VAN BUILD PRO TIPS • Electrical And Solar Install Common MISTAKES

Рет қаралды 73,933

4 жыл бұрын

We had the chance to sit down with Professional Van builders "RAY OUTFITTED" In Ontario Canada and ask them some questions that will help the DIY Van builder with some common electrical mistakes that they see on a regular basis. IF YOU VAN QUESTIONS about your electrical install Ray outfitted offers a PAID phone call from them to look over your plan and electrical design and offer TIPS for your DIY electrical that could save your van from catching fire. A small investment that could save your house. I think its pretty cool they offer this. Contact them at www.rayoutfitted.com/ To find out more or Follow them on KZfaq / @vmvanlife
Wire calculator assets.bluesea.com/files/resou...
My name is Chrome i live full-tiime in my cargo van with my english bulldog "Cruz". We travel a little more everyday and film our day to day adventures "Everyday Van Life" Below is a list of all the basic questions you may have about us
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Пікірлер: 129

@aztec999999 4 жыл бұрын

I could listen to that guy for hours

@MyTVan 4 жыл бұрын

Happy if our mistakes can help others! We sure learned a lot, and now have peace of mind that our system is safe and that we'll get the most of it :) Thanks again to Ray Outfitted and good call for sharing this Chrome!

@Debbzvanventure 4 жыл бұрын

Love this! I went to the van build in Arizona and they did a great job. It's all noise to me too.

@billedwards2657 4 жыл бұрын

Big tips: use wire gauge charts for steady state current. The wire will handle inrush or spikes. Second, rate your protection devices for 10-15% over current protection, no more than 125% of what you’re going with. 50A for a 40A line is 25% and is maximum. I would use a 45A slo blow fuse or 45A circuit breaker with thermal protection.

@limitedtime5471 2 жыл бұрын

This is a seriously valuable vanlife video. Ray is knowledgeable and clear spoken.

@paulskystoneadventures 4 жыл бұрын

👍👍👌👌 Just some advice from a heavy equipment technician with over forty years of experience at the journeyman level get a certified person to do your electrical in your vehicle and not someone who thinks they can do it. It is like wiring your house choose carefully so you can sleep at night. .

@TheDawnofVanlife 4 жыл бұрын

The problem is a lot of fires are poor people who are just scrambling to have power and following DIY on KZfaq. That being said, I feel like I avoided a lot of these mistakes by watching Will Prowse.

@k5jrx3 3 жыл бұрын

As a General Contractor, and have been in the business for 26 years, I couldnt agree more. I give some presentation classes on solar power, mainly related to HAM radio, in the Tulsa area. When people ask me questions about specifics on wiring I do not answer them. I explain that this isnt anything to take risks with. While I could answer the question, Im not willing to carry liability for a mistake they may make later in trying to put a system together. Just not worth it.

@connietownsend4237 2 жыл бұрын

What is the certified person called and where do I find them if I look them up on Google a certified what?

@brianbailey462 2 жыл бұрын

@@connietownsend4237 Electrician?

@dopeMike_ 4 ай бұрын

::licks his thumb:: and points it at vehicle.... Yea we can get it done.

@gisellegonzalez2628 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve witnessed 3 fires this year alone. DIY’s every last one. Great video, but your right it turns into white noise after a while, I would definitely seek out a professional.

@Seastorm-nh8cv 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, so much, for airing Ray Outfitted and his wise words. He made it easy to understand electrical wire gauges!

@GCSol 3 жыл бұрын

I spent a year researching before I bought my solar equipment. I played it safe and used 1 gauge bigger than required.

@blessedbeyond2118 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Chrome Hope you are doing good!! Give Mom my love and blessings!!

@JaDem148 4 жыл бұрын

I think what you're saying in a nutshell is that, "Electrical work is not a hobby!" I'm not so sure if I'd attempt any kind of propane or diesel plumbing on my own either. 👍

@j.a.f.i.p9517 4 жыл бұрын

Evening Chrome, great vid again. Safe a couple of Euros, or Dollars in your case, loose your wheels.. Read, learn, and if you're not sure, go to guys like Ray's ;) Say hi to Cruz! Greets from Holland, Bryan says latuhrz..

@jjview1796 4 жыл бұрын

Great info, Chrome...no bs tips are always appreciated.

@nmartin5551 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video. Thanks for the blue sea calculator tip. Wire is cheap compared to burning down a an.

@jamelcampbell4984 2 жыл бұрын

I'm in the middle of a small build with solar, I'm happy to know I did mine right. And I did learn what the load off the mppt controller was for - I do not need it. Thanks chrome, another great video.

@nomadicmomma2048 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to teach all of us who are interested for academic reasons and those (like myself) who are days? weeks? or months away from getting our flight feathers. 😉 Thanks to you I know when it all comes together I’m going to that much better off.

@johni6138 2 жыл бұрын

just learning about rv electric/solar in 2022 and this is a very informative video for familiarization of terms and concepts...great stuff ty 👍

@WoodyWillisIII 4 жыл бұрын

VERY informative video. All the mistakes I was going to make explained.

@Snarge22 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks there Chrome! And while I'm an electrical engineer and understand the basics, van applications are new to me so this information is hugely helpful!

@richardchandler968 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing info explained very clearly to prevent big mistakes. Huge props

@jetskifisherman9214 11 ай бұрын

This is the reason why I’ve watched a tons of videos on each subject I want to build before I install it. I’m currently building my 1st van and I’ll be using 3 of 100A 12.8V Power Queen Lithium Batteries. I’ll be connecting them in Parallel to keep the same 12V system but will be increasing the amps to 300. Because of that, I can get away with a 1/0 AWG wire but I’ll be using 2/0Wire to connect the batteries. And what I’ve learned is that you want the Wire coming from the Inverter you’re using to be larger than the battery wire you’re using this I’ll be using a 3/0 AWG wire. Know your wires before you do anything. The bigger the wires, the smaller the number. Like 12g is smaller than 10G, and on to 0 Gauge wire. After 0G wire then you’ll get 1/0 Wire them 2/0 and so on. Any it WON’T hurt to have a breaker or a Fuse for each wite you’re running. I’m not saying to over do them, but if you aren’t sure….consult with someone or if you can’t find anyone them run a fuse. Worse case is to pop the fuse then burning things down. And NEVER hook up your solar to your charge controller UNTIL the controller is already powered on by your batteries.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

I say it all the time Keep it Simple Keep it Safe 👍🤓👍

@terricouglewerley6682 4 жыл бұрын

Great Information! Thanks for posting it.

@64maxpower 3 жыл бұрын

Mistake videos are the most educational to me

@dwightbernheimer331 4 жыл бұрын

Bottom line, this DIY guy's a very lucky van owner lol great video thank you.

@MyTVan 4 жыл бұрын

We sure are! :)

@geowilliam4622 2 жыл бұрын

Best, most helpful info.

@debrahayes2572 4 жыл бұрын

Great information Chrome! Thank you so much!👍😊

@williamley7380 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Chrome!!! I agree, if you're not confident in certain areas it's OK to get a professional to help with things.

@Raykenn1 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video. Thanks to you and Ray.

@corybowes9400 4 жыл бұрын

💕 Hi Chrome, that is all good to know. Even someone who doesn't understand it all, like me, now knows that I will need more research.

@sueb.5364 4 жыл бұрын

All great advise! Thank you!!

@MsSoozy 4 жыл бұрын

Wiring is so very important. Even my stereo wires are huge, probably overkill but, better safe than sorry. Good information. If you are unsure of your skills, definitely call on somebody that knows their stuff, like Ray's

@GiantMeteor2024 3 жыл бұрын

Great info! Thanks Raynor, Weirdo Assistant, and Chrome! 🍻

@susancrowley9378 3 жыл бұрын

Your advice helped me out alot, thank you very much

@brain2save 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Chrome...nice video

@traciuniquestylefeliciano7696 3 жыл бұрын

Can you create a step-by-step and do it in front of us in the video so that we could follow along for the electric cups.. And a beginner just got my Van like to do the electric right and I live in US

@IR088Y 4 жыл бұрын

Yo this guy has so much character so entertaining 👌

@hermitgirlwanders9162 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for a good video. I learned something.

@drphibesrises 4 жыл бұрын

Great info and tips. Thanks. 👍

@heidijongkindt1480 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome, was wondering if we would see these tutorials on your channel or Madison and Raynors😊 super cool to have them as an resource for van living.

@maitildamcintyre9344 4 жыл бұрын

This was all Greek to me Chrome but I’m sure very useful for all the DIY folks watching. I’m a consumer and need to pay for the expertise of others. Safe travels to you and your 🐶

@mariaantoniou7090 2 жыл бұрын

Hi from Greece... It's all Greek to me too!! 🇬🇷😂🤣😂

@eek4904 4 жыл бұрын

Chrome you just made my day and possibly van life! Been looking for someone close to home to help me with my van...so happy!! Will be contacting Ray soon! Should be getting my van in early Dec and starting conversion in spring! 🤘🤘🤘

@VANCITYVANLIFE 4 жыл бұрын

So awesome they are Amazing People

@veevanvoom5863 4 жыл бұрын

Raynor and Andy often work together if your in the Ontario area contact them early so you can coordinate the two. Raynor will come to you most places in Canada, but Andy needs his shop

@jimc5624 4 жыл бұрын

Anytime dealing with current the shorter the cable the better also fuse close to the battery as possible

@PossumMedic 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the vid! :D

@cbarbs638 Жыл бұрын

all made sense! ...but I did have to google and make sure that a '1 ought' is the same as 1/0 lol

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

great advice

@davepalmetto 4 жыл бұрын

Nice to know great job

@darryldrax606 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the information 😉🙏✌💞🐶💞👍👌😊

@katcankan7129 4 жыл бұрын

A great video 😊

@laurajphillips 4 жыл бұрын

Thank You So Much!

@gracecallowayable 4 жыл бұрын

Lol...Ok!!! That was all Greek to me!!! I’m just going to have it professionally done!!! I’m just going to stay in my lane when it comes to that!!! Wow!!! He knows his stuff!!! Thank you!!!👠🚌👠

@shuttlebuswives7822 4 жыл бұрын

Ty for the info... ✌️❤️🙏

@dandelionsoil 4 жыл бұрын

It’s like you read my mind!

@vanadee1618 4 жыл бұрын

Freaked out. a power system fire under the bed...Thanks for posting about wires.

@flyonthewall7026 3 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU so so much btw....🙏

@gardner521 3 жыл бұрын

Yes! I found the electrical video

@KAYKAY-tf3jz 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@VANCITYVANLIFE 2 жыл бұрын

Awe THANK YOU 🙏

@IzzyOnTheMove 4 жыл бұрын

To me it is Chinese haha but great to put the info out there for those who need it 👍💕

@aprilz6540 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for posting this! I spent last summer getting a feel for how I want to build out my van, and this winter I'll be doing the work. This is exactly what I needed right now!! Thank you again!

@enriquelaroche5370 4 жыл бұрын

Fuse at the alternator protects all the way back to the DC-DC Smart on the charger output.

@dlewis7131 4 жыл бұрын

I appreciate this info but I have NO idea what he’s talking about...yet good info to pass on to my electrician 👍

@VikingVanMan 4 жыл бұрын

Ahhh ! Just get a jackery !!! Skål !!! 🍺🍺🍺 ⚡⚡⚡⚡

@lisahook7978 4 жыл бұрын

Amen!

@sunniross7043 4 жыл бұрын

So if you went all largest wire, highest fuse amp and breakers in every line, can you go too big (other than cost)?

@NK-dl2nc 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for highlighting the mistakes DIY builders make. Most electrical installs I have seen are shocking..... points that you have highlighted plus lack of isolators and mechanical protection against chafing etc. I have a real concern with the structural and electrical side of some of these builds. People need educating to make these builds safer or we will end either not being allowed to do it or will have to jump through hoops with legislation.

@brianbailey462 2 жыл бұрын

hey excellent points... keep it safe as possible... when the politicians want to start taxing us or regulate things they will spread a couple videos on all the major news channels of disasterous accidents involving a loaded van with no safety protocals on the build... and flying debris killed little Timmy on the crosswalk and so now ALL vanbuilds must follow a strict set of rules and code that must be signed off after you pay for all such permits / if accepted. I can see this being van life reality in 2023 maybe 2024.

@4yellowwolf 3 жыл бұрын

Great information. Just makes me feel happy that Ill be using a jackery with solar panel for my energy needs 💕

@TerriLynch 4 жыл бұрын

👍 I want a promaster😊

@JG-kv4oi 4 жыл бұрын

So do I, A 159" W.B. 2500 in white. I'm planning on a 2020 model. How about you?

@TerriLynch 4 жыл бұрын

@@JG-kv4oi I want the same one but it's just a dream right now because I'm nowhere near having the money for one. Good luck and enjoy

@JG-kv4oi 4 жыл бұрын

@@ericyuan9718 They seem to hold their value well for the first couple years where I live. I buy used cars but I think for a van thats going to last me the next 20 years and I'm going to spend hundreds of hours building out I want a virgin 😁 Thanks!

@6248cjl 4 жыл бұрын

I want a Promaster and once I am ready, I’m willing to drive to Canada to get my van build. I am 62. It will be my home/transportation until I either kick the bucket or am forced to quit driving.

@TerriLynch 4 жыл бұрын

@@6248cjl sounds like a good plan. Where would you be traveling from to Canada?

@nikkibandsashasrvadventure8830 4 жыл бұрын

👍

@pbaylis1 2 жыл бұрын

What is the amp rating of your bus bars?

@elleyd6985 3 жыл бұрын

saw this video and wow i was gonna do my solar system myself no exp at all to much u tube on my end im near nyc & having trouble finding someone so i guess no sar til i can

@tomscott7292 2 жыл бұрын

DC disconnect and also 4AWG that's rated at 85amps...yeah that's my solution.

@mikemishreki5623 3 жыл бұрын

Do you happen to have a sample wiring diagram with wire sizes?

@MrAdam100576 2 жыл бұрын

I didn't see any grounding. Is it necessary to ground the leisure battery to the chassis? Or does the DC negative act as a ground? Curious..lengthy explanation is fine.

@geraldgibson8132 2 жыл бұрын

Can I plug my electric water heater directly to my renogy 2000w inverter ot keep it in the outlet connected to my breaker?

@MrParts4sale 4 жыл бұрын

no cut off switch at battery. circuit breakers are the correct way not fuses.

@jesse2006 4 жыл бұрын

I've ran wire in a house that can run blenders and TVs and just about everything. they are way smaller than that wire you showed so I'm confused why you need such a fat wire?

@jeffnorbert1871 2 жыл бұрын

110-120 volts in most of your house wiring. Lower current/amperage than 12 volt systems. Wire "carries" amps (the quantity of electrons moving). Voltage is the force causing the amps to move. Voltage times amps equals wattage. Wattage is the amount of work the electricity in use can do. 12 volts pushing 15 amps is only 180 watts. 120 volts pushing 15 amps is 1800 watts. Can't do much with 180 watts. Can't do much with 14 gauge wire at 12 volts. That same wire at 120 volts will do plenty.

@ellegraham8559 4 жыл бұрын

Awsome info, all I heard was blah, blah blah...lol!! Who does this in the Vancouver area?

@mr.p3567 3 жыл бұрын

Fuse the power wire from the panels to the controller, because.... You lost me at fuse. 😆

@toneloc79 4 жыл бұрын

Burning copper wire in camp fire fun too

@mileshardeem2375 3 жыл бұрын

~@7:40 how is that any different than simply disconnecting it from the solar charge controller?

@savedby_faith 3 жыл бұрын

I need help on Vancouver Island to replace my batteries already set up and connected to alternator. But I cant lift the old batteries. Can you recommend someone on the island that wont break my bank account?

@spencergillespie 3 жыл бұрын

In the video he says that for a 3000W inverter with a 6000peak (the Victron) to use a 4/0 wire. Is a 4/0 wire large enough for the Renogy 3000W inverter that has a 9000W peak?

@rory6089 2 жыл бұрын

@1231dre 3 жыл бұрын

Is that 4 gauge for inverter with a 6000 W peak

@michaeljudge5942 2 жыл бұрын

This video summed up: use more fuses

@minowu72 3 жыл бұрын

What size busbars do you use?

@sandrawarren268 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Chrome, how can I get one of your weirdos unite stickers? I live in Tennessee, could I buy one?

@alvaradacosta293 4 жыл бұрын

I think he's the same guy that fixed Camper van Kevin's electrical system because someone did his incorrectly also.

@itsthejourney6470 3 жыл бұрын

I kept trying to decide if I was going to do this work myself and emailed RayOutfitted to possible book me in before my Journey. I most definitely will be letting Ray do my work after watching this video

@ktb371 4 жыл бұрын

Somebody shoulde tell people that sealed lead acid batteries need to be disconnected from charger when fully charged. They will continue to charge and heat up to a high temp and a fire will result. Please tell folks this. Some deep cycle batteries come woth smart charget that turns off when fully charged. Not all do. Be careful of this fatal mistake

@aricyr 4 жыл бұрын

KT Brady depends on how you’re charging it though. Solar charge controllers are smart devices and will avoid overcharging your battery.

@jeffnorbert1871 2 жыл бұрын

"float" charge can be continuous if I'm not mistaken.

@Mikeykaysuper 4 жыл бұрын

Once you let the smoke out of wiring it is hard to get it back in .

@rileyuktv6426 4 жыл бұрын

👍🐶❤️1

@MyTVan 4 жыл бұрын

🐶🤗

@elizabethtrotter8403 4 жыл бұрын

do you plan on getting solar ?

@VANCITYVANLIFE 4 жыл бұрын

Maybe one day if a company decides to give me a set up for free. Otherwise I don’t think I would ever purchased solar myself. Solar doesn’t work very well on this side of the wor maybe one day if a company decides to give me a set up for free. Otherwise I don’t think I would ever purchase solar for myself. Solar doesn’t work As good half of the year in Canada in the Pacific Northwest in the US. We got a lot of cloud coverage making shoulder kind of useless for a portion of the year. Now if I was in Florida or Arizona solar would be mandatory. But because of my location I’m very undecided

@CesarHernandez-ht5ex 2 жыл бұрын

Get a shop. U can help a lot of people.

@interestingcomments5178 4 жыл бұрын

Van build electrical

@mrcina8621 2 жыл бұрын

Can't really watch it after few minutes, everyone seems to be smart these days after watching some dodgy guys on KZfaq, spend small amount of $ save heaps of $ on long run! Thanks for pointing problems 👏

@artificallead499 Жыл бұрын

To bad I’m in USA

@robinhoodloom5795 2 жыл бұрын

I got solar Certs Photovoltaic PV 1-3..Listen to that pro.Robin Hoodloom on Instagram

@johntatman9168 3 жыл бұрын

The only thing I would add is to be careful which "pro" you go to. With no regulations or licensing on builders anyone can claim to be a pro builder. Do your homework vdon't just fall for a title.