enough for my wants and needs. For you with 2 AC units you’ll definitely need more solar than me. Thankfully you’ll have more roof space for that too! Best of luck with your install😁

@jeffhuang8890 Жыл бұрын

Hi Lauren, I saw you did the ceiling, but didn't have the video. Are you going to upload it? just wonder how you attach the furring strip to the front end of the van.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Hi Jeff! Yes I have finished my ceiling and hope to have that video out in May. I used plus nuts. Check out my furring strip video where I cover what plus nuts are, why I am using them and how to install them☺️

@jeffhuang8890 Жыл бұрын

@@LaurenLawliss Just want to let you know that you did an amazing job!!! so informative and detail for all your videos.

@LaurenLawliss 10 ай бұрын

Really appreciate it!

@PabloTBrave Жыл бұрын

Did you install usb sockets in your van they come in very handy and can connect to 12v circuits so no using inefficient 120v to charge your phone, smart watch, ear buds etc. Great build though

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Great question, Paul! I would like to add one or two USB sockets as back up in a cabinet somewhere once I get further along. Thanks for watching!

@sheilamcwhorter2961 Ай бұрын

Is there anything in your build that you would have changed? Any problems that may have occurred that you could tell be for my build.

@katyd4183 Жыл бұрын

Can you tell mr the difference between an Inverter and an inverter-charger?

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Hi Katy! Thanks for the question. An inverter will take the 12 volt direct current (DC) stored in the 12 volt battery bank and convert it to the 120 volts alternating current (AC) needed to power your outlets and any 120 volt appliances in the van. However, an inverter-charger is an inverter AND charger all in one. So aside from the inverter converting 12 volt DC to 120 volt AC, the charger function is used to charge the battery bank by taking 120 volt AC power from shore power and converting it the 12 volt DC to be stored in the battery bank. I hope this clears up your question. Let me know if anything else comes to mind😁

@coeniejvr Жыл бұрын

My problem with connecting solar panels in series is, when you under a tree for example you got 3 panels and your 1 panel get shaded or something then you will have no solar input as the series line has been broken, or am i wrong? I've never installed solar and still learning and another yt guy said this. Can you confirm if you put a blanket over the 1 panel do you still get solar input from the other 2 panels or not?

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Hi there! Great point. A simple solution is to not park under a shaded area and if a solar panel brakes then a replacement will fix it😆 Check out @Explorist.Life website and KZfaq channel, they go deeper into this topic and ultimately agree series is the ideal setup. But you can do parallel if you wish. Best of luck!

@coeniejvr Жыл бұрын

@@LaurenLawliss I will check them out, thank you.

@LaurenLawliss 10 ай бұрын

Anytime🥰

@Brokeassengineers Жыл бұрын

Wonderful video! How much did the system cost?

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thank you! With the main components, wires, lugs, tools etc. It ran me about $9k. Expensive but worth it☺️

@Brokeassengineers Жыл бұрын

@@LaurenLawliss I love the system you have. Looks like I gotta save up. Thanks for the research.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

@@BrokeassengineersWays you could do it cheaper is have less batteries, less solar panels, get an inverter instead of the MultiPlus (no shore power), no DC-DC alternator charging etc. But like I said, this is worth it, especially if you are doing van life full time for years to come😊

@goesintite 9 ай бұрын

Where did you buy that shirt? Do you have a link? Thanks!

@LaurenLawliss 9 ай бұрын

Here is the link to @explorist.life apparel: exploristlife.creator-spring.com/ 😄

@goesintite 9 ай бұрын

@@LaurenLawliss thanks!

@LaurenLawliss 9 ай бұрын

You’re welcome!

@newworldhk8 11 ай бұрын

Great Video..professional skill..Top End ! However You have to use F2000 Assult Rifie to force me to believe you..please show us Who is the master man behind the scenes...

@LaurenLawliss 11 ай бұрын

I am the master mind, the planner, the buyer, the doer, the problem solver and more. Is it simply because I am a young female that you can’t fathom I did it all on my own? I know the truth, my friends and family know the truth. I have integrity and wouldn’t lie to anyone else. If you don’t believe it, so be it🤗

@merseyian 11 ай бұрын

Must be sponsored by victron or money is no object. Get some 300ah cells it will be much cheaper and space saving which should be a priority in a small space

@LaurenLawliss 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment! This video was not sponsored. Thankfully I work hard for the things I want in life and that has allowed me to afford this dream of mine. This system is perfect for my wants and needs, but everyone has different wants and needs so van builds are not a one size fits all🤗

@WizzRacing Жыл бұрын

I have no idea why they told you higher voltage is better.. That only applies to homes. That have 20-40 panels. As it's all about the wire size.. A van is not going to make use of smaller wire sizing... You want amps.... So unless you are producing more then 60 amps from an array. You're wasting time. As Parallel is king on an RV... I would add. If you use series arrays.. If just one panel gets shade, dirty or fails.. You lose the whole array. Why homes now use Micro inverters in each panel...

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment! Running solar panels in parallel or series both have pros and cons. My reasoning behind series is because I can simply move out of the shade and clean my solar panels and that solves the cons of series. So it is still within my control. And the batteries require a higher voltage than their nominal voltage to charge. You can do it either way, this way works best for my wants and needs.

@WizzRacing Жыл бұрын

@@LaurenLawliss That is nice.. But you said nothing about your reasons.. You simply made a blanket statement that is not factual..As the average Class B RV can't make use of 24 volt or 48 volt system. You simply don't have enough sq to install over 800 watts of panels..To justify the extra cost..A home does. As the home as the space and higher voltages to deal with...

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

@@WizzRacing I mentioned an article and video by EXPLORIST.Life that goes into detail about this topic and I mentioned it in the previous video as well.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

And there can be enough space to install 800 watts on some vans.

@WizzRacing Жыл бұрын

@@LaurenLawliss I get that.. The problem is a Class B Van is not going to hold 800 watts of panels. As the average 200 watt panel size is 60"x30" at 30lbs each..That is 200 sq of panels. Add in you would need 4 batteries. Which is adds in more cost. Take's up more space.Adds more weight. To achieve the amperage a 12 volt system does.. So not sure how you get 20 feet long by 10 foot wide. On a roof that is only 12 feet long and 6 foot wide..Unless you start stacking them. As some have done. But they exceeded the vans roof weight limit. Not factoring in the wind speeds they will see while driving.. So still you need to qualify your statement. As Series 24 volt is not all it's cracked up to be in a Van.. It adds to many problems for little to no gain..As Amps is everything in a small RV. Voltage is not even on most peoples list..Outside the Ocv of the panels used. And yes I'm electrical engineer. We dealt with this for 35 years..

@jamesray3920 9 ай бұрын

Your battery power system builds looks very clean, organized, until we see all the wires thar be hidden walls , what fire extinguisher 🧯 do you have or plan to buy i recommend hr3 maxout dry chemical extinguisher its design to be clean doesn't leave a mess to clean up i have 2 they come in different sizes 😊

@LaurenLawliss 9 ай бұрын

Thank you very much! will have a fire extinguisher in the van at all times for my safety☺️