In 2017, Tom built his first DIY RV Solar System. Since that time, Tom has had his hand (directly, or indirectly) in well over 100 different RV solar systems - and solar systems for vans, tour buses, trailers, and more. We’re excited to share all our knowledge and expertise from these builds with you to help you power your own off-grid adventures.
We intend to develop a thorough knowledge base of information, but if you have a project question that can’t wait, reach out to Tom here ➜ asqme.com/@tomwest
ABOUT | Tom 💡& Elyse 🥾 ☀️ Own a professional RV Solar Installation company (greatoutdoorssolar.com) 📙 ABYC (American Boat & Yacht Council) Marine Electrical Certified 📖 RVTI (RV Technical Institute) Enrolled Students 📜 Victron Energy Trained & Certified (Tom only, for now…) 🔨 Have been DIYing since the diaper days (sorry mom!) 🚐 Traveling in our 2006 E-350 Van!
Here’s a general question that I can manage, but it seems like there must be an easier way… With the Victron Multiplus II, with 1000W of solar and 700Ah of lithium, I occasionally want the Multiplus to pass along the shore power (either generator or a household 15A connection) without it trying to also charge the batteries. Either I don’t want the generator running super high RPMs or blow a household breaker… What is the easiest way to tell it to pass the power through, but don’t charge the batteries (for now). What I’ve done is have to go through VE Configure and upload a profile that has the charging current set to zero. Is there a way to do this from the touch screen?
@camustang1966 Unfortunately that is the only way to turn the charging off. However, if you set you current limit to the plug (or a little lower), it will de-rate the charger and prioritize the AC power that is passing through. Aka if you have it set to 15A and have a 10A load, then it will use 5A to charge the batteries.. but if you're using all 15A, then it will stop the charging. Happy camping 🏕 -Tom
Dude! You might have just save my camping trip! Thank you. I had a question, how do I get the setting for AC Current Limit and AC mode on the main screen? I had to go into the Menu to change my settings.
@@joehowell6858 It's in the menu called "Motorhome View" or something like that. I show it in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PI3k3gX0j9Y.htmlsi=lHkksfVPhgdmLUh4
Thank you for this great break down! I’ll be watching this a few times to make sure I’m squared away. This is helping me to understand my Digital Multi Controller as well. I went with this “entry level” inverter control when I was building out my lithium system. That and the info from my BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor allows me to get most of the info listed here. I do pine for the easy info shown on your Cerbo GX however. Maybe one day I’ll upgrade to that when I add my solar. Again, thanks for your production here.
Great info! Thank you for sharing. I did learn a bit about my Digital Multi Controller, but not enough. I can’t find on RU-vid a video showing the Multi Controller being put through its paces. I also can’t find info that I can understand on how it works and what it does. I found out a bit by failures on some of it, but still would like a presentation on how to operate this unit and what it does. If you ever post something like that, I’d watch for sure!
@jimsjacob Probably because there isn't much to a DMC. It's just the same button from the inverter and then the current control. I have a video on how to connect to shore power that will cover those options. The video uses a Touch / Cerbo remote, but the info about current limit, on, off, and charger only, are covered which is all the DMC can do.
@@joulemine It’s the knob of the current control that throws me…. Is the value showing on the display, the amount of amps allowed in? If I’m plugged into a 30 amp ped, can I turn the knob up to 45 so that my Inverter (same you have) is augmenting the 30 amps coming in? I have a 20 amp GFI plug that I plug into when I’m prepping the trailer for a trip. Tops off my two BattleBorn Game Changers. If I turn the knob to 20, it will trip the GFI when the charging goes into absorption. If I dial it down to 16, it does not. Things like that plus the inverter helping make up for not enough power by inverting battery power in relation to the DMC is what I’m wondering about. Cheers.
Hello, thanks for your very useful videos. Question: I have a simple setup with a Multiplus II Compact that is controlled by a DMC connected via the ve.bus. I'd like to add my Cerbo GX in that setup and with the Cerbo GX being installed very close to the DMC, I was wondering if I can disconnect the RJ45 from the DMC and plug it into the 1st ve.bus port of the Cerbo and adding a new ve.bus cable connected from the 2nd ve.bus port on the Cerbo to the vet.bus on the DMC?
Is there an easy way to hook up my secondary battery to the accessories of my car? I haven't Found any information on that step yet. Tapping directly into the fuse box doesn't sound safe either, I'm worried current will run back down the positive line and do some damage to the computer
The hardest part will be running the wire from one battery to the other. Use a relay in-between so they are only connected when the engine is running. Current is pulled, not pushed, so it shouldn't flow from the 2nd battery, unless the 1st battery is low. If you're using a lithium 2nd battery, then just cet a DC to DC charger which only allows the power to flow one way. Happy tinkering!
@@joulemine I have everything hooked up according to the schematic yet I'm not getting power to my accessories, the only line running directly to my accessories from my secondary battery when the power is off would be the 12 volt auxiliary. Am I supposed to run another line from the secondary battery to the fuse box?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I can see, there's only one benefit to having the DMC in addition to the CCGX or Touch 50/70: and that is a fast and easy way to set the incoming current limit with the dial. It's faster than going through the settings on the Touch GX.
9:45 - I do exactly what you mentioned. When I'm on shore power I set the inverter to CHARGER ONLY, for exactly the reason you mentioned, so if I lose shore power, the inverter doesn't drain my batteries to supply AC to my loads. I'm still not sure why I see so many RU-vidrs with Victron system running the Touch GX AND the Digital Multi Control. The DMC (Digital Multi Control) seem redundant, and an unnecessary expense. That big RU-vidr you mentioned keeps adding both in every installation he has done to his RVs (both Airstreams have both!). It makes no sense. Maybe it's lack of knowledge on the part of the installer.
That's why I mentioned different varieties of them. The lithium ones turn on and off automatically to let the alternator cool off. Or of course you can do a DC-DC converter for lithiums or even an external alternator regulator, like the Wakespeed. Thanks for watching 👍
When I was a kid I had a battery in the back of my truck and a battery isolator, basically a couple diodes. The feed from the alternator went to the isolator and then to the two batteries but the batteries couldn’t feed each other. Later on I installed a relay like the one pictured between the two battery connectors on the isolator so I could override it and trickle charge the starter battery from the deep cycle.
They click several times throughout the day amd they are relatively noisy. Is that normal? For example, if the refrigerator kicks on, I will hear a “click click”
Depends on the kind of relay. Some watch voltages and shut on and off. Others are by signal only. If you have an absorption RV fridge (propane or 120v), then the click would be the ignition for the propane.
No I have 120 V residential. I’m not sure what it is but it usually happens when the sun first comes up and sometimes when the refrigerator kicks on. Thanks anyhow, I enjoy your new channel
But at the same time in that situation you want to start charging the battery after the vehicle has been started, not using the dead battery and the good battery together, which could end up not starting the vehicle
Usually there's a delay between the key on and the signal being sent. Some also have a switch on the dash for the opposite, aka when you have a dead cranking battery but want to "jump start" off the house battery. Thanks for watching 🤙
Well done review. Nice factory system and i completely agree with you about the roof solar. Definitely could use more up top to go with the rest of the system. Does it come with a portable solar port?
I didn't think to look, but most portable ports are simply a $15 SAE connector going to the battery bank. So definitely not a hard item to add if not. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 🤙
Looks like a very nice system. I think Future Solutions nailed it. Is this going to take the place of their Volta system? I'm pretty sure it was Grand Design that had the Volta system. Keep the good stuff coming buddy and say hi to the better half.
Great setup for factory option.. IF you have $110,000 or more. Always Maximize the panels. 800Ah is nice.. That tiny display should be a bit bigger....
If I remember correctly, this solar package add on was around $25k or so. A bigger display is definitely a great idea. Thanks for watching and sharing your feedback!
If you are getting a Touch 50 or 70 display, then personally I'd put that where the DMC is now and sell the old remote. If you aren't doing the Touch 50/70 as well, then definitely keep the DMC. But you won't be able to remote control it via the Cerbo with the DMC in the system. ✌️
Gotcha. Wasn’t planning on installing the touch 50 or 70, just use local from my house out to my van or my phone while I’m using the van. Thanks for your reply.
*Have a quick question about your RV solar project?* Ask me here: asqme.com/@tomwest *DIY RV Solar Consulting:* joulemine.com/consultations/ *ARTICLES & MORE:* joulemine.com/
You won my sub for this video alone. Well.. I'm in an RV (semi-permanent) and have built a nice solar system.. Four 100Ah BB lithiums, 2 arrays (3x290W titled but on the ground and 6x200w bi-facials on a dual axis tracker) a pair of Victron 100\70 controllers (networked) wired through a Lynx distributor and then into a Multiplus II 12v 3000 120 and finally into a CERBO with the touch 50. I LOVE the Boat and Motorhome overview. I have tweaked mine even further and have a aerial picture of a beautiful sunset I took over a local lake with a bridge in it. How much do you know about programming the MP's..? In the advanced tab in VE config.. I have it checked for waning it to prioritize other energy sources.. But it seems to staying in the on all day unless I change it to inverter only, never taking advantage of my solar and 400Ah.
I suggest you use Victron Connect to program the inverter. The VE Config software is the old way and has less features. I am familiar with it, as Ive been around for a while. ESS (assistant) is how you'd accomplish that via that software. But it isn't legal to back feed the grid, so it isn't how I'd accomplish that if I were you. Once you go into the MP via Connect you'll see the extra controls I'm referring too in the settings area. I can't remember the exact name right now, but it's quite obvious and customizable. If you need help, I do remote consults, link in first comment. BTW I had my RV in my screen as well 😎 Safe travels and happy tinkering!
Definitely not needed, but I installed one anyway. I prefer the physical knob and toggle switch of the DMC and, for me, it was worth losing features on the GX that I wouldn’t have used.
@joulemine To me, it's kind of like using the touch screen in my truck versus using the volume knob. I like the touch screen for just about everything but prefer the knobs for changing stations and adjusting the volume. It's great to have options!
I have been watching your videos for years now, and I have seen all of your solar playlist and this video as well as those have clear and concise messages. I mean you make it so understandable. I can't afford, nor do I have a rig big enough to outfit that equipment, but just watching your videos, I feel like I ever do run across it, I will be able to understand it and work with it. You really do a great job explaining things. BTW I just have a shortbed slide in camper so I don't have the room for all of that cool stuff, but someday I hope.
When the Victron is in charge only mode, does the amperage input limiting control still work? Or does that only work when inverting? I was hesitant to put it in charge only mode because I didn't know if I would lose that protection?
The inverter doesn't stop you from pulling that much, it isn't a "load shed" or "energy management system". When in ON however it will go into assit mode (inverting) to make addtional power if you need more than what you have the AC Input Limit set too. Hope yall are well! 🤙
@barrybluth4351 There is no "protection" to begin with. It doesn't limit power being pulled at all, regardless of the mode it is in. It does, go into "assit" aka inverting mode when ON, but not Charger Only. So if you're on a 50A shore connection, then inverter isn't going to go into inverting mode unless incoming shore power is lost. A 50A RV won't pull more than 50A in the first place, if it did, it would trip the shore breaker. If you have a 15, 20, or 30A connection, but a 50A RV and do need "assist" mode. Then leave it set to on. The article on the website gives more info as well, if you prefer to read it.
@@joulemine I'm referring to the limit setting that I set when driveway surfing. If plugged into a 110 household outlet, I limit the draw to 15 amps. It keeps us from popping the breaker in our hosts home. That's the setting I'm referring to. Protection for the house or pedestal (like when I plug my 50 amp coach into a 30 amp site, I set the limit at 25 amps)
If the signal is poor it will stop trying to reconnect to it. I suggest you "reboot" the Cerbo. If that doesn't work then "forget your network" in the WiFi settings and try again. Wifi connection article is here: joulemine.com/wifi-connection-for-victron-touch-50-and-touch-70/
Thank you for your advise. I'd noticed that my inverter was always humming away whether I was plugged into shore power or not and now I know why. Switched to charger now while plugged into 50amp shore power. Did it cause any wear on our Multiplus II to have it always inverting for a couple years?
The hum is probably the charging cycle and it only goes into inverting when the shore is disconnected. It will also assist by inverting if the AC limit was set too low. I prefer charger only, so if the shore goes out, my inverter isn't draining the batteries while I'm gone 🤙 Safe travels!
Great video. I made the update and like being able to set my current on the home screen now. I get notifications daily -- "bmv712 High Voltage." It is just showing that my 14.4v high limit was slightly exceeded like 14.45 or 14.52. How can I turn off this notification using my Touch? BMV712 only shows "OK" on that warning with no option to stop it.
Good information Thomas. Now if I only had a Victron system instead of Magnum but the Magnum is working so it's not getting replaced right now. Keep the good stuff coming.
Hi Thomas, I’m still in the midst of restoring my 1969 Lifetime motorhome. It’s all original with its electrical setup. Just 2 breakers and the 110 hook up, and that “junction “ gets very hot! Anyways I want to redo it all for a 30amp hookup, and solar setup. But not sure on everything I need. I wish there was a kit to buy to have a complete setup from scratch. Is there or is it all piece together?
I do consulting for DIYers, including parts list, etc here: joulemine.com/consultations/ I'd probably recommend you put in a new distribution center with modern breakers, fuses, etc. It'll be quite a bit of work no doubt about it. Best of luck!
Subscribing from Facebook! Great job on the video ! I currently have been using Renogy products but someday I might play around with the Rona. It looks interesting.
Great advise! I usually don't change this setting. I think this explains why my generator no longer starts my AC unit. I will give this a try when our camper comes out of storage. Welcome back. The new name is brilliant!
The rear bumper is designed for overlanding. The box is for recovery gear. I'd be leary of Quigley. I have heard too many horror stories. I hope that you are the exception.
It's been a Quigley for ~18 years and drives just fine. I prefer coil suspension over leaf springs and prefer the shorter lift and that parts and build sheets are available from Quigley. Thanks for watching.
Looks like a nice rig for what you are doing. As far as the tongue jack goes you may be able to move it back to one of the A arms and eliminate the interference issue. Looking forward to the PCT content. Keep the good stuff coming.
Appreciate it! I van usually open the gate and put a trailer on, but it's definitely a design flaw in my opinion, especially for how pricey they are. Hope you got that boat in the water and caught some fish!
Glad to see that you're getting back to solar and RV electrical content. Your How-to videos were/are one of the best resources for that info on RU-vid!
