LIVE Q&A on Mobile, Marine & Off-Grid Electrical Systems

Join us in our monthly live stream Q&A and get all of your mobile, marine, and off-grid electrical system questions answered by Nate & Steph. Live streaming the first Friday every month through the summer of 2024!

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

FULL ELECTRICAL INSTALLS:

[EXPLORISTlife]

Questions in 9.13.2024 Live Stream with Time Stamps:

10:08 - Ewe2b - How often should I check electrical connections in my van? Over 18k miles and everything is tight so far.
10:58 - PossumsTophat - Can you expand on internet requirements for the Cerbo GX.
12:48 - Chipper7711 - Can I have TWO Orion XS 50A chargers in my sprinter (that only has the OEM alternator)???
16:08 - Marshall Goldberg - I have a question about USB-C. It can now support over 200 Watts. Do you see vanlifers moving towards direct DC powered 80--100W USB-C outlets and devices for computers, etc., to avoid the inverter?
18:11 - Lora Johnson - Have you covered how to size a Shunt? Is it different in a 12v system versus a 24v.
20:08 - Earl Lewis - ​​Is there a single video where you go over your electrical tool recommendations?
22:48 Camel Conversions - Why does my car struggle and take a few tries to start when the DC2DC charger switch is connected & on?
24:40 - Rees - Hiya, my fire extinguisher that came with my Class C RV is nearing its end of life. I have two questions:
1. What type of extinguisher would be an ideal pick for a Class C?
2. Are there requirements or best practices on where to /where not to store it?
27:20 - Camel Conversions - Have you had any issues with dimmers connected to SPDT switches? I've just hooked mine up on a 12v system and when the lights are dimmed they have a flicker, but not when the light is on highest setting
28:39 - Johnny Boy Media - ​​I’m starting to see people switching back to ac vs dc air conditioners. What are your thoughts on that?
31:08 - AstroBoy - Greetings and thank you for being my favorite source on mobile electrical education and for doing this q&a!
1. ​​With the dangers of undersizing DC wires overheating & potential fires, are there any dangers/disadvantages to using oversized DC wires?
35:00 - Paul W Johnson - Hi, I have a 1500W inverter in my camper van; It's output is via a duplex GFCI outlet. Should I run AC from the inverter through an additional breaker box before distributing it to loads? Thanks.
36:18 - S Beaver - On a 24V system w/Lynx Dist, MultiPlus, and Orion 24-12 70A converter, how would you run a second 12V fuse panel? Chad answered this question
37:00 - JC - I have a Battery Doctor 150 Amp Battery Isolator – should I connect the Isolator to the Victron DC to DC Charger or does the Victron charger work as an isolator?
38:14 - Chris Pyhel - If I am running dual Quattos with a 12.5 kw generator. Would I use a splitter box and run the separate legs to input one on each Quattro and shore split on the other inputs?
41:30 - AstroBoy - In a skoolie build, what would the pros and cons be of wiring before spray foam insulation vs after?
42:39 - Ray - is there an option for charging a large battery bank(7kwh-14kwh) with a EV DCFC (direct-current fast charger) with Victron rather than just solar and a dc-dc charger?
43:49 - PFM Adventures - I have 6 450-watt solar panels. I plan to wire 3 pods in series, then parallel into a combiner box then to the charge controller. Is there a recommended breaker size for inside the combiner box?
Laurie Kochuten - I have 1 230ah LiTime battery for my van light system that Ira recently installed. Can I add another LiTime 230ah ( same battery) to my system without upgrading any components in my current system. Answered in chat.
46:28 - S Beaver - I've seen a few pumps that say no accumulator is needed. What are your thoughts on not using an accumulator? Seems like fewer connections/leak opportunities if it works well enough.
47:23 - Susan Hershey - if I am intending to install solar in an RV with the idea of only traveling for a few years and then moving the system to a stationary garage, would a 48V system work best?
GT - Looking at getting 4- 12.8v 230ah batteries. Would you connect them in parallel(12v) or series(48v) for a multiplus II 3000. 12v needs large cables and 48 has balancing concerns I see. Chad answered in chat
49:37 - Wayne Markle - Rookie here! I have 2 battery banks in my 2003 Winnebago Journey. 3 for the coach and 2 for the start. All are AGM and the same amp hours.. Can I connect both banks together with my solar controller?
51:11 - Not Too Shabby Daddy - I bought more or less a full system from you guys recently. I don’t have the lynx shunt, but I do have a waterproof smart shunt and a separate bms for the alternator charging. I’m using victron batteries but I can’t find a schematic that uses these batteries. Any suggestions? Can I still incorporate the lynx power in?
Do you have anyone in LA that can help point me in the right direction?
He also asked what a Blueprint is…
54:18 - Ernie Ferguson - How is Victron with customer service? I have questions about programming my Victron MPPT 100/30 for a led acid battery.
56:15 - Ryan Washburn - What is currently the best solution for van AC? 120v or 12v.
56:49 - VanLife Adjustments - What are the price ranges for designing a simple wiring schematic?
1:00:18 - Mark Sziklai - Can AC and DC cables be run alongside each other?
1:00:43 - Mostafa Elgamel - ​​I have a situation where one of my victron dc to dc chargers shoots the battery voltage up to 29v suddenly, I believe we should consider using Victron battery protect. Thoughts?
1:01:34 - Aaron Dailey - ​​If I have 3 SOK batteries that are 12 volt and 208 amps a piece wired in parallel, what fuse should I use?
1:02:23 - Ernie - follow up question I purchased my Victron MPPT charger from Victron on Amazon (I didn't know about the customer service stuff) I want to get the Multi Plus in 2/120 for my 50amp 220 camper? any suggestions?
He also just asked is there are default settings for the MPPT charger for led acid?
1:03:56 - Van Life with Dani - The Orion is wired so that if you have switched your battery bank system off, and you turn on your vehicle, your vehicle’s battery starts to power your loads. Are there options to avoid this?

[bigm]

i have an 83 ford econoline and i am going to start remodeling the camper side of everything. what gage of wire would you recommend to use from the busbar to lights, switches and 110 plugs

[Stuart.Lockwood]

I have a 600 watt solar panel what fuse and wire size do I need as I’m getting told different sizes from everyone

[shelley]

Aye mijita, you made me laugh very hard when you said you had to open your second stomach. You may eat like a cow, but you definitely do not look like one. Always enjoy you and your videos. Take care.