Installing a 30A Shore Power Inlet in our Ford Transit DIY Camper Van

Рет қаралды 64,731

EXPLORIST life Mobile Marine & Off-Grid Electrical

2 жыл бұрын

This video will teach you how to install and wire a 30A shore power inlet in a DIY Camper Van.
➤Shop the EXPLORIST.life Store: shop.explorist.life
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Пікірлер: 117

@manubisbee1 8 ай бұрын

You two are the BEST! I don’t get why everyone diy doesn’t show needed items, tools and summarize like this. THANK YOU!!!

@wiseproducts 5 күн бұрын

Thank you! I'm getting those eXplorist batteries!

@Spaceman-jo5mz 2 жыл бұрын

I’m starting the electric on my 350 Econoline van soon…still in demo stage. Thank you for the informative videos. Best on KZfaq!

@JaYoeNation 2 жыл бұрын

You guys knock these thumbnails out of the park.

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks so much! Cheers! 😀

@Npowrd 2 жыл бұрын

I like the pace of these videos... projects that I have been putting off (stuck in planning phase) are getting done now as I work with your tutorials. Thank you. P.S. Loved the "addition" of a Shop Vac to the recommended tools.

@brianchetelat6601 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you guys, really appreciate your videos and the help they provide to all of us out here.

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

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

@dthomas3065 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome thanks Just starting my own build. Your videos and products will be so helpful

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

@outthere9370 8 ай бұрын

Well done guys! Excellent stuff.

@EXPLORISTlife 8 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@christosmaninos1570 2 жыл бұрын

I like the attention to details like painting the cut metal. A DIY person may have skipped that step only to have condensation create a rust risk down the road. I look forward to watching this continuous series. I am curious how you plan on mitigating the issue of condensation. :)

@Trishpage312 2 жыл бұрын

This is so great! I missed you guys! Thanks for this awesome video!

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Trish, Thanks so much! Cheers!

@massimoboni3985 2 жыл бұрын

Bravi come sempre

@stephcode1998 2 жыл бұрын

Another great video from you guys. Your information realy helped me with my build. thanks!!!

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

@ridefitnation 3 ай бұрын

Awesome video

@muminavan 6 ай бұрын

Very helpful guys thank you ❤

@EXPLORISTlife 6 ай бұрын

So glad it was helpful! Cheers!

@billnalen 2 жыл бұрын

Good choice on the black inlet. I have the white one and it has yellowed in less than a year.

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, a white one would have looked pretty funny on the side of our black van too. 😂

@mrs.onyango6504 Жыл бұрын

yes, it is very helpful.

@grandpabocke9014 2 жыл бұрын

good job helpfull thanks

@lovesdoggies1481 9 ай бұрын

I so needed this

@EXPLORISTlife 9 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful. Cheers!

@Merlmabase 2 жыл бұрын

This is truly high-quality instructional content. I especially like the little sprinkles of magic - like the impact driver with torque control, and those nylok nuts that stay put while you tighten down the bolts from the opposite side :) Jokes aside, this is really helpful stuff. Keep it up!

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

Just wait until I bust out my 'torque elbow' in future videos!

@Merlmabase 2 жыл бұрын

@@EXPLORISTlife aaaaaaaand.... CLICK! Yeah I've got one of those elbows too :P

@dogsbyfire 11 ай бұрын

Exceptionally thorough instructions! You guys do beautiful work. New subscriber here.

@EXPLORISTlife 10 ай бұрын

Hey @dogsbyfire, Thanks so much! Cheers!

@juliescrazybuslife 2 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate your video and the time it took to make it! I was on my shuttle bus conversion page asking questions about how to do this, explaining that I wanted to be ready for installing the Shore power when the time came. There was one individual who was not very supportive in my ability to learn and install this properly. I do have mechanical military background because I was mechanic on the flight line with the Air Force. But I still wanted to comprehend what I was doing so it would stick with me that way if there was any troubleshooting, being I would have built it myself :-) it would be much easier for me to work backwards and find out what the problem was. So thank you for this! Now I need to figure out the battery bank system? In a way so that I will understand it :-) I'm crunching numbers TimeWise to get my shuttle bus built because my lease ends very soon. And this is going to be the answer to my living situation :-) so wish me luck and please do stop making these videos! I need them! :-)

@imperfectadventure 2 жыл бұрын

The shop vac shot!🤣🤣🤣 You guys have a great way of teaching, thank you.

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

I'm SO happy you appreciated that. 😂🤣😂

@stephencantbewrong8250 2 жыл бұрын

Perfect!

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

😁👍😁

@knockknockbusted 2 жыл бұрын

Grade A video right here.

@peterrobbienuttycombe3541 2 жыл бұрын

You never mentioned your shop which Ive used and find to be fantastic and Im outside of the US. Very well done

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped! We were installing the "EXPLORIST.life 30A Shore Power Wiring Kit" which is available here: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/component-wiring-kits/30-amp-shore-power-wiring-kit-black-inlet/ And here is a full list of parts, supplies and tools we used in this video: www.explorist.life/how-to-install-a-30a-shore-power-inlet-in-a-diy-camper-van/

@bencollins863 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing work as always guys. Do you have a video on earthing? How/where do you recommend connecting the shore power Earth wire to the body of the van? Do you have a view on any ground loop problems created by the fact that the battery/12V system is also earthed to the van body?

@stephenpearen478 2 жыл бұрын

Once again, great video. Keep up the great work. Steph, please tie your hair back when using the drill. Your scaring some of us.

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks OSHA!

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

Parts & Tool List w/ some additional instructions: www.explorist.life/how-to-install-a-30a-shore-power-inlet-in-a-diy-camper-van/ ⚠⚠ Any comments telling Steph to tie her hair back when using a drill will be deleted. 🙂👍 She has been using power tools as long as she's been able to walk. She takes as much safety precautions as she feels necessary for the task she's doing and if something goes wrong, she is responsible for the accident. If YOU need to tie YOUR own hair back while using a drill, please do so.

@gabriellec.3811 2 жыл бұрын

Yes yes yes!!! 🎉 From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this. As a single gal who built my own Transit conversion van, I was dismayed by some of the comments I received by men I didn’t even know, telling me how to do things or asking if I knew how to use my own tools. 😤 It was humiliating and very frustrating. At the end of a long day building, it was hard to not let it get to me sometimes. Steph knows what she’s doing and is fully capable of making her own decisions. Thank you for standing up for her, for being a good human, and for restoring my faith in humanity this evening:) From the bottom of my heart, thank you both. Sending you guys best wishes and happy trails:)

@David-vg1wl Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video. Looking to purchase the kit, the website asks for quartro or multiplus connector. Which should I select if I am using a Renogy inverter?

@nm-qt2hb 2 жыл бұрын

As a shop owner who has had many vehicles come through my doors. I very much appreciate the careful, clean and well planned approach you two do. 👍 I look and some work and wonder, what the heck were they thinking? Most of the time the customer will be willing to have it done correctly, as long as you explain and show them what we are working with. I very much appreciate your videos.

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! 🙂🙌

@vtranmoto Жыл бұрын

Probably one of the best instructional videos out there! Did we get a 2nd followup video to wrap up the project?

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

Yep! Sure did! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/e5uhasJlq66YfIU.html

@karenloesch664 2 жыл бұрын

Hey, Nate! My hubby and I recently purchased a 2020 AWD Ford Transit Extended 250. We're following your transit build (we love your videos!) and would like to know if your wiring kit- 600Ah Multiplus 3k 12v-Orion 12-12 30-400W Solar Wiring Kit is what you will be using in the transit build. We're trying to be conscious of our budget in the process of our DIY build, so prefer to buy exactly what we'll need in the whole kit instead of purchasing smaller kits along the way.Also, we will be in Colorado in June and would love to meet you and Steph!

@user-xc7bt5vy2y 8 ай бұрын

I have a question of "shore power coming into the van to a makeup box"..I am sure you'll get some of our Social Media followers

@klebberbezerra1610 2 жыл бұрын

Love you guys’ videos and I am also amazed how you guys find time to make them with both having very busy life. Thank you very much for the videos.huge fan here

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! Appreciate you saying that :) Thanks for watching!

@chasekey4947 2 жыл бұрын

Great Video! You mentioned you were going to upload the video connecting the wiring from the shore power inlet to the Victron Multi-Plus Inverter Charger. Have you guys gotten to that point yet or will upload at some point? Thanks!

@illuzionz14 5 ай бұрын

Awesome content guys!! whats your recommendation on a 30a double pole breaker between shore power inlet and 3000w inverter charger to protect inverter charger itself.. is that overkill?

@mikemcmenamin1172 2 жыл бұрын

Take a look at Progressive 5500 30/30 split panel

@krankedjj Жыл бұрын

Nate love your stuff, thank you. Quick question, why don’t you install Shore inlet under bonnet to save cutting a hole in the van?

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

No problem! Glad it helped. Shore power pedestals at campgrounds are typically near the driver side rear of the site; so we were making it easy for connections there. Cutting a hole isn't a big deal as we've cut about a dozen others during this build so far (plus 100 or so for the L-track in the floor).

@jackmason7518 2 жыл бұрын

Good morning. I only wish I was building a Van like yours. PS I'm installing 2 to 4 Solar panels on my RV and was thinking should I put 2 22w panels or 4 100w panels? Then I found the HQST has 4 different letters after the panel size like SSP / D-SS /P / D. any idea as what they mean would be great. Jack

@leemobai762 2 жыл бұрын

I always use ear protection when drilling into metal.

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

Nice! Good idea. What about wood or plastic?

@RollinHomies 2 жыл бұрын

😂

@leemobai762 2 жыл бұрын

@@EXPLORISTlife Whenever I use power tools I wear heating protection. Especially when the little lady snores. 😂😂😂😂. Once your hearing is gone it is gone. Tinnitus is something you want to avoid.

@larryvito8769 2 ай бұрын

I've watched many of you're wonderful instructional videos but still not sure if the Shore power should be connected to a breaker in the WFCO D panel and then to the Victron Inverters's Input. Or should the Shore Power go directly to the Victron Inverter? If the shore power to goes to the Distribution box, pease explain exactly that is wired. Thanks so much for your instructions!

@EXPLORISTlife 2 ай бұрын

Check out any of the diagrams on shop.explorist.life or our tutorials here (kzfaq.info/sun/PLmvhcyi4n0TUU8FUc6LE38TBkdSLjdw_5) for examples.

@mikefaust7407 Жыл бұрын

Do you need to run a ground wire to the frame? Or, do you run the ground from the inlet adapter to the ground bar in the breaker box, then run ground wire from all outlets to the same ground bar?

@mikebarnes4373 2 жыл бұрын

I'm looking for a free program to create a wiring diagram for 57 solar panels for my home. I liked the look of your wiring diagrams in the article explaining the difference between series and parallel connections. They really looked nice. What program did you use?

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

I use Microsoft Visio for all of my diagrams.

@exploreandsnore6878 Жыл бұрын

Great video! I've noticed that some shore power hook up kits come with a chassis ground - which causes much debate. I see you didn't connect a ground to your chassis, which I don't plan on doing. Is this due to the dangers of having a van 'live' with 110v current? Thanks.

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

The chassis ground will occur through the Neutral to ground bond relay inside of the Victron Multiplus Inverter Charger and will connect/disconnect when either connected/disconnected to shore power.

@jetlee9536 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Any reason for going with 30A vs 50A?

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

50A shore power is generally only used in RV's with two or more air conditioners. We will only have one; so 30A will be plenty sufficient.

@lovesdoggies1481 9 ай бұрын

Im trying to build cargo need lil help yes

@anthonyg9787 2 жыл бұрын

ok here is one for you guys- on this subject for shore power inlet - where do most places have there connection at when you park - I have not worried about it and I am about to install one myself but never thought when park where would the best place to put it until I watch this video. guess I be doing some rv drive by research now lol

@THeChickmagnet0031 2 жыл бұрын

I think they typically are designed for you to back into the spot. So drivers side is where the connections are

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

Good question! Shore power pedestals in campgrounds are indeed typically on the driver's side since the awnings and 'house' doors are generally on the passenger side.

@AJourneyOfYourSoul 2 жыл бұрын

All hook ups, power, water, sewer etc…., are on the drivers side.

@BobCollins42 11 ай бұрын

Comments/questions: 1) I see that you are not concerned about folding your door back in the 270 degree position while connected to shore power. 2) Were you at all concerned about the obique curve of the body sheet metal when attaching the flat connector? 3) How much does the body sheet metal flex when inserting the shore cable connector? Thanks!

@EXPLORISTlife 11 ай бұрын

2: Nope. 3: A little bit.

@599miata 2 жыл бұрын

👍👍👍

@behoward425 2 жыл бұрын

Great job on the videos. My Furrion shore power receptacle has the wire locations color coded as white, black and red. As you say in your video, your wire (and mine as well) is white, black, and green. Do I just hook up the green wire to the red on the receptacle? In my Victron inverter on the other end of the cable, the wires are connected to "L" with the black, "PE" with the white, and "N" with the green. Thx.

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a great question for Furrion. We don't stock/sell/affiliate with that particular product so we can't advise specifically.

@UPPAvideos Жыл бұрын

Brian, please recheck this. It sounds like you have a 50 amp inlet where there is black, white, red, and green. The red and black are the hots, white is the neutral, and green is ground. "PE" is "protective earth" and should connect to the green ground wire. If you switch the white and green as you described, it can appear to be all ok but can be quite dangerous.

@jackmason7518 2 жыл бұрын

Me again Good Morning. I was going to put my 2 200w panels in series and was looking at the Voc 24.3 and the Vmp 20.3 to tell me the Voltage I will have from the panels. Battery is 12V and you said I need 20 Plus volts from panel for best charging. So Witch Voltage do I look at. Jack PS looking forward to your next Video. Jack

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

Vmp for that measurement (but it doesn't REALLY matter since that +20V figure is just a guideline). You'll want those 2x panels wired in series with a properly sized charge controller: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/solar-charging-wiring-kits/400w-solar-charging-wiring-kit-2x-200w-12v-battery-bank/

@curtr7909 Жыл бұрын

Where do the wires go inside ie: what do the connect to?

@JoseGonzalez-lf8tk 2 жыл бұрын

Hello nate I have a ? I have have 6 sok 206a battery bank I need a victron bluetooth shunt witch one do I need to get 500a 1000a or the 2000a one thanks

@ForwardMotion1222 2 жыл бұрын

Does it matter if the shore power inlet is on the driver or passenger side?

@LifeontheBlacktop 2 жыл бұрын

How well would this receptacle fit into a 1 gang box with an outdoor cover on it? Id like to mount mine under the van in a box to keep things a little more stealth. If you think it would fit OK into one of those I'd definitely toss some money your way.

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

I don't think it would fit into a single gang box. There are 'other' electrical boxes out there, though, if you're up for some arts and crafts.

@LifeontheBlacktop 2 жыл бұрын

@@EXPLORISTlife I'll do some digging. Thanks!

@maryalpern 9 ай бұрын

Tip: be sure to tie your hair back and tuck it into the neck of your shirt when using any power tools.

@EXPLORISTlife 9 ай бұрын

Okay osha nerd. 🙄 tip: read the pinned comment

@3melvo Жыл бұрын

Is there a follow up video to this? I don't find it. Looking to see what you need inside (battery, inverter? etc) and how that will work. thx

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/e5uhasJlq66YfIU.html

@WindowFluffer 2 жыл бұрын

Using a scrap of that large gauge wire could have been glued around the hole to help protect from rust and act as a sort of seal. But great video.

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

The paint we sprayed on the hole prevents rust and the gasket on the back of the inlet acts as a seal; but feel free to 'arts-and-crafts' to your hearts desire with random 'scraps of large gauge wire' if you feel so compelled, I suppose. Thanks for watching!

@sml5214 Жыл бұрын

did you seal this with any silicone externally or just use the foam seal?

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

The foam is waterproof. If you want added sealant; go for it.

@Freeakshowgovt Жыл бұрын

Can ya do that to my truck cap camper?

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

Just a heads up, but we've released our full install video featuring a Truck Camper; that you may find helpful! Here's the link: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ncl0jMyKzLunqps.html

@punxnotdead3873 2 жыл бұрын

Can you use shore power only to charge batteries

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

It has to go through a battery charger first, but yes.

@CPRebels21 2 жыл бұрын

Thoughts of smartplugs over traditional power inlets?

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

I think they are well made but make, in my opinion, false claims that they are 'safer' than the outlet I showed in this video. I also think that calling them a 'smartplug' is a marketing gimmick since there's nothing 'smart' about them in terms of having built in protection or something.

@CPRebels21 2 жыл бұрын

@@EXPLORISTlife Fair enough on their claims about being safer. I'm not sure "smart" in product names meant the same thing as it does now but still a product naming that had consumer psychology in mind. Though that critique can be made for a lot of great products though, like battle born. Their batteries weren't ever in battle nor will be.

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

Battle Born Batteries is named after the state motto of Nevada, where they are based out of. In 2022, if something is called 'smart', *in my opinion*, it needs to have some kind of advanced monitoring or functionality.

@themoabpearl5711 Жыл бұрын

I’m trying to understand how a ⅛ drill bit can make a hole for a #8 screw included in the shore power kit. I know that even the instructions say that, but a # 8 is 5/32, the machine screw can’t fit or even thread into a “4/32” hole, it needs a 6/32 hole (or 3/16) at a minimum, am I crazy? Maybe waiting for the 2 ⅞ hole saw to be delivered is making me cranky after I drilled a 2 ½ hole… and I’m installing the 30 amp inlet🤬. Of course it needs a bigger hole than the 50amp. In the electric car world we say RTFM 😂 which you and Will strongly emphasize.

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I don't know. Drill whatever size you need to fit the machine screw through.

@jbrat1967 2 жыл бұрын

Can you leave Amazon link (or the like) to such items? Power inlet kit

@EXPLORISTlife 2 жыл бұрын

I've got a parts & tools list in the blog post here: www.explorist.life/how-to-install-a-30a-shore-power-inlet-in-a-diy-camper-van/ Or here is the shore power inlet wiring kit: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/component-wiring-kits/30-amp-shore-power-wiring-kit-black-inlet/

@giutubospatubo1546 Жыл бұрын

Her hair is dangerously close to the tool. She should ALWAY tied it up when using tools!

@EXPLORISTlife Жыл бұрын

It's fine. If you need to tie back your own hair, do that. She's way more experienced with power tools than you are, I'm sure.

@elaineoliver1039 2 жыл бұрын

The word for metal shavings is swarf, it is important to know the true names of your enemies. As a locksmith it was the bane of my existence and always found its way into my boots. i hate that stuff, stupid swarf.