Glad too see you are wearing an appropriate hat! I've had numerous bouts with skin cancer (the easily treatable kind - so far) due to stupidity in my youth - spent most of my time at the beach. Take care of yourself, the desert and mountain sun can be intense.

I would never tackle this myself but like learning about how it is possible to have solar power on your van. Thank you Bob and Terry!

I loved this video. I know too that I would blow up my van by no later than say 10 min into the video. I need a Terry in my life.

@cindyjencks5848

5 жыл бұрын

You too? The idea of possibly electrocuting myself keeps me from attempting this.

I worked for the Navy repairing night vision, lasers, and thermal imaging (FLIR) devices and I have quite a bit of experience with the science light and heat. In thermal imaging, everything is based on a "Black Box" and how the color black absorbs heat and white reflects heat. (Light energy is transformed into heat energy when it strikes a surface). That's also a good reason to purchase a white vehicle to live in. White will always remain cooler than any darker color.I believe it would be better for you to paint your ladder racks white and your 2X4's white to reflect both light and heat away from your van. By painting the 2X4's black, they will absorb ore heat and breakdown much quicker, while white will extend their life. The ladder rack is an excellent idea! The space between the roof and the solar panels will prevent the heat absorbed by the black solar panels, from being transferred into the metal of the roof, thereby keeping the inside cooler. I have been watching your videos continuously for several days because I have considered this life style for years. I am 54 and left my navy job in 2001 and I am on SSD. I live well on my income now, but I believe I can live happier living as you do. Thank you for allowing me to develop some foresight before I do make the change. Your experience speaks volumes to me and is an inspiration that alleviates so many of my fears about "Just Doing It!"

Big respect 🙏 to this man from UK vanlifer - love ❤️ all you do for freedom 🙌

Thanks Bob, Just finished the design on my little tow behind camper. Iam installing 4-100watt Grape Solar panels. With a 3500-7000 peak modified inverter and 30ampcharge controller. Considering going to 3000 pure sine inverter. So your video was very helpful as always, I should be seeing you out there by this time next year. God willing. lol. Iam doing this because you sincerely inspired me. And this is what I want for my retirement.

just went through all vids about insulating and powering system. Everything that I had confusion/blurry ideas on has been clearly discussed in all your videos! Thank you so much for all your vids and info!

Just AWESOME! A wealth of information in all of your videos Bob. Thank You so much for sharing your priceless knowledge!!

It looks like a TOP NOTCH job! I don't have a clue about solar but one step at a time... Beautiful build and I am so happy for you Bob! Thank You for all the information and the video!

Aren't you two having fun! So nice of Terry to help you out! You deserve kindness, Bob!!

The ladder rack idea really made my install less stressful I haven't installed my panela yet but I got the racks on last night and I'm glad I don't have to drill so many wholes in my roof. Gooooood stuff. I paid 50 bucks on Amazon for mine.

Wow, amazing and so well done. Packed with really good information on installing solar panels. Thank you for another great post.

Love this entire series. Watched it again and still wishing for more 🌺🌸🌺 Thanks for all this great information.

Wow, that's super cool Bob. I'm waiting on delivery of my solar panels, and was suppose to hook up my battery to the solenoid that I bought today. It rained so that didn't happen, but it will tomorrow. I am quite nervous about doing it. We are going on a week long test run of the van next week. I hope I've done everything right. I'll be making videos of the whole week. Thanks again for doing this. It has helped me a ton getting the confidence to do this build.

I started researching that microwave. Knowing there was a reason you selected that one. Looks ideal for what you are doing. I'm planning on getting one just like it when I do my build. Great video!

Thanks Bob. I'm trying to educate myself on the how-to's of solar, as well. This video helped me understand things more. I have a long way to go, but this really helped! Great video :)

Good information here, Bob ! I especially like fastening everything firmly in place. A car drove into me recently, and Everything in the cab moves, Fast ! rc I'm still searching for Jim's cheap internet video !

Thanks. I've run across the gland thing recently, wasn't sure how it worked. That is a great explanation and it seems very useful.

Terry, smart man. Nice job Bob.

Absolutely fascinating (if intimidating at this point). I was thinking about a solar "suitcase" setup until a commenter made the point that roof mounted could sharge while driving, something a suitcase set up could not do.

Very nice electrical job. Terry is a great worker!

great video goid to see u bob always in my prayers

Great video well done If I buy a van I do the same thing. Definitely think about it. Good job bob.

Awesome videos Bob. Thank you. 👍

Very thorough video. Masterful

I'd love to hire you and Terry to do the wiring in my rig when I get it. However, my husband has been watching your videos and feels he can do it. I'm sure he could. He does wiring for big trailers at work. I guess I just appreciate your attention to detail. Thanks for another awesome, informative video!

nice bob well thought out. thanks for sharing.

Bob - another example of straight-forward problem solving. Leave the complicated to those seeking that.

Thanks for the education Bob

I've been in my van for 6 years and am doing my first solar install this Saturday.

Well done Bob.

Looks Good ! You have a Awesome new Home.

Love that gland. I didnt even know what those widgets were called. Thanks!

Now all you need is a mini air conditioner and you're set. there's super durable liquid plastic paint you can brush on with a cheap simple brush. The stuff is amazing against rust.

I love Bob's explanation of his ladder racks, they go across the roof as most ladder racks do....lol.

wow super job...when your all finished that will be a $50,000 van.

Beautiful job, boys

This is well done. Thank you!

Good video I was looking for the van racks. Now I know what to buy thank you

That's a great set up.

Nice build BOB GOD BLESS

Thanks for sharing Brother.

Great video

Great information. Thanks

Bob, Awesome video! I am closer and closer to doing my own install (having it looked at a couple of times - in stages). I am sorry but I do laugh at some that do not get it. Like so many others, I will benefit from your wisdom. Thank you

Very impressive video. Thanks

awesome Bob, good job :)

Thanks Bob!

great video

Nice job!

kick ass setup

a good idea is to use old bicycle tire tubes to put between the gutter mounts and the drip rail. no scratch

*wow that’s a great system*

y'all are so smart !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

great job well done

Very helpful video!!! Thank you

Your wonderful Sir!!!!

THANK YOU BOB !

I'm looking forward to seeing your new high top, that Carolyn showed on her channel, of your van behind her, of your van with a new high top. :-))) ☮ ☕ ☺ ✌

Nice looking gentlemen putting your solar in Bob .....dont let nothing happen to him😁

Bob. I see the cables out the front of the fridge unit. Why didn't you put a socket at the back wall of the space the fridge is in under the bench so the connection and cables were out of the way? Would be much tidier and the cable length would still allow the fridge to slide in and out. I would think adding a socket in there would be really easy considering the proximity of the power system!

I made it through 9 minutes. LOL. I'm betting this made a lot of sense to a lot of people but I have a mental block when it comes to solar install. I don't know why. Managed physics classes and linear equations, no problem. But this stuff makes me scratch my head. I was sooooo hoping your video would clear the fog but I guess I need it dumbed down more. Still 'n all, good video!

@annettesmith6241

7 жыл бұрын

Lori Smith Me too but I'm hoping if I keep exposing my brain to solar panels and batteries it will eventually make sense lol. Sorta working a bit. Still a ways to go though.

@patriciafunk3065

7 жыл бұрын

Lori Smith In this case, not wrong in this approach, just mistaken about combining different voltage panels. Overall presented as done a very good job. The only thing observed: Would do differently would be to series all of the solar panels into the MPPT charge controller and use only one controller. It is mistaken that a person can't combine low voltage and high voltage panels. You can if you run them in series. That adds their voltages together. In his case, a 30 volt panel and two 18 volt panels equals 66 volts. The MPPT controller would have no problem handling it as most MPPT controllers can handle up to 150V. In fact, if a person were to run the panels in series and use just one charge controller, their solar system would be more efficient.

@videomagictv6403

7 жыл бұрын

don't feel alone on this one @Lori Smith I have tried and tried to understand this stuff, watch it over and over. Once Bob said these are the 4 new cart battery's I bought ....that's where he lost me.

@PatsTreasuresNCrafts

7 жыл бұрын

Lori Smith I watched the whole thing. I too am scratching my head. lol Thank goodness my husband understands!

@csssevierco

7 жыл бұрын

Bob mentioned in other videos that these "cart battery's" are actually batteries designed for Golf Carts. They are the best in my opinion. I do understand how it can be confusing if this was the only video watched of Bob's OR only video of Solar Installation. It sounds complicated and if you were going to install Solar Systems on a regular basis it would be easily learned. However, doing this every 5 years or more, it's best to leave it up to a professional.

I do not see the ladder rack in the listings below and I do not see them on Amazon,Rob

truely awesome

I can't find the link to your roof rack system rain gutter brackets

Maybe it's just me but that guy reminded me of Gunny, the guy that used to do mail call on the history channel I think, oh and enjoying the series, thank you

love your post..thanks for all you do!! will there be an RTR this January? dates?

More power to you! Literally, you must run your microwave 24/7. Mine runs a whopping 6 minutes per day and my Champion generator handles it with ease. I'm guessing you want to use the sun for 100% of your needs. That's cool.

Half way through vid very well done. Question want to run 12 volt everything water pump, whynter 95 quart freezer, lights, laptop, charge smart phone, and a fantastic fan. How many batteries would you use for 2 days and not drain more than 50 percent.

GREAT VIDEO BOB! I'm making preparations to do my Solar Install, so this is perfect timing. 2 Questions: 1. What kind of paint do you recommend for the treated lumber. and 2. Do the gutter mounts come with the metal cross bar that the 2x4s connect to? Love your positive energy...you're lookin great! :-)

Thanks for the clear information on your electric system, I learned alot!

You should use a wrench at the bottom of the post while tightening that battery cable that will keep the post from twisting inside the battery and damaging it.

Very much have been enjoying all the careful information you are conveying. Also, what's a free life without microwave popcorn?!? Plus I have to say your beard is looking super nice!

Hello, love all your vids and the info you provides us. Please keep up all the great work. My question has to do with the gutter rack mount. I have a Ford e350 shuttle bus and I have no idea how to mount a roof rack to it. I very much want one but I don’t know what to use or how to use it. If you any ideas or suggestions please share with me. Thank you.

Good job !!! Thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great setup, thanks for sharing! You said you need the pure sine wave inverter to run the microwave but why do you also use the modified sine wave inverter?

I have live in an RV the last 6 or 7 years an I'm going to try to get out there to meet you

Amazing

Why not hook the two 12V panels in series? The MPPT controller should handle that Voltage and treat them as one large panel.

Very interesting. Thanks!

I don't see a link for the gutter brackets. They're what I'm most interested in.

Hey Mr. Wells ive been watching your videos on youtube for quite sometime and it has really helped! I have been living out of my truck with a camper shell for 2 months now. I recently purchased a EGO 56V 3000-Watt Nexus Power Station Portable Generator for half price and was wondering if there would be a way to charge it via solar. I know you are very knowledgeable with solar energy and was wondering if you could provide any tips or guidance with my current dilemma. Thank you!

Bob, I noticed a year ago, someone asked about the missing link to the gutter mounted ladder rack and I didn’t see a response to his request but I would also like that link.

@phillipraskosky9466

3 жыл бұрын

Where's the link for the ladder rack manufacturer Bob?

I'm with you I don't understand I'm going to have to watch this later so that I can try to make sense of it. I couldn't follow if we were inside or outside and I just need to watch it at a different time where I can make sense of it. I need it more common language I don't know I kept getting lost from the camera switching. and the language I also didn't understand from one to the other.

another great video. thanks Bob. one question why 4-6 volt batteries and not 2 or more 12 volt batteries?

The microwave in your van is intriguing. What is the output (cooking) wattage and what is the actual power consumption? Also, what is the brand and what is the advertised cubic footage of the food prep cavity? Knowing the brand, power output and power consumption of your microwave will be of great value in my quest for one.

Bob, you bought $1000 worth of batteries to run a $49 microwave? LOL! Great job gentleman. Thank you :-)

@NoProGoPronto

7 жыл бұрын

@Darrell Wampler LOL! Good point. I was just teasing Bob. That van is his full time home and he should have all of the creature comforts that make him happy :-)

@johnbergholm

7 жыл бұрын

NoProGoPronto what does the price of the microwave have to do with it? It's not how much it cost but what it can do for you. Your observation is simple-minded.

@RemusKingOfRome

7 жыл бұрын

Would it run a split system AC unit ? to keep the van cool in summer ? noisey compressor out the back on a stand

@kentmccoy8334

7 жыл бұрын

likely Bob had a lot more than just his microwave ---with his 2 x12v agm batts he can have a very decent power supply for all his needs--agm batts was a great choice--nice work Bob

@chevyvantravel9735

7 жыл бұрын

i think he feels that he can save money that way rather than paying for propane and having to run into town every two weeks to get the propane. i thihk

thank you for this video!!!............c

I've watched 3 times, and I'm feeling awfully dim, but how did you attach the wood to the roof brackets? It's late at night and I may just be spacing out, but if you can clarify I'd be grateful! LOVE these videos, I am learning SO much!

@beemrdon52

7 ай бұрын

Don't feel bad. This was just an overview.. They didn't go into details.

You don't paint pressure treated lumber until it fully dries out... Clean the wood with a deck cleaner and let it dry. And you have to use a primer and 2 coats of latex paint not oil based. If you don't wait for the water proofing chemicals to evaporate from the wood, any paint will just peel off.

Bob, are there any installation techniques or possibilities to a grand caravan that has NO roof racks or even the side bars?

Hi Bob, Can you recommend a place to install solar on my Class C RV in North Carolina? Or should I wait until I get out west and see someone you recommend out there? I'm not able to do it myself due to an injury!!! I have been subscribed several months and enjoy your videos!!! Very informative... Thanks for sharing!!! Gary

Just curious what your thoughts are on deep cycle marine batteries --which is what I use. Right now I just have one but considering in the future doing a solar install and going to at least two in parallel.

Great channel u should get a steam convection oven just as fast as a microwave A LOT healthier and consumes a lot less power ;-)~

Bob you should show adventure van man how to do a quality build on a quality van.

Is the positive one that comes with the kit you recommend the one that I should use I need to order in the next day or two

Bob your few months behind on your Solar system. I have seen your van in another KZreadrs​ video your van had a new top on it. I love to see your new top installed. Today is July-17-2017. I Love, Love, Love, Love your video's. Keep your video's coming Born to Wander, CheapRVLiving.Com by Bob. God Blesses Bob, Good Day to Wander

Oh my gosh! I can't do this!!! 😥

In this case, not wrong in this approach, just mistaken about combining different voltage panels. Overall presented as done a very good job. The only thing observed: Would do differently would be to series all of the solar panels into the MPPT charge controller and use only one controller. It is mistaken that a person can't combine low voltage and high voltage panels. You can if you run them in series. That adds their voltages together. In his case, a 30 volt panel and two 18 volt panels equals 66 volts. The MPPT controller would have no problem handling it as most MPPT controllers can handle up to 150V. In fact, if a person were to run the panels in series and use just one charge controller, their solar system would be more efficient.

@jimhamilton5685

6 жыл бұрын

Mike Mead Your right Mike. I have 4-225w panel's at 36 vdc output for a 24 vdc system & wired it 3 different way's "Series, then parallel then series paralleled to see what's most beneficial. I found that series paralleled 2 + 2 at 72 vdc output was better. My 5th panel is for 12 vdc device's only. My inverter is 24 vdc to 120 vac. I did this survey on 3 different back to back sunny day's & temps.

@lolouro2266

6 жыл бұрын

Jim Hamilton one important thing when u series panels, is to make sure u dont go over the max voltage of the controller. (u did it perfectly by going series parallel) and its different for every controller. usually controllers max efficency is around 40-60% max voltage. more voltage gets wasted as heat. and less voltage doesnt utilize the mppt as much.

@lolouro2266

6 жыл бұрын

no worries...i install solar for tiny homes, rv's, vans, etc. check out my trike... kzread.info/dash/bejne/d5t3qtSrmqqvqaQ.html

Bob what do you think about the goal zero products? The solar generators for someone who is a light user and needs to run a computer and satellite internet equipment between 3-7 times a month and to charge up phones and cameras?