EXPLORIST.life’s mission is to provide the most complete and easily understandable mobile, marine, and off-gird electrical education for beginners, aspiring professionals, and professionals to gain actionable skills to design and install electrical systems for vans, RVs, skoolies, expeditions trucks, boats, and off-grid cabins.
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Why would the orion split charger ground need placing underneath the seat? Why not on the multi like the other part?
How do you do the math for a series/parallel setup to know if your charge controller or generator can handle it?
If I’m running this in my work trailer and charging it from my vehicle through a seven way connector that only has a 10 gauge wire inside of it for charging. Is there any point in going with four gauge wire anywhere in the system?
you guys are awesome!
Great video as usual. Still curious about the heat anticipation and how the stress test went out with the multiplus mounted horizontally.
We had no overheating alarms during our testing.
You guys are awesome… I have learned so much from your videos and the gratification I have from doing my solar, dc/dc charging, dc inverting, wire management system myself has been priceless!!! May your added services bring Explorist Life to new heights!
so much for looking out the back window!
Not a priority.
@@EXPLORISTlife Then, why did you get a van with windows?
Wanted the option for a rear dinette if we hadn’t built a platform bed.
@@EXPLORISTlife How about moularity, so you could do both?
@tonybucca5667 Yep! that was the plan.
What about dealing with voltage drop? Is that not an issue in this case? I found these usb fast charging ports I would love to use on my van, but they generate 90w max and already have 16 gauge wires attached. My run will be about 20ft and if I added 4 of them, that would be about 30amps at full use which I'd need 10 gauge, right? I am not sure how I should wire these up. If I make a single circuit for each one, the 16 gauge wire will have too much voltage drop. I'd appreciate any help.
How can one become an installer for you?
Apply when an installer position becomes available at explorist.life/careers
Will you “check” a DIY built system? You know, make sure I did it right before I burn the van down? Maybe a video call? 🤷🏼♀️
Yep! That would fall under our repair/upgrades category. We can check it over, help out with settings, make sure it's good to go, make fixes/repairs as necessary, get it up and running, test it, and get you sent on your way with a functional system.
Love the new haircut Nate!
Thanks Nate! Learned more about Sketchup also. :) Should solar panel weight be a factor in roof planning? For instance, the Renogy and Rich solar 200 watt panels differ by 20 lbs per panel (at least what Amazon says). If adding 4 panels that +100 lbs when using Rich Solar over Renogy.
If you size the fuse to protect the wires, how do you size a MRFB fuse? ….is it sized to protect the total load….even though that load may be variable…even quite low?
Hi, I’ve had a question for a while. I have 7 100aH AGM batteries and 2 100watt panels connected to 80am SCC and a 3000w inverter charger. I can’t run my system more than 24hrs before needing the generator. I also can’t run the microwave, a/c, or heater without the generator but the system can handle the fridge, tv, WiFi box, and computer. What do I need to do?
Hi Nate, learn a lot from your videos, great work. Question for you, I have a single 150w roof panel and a solar on the side for ground panels. How would you wire the ground panels into this setup? I understand that you would run it into the right two terminals but there isn’t enough physical room to wire two sets of wires into my Victron MPPT 100/20 48v converter. How would you connect the bottom set of terminals so that there are only two wires exiting to the MPPT controller ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Gonna need a 2nd charge controller. Roof and ground panels should each go to their own charge controller.
Thanks
it would be much easier to understand you without you throwing out all these specific brands and models thanks
Or you could watch out other videos and learn what they are. That would be better and you’d come away smarter.
How many complete vehicle installations will the folks you send out have accomplished before doing ours?
Enough to do a high quality job that we can guarantee it’s performance. 👍
Or You can look into EcoFlow systems.😉🤔
Hey there, big guy! I'm sorry you've got so much negativity going on in your life that you have to spend your time coming to my channel to talk shit on what we are doing as a small business. Maybe logging off of the internet for a bit and going for a walk or hanging out with friends if you have any may help. Thanks for watching anyway and I hope your day gets better. 🙂
I have an nv1500. It’s a 2015 it’s paid for it’s in good shape. It’s a cargo van I used for my business. It’s got about 125,000 miles. Is that a good van to invest money in to build a camper system, you know with the cabinets, the bed, Refrigerator, heater, AC all the electrical. It’s not a high top. Or should I look for something better newer or taller? It’s just paid for thing that really makes me want to use it but I don’t even know if the suspension is strong enough. It’s just a 1500. Does it need to be beefed up?
I don’t need 100% decision from you. I just wanna know if you think it’s a good idea I wouldn’t hold you to it. Would you do it if you had a paid for van and it was your first one?
Either way. Don't overthink it. If you want to build it into a camper for your own needs/wants go for it. Lots of ways to do things and we aren't at much liberty to say what's right nor wrong for others.
Thank you! I had 2 of the 30 amp units in my Amazon shopping cart. Now I will be ordering this unit from your store. I have watched the 3 overview videos you posted to-date, well 4 months ago! They answered all of my quesrions, and heat would be an issue using the 30 amp DC-DC.
You guys are the best ,Saludos from Guatemala.
you shame all other people attempting to explain this stuff. simply excellent
👍
Good morning, and thank you for ALL of your videos. As a retired teacher, I really appreciate the quality of your lessons/videos. I recently purchased a 2023 Ford Transit HR 148ex. I pretty much know what appliances I will be needing ac and dc power for, yet not sure what size system I need to build for my expected use of the van based on our life style. I have complete confidence in my ability to install based on your videos and diagrams. What are my options for your expertise to provide recommendations and wiring diagrams?
Sure! Just navigate to shop.explorist.life and utilize our 'system picker' that I've embedded on the home page.
@@EXPLORISTlife Thanks. That site does a great job of helping pick from, but what about if I am unsure of the size system I need to pick?
We just wrapped up a full playlist of videos that will teach you everything you need to know about that: kzread.info/head/PLmvhcyi4n0TVEQCWqGvT0Q0vd8BCbrGfj
*➤ To Learn More About Our Install Services:* shop.explorist.life/about-our-services/ *➤Want to get your electrical installed by us?* shop.explorist.life/shop/consultations-installations/installation-request-deposit/ *➤Need help with your own DIY Electrical System?* shop.explorist.life/shop/consultations-installations/diy-electrical-collaboration-consultation/ *➤ Having issue with your already-installed system?* shop.explorist.life/shop/consultations-installations/troubleshooting/
If you employ suitable diode to connect the panels?
HI, I have learned a lot from your website and videos. I am trying to run my D/C Air conditioner for long period of time while on shore power. I believe right now I cannot, due to the system I have that came with the off road trailer. (all gopower products 2 100 ah lifpo4, 1500 watt inverter/transfer switch and separate noco 10x1 charger. I'm thinking of upgrading to 12/2000/80 victron hoping this will put a bad-aid on my system for the time being. I want to purchase from you guys because you have good prices for the components and support. Trailer in a Lance Enduro.
That's definitely the problem with DC air conditioners while on shore power. You have to have a charger (120VAC to 12VDC) big enough to keep up. If your air conditioner operates at 100 amps, and your Noco 10x1 charger can only charge at a max of 10A; you're going to be at a pretty substantial loss. The Multiplus 12/2000/80 can charge at a max rate of 80A; so although that will be MUCH better; it still may not keep up if the air conditioner duty cycle is high (understanding air conditioner duty cycles: kzread.info/dash/bejne/o4CstZRslNvagpM.html. So... The Multiplus 12/2000/80 would probably do the trick; but the Multiplus 12/3000/120 would remove all doubt; but that would require two additional batteries. shop.explorist.life
@@EXPLORISTlife Thanks so much for responding.
I learned all I know from Explorist Life. I'm now using another company's lithium batteries. Will you still help me with my system if I don't use the exact products you sell?
Thanks for that! If all you are using is a different battery manufacturer (with an internal BMS) as long as the rest of the system is following our designs like found on this channel, our shop, Victron components, etc; that will be no problem. If you have a mismash of random parts and components that may or may not work together, we may not be able to install THOSE parts since we have to guarantee our work; but we can get you the correct parts needed so we can do that, though. Either way; we can help. We are solution finders over here. 😂
@@EXPLORISTlife Thank you! Great! All of my parts except the batteries are exactly what you recommend/sell since I based it completely off of your material and guidance down to the (literal) wire! I was a member of the private group you had at one point. I started out with BB batteries, but when I wanted to upgrade to 600aH, I couldn't fit more 100aH batteries than what I had already, and I couldn't afford their larger batteries.
I sure wish I lived close to you folks That is awesome I'm getting the second best thing Personal Telehealth consultation And emails I feel so much better about the project I'll be in touch again this week Peace my friends
Hi have watched many of your video’s. I’m struggling here. Installing a 4.5 KW inverter 24 volt battery. I bought 50sqmm welding cable the 50 sqmm lugs were too big. I bought 35 mm lugs, snug fit, my crisper set on 35 mm crimped the lug but pulls off. Set to 25 mm it is a tight crimp. So many things seem wrong with this. Can you help please.
The lugs we sell in our store (shop.explorist.life) are guarenteed to fit together when using our recommended tools (kzread.info/dash/bejne/fXt4r8OolZmZqs4.html). Outside of that, we have installation services available: shop.explorist.life/shop/consultations-installations/installation-request-deposit/
This is why I dont wanna buy the wilderness version of the crosstreck. Because doing this myself is 10 K cheaper then getting a wilderness version.
Haha, true. Next go around, I'll be getting the Outback Wilderness so I can get the 2.4 Turbo for a bit more oomph under the hood. 🤣 I just wish they'd offer that engine in the Crosstrek.
I'm surprise that there is not any heat dissipator as my Orion DC 12-12 30 Amp, become very hot. why this one with 50 Amps don't become hot ???
It's simply better and more sophisticated internals. The old 30a and new 50a are essentially completely different units in terms of internal design.
Hey I’m loving the content Nate! Binge watching quite a bit and I’m of the impression that you favor 12V installs over 24V even for high wattage inverters. I was aiming to build a 24V system with a 1500W inverter as a starting point. I’ve actually gotten hold of two high end inverters, one 24V no shore or solar input and the other 12V with shore and solar input (minimal but better than nothing. I have a solar charge controller (520W/1040W 12V/24V) 40A max and 2x100Ah LifePo4 so can try out both. Which is it then for 1500W now, maybe 3000W down the road… 12V or 24V? Would appreciate your input. Oh and can Victron 120VAC inverters be software set to output 100VAC?
We recommend 12V for 3000W or less. 24V for 3000W to 5000W. 48V for anything over 5000W.
Nate, what wire connectors do you recommend when using marine stranded wire, WAGO, crimp or heat shrink. I was leaning towards the WAGO brand.
I use all three depending on the use case and what’s being connected.
Will the shocks now bottom out before the bump stops or does this kit account for that. That is my main issue with cheaper lift kits, but does this one fix that issue?
Hi! Your videos are my go to for my sprintervan conversion, thanks a lot!! How did you choose the wire thinkness for the ground wire for the multiplus? I have a 12/1600/70 multiplus but in the manual i can't find any information about which wire thickness to choose. The connection for the multiplus is big enough for a 16mm2 or maximum a 25mm2.
I ordered the new 50. Dc to dc charger from you. I have asked several times when to expect delivery. As of today I have not heard from you???
Check your spam folder? We answer all emails in our support inbox every morning. Make sure you haven’t blocked our emails too.
Just a heads up, but we responded today and the email bounced back with the error of: "Recipient inbox full Your message couldn't be delivered to (your email address hidden for privacy) Their inbox is full, or it's getting too much mail right now." Looks like you've got some email receiving issues going on. 🤷♂️🙂 At any rate; looks like it shipped last week and was delivered on Sunday per the UPS tracking. For the guidebooks, those are digital downloads that there were links on the receipt page. We tried to re-send those to you in your email, but since it bounced back, you probably didn't get that. So yeah... fix your email issues and then reach back out and we will send over your guidebooks.
Could it be worthwhile to replace the front struts while having it all apart?
If it needs it, sure! Our van had less than 10k miles on it when we tackled this project; so they were still good to go.
Very nice video, I just learned that the new orion XS does not support synchronous charging correct? Is there a way to make it charge synchronous with a victron MPPT over VE smart networking using a smart shunt ? or can a cerbo GX do this? Now often the orion XS goes in to trickle charging with an "empty" LIfepo4 batterie because the MPPT is also charging in bulk for example. They need communication with each other. Thnx a lot
What about the Phoenix ?
The phoenix is just an inverter, and not an inverter/charger. We only covered inverter/chargers in this video.
How about hooking the Cerbo GX through an iPhone instead of the screen.
It's definitely not as straightforward as connecting the touchscreen as shown. You can connect the Cerbo to Wifi and allow for remote console access. Then you can access the remote console via VRM portal from your phone any time both your Cerbo and Phone have internet connection.
Q: why use 6 x 100amp batteries? Instead of 3 x 200amp batteries? Or 2 x 300amp batteries? If the voltage was the same, would the total watts hours be the same? & there space savings in a small van 🤔 because the batteries weren’t wire for 24v/36v/48v, etc.
There is pretty minimal space saving between 6x100 vs 2x300 or whatever.
This is amazing. I am going to build out a small travel van so this is one stop shop.
Damnit, I just bought the 12-12/30.
So I have a set up using this MPPT, which while the system is off, is still pulling in a charge and therefore sends the Inverter into a Fault. We think maybe it's the Lynx Distributor that is malfunctioning... Once we turn the system on, we get a BMS disconnect Error (the solar can't find the BMS when the system is Off)... The rep where we bought it is not able to diagnose further. I'm hoping you've seen this error before and can help us.
Just got confirmation from you all that my Orion XS is on its way! Woot!! Is it possible to wire the existing 30Amp version with the new 50amp version? My F150s alternator is something like 220amp max - I just haven’t seen this arrangement discussed yet, only have seen the wiring diagram for two of the new 50amp XS versions.
whats the difference, really? Just more amperage to charge quicker? Doesnt seem like a must upgrade.
Faster charging is the primary difference, yes; but there are a few additional features regarding size, heat, communications, synchronized charging that we put out in a dedicated video back a few months.
Is this Same concept on lead acid?? Or just lithium?
Same. The only kicker is that using more than 50% of the capacity of Lead Acid will GREATLY diminish it's lifespan; so most say that if you have, say, 100Ah of lead acid battery capacity, you 'really' only have 50Ah usable.
Hi, it is worth noting that if your lifepo4 battery bank can’t handle the surge of starting the engine motor via its lead acid battery, using the emergency jump switch is a horrible idea if you turn the ignition on at the same time. It has trashed a few banks per the solar group. Your bank is large enough this may not be an issue, but for individuals with one or two 100ah lifepo4 it could be. Worth noting at least.
The lithium battery bank installed in this video you're commenting on is most definitely capable of firing up the engine in a jump-starting situation. Re: "Trashing battery banks", if the battery bank is too small to deliver the amount of power necessary to jump start the engine; it shouldn't be 'trashing' anything as the BMS inside of each battery should simply turn off/disconnect, preventing damage (given it's a high quality battery/BMS)