RV Off-Grid (Solar) Power System Review and Fixes! (Full Time RV Life)

Рет қаралды 100,929

2 жыл бұрын

⚠️⚠️ THIS SPLICE is a MUCH BETTER OPTION for the wiring of L1 and L2: amzn.to/3DXemK6
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Пікірлер: 502

@ChangingLanes 2 жыл бұрын

⚠⚠ THIS SPLICE is a MUCH BETTER OPTION for the wiring of L1 and L2: amzn.to/3DXemK6

@preachers4135 2 жыл бұрын

Came here to tell you about these splice connectors. I picked some up at a local commercial electrical supply store when I was needing to splice 4Ga multi-strand wires. They work great.

@user-dr2pg8fk2i 2 жыл бұрын

Polaris lugs are awesome, just make sure they are torqued correctly!

@ChangingLanes 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback! 👍🏼

@mbmike29 2 жыл бұрын

I wound up buying this as well.

@MrThisIsMeToo 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Chad, I planned a similar system, most likely around the same time you did. I did not think that the 10 100Ah batteries was the best route. Watched you crimping all those cables and said "Too many points of failures, too large of a cable, no expansion (or limited expansion)". I went with a 48v system. Three 100Ah batteries. I say such as you mention looking at 24v or 48v system next. After doing 48v I learned the cons. 1. The invertors that are available are limited in the 48v range. 2. You will obviously need a buck convertor, same with a 24v system, but the selection for 48v is low (I am running two of the Victrons), and the price is higher. 3. MPPT chargers, same limits and higher cost. 4. (a big one for me) 12v to 48v chargers are rare. I only found one reasonability priced that I use to charge the 5th wheel from the truck. Great to know that your batteries are fully charged after a long travel day. Hint the latter would make a great episode for a techie like you. :)

@petenelson8136 2 жыл бұрын

Your timing on this was impeccable. I'm looking into solar for our 5th wheel, and I take your reviews as 100% reliable and I'm looking to build a system similar to what you've built. Thanks for coming back around and showing what you'd do again and what you'd do differently.

@rbourgon 2 жыл бұрын

This type of info is great! There are tons of how to videos but rarely do authors take the time to identify what they would change after using it in various conditions. Thank you Chad for sharing. Thanks to Tara and Daisy for sharing Chad 😉

@nproctor74 2 жыл бұрын

Nice work!! Always enjoy your knowledge transfers!

@chrislarson3123 2 жыл бұрын

Nice job figuring it all out!

@robertshannon8947 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video! Thanks for sharing and Tara did a fantastic job on the editing.

@deegeejohnson999 2 жыл бұрын

Great job as always, Chad!

@chyenne73 2 жыл бұрын

Great video....love your content.

@ddttcv 2 жыл бұрын

That was great! I really appreciate the update!

@ABQGecko 2 жыл бұрын

Another great informative video. Thanks

@dfox344 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service. And thank you for sharing.

@jmjbedpa 2 жыл бұрын

Wow !!!! Chad you are a techno. Loads of info. Thanks and stay safe out there.

@cluuck4617 2 жыл бұрын

Fascinating, not the first time sign waves have changed my thought process.

@anniegogogone1806 2 жыл бұрын

Wow! Great video Chad. You always explain it so well. Thanks.

@duanebuck193 2 жыл бұрын

Chad, as always, thank you for sharing. A whole lot of information was provided, and any time it helps understand systems better, it's a good thing!

@rvlifewiththemuirs 2 жыл бұрын

Great info!!! I look forward to your videos because I always learn something new.

@Zerog461 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video. Getting ready to start soon narrowing down RVs now.

@thesearchers395 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the share. I learn a lot watching your videos!

@lauramouser 2 жыл бұрын

You're an electrical genius!

@crusin73 2 жыл бұрын

Great job Chad, as always. glad you got it all worked out. I am still working out the details. that will take a while along with my other projects. yes, I gave you a thumbs up. hope you all are having an awesome day.

@Formulabruce 2 жыл бұрын

Well done Video! How you got it all into 19 minutes is amazing! Watched every second! Thanks!

@karlswope2331 2 жыл бұрын

Great video and explanation of your system...love your DIY how to videos keep up the good work Chad 👍

@mikemoxley9477 2 жыл бұрын

Can sure use this tech info.!!!! Thanks again for ALL you guys do for the RV world.

@strong002 2 жыл бұрын

Chad, Thank you so much for sharing your lives and knowledge with us. I have a simular system in my Class A deisel pusher. We did some weird wiring with an ATS also. Glad you were able to get everything worked out.

@Hernondo1 2 жыл бұрын

Great video as always!

@fredbahrke4796 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video and perfect timing. You could not have explained the generator issue better!

@mattoverholser4266 2 жыл бұрын

Chad, these are the videos I like the most from you guys. Yes, it's nice to see the different spots you guys go and the adventures you take but these are great so I know what to look for when we get our toy hauler. (Still a few years away though 😔) I appreciate your time making these.

@lenl2514 2 жыл бұрын

Another excellent, educational video. Thanks

@gordschultz1980 2 жыл бұрын

Another awesome video Chad! These are so helpful for those of us just starting to dip our toes into solar. Also want to thank both of you for all your videos. Over the last year with all the Covid crap your content has been entertaining, informative and helped us make the right decision on an RV and all the things we need to enjoy it. Thanks so much for that! You helped us get through Covid!

@doughinkle2947 2 жыл бұрын

Great job Chad (again)! I've been curious about the solution since you mentioned it during your live stream a while back. Thanks for getting this out there.

@channel4841 2 жыл бұрын

Chad, this might just be the BEST video you have ever done! Very informative. Thanks!!

@julieredmon1521 28 күн бұрын

I love that you figured out what was happening. I don't think I'd have figured that out. But then to actually figure out a solution like that...genius. I understand electronics and electricity, but I don't get the whole 30 amp vs 50 amp in RV's. Anyway, great video.

@jasonrobinson9992 Жыл бұрын

Solar for RV is incredible love it

@JoJoRocks5 Жыл бұрын

This is great. Thank for the explanation.

@lorionodi879 2 жыл бұрын

As always very informative Chad thanks

@davefischer52080 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for making this video! I have been piecing my whole system together for my Grand RV 381M and this helped me feel much more confident with not only my decision to buy this system but also to install it myself.

@lifeintnchevalier 2 жыл бұрын

Nice work Chad !! Learned something new on the Gen set power.

@michaelmontag5863 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the information. It gave me some ideas on how to put solar on my motor home.

@joelhaldeman 2 жыл бұрын

This is the most helpful video ever. We have the same rig and MP2 and I've been looking for a way to solve this. Thanks for your thorough research on it!

@jeffsmith4525 2 жыл бұрын

That’s a great system for you. You have more invested in your solar system and all the neat gadgets than I have in my entire RV.

@Bwanar1 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the killer explanation. Planning to add a second AC in the RV one of these days soon and that may turn out to really be a big help.

@larrybell4599 Жыл бұрын

Great explanation of how you combined the generator output.

@vernonanderson9252 2 жыл бұрын

Chad thanks for making another fantastic video.

@campnut6076 2 жыл бұрын

Between watching your videos on solar and also RV with Tito's videos it has greatly increased my interest and knowledge of RV solar package possibility's. Thanks for sharing such great info.

@georgewheeler3731 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome Video & Information, Two Thumbs up.

@dennycappetta2035 2 жыл бұрын

Great info, Chad. When I get to install solar, inverter, batteries, etc. on my rig, I'll look back at this video for advice. Thank you so much for sharing.

@dskoi7358 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome EMT. Thanks, Chad

@mebeliving9184 2 жыл бұрын

Great update 👍

@John5ive 2 жыл бұрын

Videos like this make your channel the best RVing channel on KZfaq. This was a drop the keyboard moment...

@garryhammond3117 2 жыл бұрын

Great news at the end. - I was sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for something horrible to happen with the tied-in generator outputs. Again... Very educational and clearly presented in a way that almost anyone can understand.

@dougtisdale1380 10 ай бұрын

Amazing how you explain this thank you.

@jeffsteele1295 2 жыл бұрын

Great info Chad wow when you put your heart into something you go all in ! I have heard that each time the inverter has to step up the voltage their is a power loss.

@cathyomstead2679 2 жыл бұрын

We are waiting for our Leisure Travel Van. Good to be informed

@KCInferno 2 жыл бұрын

Always like watching your videos. My 12volt system works just fine, but I totally agree looking back that a 24 volt system would have been better.

@donaldlajeunesse1455 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice video. Well presented and explained.

@becsmom89 2 жыл бұрын

Sounded greek to me but my husband was mesmerized!! Thanks for the info. Bob and Sherrie

@wagz 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chad very good content!

@danielwolfe6131 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great info!!!

@jerrysgaragethemoneypit2028 2 жыл бұрын

Very Clever! I have been in electricity for 50 years and would not have thought of this idea. I didn't connect the dots until the very end. Great Video!

@skiimountaineer 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! I didn’t know that about the multiplus 2 and a generator… not to mention Wi-Fi problems in concentrated areas!

@johnbell4976 2 жыл бұрын

Chad you are amazing. All the stuff is way beyond me but I always pick up something. Keep the great videos coming.

@raywilliams9934 2 жыл бұрын

Chad I have a very similar system. I thought about using a 24 volt or higher dc system. The only issue with this is that the dc system for your trailer is 12 volts. If you used a higher dc voltage you would need a voltage reducer from the batteries to your dc panel. I have a tip for Power Assist. Recently we were hooked up to a 50 amp pedestal & the pedestal breaker kept tripping. I was running both ac’s, the electric hot water heater, & the inverter was charging my 8 batteries. When I looked on the VRM portal I saw that neither leg of the shore power was pulling enough power to trip the breaker. Thus I had a weak breaker. This was a weekend. I set the input current to 30 amps & when the demand was higher the inverter assisted & the breaker did not trip.

@birdman5223 2 жыл бұрын

Good info MrChad👏🏼

@timaz1066 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video Chad. I will be replacing my standard multiplex with a multiplus II this week. This is just because I figured out a way to make it fit when I didn’t think it would fit when I did the first inverter. My coach is already wired for two in and two out so the multiplus II is the way to go for me.

@davidoverholt251 Жыл бұрын

Still love your traveles. Well. it looks like our kids are on the TV as they travel!

@tadred1 2 жыл бұрын

Great info! You explained this very well and I too find inspiration walking around the home improvement stores (Lowes, Home Depot, Menards, etc)! I just added the Micro-Air Easy Start to both my A/C's today as I know we will be camping at some places that only provide 30 amp connections. Got them wired up and watched my SurgeGuard display for what amps they drew as they started up. Only saw about 12-14 amps on the individual A/C's and 23-24 amps when they both started at the same time. Love Technology!

@eastofindy 2 жыл бұрын

I’m looking at getting to a 48v system. Thank you for confirmation that it isn’t such a crazy thought. I just need to get the details worked out. 👍👍

@davethesen3951 2 жыл бұрын

Very interesting l enjoy the way you explain it thanks

@francishlebichuk2346 2 жыл бұрын

Great content, will done!

@CodyDaig 2 жыл бұрын

FINALLY!!!!! Too bad I sold the rig I needed this for, but if I ever get a generator added to the new rig I will keep this in mind. Thanks!

@michelehumann811 Жыл бұрын

Awesome information thank you for sharing

@evansfamily16 2 жыл бұрын

Getting ready to retire from the Air Force. Wife and I are buying our first Fifth Wheel and going to see the country. Your videos are extremely helpful. Keep up the hard work!

@ChangingLanes 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service! 🇺🇸

@RichardDeAgazio 2 жыл бұрын

This was terrific...i don't pretend to know most of what you were talking about but it sure sounded good!

@Falcon-ug5sk 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent info..Thank you ! Watched the other videos long ago..Saved it for future use w vid on WiFi setups 👏👏👏😎👍

@kevinstephens1109 2 жыл бұрын

Another great video. The Al-Go-Ry-Them Lol has been appeased. Keep up the great work

@ChangingLanes 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for feeding the youtube beast! 😊

@brianpetersen3262 2 жыл бұрын

Chad, thank you 1000% I just installed the mp2 and discovered the same issue, I mistakenly assumed the genset was 120/240 and was chasing my tail for a bit. Being a long time viewer of yours I has a feeling you may have encountered the same issue. Glad I checked here first! Love the content guys, being like minded I get alot out of your videos. Hope all is well in your hood! Happy travels!

@jefferyrushing457 2 жыл бұрын

I don’t know if you’ll ever get a chance to read this but in the oilfield we used to use lean twos attached to the top of the roof to put up extra shade to protect to get rain and the elements but we would use Steelz underneath to hold up the lien to and would have outside pipe to hold the Steelz from moving around Pinned in at top and bottom if people are looking to add more power to solar setup they could use this same setup, to put solar panels to rear of camper therefore not compromising roof a/c units and relocation of ladder is all that would change ,,therefore giving you more solar power and shade for your rear porch

@jefferyrushing457 2 жыл бұрын

Hope you get this ,, maybe it would bless traveling RV enthusiast like yourself who would love to have more solar power for their units thanks have a blessed day

@Augiebracerofam 2 жыл бұрын

Great information. Just because the wires can connect together, it doesn’t always mean it will work. You still need a good knowledge base and experienced friends to help optimize everything. Thank you for sharing and have a great day.

@lancesolberg6182 2 жыл бұрын

I'm not electrion Alot actually most of went over my head. I'm glad it worked for you.

@jacquetaylor2714 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your lack of experience I really appreciate you both!

@johnwilliams640 2 жыл бұрын

that was funny

@tracymeskel2839 2 жыл бұрын

Love your videos.

@edrumsas5420 2 жыл бұрын

Great info. Thanks. Travel safe! Cheers

@KevinCoop1 2 жыл бұрын

Chad, Very smart fix for the generator. I looked at the wiring diagram that you showed and the generator is paralleled on L1 and L2 just ahead of the two breakers and the L0’s were also connected together. So, I learned something! Thanks for the vide. If you want to get your solar to put out the full 2000 watts or more, go to a mountain top in New Mexico in the summer near solstice time and at noon. Respectfully, Kevin

@badgerpa9 2 жыл бұрын

As Chuck my Naval Electrical and Electronics instructor would say "Some Bears are smarter than other Bears" good job Chad. BTW he was Navy I was not, I just needed to learn it for what I did as contractor for DOD and others. The problem (not yours) will be someone that thinks they know what you did and do something like not have a stand off for the 4 lug bar or insulate it some way. Stay safe and healthy guys.

@knlgarner 2 жыл бұрын

Great info. We don’t full time but I am considering Solar/batteries/inverter to up our off grid capabilities

@DevineDestinations-6673 5 ай бұрын

Chad, My wife and I follow you guys all the time. I am a planner. I research and prepare before I buy. I try to educate as much as possible but some things are beyond my abilities or expertise. Electricity is one of those areas. I respect your experience, especially in the service. I was Army but not in the same field. So I am asking your opinion because I have no real idea and surfing the internet and especially KZfaq, you just get so many different opinions and some are skewed by trying to sell a product. I trust your opinion so here it is....finally. If you were buying a brand new RV Toyhauler that has the factory prep or even some small amount of solar and you want to be able to boon dock for long periods of time and run everything as if you were on shore power, what would your system look like? You don't need to mention brands if you don't want to but what is truly needed? Solar and generator I'm sure but what else? If you were someone like me who doesn't have the expertise to do a self install who would you recommend to provide the full set up? I've seen some total kits for like 2400 watts but does it really cost 25k+? Thank you sir in advance.

@michaelbarber8692 2 жыл бұрын

Very educational…Thanks

@evil17 Жыл бұрын

Good info & vid Chad, great setup & build you have there, you made. A lot of good points here & in particular about using a higher voltage in future builds, more power, more efficient, thinner wires, you said what I was thinking. I think we are in a time now where the electronics available have grown & are realising these needs, and the newer generation of builds should definitely be going down the 24v path, and better still 48v gear if ur considering air conditioning & larger loads. Cheers

@stephencmullins 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Chad. I just installed a similar system on my Class A. With all Victron, Multiplus II with 1,200w solar, a 5,000 Onan generator and 600ah Battleborn. I also have some DC/DC chargers to allow charging from my engine alternator when driving. First time I used the generator I set the load limit to 40amps and sure enough blew the breaker on the generator. I’m sending your fix to the installer I used to get his feedback on if it can apply to me as well. Thanks so much for your doing all the research 🤓

@housesOTR 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Chad. Although my setup is much smaller the principles are the same.

@Shoppinghauls-yj5rg 2 жыл бұрын

My installation is roughly based on your system. I talked to you about your batteries over your genny, etc. etc. On our first trip out, the genny kept tripping the 20 amp breaker and I had to run my AC input limit down to 20 and only run one ac. I went to your channel and, as I knew I would, I found your solution. I installed your recommended splice and it works perfectly! Thank you for your great channel!!

@AllElectricFamily 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info. We are currently upgrading our batteries and installing solar on our Airstream. So much to learn!

@Theamr952 11 ай бұрын

Great video - especially the section around the Onan and Victron MultiPlus 2x120. I made the connection in the junction box near the generator instead of the transfer switch but in the end it is exactly the same as what you recommended. Thank you for the tip!

@HighMXHubby 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thanks for the tip about going a higher voltage on the solar panels.

@ChangingLanes 2 жыл бұрын

The solar panels are already around 100V... I was referring to the battery bank wiring. Hope that makes sense.. 👍🏼

@HighMXHubby 2 жыл бұрын

@@ChangingLanes it does. I was hoping your panel voltage was higher. Watching your videos really helped me to get past my analysis paralysis for my inverter/charger setup. Thanks!!!

@reelamor9950 Жыл бұрын

You make all of this solar make sense in the Rv. we are waiting for our 381m and F350. Hopefully both sometime by the end of the year. This helps with our plans for solar ! Thank you

@user-ot7fh8qy7n 8 ай бұрын

You the man is all i can say

@richardgivens2422 2 жыл бұрын

Outstanding.

@johnandjanet13 2 жыл бұрын

Oh. By the way I shared this on my Facebook page. I have told everyone I know to watch your videos on specific areas. You are a blessing. Thank you Chad and Terra

@ChangingLanes 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! 😊

@marcsmelser9508 2 жыл бұрын

I had the exact same problem with the generator that you did in this video. I had not realized what the fix for it was yet. Thank you, this clears the generator throwing only one breaker up. By the way I pretty much watched your videos on installing the Victron Multiplus, Cerbo, etc... and used your links to buy all of it. Hopefully by using your links I at least bought you guys a cheese burger. We have the exact same system except I bought 3 large form AmpereTime 400 AH batteries for a total of 1200AH. I also wish I would have thought it through better and went with a 24 or 48 volt system. I have dual sets of 4/0 wire running to from the batteries to the inverter to avoid the heat.