Promaster Van Build | Ep2 | The Best Way to Install Solar Panels
Рет қаралды 26,276
3 жыл бұрынPromaster Van Build Episode 2. The Best Way to Install Solar Panels! Max Air Fan install and Rear Door Ladder Install.
Check out my Amazon Store where I have organized all the products I use on my van builds and recommend! www.amazon.com/shop/alluviuminc
I will be updating and adding more products Often.
If you missed Episode 1 watch it here: • Promaster Van Build | ...
Ladder amzn.to/3wHRAB0
Roof mounting Rails amzn.to/3g8NLOX
Max Air Fans. amzn.to/3c4tGrM
Jigsaw Blades (cutting metal) amzn.to/3wLh00T
Butyl Tape amzn.to/3wFrIpw
Loctite amzn.to/3vAGZro
30 amp fuse (you will need 2) amzn.to/34rkqd5
Y Splitter amzn.to/3AFWtwg
20 ft solar extension cable (you will need 2)
Solar cable entry gland amzn.to/3uyXXFe
Metal edge protector amzn.to/2SHZHif
Dicor Lap Sealant amzn.to/36Agrx3
200 Watt Solar Panel amzn.to/3CM3Bs3
Induction Cook top amzn.to/3bdDZcC
Propane enclosure Clamps amzn.to/3osYFlb
Propane tank Splitter amzn.to/2XqH8P0
12 Ft Propane hose amzn.to/2K20oiG
Grey Water Tank amzn.to/385O8qA
Angled drill bit amzn.to/2F51DuO
Terminal Connectors amzn.to/3o8Ylbl
Valve amzn.to/3557ZUL
DPDT Switch amzn.to/3odivAX
Label Maker amzn.to/3odWlP2
LED Ceiling Lights amzn.to/2TcibVl
Vancillary Headliner www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
The swivel adapters www.swivelsrus.com/
Max Air Fan amzn.to/3d2XlRn
Dicor Lap Sealant amzn.to/36Agrx3
Butyl Tape amzn.to/2Svsxiv
Solar Panels 100 Watts amzn.to/33yxqxN
Solar Panels 200 Watts amzn.to/2ZDboHd
Solar Mounting Brackets amzn.to/3d6LNwr
Wire cable clamamzn.to/3jOxO0A
Branch Connectors amzn.to/2SxESTw
Inline fuses (20Amp)amzn.to/33z2Fc4
Solar Cables amzn.to/2GI89s4
Jigsaw Blades amzn.to/3iwmpRO
Spray Foam kit amzn.to/34yUVGj
Zip tie anchors amzn.to/36DfWlL
Disposable body suit amzn.to/34sUIVa
3m Spray adhesive amzn.to/2GFQxgj
Curtains amzn.to/2HTs2gb
Curtain Clips amzn.to/2GFf9Gb
Curtain Track amzn.to/3iwnWHy
Cabinet Latches amzn.to/2HVdzjQ
Lithium Batteries amzn.to/3lgOG0z
Bus Bar amzn.to/36R73Fx
Terminal Lugs amzn.to/2GMUi3t
Battery Wire amzn.to/2F6w6Zw
Fuse Box amzn.to/36Br3f2
Charge Controller amzn.to/3d8A7tc
Inverter amzn.to/30Boaa3
Water Pump amzn.to/3leWCPG
Pex Clamp amzn.to/3lqg3FD
Wire Stripper amzn.to/2F55cBc
Spray Hose amzn.to/36EIew4
Tankless Water Heater/Shower amzn.to/2GLf0kd
LED Strip Lighting amzn.to/30W6pCT
Faucet amzn.to/33BR8ZG
Stove amzn.to/34yew9l
Sink amzn.to/33G55Wx
Bad Ass Hammer Drill amzn.to/30B1Ihq
Storage Cubes amzn.to/2HTvabV
Mattress amzn.to/2SyLzEM
Propane Splitter amzn.to/3leYgAQ
TV Mount amzn.to/3iyGbfD
TV amzn.to/2SwsQdd
Table Top amzn.to/3d7rvmg
Lagun Table Mount www.lagunusa.com/?gclid=CjwKC...
3M Fire Sealant amzn.to/3niY7OV
Cable Clamps amzn.to/2Suvpwc
Thru Axle Bike Rack amzn.to/3dgHyyB
Quick Release Bike Rack amzn.to/36Cpn4O
Roof Rack amzn.to/3jIFLoo
Diesel Heater amzn.to/3lERQvb
FTC Disclosure Statement: Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these.
@BuildingVanLife Жыл бұрын
Check out my updated video for this roof rack install!!! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h8Vpm71yu6u4iIE.html
@michaeldoughty7396 Ай бұрын
Thanks for very detailed install for solar panels
@BuildingVanLife Ай бұрын
You’re welcome!
@templeofthetree 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for putting this installation together. Helped me a lot!
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped
@weavgiff 2 жыл бұрын
We have some suitcase panels with our AC200P Bluetti and have wanted to add a couple of 200w panels to the roof and this has been a great "how to" video for this process with fairly readily available items. I feel much more confident in being able to do this myself now. Thanks.
@petemitchell6788 2 жыл бұрын
Genius roof rail kit!
@andypaluch7038 2 жыл бұрын
Excellent video and build series. Best Promaster build series I've come across. Thanks for taking the time and sharing.
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much
@Madscientishondah22 11 ай бұрын
Very nice I’m going to do the same set up thank you.
@shonda___ 2 жыл бұрын
Hi thanks for the very in-depth instructions on how to do this because I actually will be picking up my new van the end of October and probably doing this in the near future.
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped. More videos to come.
@hedleypepper1838 Жыл бұрын
That's one sweet solar panel install 👌 only change I would have made is to have used a stack of washers as the spacer just to better spread the load, but that's just me, goid job 😊
@kh485 Жыл бұрын
I wonder if some “theft resistant bolts” would be a good idea.
@BuildingVanLife Жыл бұрын
yeh you could add that
@sixstrings1063 2 жыл бұрын
New sub, I recently got the same van and this is just what I was looking for. I appreciate you sharing the step by step instructions, good video and related information, links. This is what I will do. I like the low profile solar. I'll check your other vids and look forward to more. Thanks
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
that's great! welcome aboard. If you run into any issues just comment on a video and i'll try to help
@sheri4673 2 жыл бұрын
@@BuildingVanLife Can you please help me first, do you have a link to identify the correct "brackets" you improvised for the roof mounting of your solar panels, you said you got them at Ace Hardware? Also, can you please tell me exactly what model and length Promaster you have and any specifics about the mounting rails you purchased for the roof? I'd like to buy those but in the reviews on Amazon a number of people commented that they did not fit their Promaster, the cost of returning them is almost as much as the cost of the rails themselves, this is a mistake I don't want to make. I have a 159" wheelbase Promaster 2500 with extended length. I'd like to ensure these rails will fit my van. Thank you for an excellent video and anything else you can share.
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
@@sheri4673 I had the 159 wb non extended 2500. They will fit the van. I only had to drill one additional hole for the mounting to fit. It’s not hard to do. Link for the rails is in the description
@sheri4673 2 жыл бұрын
@@BuildingVanLife Thank you very much, that is also my van. Can you tell me if you've found any kind of a cargo carrier that attaches easily to this, I need extra storage space for clothes and a couple larger items like sleeping bags that I do not want to compress but I definitely want to avoid drilling additional holes in the van- these rails are perfect for that reason. If you have any recommendation to share I'd appreciate it. Thank you very much for your reply!
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
@@sheri4673 not sure i haven't used any cargo carriers
@Z3n1tHL0rD 10 ай бұрын
Great video dude :) i always use a shortened drill if drilling somewhere where i may destroy something underneath, saves a lot of agro
@jetskifisherman9214 11 ай бұрын
New subscriber here brother! I’ll be getting me an exact van next week and I’ll be using a lot of your knowlege to build my van. Thanks
@BuildingVanLife 11 ай бұрын
Very nice! Welcome!
@clgraham82 2 жыл бұрын
Man Ram could have made life simpler (and cheaper!) for anyone wanting to mount racks to their roofs by just making those studs threaded! Great job!
@sandrasdiamondroad3089 3 жыл бұрын
I found your video this morning and feel more confidant about attempting the roof rack myself. Very well done for a tutorial. Thank You!!
@BuildingVanLife 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you, if you run into any issues you can always send questions on here.
@AR-xd4di 3 жыл бұрын
Great work and content brother! Question : I noticed the rails don't extend all the way to the back , is there a way to extend them & utilize the whole roof space of a 2500/3500 Promaster? It seems weatherguard rails are just 115'' long.
@BuildingVanLife 3 жыл бұрын
Unfortunately from weather guard they only come in that length. You could also try using the rear three mourning points on the van instead of the front three. You would just have to drill out for the brackets. Or you could buy two and cut them down to meet in the middle of a bracket. My rear fan is kind of blocking where it would be extended to so It wasn’t worth trying to extend them for me.
@andypaluch7038 2 жыл бұрын
When you were putting in the floor insulation, were the 1x2's glued to the floor or screwed to the floor of the van. it looks like the 3 plywood pieces were screwed to the 1x2's but I'm wondering about those 1x2's and how they were secured. Thanks
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
No it’s floating. I explain in the next episode that later in the build I will have things screwed into both the walls and floor so that’s it’s completely locked in. You definitely don’t want to screw though the van metal floor. It’s just a thin piece of metal going under the van.
@shelterinplacezz 2 жыл бұрын
Good afternoon! Great video, one question…..could you post a link for the y branch connectors? When I clink on the link it brings me to the wrong setup… thanks!
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for letting me know. Here is the correct link, I'll update it in the description as well. amzn.to/3AFWtwg
@shelterinplacezz 2 жыл бұрын
I was at ace hardware yesterday and made those metal braces- again can’t thank you enough for your meticulous detail- great work!
@joelatsacredgrounds 2 жыл бұрын
Thank You! Could you consider responding with the measurements of the placement of the hole you cut in the roof from the back and the side of the van. We have a Promaster 3500 159 extended. We intend to duplicate your setup but we missed this step when installing the fans. We want to do this step while we wait for the other solar materials and continue work in the inside of the van.
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
Side to side it's centered. I sold the van so I can only go off my notes. Front the back of the van to the front of the rear fan is 33''. You can't go off that though. You need to get the exact measurements of your solar panels online and make a cardboard cut out and place it on the roof. Then install your fans so you know everything is going to fit.
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
also I dont have the extended, so you will have more room up top. The hole should be 14 1/8th by 14 1/8th square .
@rvvanlife Жыл бұрын
How did you connect the 4 corners of the roof vent butyl tape stripes, did you over lap them or simply but them all together?
@BuildingVanLife Жыл бұрын
I’m not really understanding what you mean
@Bellasafari 2 жыл бұрын
Do you know the name of the bracket things you got at ace hardware to slide onto the rails for the solar panel mounting? Gonna use your same system:)
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
I don’t know the name
@kindraflores5917 2 жыл бұрын
We got the same kit you got and the same rails but there are no cross bars with it. What did you use for the cross bars?
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
Hi the cross bars can be purchased from Home Depot. It is aluminum 1” 1/2 angle 1/8” thickness. Usually located in the isle that has the screws. Sorry if I didn’t specify that in the video.
@weavgiff 2 жыл бұрын
Several of the reviews on the rails indicated they did not fit the extended Promaster (we have the 3500 high roof extended) but I am assuming that they meant it didn't run the entire length of the van? We are setting up an AC up front and Maxair fan in back so would be setting up our panels just like you did so should work for us?!
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
I have the 2500 159 wb. They do not run the whole length but it should fit and the worst case scenario is you can just drill an additional hole in the track so it lines up with the bolts on your roof. It wouldn’t be hard to do.
@kaylajo7075 2 жыл бұрын
Hi! Thanks for the video! It REALLY helped me! One question - what exactly is the 30A Fuse used for??
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped. The fuse will be a protection against a fire if a short circuit occurs.
@josephsalazar2465 2 жыл бұрын
@@BuildingVanLife Couldn't you use one 30A fuse after the Y splitter? I have 2 Renogy 200 watt panels that I'm about to put on my 2021 Ram 3500 extended. I really like the way you did yours, and I'm probably gonna copy. Unless I can bring it to you???
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
@@josephsalazar2465 Yeh i suppose you could I’m not sure
@HowToFromMeToYou Жыл бұрын
What did you use for connecting the solar panels to the side weatherguard mounting kit? Is that just aluminum L- channel?
@BuildingVanLife Жыл бұрын
yes from home depot, i go over that in the newer version of this video as well here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h8Vpm71yu6u4iIE.html
@user-ue8he3bd5b Жыл бұрын
Greetings! Love the channel, you are my number one source for my info on building my van! On that rack rail system you installed. I see that you used the front 3 anchor points on both sides of the roof, could you have used the back 3 instead of the front 3?
@BuildingVanLife Жыл бұрын
If the rear fan wasnt where it is, it would be possible. Not with where I have the fan
@Freebird70 Жыл бұрын
What size of wood did you use to mount the Maxx fan to? Was it a 1x4...length for each of the four sides?
@BuildingVanLife Жыл бұрын
They are 1x3 pine from Home Depot
@paulreyes660 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the detailed instructions! Your videos are awesome! How did you glued down the box for the solar wires? Did you only use butyl tape and lap seal only?
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks yeh I used butyl tape and actually pl marine sealant from Home Depot. It’s a little thicker/stronger and easier to work with
@paulreyes660 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you. I love the setup!! Wondering if you can help me, what do you call the mounting bracket that you cut to go in the channel. You’ve mentioned that you got it from Ace Hardware store. Thanks again!
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
@@paulreyes660 hmm I don’t know the name. It was just a piece of metal they had that was the right width. You may just have to walk through the isles. It’s not a big store. Maybe even Home Depot may have something similar in hardware. You can ask for a piece of metal with square cut outs for carriage bolts to sit in. The one I used was not designed for this
@graciehoffman7821 3 жыл бұрын
🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
@Livevannow 2 жыл бұрын
We have a 3500 pro master extended and I'd like to put a AC in front and a max air in back did you have room on yours to have that and solar if you wanted?
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
Yeh if you did one fan and ac it would fit for sure. It’s similar to having two fans like I did. I recommend the 200 watt rich solar panel then you just need two of them to have 400 watts
@Livevannow 2 жыл бұрын
@@BuildingVanLife okay great yeah we were looking at two 300 watt lol like everyone else is saying so grateful for your post this is my husband and I first try just sold the fancy RV to go Van so in between panic it's nice to see your video
@chelseaperi 2 жыл бұрын
Can the roof rails you used be mounted to the back of the van as opposed to mounting to the front? I want to build a roof deck that begins at the back of the van.
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
Yes you could slide them where ever you want especially if you make your own holes in it too
@jessemiller9660 2 жыл бұрын
Do you remember what the pieces are called that you got from Ace Hardware? I’m stealing your plans and that is the missing piece. You made the absolute BEST solar setup I’ve seen man! Appreciate the help man!
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, I don't remember the name but maybe you can pull up the video and show them the part in the store.
@peteharvey207 2 жыл бұрын
Do you think you could have fit 3 of the same size panels between your fans? (do you have 81" between the fans)
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
with the overhang of the vent cover i am not able to fit 3
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
it's 400 watts already though
@sixstrings1063 2 жыл бұрын
Are the two solar panel crossbars from home depot, one inch by one inch and what type of metal are they, are they painted? Thanks for the details, I will do this soon.
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
Yes it’s Home Depot and it’s 1”1/2 x 1”1/2 and it’s aluminum
@sixstrings1063 2 жыл бұрын
@@BuildingVanLife thank you!
@TEAMWOLFDADDY Жыл бұрын
What's the measurement from center of strut to center of strut?
@jwise6645144 9 ай бұрын
Was able to add another 200 watts up front on either side of the Maxx fan. The key was to mount the side angles on top of the cross pieces in order to accommodate the wider width. Max watts is 565 because I ran them in parallel. The most I’ve seen so far is 500
@BuildingVanLife 9 ай бұрын
Cool. Don’t forget to check that your charge controller can handle your set up
@tatiananatzke7960 2 жыл бұрын
Hey Schnider I don't see the link to the 20 ft solar extension cable, can you post it here?
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
Here you go amzn.to/3ybgN7r
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
You will need two
@diejeekoen Жыл бұрын
Did not know you can twist the fixing mushrooms! How are the fixed in the roof? Ist it not gonna leak when you twist them?
@BuildingVanLife Жыл бұрын
They are designed for this exact purpose. They can’t leak.
@thomasmalenich6315 Жыл бұрын
I don't see your crossbars in the material list - where did you get them ?
@BuildingVanLife Жыл бұрын
They are from Home Depot.
@mywifeb Жыл бұрын
I just noticed in your Amazon list the panels used here were 12 volt I ordered 24 volt . Is this ok? Amazon product details said it could charge a 12volt or 24 volt battery? Any help would be appreciated
@BuildingVanLife Жыл бұрын
yes you can use 24 volt panels but they must be wired in parallel to work with the charge controller that can only handle a max of 25 volts. If you went series then it would be 48 volts and the charge controller wont work
@rudyromano2402 Жыл бұрын
Where's the link to where you bought t he s solar panel mounts
@BuildingVanLife Жыл бұрын
This is the link. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1NRRXK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01N1NRRXK&linkCode=as2&tag=buildingvanli-20&linkId=38fd77897832127b7e68ebeafaa3520c Looks like it’s unavailable at the moment but maybe you can find it on Amazon from another seller
@TheAllSeeingAye 2 жыл бұрын
We were asking wether you secured the floor crossbeams down to the van. It sounds like you didn't nail or glue them down at all correct?
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
correct
@TheAllSeeingAye 2 жыл бұрын
@@BuildingVanLife That's amazing how you managed to nail the subfloor down without the crossbeams moving on you, but i supposed the tapinging helped. I know you mentioned the exposure to the elements for not nailing it down but any reason for not gluing them? I imagined not doing neither could cause some squeaking, no?
@mjeanes4244 Жыл бұрын
This is awesome I have a 1500 Promaster so I just ordered this for my solar panels. Where did you get the cross bars from?
@BuildingVanLife Жыл бұрын
It’s just aluminum pieces from Home Depot
@mjeanes4244 Жыл бұрын
Ok awesome thank you.
@johnwren3976 6 ай бұрын
Could've gotten 4 mounts from each Why not use Unistrut available at Lowes at $36 for 10'. 🤷♂️
@jeffowen726 2 жыл бұрын
I'm curious how much wind noise comes from this install? I've had roof racks on mini vans that made a lot of noise.
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
this is the most low profile set up possible, in fact you can see in the video i had to slightly raise it so it wasn't touching the van. Driving a cargo van in general is not the most aerodynamic thing so there is already a lot of wind noise. I didn't even notice any increase at all after adding the panels.
@jeffowen726 2 жыл бұрын
@@BuildingVanLife Awesome that's what I wanted to know. Thank you!
@keithallred6933 Жыл бұрын
What is the reason you take the hanger pins out of the ladder?
@BuildingVanLife Жыл бұрын
Instructions State too. You could leave them in I suppose but it’s looked much cleaner with it out.
@thejourney8013 2 жыл бұрын
Where did you get 200 watt panels?
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
Here you go, 200 Watt Solar Panel amzn.to/3CM3Bs3 Links for everything are usually in the description of my videos
@OTBkid Жыл бұрын
Which thickness are you using for the angle iron?
@BuildingVanLife Жыл бұрын
1/8th thick
@OTBkid Жыл бұрын
@@BuildingVanLife awesome! Thanks a ton
@CalmTurtle2023 2 жыл бұрын
Hi, I didn’t see the mounting plates in your list of items. Can you put them in the list or reply? Thank you in advance.
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
the mounting brackets are included with the roof rail kit, the only thing that's not included are the crossbars which i got from home depot
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
Oh unless you are referring to the metal piece that holds the carriage bolts ? Those are from ace hardware. No link for those either.
@CalmTurtle2023 2 жыл бұрын
@@BuildingVanLife nope it was the mounting plates
@timrodatz1274 9 ай бұрын
Why didn't you put the panels sideways from left to right? And is there enough room to put 4 of them panels and 2 Max Air fans?
@BuildingVanLife 9 ай бұрын
It would go past the edge of the van
@timrodatz1274 9 ай бұрын
@@BuildingVanLife what was the length of yours? I've been looking at some 200watt that's 58x27. I'm just trying to figure ask this out as I wait for my disability to start coming. So I'm trying to get things planned out on what to get and do. I know I can't do it all my self sadly
@user-fx8xf3us8x 5 ай бұрын
Where did you purchase your crossbars? TY Love your channel!
@BuildingVanLife 5 ай бұрын
Thank you they are from Home Depot
@user-fx8xf3us8x 5 ай бұрын
Thank You! Got them today!!!!@@BuildingVanLife
@84miguelrivera Жыл бұрын
What is the link roof brakes solar panel
@BuildingVanLife Жыл бұрын
Not sure what you’re asking
@Bellasafari 2 жыл бұрын
How have the RICH PV been performing? We got the same ones which we are about to mount.
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
I found they weren’t living quite up to the claimed 200 watts.
@Bellasafari 2 жыл бұрын
@@BuildingVanLife what are they banking? Did you upgrade to some others?
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
@@Bellasafari I was getting about 110 each panel. I sold this van but I’ll probably try something different on the next one
@Bellasafari 2 жыл бұрын
@@BuildingVanLife sorry last ? Did you run them parallel or in series? For them to draw so little- that is enough to get your money back imo.
@BuildingVanLife 2 жыл бұрын
@@Bellasafari in parallel
@katekaos Жыл бұрын
Those ladders are expensive now
@ellisstevenson8869 11 ай бұрын
I know you made this 2 years ago, and I really like your setup. Unfortunately, if I tried to do this, I would surely mess it up. Would you consider doing this for someone else, and if so, what would you charge?
@BuildingVanLife 11 ай бұрын
Sorry I don't have the time at the moment
@ellisstevenson8869 11 ай бұрын
@@BuildingVanLife I understand. Thanks for replying.
@oscarcastillo6779 6 ай бұрын
Where are you located at? awesome video
@BuildingVanLife 6 ай бұрын
Newport Beach California
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