How to Build a DIY Travel Trailer: 12V Electrical, lithium battery (Part 10)

Рет қаралды 363,113

Күн бұрын

Today I'm installing and touring the 12v electrical system in the DIY Travel Trailer Project. I'll cover how I made the wiring connections, setup the fuse panel, ran the circuits, lithium battery connections, led lights, 12v cooler, ventilation fan and lots of other little things here and there.
Up next in the project will be installing the solar panels which will bring the project to a usable point to take it camping. There will still be lots of side projects for the travel trailer, like a slide out kitchen, awning, bath cabinet, etc,.... But until those projects get under way it should be more camping and using it than watching it get built ;)
Thanks for watching and please let me know if you have any questions! - Joe
If you guys like the videos I make and would like to help support the channel at no additional cost to you. Please consider doing some of you Amazon shopping through this link. I may receive a commission on some of the items you buy. Thanks for considering, it’s greatly appreciated ☺ amzn.to/2hWHbgu
Music sourced from the KZfaq audio library and/or from EpidemicSound.com... credits as follows....
Young by Chris Coral
via Epidemic Sound (license/subscription via partnership with Studio71)
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Tags: homesteadonomics, travel trailer, teardrop trailer, rv power, led lights, rv lights, dometic, 12v cooler, trailer build, lithium battery, lithium iron phosphate, 12v lights, 12v fan, voltmeter,

Пікірлер: 412

@WhiteFox011 5 жыл бұрын

I like your grounding system overall, but it can be improved by making 2 changes. After you clear the paint to establish the ground, use a star washer between the ground wire and the ground, and then tighten the screw. After your ground is established, repaint the area including the grounding screw to prevent corrosion. Back in the late '60s, I worked for Boeing in their commercial airplane division, both as an Assembler/installer and later as a Quality Control inspector. The grounding method I discussed is how grounds were established on every airplane Boeing built. I had the pleasure of working on several aircraft models, including, 727, 702,720b, 737, and a little bit of what was referred to as the Iron Bird model of the early 747. All that it consisted of were the control systems, for testing. Now I know that your trailer will never be called upon to leave the ground, it WILL be traveling over many different corrosive products...

@liamedison3984 2 жыл бұрын

you all probably dont give a damn but does someone know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account? I stupidly lost my login password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me

@valentinofranklin875 2 жыл бұрын

@Liam Edison Instablaster :)

@liamedison3984 2 жыл бұрын

@Valentino Franklin i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and I'm in the hacking process atm. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

@liamedison3984 2 жыл бұрын

@Valentino Franklin It worked and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thank you so much, you saved my account :D

@valentinofranklin875 2 жыл бұрын

@Liam Edison happy to help xD

@notorioustinman 5 жыл бұрын

I have owned four different styles of travel trailers and two motorhomes. Not one of them compare to the quality, fit, and finish of your project. If only YOUR workmanship, were the industry standard. Well done indeed!

@bobamos3628 5 жыл бұрын

As a retired automotive electrical specialist I just love seeing an electrical system that is properly done and done cleanly. You did a wonderful job...

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

Bob Amos thank you Bob!

@brandonaga9042 5 жыл бұрын

Note the detail at 7:08. See how the screws are all oriented the same direction? That shows the level of craftsmanship in this build! Great job👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

@adensmith8553 2 жыл бұрын

This is one of the most compete wiring videos on youtube thank you. Most of the videos talks about cutting holes and making connections. Grounding, securing wires is so looked over. Again thank you for taking the time it really helps fill in some of the gaps.

@andrewpoellnitz872 3 жыл бұрын

I appreciate this video. Not what I thought I was looking for, but you finally showed me how to distribute the power on an overland battery box/rig. Thanks so much.

@tbpc800 5 жыл бұрын

That is beautiful, meticulous, and excellent functionality! You continue to amaze me with your well thought out attention to details. Thank you so much for this video.

@StMyles 5 жыл бұрын

A cup of coffee and ham sandwich, with your video to watch after cutting my yard. Feel like I’m on paradise. Incredible, project and build thanks for sharing the details.

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

St Myles oh man! Now those are some kind words! 🙏 😀👍

@michaelroberson2546 5 жыл бұрын

Loved the "Song of the Cicadas" in the background.

@larryb131 2 жыл бұрын

Love how neat the wiring is. Not the typical birds nests you see on these videos.

@markrjones 5 жыл бұрын

Love it Joe. Getting close to time to take the family out and do a test camping trip.

@hammer9390 5 жыл бұрын

Great video. As for "Industry Standards", I think you would find that few "factory builders" do half as well.

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

Hammer thanks Hammer!

@freesaxon6835 5 жыл бұрын

Crisp, clean lines, solid, well laid out, as per usual

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

Free Saxon thank you FS!

@blackberryhideout5793 5 жыл бұрын

EnLIGHTening, Joe! Haha! I like seeing how it all comes together.

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

Blackberry Hideout thank you Jessica!

@jefffroman7044 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. Your explanation makes the project seem doable.

@randycook4364 5 жыл бұрын

Beautiful, clean and neat. Great job on the wiring. Doing it right the first time.

@sferg9582 5 жыл бұрын

Nice workmanship. Good to see someone take the necessary time to do it right.

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

S FERG thank you! It’s not perfect but I try to do my best😀🙏

@rmac7072 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, that's some of the cleanest, most meticulous wiring I've seen. Great video, great job!

@ZeroEntropy. 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome job! The marine breakers work really well between the panels and mppt as they work like a breaker and a switch.

@jjo5375 5 жыл бұрын

I admire all the forethought used in planning for your electric! Excellent! : )

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

J Jo thank you J Jo!

@jeanleyton4327 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for explaining and showing everything you did. I am starting my trailer soon, and will have my brother, an electrician, do the wiring, but you have given me something to show him the general idea if what I want. I can't wiat to see the solar video next!

@mmx3662 5 жыл бұрын

Really looking good! Excited to hear about your first camping adventure with your family!! You all SOOO...deserve it!!! :)

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

MM X3 thanks Mmx3😉👍🙏

@randybunn7491 4 жыл бұрын

I bought a cheap fixer upper holiday trailer for $1200. And the AC works amazing, the tub is still good, 2 good sinks, a good fridge, good furnace and hot water tank, I wouldn't touch the black water plumbing, tho one could take the toilet. lol so it may be worth hunting around for a trailer you can take apart. Because there could potentially usable pieces from every system required. Love this project. Amazing job

@cleokey 5 жыл бұрын

Nicely done, both video and electrical work. Tip I learned as an apprentice: when using electrical tape, tape going away from your body and the tape will remain tight and seal better.

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

thank you Alan! I will remember that.... I usually do it whatever way but thinking about that I can see how it would help to keep a tighter tension on the roll :)

@jkukurugya 5 жыл бұрын

Fantastic man, great job. That wiring is so clean & organized it's amazing.

@eskieguy9355 Жыл бұрын

Based on my limited experience, it appears overbuilt. I don't think that's ever a bad thing. Compared to the "professional" wiring I've seen when other channels take things apart, your wiring is superior. BTW, I really like the backsplash. It has, kind of a professional kitchen vibe, which the seam you were worried about, fits right into. Or at least I thought that seam was on purpose, until you said otherwise. So I think I'd keep that to myself.

@johnstephens1965 5 жыл бұрын

I have had several types of RV. Great job😃! Way better than any factory job.

@hawkie333 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent, clean work! Your shop is also squared away, and it looks like a really useful, well thought out space.

@misterbiggz8291 4 жыл бұрын

I had nothing to do today so I've been in one spot binge watching this project. Great job!

@shaktichauhan3744 10 ай бұрын

Excellent video with a very clear step-by-step overview of electrical system setup for your Travel Trailer. I am looking to setup for my small overland camper and your video really helps understand how I need to wire and setup the main components of the system. I am looking forward to DIY my camper with a 12V electrical system.

@CarlosGarcia-ls4hn 2 жыл бұрын

That was a beautiful job of the wiring system in the battery compartment. Everything is nice and neat and labeled. Just the way I like it. Good Job!!

@skyhunk 4 жыл бұрын

Well done!! Very impressive! The forethought and planning that went into this project is amazing and the production values of the video segments as well. The only criticism I have is that the trailer has a very industrial look rather than my own preference for something more cosy -- wood rather than paint, e.g. but that is very subjective -- we all have different tastes. This trailer was built with love and extraordinary attention to detail. Kudos are in order!!

@dagthewog6290 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video. Counting down the time when I'll be able to start my own build.

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

Dag TheWog thanks for checking it out!😀🙏

@gregorythomas333 5 жыл бұрын

Wow...you did a great job on this electrical system!

@akabillyba 5 жыл бұрын

Great video Joe! Love the super clean and organized install.

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

Daniel Courtney thank you Daniel!

@50Acres 4 жыл бұрын

oh wow, your wiring is so clean!

@danielfisch655 5 жыл бұрын

Great job and thank you for sharing with such a thorough explanation.

@Aardrijk1 5 жыл бұрын

Really good wiring system. I've seen "pro" electricians that didn't do as good a job!

@givemeaforkingname 5 жыл бұрын

Nice work as always, beats trailer manufacture "industry standard" by miles ! Looking forward to the solar video, thanks for sharing :-)

@thomasmckelvey8961 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Joe! You did a beautiful job! Crimp terminals are notorious for slipping off, to prevent this strip more insulation allowing enough wire to bend back on itself & make the crimp behind the fold. In the instances where the fold is too large to fit, clip a couple wire strands just this side of the fold to eliminate the 'bottleneck'. It's like pulling a 1/4" rope w/a knot thru a 3/8" hose, it can be done, but not without a hard pull. : )

@DanGoodBBQ 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for posting, looks like you are almost ready to camp!

@uncledude6105 5 жыл бұрын

Trailer looks great, looking forward to the solar panel install.

@trystandillon8396 Жыл бұрын

I will definitely be following more!! This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I’m hoping to build a 20’ or 24’ “toy-hauler” and have been stumped on the power side of it. I’m going to search for your solar set up next!

@jasonbrickey3006 2 жыл бұрын

Super clean, thank you for sharing your build.

@terrenceboylanjr 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome work and great content. Well done! Really nice fit and finish of everything in that trailer, even behind the walls.

@maehay4065 5 жыл бұрын

I loved seeing how you did all of this electrical work which is so neat and organized! You could never make your videos too long! I would watch them for an hour if you posted it sir! Someone on a group on my FB just bought a trailer and he has to rewire and. figure out how to track back and hopefully they did a similar label system as yourself 👍

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

MAE HAY thank you Mae! I’m disorganized by nature so when I do things like this I try to make an extra effort to do it right to make it easier down the road😀👍

@EASTSIDERIDER707 5 жыл бұрын

This is the cleanest shop I’ve ever seen.

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

UncleHank only clean for tht videos😉

@dinohicks7959 5 жыл бұрын

Really enjoy your build. Very clean and sharp!

@thomasdipaolo2349 5 жыл бұрын

Appreciate the 12volt system info along with battery details. Most channels talk about battleborn. I looked up Relion battery and looks good for possible upgrade in future. Thanks for the videos

@SamsLiberty 5 жыл бұрын

Good work sir! Can't wait to see the solar set up.

@BrainStormAcres 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your approach to building on your channel. We’ve been following you since we stumbled on your channel early in the sunken greenhouse series. Seeing the opening of this video was awesome - the camper looks great. Hope your weekend is fantastic, and you don’t get called out on the fourth. Be safe.

@grey8940 3 жыл бұрын

Great job! This is a great video teaching me and us how to think about wiring our own jobs. Thanks!

@jeffreylocke8808 4 жыл бұрын

Well done and well executed with ample safe guards.

@jamie405 4 жыл бұрын

Very Nice mate. The pride in your work is awesome.

@TimsBitsnPieces 3 жыл бұрын

A great video with informative info where required. This would surely pass inspection here in Australia.

@Jeff_MT09 5 жыл бұрын

Nice neat work, very well put together. Well done. I really appreciate your attention to detail and excellent explanation. Looking forward to more on the trailer. Cheers from Australia. Jeff

@jed2055 4 жыл бұрын

I'll watch all of this particular video on the wiring build as I'm a sparky and electronic hobbyist. I also wired my camper trailer for 12volts. Right up I can see the final electrical panel before I even start the video and it looks neat and tidy, an excellent job and on wood which is a good thing if people are wondering. Wood is a natural insulator of low voltage. For in van wiring I would have used the next gauge up 10B&S (10AWG) for the 12volt power cabling to reduce voltage drop mainly as even 1/2 a volt drop as a percentage of 12 volts is too much. I heard you say this was cheaper option when taping a connector with pvc tape but really that tape is rubbish. It comes apart especially in warmer environments. The self vulcanising tape you spoke of would be way better but again as stated by another, solder and heat shrink is preferred and is the gold standard. I didn't rely on any push connectors as they are asking for trouble but if you must, you can get a lockable spade connector which requires a pointy thing to be inserted into the connector to get them apart. That's a type of connector purpose made for environments where vibration is present and yet soldering beats that hands down and is cheaper. Soon as I saw that inline fuse holder hidden behind a panel I immediately though that a panel mount fuse holder would have been a better option. It mounts on that metal plate along with a stick-on label and the fuse can be checked or changed in a trice by someone who didn't build the van and no need for screwdrivers and panel removal. Good video so far - now I'll watch the rest.

@JSadeiu 2 жыл бұрын

I love the clean install, well thought-out design and nice camera work

@b3877896 5 жыл бұрын

Great work and amazing detail. Thanks for posting! I might have wired it slightly different than you, but that's just personal choice. Your system will function just fine! Best regards, Lloyd C. in Houston

@johnchastun7070 5 жыл бұрын

I have searched all through the comments and thought I was paying enough attention but I have missed what the overall size of your camper is. Super build by the way and thanks for the inspiration! Cheers!

@daveybernard1056 5 жыл бұрын

Looks nicely thought out and well executed. Save a few cell phone shots on your computer (as build documentation), with a paragraph or two for each picture explaining the pic. Awesome.

@Florida_Pipe_Smoker 4 жыл бұрын

I think these build videos are great. I cant wait until you use it.

@EyeintheSky999 5 жыл бұрын

You do GREAT work better than some factory stuff in my RV. No such thing as over protecting the wires in my book.

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

Robert Cookson thanks! And yes, keeping the wiring protected was tops in my book!😀👍

@johnhunter273 5 жыл бұрын

Glad to see you back! Nice wiring job.

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

John Hunter thanks! always glad to post a video....because it means I’m one steps closer😀👍

@lorenworthington8739 5 жыл бұрын

Solid video. Built a sorta same trailer for my family. IMHO you can never have too many USB chargers located anywhere you can set portable electronics (phones, cameras, toys) for charging. This includes on the exterior.

@texaspinetop8959 5 жыл бұрын

By doing it yourself, DIY, your work is above “ industry, factory, get it out the door “ standards. Factory standards usually stop short, yet, your work reflects going one or two steps forward.

@BenMitro 5 жыл бұрын

That really is neat and serviceable wiring. I trust you will treat the trailer frame earthing points where you've sanded away the coating to make a good earth.

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

Benny Banger thanks! I added battery terminal grease on the bare areas😀👍

@ThinkHarder 5 жыл бұрын

this is something to be proud of, cheer man, awesome built

@bobwalker9834 10 ай бұрын

This is the best battery/wiring videos i have viewed, thanks for your video…..Bob

@ziaali5264 3 жыл бұрын

Very informative... Thank you for sharing

@markboettcher9443 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for putting out another video. They are all interesting and I've been missing yours! Your videos are always super quality as judged by this viewer.

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

Mark Boettcher thank you so much mark! I try to make them as best I can😀🙏

@stuffsethmakes 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent Joe! Nice clean setup 👍🏻

@johnwildwest1 5 жыл бұрын

your a bit of a legend nice work

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

I don't know about that... haha... but thank you MH! :)

@wayneoliver3564 5 жыл бұрын

Glad to see you back. Les said you have been a really busy guy.

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

Wayne Oliver thanks Wayne! Yes, I’m burning the candle at both ends with my day job, stuff around the property that is not video stuff, the video stuff.....and then the mos important family time. But I’m getting closer to catching up and being able to be more consistent in tht projects😀👍

@MrBlueDevil93 3 жыл бұрын

Very good job! One thing: after you burnish for your grounds wipe Alodine over the raw aluminum --- prevents corrosion.

@stilcrazychris 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. Nice job Joe. Chris from Missouri

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

stilcrazychris thank you Chris!!

@davidmdn8137 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome, Thanks for this video.

@timwhite10 5 жыл бұрын

Wow, love your work.

@downtownredneck5079 5 жыл бұрын

Very neat, love your camper videos. Took some of the stuff you did to heart in my camper build, wish I had the welding knowledge you have but sadly all my skill is in woodworking. Good job, huge advantage to having a metal frame, ground wires are super short.

@keya31gville 5 жыл бұрын

What a fluffy puppy

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

Ms Archie she is! We need to get her summer cut soon😀

@Trainz2950 5 жыл бұрын

I'm excited for the solar video

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

Trainz2950 me too! Because it’ll mean that it’s done and installed😉👍

@conradhomestead4518 5 жыл бұрын

Nice , clean work. Great job!

@plus790 5 жыл бұрын

Very clean job. Your wiring is SO much better than your aluminum welding. :)

@jesscneal 5 жыл бұрын

Nice work Joe. Clean wiring install.

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

Jess Neal thank you Jess!

@freakygeak 5 жыл бұрын

you'll soon be camping in it yay :) thanks for sharing

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

freaky geak yes, a couple weeks is the plan for now....time is ticking on my solar install😬😀👍

@hartk5353 5 жыл бұрын

A tip I've learned when it comes to using the spade connectors , if the wires arent easily distinguished like the fan one instead of having the big red tape what I've done is make the wires from the battery side have a female for the negative and male for the positive, that way you can't mix them up if that makes sense

@BruceS42 5 жыл бұрын

That sounds like a good idea, but I would think you'd want it the other way around, so if a loose lead from the positive happened to fall on some metal parts of the frame, it wouldn't ground out and short. Or am I thinking of it backwards? I would think the male connector, with the exposed metal, would be better as the negative.

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

hartk1213 yes sir! I get what you’re saying and I think it’s a good plan for sure. But hopefully I won’t be re wiring these for a long time😉👍

@johnhenry363 2 жыл бұрын

@@BruceS42 Yes, you are correct. Male connector should be negative

@offgridsweden 5 жыл бұрын

Looks really good. Have a great weekend, Andreas 🇸🇪

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

Offgrid.se thank you Andreas!

@NIstrumone 3 жыл бұрын

very neat wiring...very nice project....love your videos and DIY style

@rcguy1987 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video, much appreciated.

@acet7 5 жыл бұрын

You have done a really nice job on this project.

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

acet7 thanks Ace!

@jimmydeen58 5 жыл бұрын

Looks amazing.. You Did An Awesome Job..

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

Jimmy Smith thank you jimmy!

@KaleidoscopeJunkie 5 жыл бұрын

Important note for those new to electrical - Joe used stranded wire for the DC. DC current travels on the outside of a wire. Stranded has more surface area and less resistance for DC current flow. Less resistance = more power. (AC flows through the center of a solid wire and that is appropriate for household current.)

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

KaleidoscopeJunkie thanks KJ! Well explained😀👍🙏

@vendorgoogle4887 3 жыл бұрын

Like in a car, stranded cable is better suited for trailer installations where the wire needs to be able to flex. Solid cable is too rigid and connections will eventually break from being flexed as the trailer moves down the road.

@Uncle_Buzz 5 жыл бұрын

Really awesome. Solid wiring job.

@homesteadonomics 5 жыл бұрын

CrossWood thank you CW!

@edgufler1122 4 жыл бұрын

I'm a new subscriber and found this video extremely interesting. You did a awesome job on all that wiring and the Battery box is great.

@leroywarner7354 3 жыл бұрын

You did an excellent job I just I want to do it myself but I am 80 years old now I cannot I used to wild and do things like that but you did an excellent job