How much SOLAR Power Do You Need On Your Ambulance Conversion & Why Do I Have So Much?

Рет қаралды 23,246

Күн бұрын

Listen to me talk about how my large solar panel system lets me do some amazing things living every day ion my ambulance conversion. I also show a couple if new fleet finds!
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My name is David and with my dog Lefty we live full time in our converted ambulance RV. I made this change to my 'standard' life and you can too! Like, subscribe and comment - Lefty would appreciate it - he wants the adventures to keep coming!
The Campulance is a 2002 Ford E450 Marque Commando 164 Class III ambulance powered by the Ford 7.3l Powerstroke diesel engine and a 4 speed transmission. Lefty is a 65lb Staffordshire Terrier (best I can tell) that came from the Verona Street Animal Shelter in March 2014 at the age of 9 months. We have been living full time in the campulance since July 2019.

Пікірлер: 191

@scotts.8460 3 жыл бұрын

Great video David. LOL, I was just about to send you an email but this answered a lot of my questions. Thanks for all you and Lefty do.

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Scott! Glad I'm helping and thank you so much for your support!

@garybalanesi610 2 жыл бұрын

Let your panels do the majority of the Load. And the batteries are there for a Cloud. Good job. Full sun is great.keep Em clean..

@frenchfryfarmer436 3 жыл бұрын

An additional comment for those purchasing ambos...ones like Dave's with "house" or built alum box are VERY rigid roofs. For those purchasing van builds (no box, factory back on van w/ fiberglass medium high topper ) the roof is sometimes rigid (able to be walked on) and sometimes NOT. You have to check and see. There are a couple options to increase rigidity. You can sheet it with 1/4" aluminum plate (approx $700-1000), or build a roof rack off rain gutter of van below and use expanded metal (can bleed rust over time if not $tainless/alum) ....a third option would be to sheet the roof with 5/8-3/4" plywood and cover w/ .040 aluminum sheet from a tractor trailer trailer repair shop. Those repair shop are in various places around the country. My local one has 105" wide x endless roll (can be cut to 1" or 300') for $19 a foot. So a 12" x 105" is only $19. I am gonna sheet my rusted ole 14' box trailer roof w/ plywood and sheet it for $280 . I will use urethane sealant at all edges and rivet it down. I will then be able to walk/sleep on my trailer roof. I love sleeping out in fresh mountain air. I hope this helps those out there who aren't experienced in building. Also, edges can held down with the handy aluminum uni-strut for mounting things and creating a uniform tightly pulled edge. The rivetts are not hardware rivetts, but the hammered type you see on tractor trailers and US Mail delivery vehicles. The trailer repair shops have ALL sorts of unique raw materials and hardware, tie downs that you won't see ANYWHERE else. Ask nicely and perhaps they will give you a tour. My local shop is super helpful .....

@TumbleweedRvLife 3 жыл бұрын

What a great benefit of the ambulance having a flat unobstructed roof area for the solar panels. I would put more panels if I could. The panels are relatively cheap now.! Thanks for sharing. Christian

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

That does make it easy to install them for sure :)

@Wingnut_Stickman 3 жыл бұрын

The way you lose solar panels it is a good thing you are not driving an actual ambulance ... "Did I remember to strap that old lady in?" Thanks for sharing!

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Oops... grandma!!

@dorothy2063 3 жыл бұрын

Lefty is so cute and full of loving expression!!

@ElwoodAndersonNV 3 жыл бұрын

Like you, I use only electric appliances, in my case just a 700 w microwave for cooking food, an 800 w electric tea kettle to heat water for cooking and washing up, and a refrigerator/freezer for food and drink storage. It reduces water usage because you're not using a lot of water for cooking and washing dishes. I have a converted minivan that I only use for a week at a time. I have 300 w of solar and a 120 ah Yeti 1400 with a 1500 w inverter. So, I totally agree that having double the panel wattage that is recommended is what's needed for electric only. If I were ever to live full time in a van I would do what you have done.

@mattolsson8816 3 жыл бұрын

I just finished installing solar on my box truck 1260W and I was running AC all day and charging my batteries at the same time.. Really happy that I added that much solar to my rig.. Great video and info!

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Good setup Matt! You've got the POWER!

@mattolsson8816 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheCampulanceMan thanks. I am surprised how much power it's producing even when it's cloudy like today. Putting out between 10-20 amps to the battery.

@JB91710 2 жыл бұрын

I've been watching your videos for about a week now. You're doing a great job. Hope your back is getting better. Not having to worry about power usage is worth the cost of extra panels. That goes for everything you have to invest money in to avoid worry. Power, water, heat and AC. You want them all to be there when you need them.

@TheCampulanceMan 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching us :)

@JB91710 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCampulanceMan Just finished watching the Joying video and the one about those two kids with nothing and the tree markings one. When I saw the one when Lefty had his head in the Milk Bone box, I thought of having the munchies when I was younger.

@OlgaAlyce 3 жыл бұрын

I just wanted to let you know that you just keep getting better and better at this KZfaq thing. Congrats! 😆 loved your bloopers at the end.

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Gail I appreciate that you're noticing :) One way for me to get better.... keep doing it!! Thank you!

@OtravelgirlO 3 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad you made this video! I don’t know how many VanLife videos I’ve viewed over the last 6 months where they have 300-400 W setups. I’m in Arizona, USA where we have 110 days a year over 100 degrees F and 40/50 of those days over 110 degrees! It’s a different beast when you NEED an AC unit 24/7 (and on top of that, all the other devices you mentioned) so I REALLY appreciate this. I like how you explained the draw the air fryer and a/c uses and time frame for your solar to refuel the batteries. You have an awesome setup and I’ll make sure my setup is similar. I hope for your continued success and keep the videos coming. Much love from Mesa, AZ- You and Lefty stay safe. 👍🏼❤️

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your comment! If you want AC in the evening with no sun, you'll need a much larger battery bank than what I have in order to keep the AC running without power from the panels. It can be done but with a large battery bank :)

@lisasumms2114 3 жыл бұрын

Great info as always. You are a great source in common sense build and the nomad life. Have a great day. Lefty 💜

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Lisa :)

@lipsticklodge7526 2 жыл бұрын

Lefty is so cute!

@gabrieldacruz3150 2 жыл бұрын

Lefty is the best

@jcdahippie 2 жыл бұрын

Wow! That lady was no lady. I've been looking at vans and after watching some of your videos I'm considering an ambulance for the additional roof space for solar panels.

@arriagada1957 3 жыл бұрын

Nice Solar System..!!

@adamguymon7096 3 жыл бұрын

I know I have only seen a couple of your videos and I do like them. I was watching this one and some things came to mind that I would do if I had one of those vehicles? * I would have not only the solar panels but I would have at least 9 to 12 batteries. * I would have a little generator that would be connected to a 50-gallon fuel tank that could charge the batteries up and run everything if the sun was not out. * I would have a propane tank and would have a small stove and oven or if not a gas stove/oven I would at least have a flat range or a conductive stove. * I would make it so while I was driving the batteries would charge. * I would set it up so if I was at someone's house I would be able to plug into city power or even at a campground etc. * I would have a bathroom on board that would have a toilet, shower, and sink all in the same room so it would all be contained and a way to have a 500-gallon tank with the ability to connect a hose to the vehicle. * I would have had a bed up over the cab of the driver area with a skylight that could open and so I could fall asleep looking at the stars.

@HansKeesom 3 жыл бұрын

Nice system, proves again you can never have too much solar ;-) And when on a budget, like everyone elses, gel batteries work. Lithium, Lifepo4 especially is cheaper in the long run as they can be discharged deeper en charge easier, but they also cost 3 times as much at the same Ah (actually you get only 50% with gel, so Lithium is only 1,5 times as expensive). Nice touch that you can charge your crank battery from solar.

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Harris great comment!

@arturoalcantar2669 3 жыл бұрын

GLAD TO SEE SOMEONE ACTUALLY RUNNING A HIGH WATT ITEM, START TO FINISH, WITH THEIR SYSTEM...GOT A REAL WORLD EXAMPLE OF WHAT YOUR SOLAR SYSTEM CAN DO! GREAT VIDEO THANX 4 SHARING...GOOD LUCK IN ALL OF YOUR TRAVELS!!

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thabk you for watching and your comment :)

@kelseylantz1989 3 жыл бұрын

We have the same tile backslash 😎👍

@chrisdaniel1339 Жыл бұрын

I agree have a larger solar array is a huge benefit. My overlander build will be very large but there is sound reasoning behind the decision, I will be installing a few high draw devices and I plan on spending months at a time in the PNW (Washington mostly) and their rainy season is from Oct-April, they can have a week or more where they may not get a sunny day so I sized the system to still be able to charge my battery bank while only producing 10-20%(rain/overcast) of the arrays rated output. My array will be a double stack(6 panels/level), sliding, and tipping array mounted on the roof. 12 - 440w panels for 5280w of total solar. My battery bank is 1080 Ah @ 24v (25,920 Wh), I could also wire the system for 12v and get 2160 Ah, but I will most likely stick with 24v. Tipping the panels accomplishes two important goals, having the proper summer and winter angles based on latitude increases output, the angle also allows the panels to stay cooler. There is an inverse ratio of the temperature of a panel and its output, i.e. the hotter the panel the less it produces, the cooler temp the more electricity production. I want food and water to be the only restrictions to how long I can be off grid.

@gibbygib764 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for all the great info. New subscriber and fan. Pets to the puppy🐾

@biggixer 3 жыл бұрын

Another reason to have more panels is there is room up on the roof so you may as well use it.....and you have future proofed your power needs as you've said.....great info for me to bear in mind

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

I could have stuffed more... maybe in the future :))

@jamesfrancisco7308 3 жыл бұрын

Nice, Thank you!

@stimlick 3 жыл бұрын

Yes! Great touch with the bloopers!

@robertashton5198 3 жыл бұрын

Great information David! Thank you once again!

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Robert :)

@LadyTSurvival 3 жыл бұрын

I was all worried about affording the huge battery bank but you just put my mind at ease, I can totally work with the items I need to power up in the daylight. Yayyy. The only thing I really use at night is my phone to read online books and a light or two. And a fan

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad I help with your decisions!!

@mr.c6383 3 жыл бұрын

like the bloopers at the end.... it ends the video on a "silly" note to let everyone know that YT makers are real people

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

I have more of those than I'd like to admit :) Thank you for watching and commenting!

@freeinFL 3 жыл бұрын

This video was extremely helpful. Thank you!

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Cathy:)

@jw1million1 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your continuous sharing of all your videos' and letting us all know about your lifestyle and how you got this far in your add on's to your rig. We want to add solar to our camper. Take care David and Lefty and don't let the turkeys get ya down man!

@carmenmariacortesmarin2664 3 жыл бұрын

Great information, David! Thank you

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Carmen :)

@thegoldenskillet 3 жыл бұрын

This is exactly the question I always wondered!

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Glad to help :)

@elaineg4921 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks again for your knowledge .blessings always

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Elaine :)

@dorothy2063 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video! I'm really starting to learn about wattage vs solar requirements. Definitely must know how much energy a device will need when choosing and using solar panels!

@maehay4065 3 жыл бұрын

Great information on your solar set up!👍

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Mae :)

@tonyyost7125 3 жыл бұрын

Another great information video .. Thanks......t

@lindabocanegra207 3 жыл бұрын

Hi David and Lefty. Excellent video! 👍🏻Stay safe🙏🏻

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Linda!

@johnswick4593 3 жыл бұрын

Useful video. Thank You

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you :)

@AubernsRevolution 2 жыл бұрын

I am a single female. Looking for a rig right now. I need to sell my house. I'm waiting on a disability claim and do not want to become homeless. Thsnk you for all your time and help! You are a Godsend.

@TheCampulanceMan 2 жыл бұрын

Best of luck on your search :)

@cangal58 3 жыл бұрын

I've always wondered how much solar one needs. Thanks for sharing.

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!

@markbeaver5010 3 жыл бұрын

Great video David, this really explains on how to operate your solar to allow yourself to eat and run your AC by knowing the loads and capabilities of your system. Thanks, Mark!!!

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Mark :)

@skeeterhennen9274 3 жыл бұрын

lefty is sooooo cute

@patrickwatson3042 3 жыл бұрын

David, thank you for sharing your solar setup and the reasons you went with what you did!! I had just been talking to my better half today, brainstorming out loud about my ideas for reconfiguring the wiring setup for our rig, and when I got to the part about having the capability of connecting our house batteries/solar array to the engine batteries, she scoffed. "Why would you want to do such a thing??" THEN we watched your video and THEN she agreed that it might be a good thing. :P So thank you for that. :D I'm SO glad to hear some of your backstory, how you took things apart, put 'em back together....mechanical, electrical, whatever. I've always been the same way and it's awesome that you installed stereos back in the day! I did too!!! I loved setting up systems for my friends and family (and myself). I still do on occasion, and the next in the queue is her Jeep Wrangler. Decent head unit, separate tweeters/midrange drivers up front, larger midrange drivers in the roll bar/post and probably a single 12" sub. Amps for front and mid/sub, crossing the sub at 60hz and the others....at something (I haven't decided yet). Do you happen to remember the URL for that solar calculator site you showed? I've found one but I like the looks of the one in the video better. As always, great job on the video! So glad to see you and Lefty again, we've spent the last several days/evenings working on our rig and tonight's the first night we've watched anything in quite a while! :D It's exciting to see the fleet growing, and now we're itching even more so than before to get out there!!

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

My daughter's high school car was THE gathering place: dual 12" subs, JBL 3way doors, dual amps, Android head unit... living through her??? Send me an email and I'll give you that link :) Thanks for choosing my videos to watch!

@peggybloomfield1406 3 жыл бұрын

I just bought an ambulance too!

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Congratulations!!! Welcome to the fleet!

@NandiniGupta1 3 жыл бұрын

Omg me too!!!

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Yea!! Welcome!

@frenchfryfarmer436 3 жыл бұрын

Standard van or box/house?

@jenniferwise8515 3 жыл бұрын

Where did you find the ambulance?

@paulhunter546 3 жыл бұрын

Pretty much comes down to what you need and can afford 😁👍

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thats the truth! They aren't cheap :/

@VANquishedAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Solar calculations: 1. measure roof 2. Fill it with panels 3. I have 1200w and was still charging with an inch of snow on them. The only correct calculation for solar is buy all that will fit;)

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

I like your math!!

@patrickmclaughlin6013 3 жыл бұрын

I think Bob just bought an ambulance to convert. He mentioned it in his last video about a portable water heater.

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Yes he did - see my video with him from a few weeks ago :)

@travelduckwonder8013 3 жыл бұрын

I have a similar solar set up on my class c (1020w in panels, 400ah battery bank, only 2000w inverter, 60a controller) even though I'm powering mostly different things. I discovered I need a 70a controller to really be in spec (my fault) and like you have found some added benefits having an extra panel. I don't have to worry about tilting bc of the extra panel, also I recharge faster, but also, in 3-5 days of rain sometimes like I'm experiencing now, I really need my capacity in the batteries more as well as the faster recharge. I run the genny if I get too low but that is pretty rare now that my inverter settings have been fixed. I went to a constant voltage setting with an Amp boost based on one of your earlier vids and it solved my problem. You saved me a boatload of gas moola and I thank you. Lefty is a TRIP!! Thanks for sharing.

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Gas is too expensive and we know sun power is FREE! It's great to have a genny for drastic weather times too. You're wired in!!

@uslipaway 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome information David. I guess better safe than sorry. So I'll plan for the 6 200w panels and 4 100ah batteries with shore and DC change capabilities.

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

That will be a great setup!

@kellyclarke8754 3 жыл бұрын

Yes! I am first to view. I had wondered how much solar.

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching (fast!) Kelly:)

@frenchfryfarmer436 3 жыл бұрын

As far as flexibility in mounting ANYTHING , look to stainless or aluminum uni-strut channel. It won't rust and options are unlimited. I am going to put aluminum diamond plate down (for traction) and then add my uni-strut on the edges ...this will create a mount for my Marsden Mats and any solar I put down. Also I want my solar loveable as I I sleep on my roof often.

@tomwilliam5118 3 жыл бұрын

I subscribed to your Channel. The old saying is you can cut a piece of wood shorter but you can't make it longer. So I would always go with more power than you need with room to increase. One of the thing I would probably go with 24 volts batteries if you're going to start running over 1200 1500 w

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Tom for subscribing! Its funny you use the wood analogy... my wood skills are, unskilled!

@DD8842 3 жыл бұрын

That square top must be helpful for more solar

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Definitely! The Ambulance gives a lot of flat space!

@build-things 3 жыл бұрын

Nice I just put 1140w hqst panels on my roof. Plan on running ac and 2 gaming laptops for both me and my gf

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Very nice! You'll do well with that wattage :)

@dingfeldersmurfalot4560 3 жыл бұрын

Good for you! Living without AC can be brutal and it might make some couples tear each other's heads off!

@lynettelane916 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video! Loved the explanation about all those panels. I am installing 380W with 225 aH batteries and a 3000W inverter. I am leaving room to add a panel or two and more batteries. We will see how this system works and then upgrade if needed. I don't have as many high draw appliances, so I will be interested to see how it all works together! Thanks again!

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Great system Lynette - and with room for more :) Thank you :)

@russconklin6558 3 жыл бұрын

HI David, Another day another great video. I love watching your videos, I can learn so much and have fun. My grandfather told me when I was young, a smart man learns from his mistakes, but a wise man learns from other's mistakes. So thank you for teaching a dummie like me all of your wisdom. By the way, did you find that noise, or was it Lefty just having fun. HA! HA! You are my favorite youtube channel. God Bless, and safe roads. Russ

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your words Russ, I appreciate them. And the noise... Lefty!! Always!

@uslipaway 3 жыл бұрын

After my fig is built and Canada opens back up, Alaska here I come. I'm sure next year some time. Also on my list is Baja Mexico.

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome destinations!

@pincus321 3 жыл бұрын

It sounds like you could use a smaller inverter if you use one device at a time. This will give you a bit more reliability. For example you could run your computer or TV from 400w inverter, but use a 1kw inverter for the AC and airfryer. I see this all the time with American systems big inverters that are oversized for the job that use that level of energy as soon as you turn them on. But it sounds like you have a handle on your usage, I,e,. Use energy when it is available, like cooked meal in the middle of the day not in the evening. Fully charged batteries last a lot longer than those that have to sit for eight hours before they get topped up.

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

I do use a small one for my laptop when I'm working on it, but I've been looking for a small, robust unit to parallel install for the TV too. Great idea!

@marquisdesade6191 3 жыл бұрын

Great system! I started with 200 watts. The extra panels are good for low light charging in series connection. Get a high input voltage controller. I can get a small charge parked under a street light now!

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Under a steet light!! That's great!

@marksommers6764 3 жыл бұрын

Lunar panels ?

@frankwern8784 3 жыл бұрын

A side benefit of having a solar array covering a significant amount of your "RV roof space" is their ability to provide sun insulation. Typical mountings have a air space beneath them and this greatly impacts the heat transfer into your rig on a sunny day with sun overhead. You can test this using a infrared thermometer - you will see a significant difference between areas covered by panels vs. areas without panels.

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

I think that I've felt that effect in the truck from the panels blocking the roof

@ducksinarowpatience3670 3 жыл бұрын

The "Fleet", is growing.

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Every day!

@599miata 2 жыл бұрын

👍👍👍

@dillonrogers973 3 жыл бұрын

What do you think of the new big size Jackery Batteries? Seeing as they have inverters built in they seem like pretty appealing options

@robertmuckle2985 3 жыл бұрын

You are doing surprisingly well for having only about 240ah usable battery power. I wouldn't recommend your setup up here in Canada, as you'd need far more storage capacity to get you through those low light stretches, which is half the year! I've just begun a box truck build and have ordered over 600ah of Lifep04 and will have an array similar to yours. The batteries will be the biggest investment by far, but where I live, we can't count on the sun always keeping us topped up, sadly!

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Good point - depending on area of use the battery bank size changes. Long nights are tough!

@thebusterdog6358 3 жыл бұрын

Why are you not grilling the steak outside? A small propane grill would easily and cheaply do all your cooking, even frying potatoes. I agree you need the panels for A/C. As far as a microwave goes, having one of them wouldn't even be on my top 10 list of must haves.

@ducksinarowpatience3670 3 жыл бұрын

11040 watts panels 6 190's Ridge (?) 200 watt , they make now. 300 amp hour battery bank , 3 , 100 amp hour Renogy gel batteries (has 2 crank batteries for engine). Solar charge controller 100 amp EP Ever Charge Controller. 24/7 they run. Wee boost, fridge, freezer,. 24/7 they run. Hard wired in 12 volt. Turn on 3000 (Big draws, are Air fryer, coffee maker, microwave) TV, laptop charge , watch tv.

@BryanBear5050 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the videos. I have a few questions: with an ambulance, you do not get good gas mileage. Do you stay in one area for a few weeks as opposed to moving every day? My thought is that there are two schools of thought: a big rig that stays in an area for weeks and then a good tow vehicle, in terms of mpg, and a trailer so you can unhitch and use the two vehicle to explore and maybe move to new spots every few days. With diesel at $5+ a gallon, I imagine you sit still for a while and enjoy your amenities. Secondly, what do you do in the evening when it is warm but not enough sun to run the AC? Do you switch to fans to cool you off? A person in a Prius could just drive to cooler weather but I assume you can not as easily due to fuel cost. And for heat, I assume you use a fuel-based heating solution. I apologize if you go over this in other videos. This is just my second video of yours I have seen.

@TheCampulanceMan Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching us :) I have gone over these questions in videos - we average 13.5mpg. I prefer to camp and not travel all the time so fuel costs are not usually an issue. I have a motorcycle for town trips. I don't camp where it's hot at night but if I'm warm I run the roof fan and my interior fan to cool off :)

@reubenj.cogburn8546 3 жыл бұрын

Hello David! I agree with your philosophy on going big with the panels. The cost, if shopped for, is VERY reasonable. I do the cargo trailer thing (7x14), and mounted 1500 on it, with a separate 600 on the utility box pick-up. Cloudy days still yield a decent charge- not possible with standard formulas of panel/battery. Wondering when you're going to upgrade to lithium, as I've found they can be built DIY for also, VERY reasonable cost.

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

I'm jealous of your wattage! And lithium diy is on my list... my gels are almost 2 years old :/ Thsnks for your comment :)

@reubenj.cogburn8546 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheCampulanceMan You most welcome sir. I'll be following your channel, but it might be because that darn dog captured my heart.

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Mine too!! He makes my days complete :)

@craigbrowning9448 3 жыл бұрын

You never know what is enough until you know what is more than enough. William Blake (from "The Proverbs of Hell")

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

More than enough??? I haven't hit that yet! Thanks Craig :)

@lleaha 3 жыл бұрын

Please post me a link to your air conditioner video that you speak of at 10:40, thanks.

@Mark-nt1jf 3 жыл бұрын

I would guess more panels helps on cloudy days to keep your batteries charged. Ah, you talked about that.

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

✌

@Flash1857 3 жыл бұрын

Panels look good, nice work. And don’t the panels help keep the rig cooler in the sun ?

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Yes. They give me an air gap and shade the roof ;)

@ThePearlist1 3 жыл бұрын

Hello!!! New Subbie her....This Video was Very helpful I'm looking into becoming a future Nomad and having PLENTY of Electricity is a MUST.....Thank you (Hug).

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and commenting and subbing :)

@lipsticklodge7526 2 жыл бұрын

I use solar in my trailer..I 260 watt panel ..2 batteries..1000 watt pure sine inverter

@lipsticklodge7526 2 жыл бұрын

I also use a generator because I don't have sun in winter very much ..

@kenworth1824 3 жыл бұрын

Love the video! Quick question about your panels. Are they run in series or in that other way? I'm exploring the best way to live on the road and you've convinced me into getting a ambulance. I just haven't found the 1 I want & the price I want it at, yet. But it's better to have all this figured out before taking the plunge. Stay safe and healthy!

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Mike - 3 in series, 3 in series, then the 2 pair are parallel.

@kenworth1824 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheCampulanceMan that's what I thought. Thanks a ton David!

@puddin7889 3 жыл бұрын

Great video Lot of great info What do you think of the Bluetooth200ep.Rethinking not wanting to drill holes in my roof thinking of the fold up panels I have enough room in my rig to carry them but I also want to power up a ac too🤔 hello lefty🐶

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

I'd recommend mounting the panels. Holes can be sealed with Dycor and weather tape and if you ever remove them the holes can be sealed up easily. I'm too lazy to set up and move panels every day :)) Lefty says HI!

@puddin7889 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheCampulanceMan Thank you David hello to lefty and you or maybe someday I will meet you and maybe you can help me set up my solar and of course I will pay you to help me and I’ll pay lefty a in 🦴

@johnnyandersson5622 3 жыл бұрын

Your victron battery monitor is probably configured wrong, google "Victron battery monitor jumps to 100%" and see this (below) in page 11 in the manual. Been there my self, it should not display 100% when you pushing more then 0.XXA in your 300Ah battery bank. I'll asume that your house bank is lithium based otherwise you will waste 1kW in 90% of the time. :) "The BMV synchronises too early In solar systems or other applications with fluctuating charge currents, the following measures can be taken to reduce the probability for the BMV to reset prematurely to 100 % state of charge: a) Increase the “charged” voltage to only slightly below the absorption charge voltage (for example: 14.2 V in case of 14.4 V absorption voltage). b) Increase the “charged” detection time and/or decrease the tail current to prevent an early reset due to to passing clouds. See section 4.2.1 for set up instructions."

@sonnysena 3 жыл бұрын

If you still have a wish list... what would it be or what would they be in order?

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Great question 🤔 I have a notebook with all sorts of ideas sketched out: Raise the roof. Visit powerstroke shop to have my engine checked and modified for better mountain climbing/towing. Trade my bike for a side by side so I can take Lefty with me. Replace my batteries with a larger lithium bank. Those are the biggies :)

@craigslist04 3 жыл бұрын

If you have too much electricity, share it with your new friends.

@epnuzuluaga766 3 жыл бұрын

Those Renogy gel hybrid batteries are what I am looking @ to use on my solar array. have you had any issues with charging and discharging? how far down have you drawn the batteries?

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

My batteries have worked well for almost 2 years. I regularly draw them to around 75% except the night I fell asleep with my outside scene lights on... 25%!

@laurencegoldman4639 3 жыл бұрын

Are you happy with the Renergy Gels? (Vs. buying those BattleBorn LifePos?) i.e. if you were do it over, would you re-buy what you have?

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

The gels have performed well for me for almost 2 years. I can't complain. If I did it again, today, I'd build lithium from china cells. They are the only cost effective way I could get lithium.

@TheRPGChick Жыл бұрын

I know this is an old video, but I have a question: What if you tried running your coffee maker, a/c, and vacuum cleaner (plus your "always-on" items) all at the same time? Would a circuit breaker trip, or would your batteries just die in a matter of minutes? Just curious! I'm home-bound for the moment, and I can't run my microwave and toaster oven at the same time, probably because I have two mini-fridges running, and my computer is usually on. So the circuit breaker trips and everything shuts off. Would the same happen to you? Thank you for your time. (gives Lefty a pat)

@TheCampulanceMan Жыл бұрын

I am sure that I could force my breaker to flip, but I've never had the need to run everything at the same time and never will.

@CITAP1 3 жыл бұрын

So why Gel batteries and not AGM? Nice electric system. Also, my guess is your roof is cooler being covered with solar panels.

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

I decided on them after doing some reading. Temperature stable, sealed, orientation doesn't matter, decent longevity.

@CITAP1 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheCampulanceMan I went the AGM route. I understood the Gel batteries need care in charging and discharging not to exceed current limits causing the gel to bubble. Sounds like on a sunny day your solar can handle your heavy loads but at night without the solar you may want to watch your battery current. It looks like you will be able to get a longer service life out of the gel batteries. I was just wondering how your experience has been. Take care.

@arquivoyager2010 3 жыл бұрын

do you know how long the batteries are expected to last under the usage (under sunlight) and conditions you described ?

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

The GEL batteries are rated at 1100 cycles or longer depending on DOD. I drop them to 70% max so I should get good life out of them.

@RingoTheGSP 3 жыл бұрын

Hi David, love your vids. I'm a 56 year old woman who's lived in the same apartment for 22 years and I just bought an ambulance!!! Scared sh#@&#ss!! It's getting a 400 watt renogy kit installed but now I worry it's not enough. If I decide to go to a higher watt in the future can I just have the panels changed out or does everything need to change? I also have a 2000 watt inverter. Change to 3000 watt? I can't believe I'm doing this, unfortunately I don't think my 12 year old pointer will make the journey with me, I have a hard decision to make sooner than later.... Anyways, hugs to Lefty and keep the videos coming!!

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Congratulations on your rig! If you want more solar, you can add panels and may need to also change your charge controller to a higher amperage. I'm sorry your buddy can't journey with you... :/

@RingoTheGSP 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks David!

@philipcanterbury4722 2 жыл бұрын

Other than Ebay, craigslist and Facebook where can I find Ambulances also what is a average price I know about year and mileage and stull

@TheCampulanceMan 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Philip - there are govt auctions, small equipment auction sites... prices between $5-$10k for rigs like mine.

@cognitivedischarge9178 3 жыл бұрын

What kind of AC do you have? How cold does it get the ambulance?

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Its a GE 5000btu unit. I did a video on installing it a while back.

@MrAndycm 3 жыл бұрын

Does Lefty beg when you eat? Thanks

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

No he never has done that. He sits quietly and watches me eat :)

@jamesfrancisco7308 3 жыл бұрын

I do have a question. All the imbalances that I come across are van types. How are they to work on? I own a van and it is a pain to work on. Can you get to all the spark plugs? My van I can not, Saying that I am looking to buy a diesel 7.3 if I can find one.

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

The great thing about the diesel ambulances... no spark plugs! It's actually easy to reach the engine from the front and from the inside after removing the doghouse.

@jamesfrancisco7308 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheCampulanceMan Cool, What is needed to remove the dog house?

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

@@jamesfrancisco7308 It's held in with 4 clips. Unclip it, lift it up and out through the door. Then you've got access to the back side of the engine. See my most recent video and I show it :)

@jamesfrancisco7308 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheCampulanceMan Ok, Thank you

@JJfromIA Жыл бұрын

Panels are much cheaper than good batteries, so...

@tomwilliam5118 3 жыл бұрын

Where's a good place to start looking for a used ambulance. At what point is too many miles on ambulance when you buy it buy

@TheCampulanceMan 3 жыл бұрын

Tom, see my video on how to find an ambulance and what to look for. That should get you started.

@tomwilliam5118 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheCampulanceMan thanks

@maureenmcgrath5501 Жыл бұрын

I'm thinking about an ambulance. it's diesel...hmm 🤔

@maureenmcgrath5501 Жыл бұрын

And 500 watts solar...

@nmr6988 2 жыл бұрын

I don't really know a lot of facts about solar energy such as how much I need, what it converts to, etc etc. And I don't want to, any more than I want to truly understand how my car works. Is it really necessary that I know all of that? Then not enough. I never want to be without either heat or especially air conditioning.

@TheCampulanceMan 2 жыл бұрын

I think it's good to have an understanding of how it works incase of any problems. It can get expensive if you rely on others to maintain your system.

@nmr6988 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCampulanceMan I agree. It's just not my forte.

@rudyinthesky4967 3 жыл бұрын

Looks like a perfect excuse to include an electric bike in your lifestyle.

@Tomlinsky 2 жыл бұрын

Being able to maximise charge time in a correctly implemented system out of what light is available is common sense. Claiming otherwise isn't 'purism', it is contrariness and idiocy.