Motorhome RV Solar & Lithium Upgrade - Start to Finish DIY Installation

This video will show you, start-to-finish, how we upgraded an existing electrical system in a 30A Class C Motorhome RV.

In this DIY 30A RV electrical install, we cover a wide range of topics, so we have included chapters at the bottom of this description if you need to find a specific part of the install.

This comprehensive tutorial will cover installing a two 270aH Battle Born GC3 batteries to create a 540aH battery bank, wiring a Victron Lynx Distributor with a BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor and master disconnect switch, replacing the lead acid battery with a battery relocation kit, installing 1200W of solar panels connected to a solar charge controller, wiring a Victron MultiPlus 3k and splice kit so we can run 120V outlets without being connected to shore power, and alternator charging. Each chapter will also include a segment on programming and testing each component so you can best understand your system.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful with planning and installing your DIY Camper:

FULL ELECTRICAL INSTALLS:

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES:

00:00 Introduction
00:29 OEM System Walkthrough
05:26 RV Electrical System Upgrade
05:52 Lithium Battery Bank Install
08:49 Wiring the Victron Lynx Distributor
13:13 VictronConnect App - Programming BMV-712
14:17 Wiring the Chassis Ground
15:16 Battery Bank Relocation
17:59 Wiring and Installing the MultiPlus and Splice Kit
25:12 Installing Solar Panels, Solar Charge Controller, and Solar Isolator
30:18 VictronConnect App - SmartSolar Controller
31:30 Alternator Charging
37:13 Final Thoughts

[EXPLORISTlife]

‼ *IMPORTANT INFO* ‼ I'll be keeping this pinned comment updated with FAQ's about this project, kit, video, etc; so be sure to click 'read more'.

*Q: How much did this system cost/Where can I get more info about the parts in this system?*


*Q: What If I want a system like this, but want a different solar configuration?*


*Q: I don't want to DIY. Can you install this system for me?*

[terriyarbrough]

I absolutely adore my son and sweet DIL. You two are AMAZING. I loved watching you and your crew work on the new rig. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. And thank you for your patience while you taught me how everything functions. Can't wait to get back to Colorado, my upgraded rv, all of my grandanimals and my kiddos. ❤

[ascenttev]

Your Mother Is Proud Of You 💗.
We Are Super Proud Of You ❤.

[rolandmogle]

Your mother is very proud/ fortunate to have such a literally a genius ! I have watched 100 s of solar electric systems, no body on the planet does it better than and your wife and your team, including other channel’s that have giant subscribers.

[SoggyWaffles]

wow, I have been watching almost nonstop for a couple of days and I just finally figured out the random beeps I keep hearing.

[rudivandoornegat]

The blue cable ducting with integrated isolator switch makes this install look extra neat.

[markogaz]

Thank you! Finally, someone to talk about the BIM switch and what to do with it. I have watched a bunch of videos on adding a DC to DC charger, but nobody mentions how to handle the flow from the alternator directly. This has been on my mind from the beginning. All I ever saw was how to add a second channel to charge the coach battery and nothing on the preventing the alternator from continuing on the original channel.

[caseyarmstrong]

I have literally watched all of your videos, and they never seem to get boring. Everything you both do are top notch, and greatly appreciate love watching you both perform your work. Someday I wish to have a system like this on my older 5th wheel. Keep up the great videos guy/ladies, 😊

[daviscrt]

Thats our next rig. Might need to make an appointment to do ours. Great work. Thanks Don from California

[quytrinh]

has to be no doubt the best 12v electrical videos out there!

[t.m]

This was an "AWESOME" video!!! Thank you for showing us all of the details.

[PaulCTownsend]

Great job and video thank you. Charging a dead or weak battery with the alternator has
always been a problem.

[goose-F]

High standards! nice work.. fantastic video with tons of information..I love how you guys go thru everything together.. its fun to see how you repeat the exact same process over and over.. it certainly reenforces your expertise and what just works the best.. thank you..

[joeladams]

Excelent video you two. Love the Chanel i will definitely purchase all of my equipment and instal kits when i am ready. Thank you.

[Charlie-zlpc]

So the DC to DC charger is optional, but the isolator needs to remain switched off unless needed for emergency starts?

[manytoyz]

Very nicely done! Excellent job by you both explaining the process in detail, and both physically doing the work. Very clean installation too.

[bwikfors]

I love your videos and have used them to install 3 full systems now with great success. I wanted to forward on an idea that I used for my personal system with regard to solar panel install on the roof. I decided to use shallow super strut channel to attach the panels. This allowed me to use far fewer (although larger) attachment points to the roof itself and still maintain a low profile. This then allows me to remove/install/move solar panels as I want without needing to drill new holes or fill/seal old ones. All the hardware is available at your typical "Big Box" hardware stores and didn't cost much. I used 1/4" x 1/2" well nuts and lap sealant for the attachment point of the strut channel and made sure that it was attached to the trusses of the roof whenever possible. You can then use cone nuts and middle or end solar brackets to attach to the strut channel. It has worked perfect for nearly 3 years now. Just a thought!

[thomasczaplicki]

Hey Ryan - nice job on the RV upgrade. I'm sure your Mom is very thankful for all your hard work. This system will be very nice for her! I recently added an Orion 12:12 | 30 to my sailboat and found it very helpful to add a 1/4" aluminum backing plate with spacers between the aluminum plate and the mounting surface. These Orion chargers can get pretty hot and the added head sync of the aluminum plate with the air gap between the mounting surface really helps to keep the charger cool maximizing it's performance. Just a tip I picked up from another YouTuber that I thought would be helpful to mention.

[victorlopez]

I'm totally impressed with ALL of your knowledge of Solar power and electrical setups. The main reason I found your channel is because I've been doing research on adding solar power to my 2019 Jayco Redhawk SE 22C which is solar prep. I also have lead acid battery in the same location and also the same converter charger. At the moment I don't know 'how' much solar will need but I will be checking your videos you put up.. If you have a specific video I should view please let me know...Thank You and subscribed.

[dalemajesticwandarer]

Great video Nate & Stef, always so well explained you guys do such a great job. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, greatly appreciated. Will help with my class c install as I’m still a few components short and moving forward your store will help with that process.