Nice video but I noticed two major flaws. Obviously the flooded battery should never be installed inside the cabin. This is not only unhealthy but can be very dangerous. He needs a sealed SLA or AGM type battery. The battery fuse should always be installed as close to the battery terminals as physically possible. If short happens anywhere in the wires, the whole wire bundle will burn and ignite everything in the vicinity. Another thing I would suggest is to always cover the battery terminals to keep any conductive objects from falling across the terminals. This may start a fire or cause severe burns. Hope this keeps someone from making the same mistake.
The amount of hydrogen produced by charging lead acid batteries is tiny. In addition, since hydrogen is the lightest element in the universe, it races upward at 45 mph once it's been released from the oxygen in water. It will go out of the tiniest leak it can possibly find. You aren't going to be breathing in ANY of it. And a tiny bit of hydrogen that might happen to get trapped somewhere is not explosive. It is NOT dangerous in the slightest. The only time it lead acid batteries can ever represent a problem is if a little bit of hydrogen builds up under the caps for the cells and a spark hits it just right. This can cause the caps to blow up, potentially spraying some sulphuric acid, but without a spark, this cannot occur.
@@williammartin6872 Most flooded battery installs I've seen were enclosed with proper venting. It might be wise to follow those examples and be safe rather than sorry.
William Martin, your ignorance is downright dangerous. Andrew is 100% correct. Batteries explode all of the time, that's why they have a warning label on them telling you that they can explode. I had one explode while it was being charged, and if I was near it when it happened, I'd be in pretty bad shape.
Easy to understand and helpful video. I am currently working on building a system for my van. I noticed several issues that could pose a risk. 1. The fuse should be as close to the battery as possible because if there is a short in the line near the battery it will continue to burn and catch everything on fire, especially since the bed is above it. 2. The battery is a flooded battery which could release fumes into the cabin. 3. The battery should be secured into an enclosed box to prevent anything from becoming in contact with the poles. Love the idea of running the wires through the break light. The huge holes on the ceiling liner, not so much.
We used the Renogy 400 watt solar kit on our van. It was so much easier getting the solar kit and Renogy makes great products. We mounted our panels to a roof rake which makes the panels really blend in. Many people who look at our van tell us they didn't even notice them on top. They are usually surprised when we point them out. Great video! Solar can be confusing at first, but is a very doable diy project.
I just looked at my van. It's a 2005 Mazda MPV with a roof rack already installed, thank God. Never have used it in the past, but now see its usefulness. Also, the racks look adjustable...hope that's a plus.
This made it easy to understand,not because there's women involved,with explainations in laymans terms.i peeve sales people and installers who intentionally use tons of jargon to talk over my head,so belittling,or prove whatever point or agenda that suites them. thanx bunches for this vid!took the edge off solar.by the way Bob,i've watched a few of your solar vids,you're such a sweet man and i appreciate you.i plan a self build either before summer ends or early next spring and all your caring vids show your true nature.pleasant and warm,such a gentleman.no wonder so many people gravitate towards you.your mom must be proud.thanx again 😉😊
Just a note here, these ladies did a fine job but something to think about. A roof rack would eliminate putting 8 screw holes in the roof for each panel. That would also eliminate the need to pull down the inside roof liner. Also a roof rack would give the room for 4 panels leaving only one hole for the wiring.
You can use cross bars that attaches to the side groove of the car. Plus where they put the panel, it will be very hard to expand it if they ever needed to which I think they will because it is only a 100 W panel.
Cyndi Foore - Eternabond permanent tape eliminates the need for drilling to secure the brackets to the roof. No need to buy a roof rack. It is still necessary to drill for the power cord, but one hole is better than nine, less work & less chance of leaks.
“You never know when you may need to repel boarders” LOL --Bob, you did well by being quiet and letting them work through it on their own. You did help at just the right times. You did that perfectly.
I will see you in the community then!. I've been seeking a place to land and be useful and known. I plan on being at the next RTR which I suspect will be huge. With the pandemic and loss of habitat and the success of Nomadland, there will be a huge celebration!
WTG ladies!! Job well done! Bob, thanks so much for doing what you do. Trying to show people ways to not just survive but THRIVE! To have a really good quality of life and find peace within the chaos! God Bless you!
I have a dodge van about the same year (old church bus) and was hoping to be able to run the cables through the brake light housing, Now I know that I can. And much more I learned from this video. *THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! ALL OF YOU! THANK YOU!!*
Yes, if a battery has removable caps for adding water it's NOT an AGM, and really must not be mounted inside a living space, especially under your bed. This includes deep cycle batteries with the extra connection terminals, as apparent in this installation. Also, all batery terminals need to be tightened properly with a wrench, not just hand tightened, as this can create heat and or arcing setting cloth or other flammables on fire!? There are a number of poor pratice items also leading to leaks and or shorts in the future, but the fuses shold take care of the sorts. I would have to write a page or two to go over all of them, I've seen many very good solar power instalation videos on this site and or on Jamie's. there are just too many steps ect left out here etc. I'm sorry to be so direct, but I had to say somthing.
Finally .. I got to a comment addressing the "high resistance short" created by loose connections. Which will definitely cause heat and potential wire melting.
Thank you, I think realisticaly, as I have seen even more recient vidieos utilizing lead acid deep cycle batteries, in confined living spaces that I must address them individually as I see them. While the hydogen part of the hydrogen sulfied gas is explosive the sulfur part is poisonious, some what in even small amounts and will just make you feel bad ect. there are a number of solutions, but most are more difficult than just paying the extra for a non venting battery. I will work out the chemistry, including volumes size of venting ect, whithin a month. The acid in lead acid batteries is sulfuric acid. And yes standard for all electical connections reguardless of application or industry, must have at least close to the designed for tightness of all connections as a requirement. This will avoid even just negative problems muchless very large ones.
Probably 99% of the people don't even know that there are actually "torque ratings" given by the manufacturers on their connections. Even on simple items such as connection blocks. As for the batteries ... I think a lot of people jumped on that one. :) Personally though, I prefer Lithium over AGM, etc. But, they are cost prohibitive to many. Although ... you get more for your dollar in the long run.
Yes I totally agree, That's where I'm tring to not insert my self too much. And need time and prayer to get this across, reasonably. But I think,and or know, there are resonable solutions. My difficulty is trying to not offending, while trying to address the missunderstandings. And I've already figuered out several solutions, off hand, when designing various setups from a design, engineering perspective, over decades, I always had checkers and or other enginers etc, to check my calculations ect. ect. And I don't have that now, so I'm trying to be very carefull to not overspeak!? What do you think?
Some constructive criticism, use a pad of silicon above roof and under solar panel brackets to eliminate any moisture between bolt holes (not just around holes) Then, put silicon over top of bolts (roof side) to stop water intrusion past bolt head through washer into interior of van.. cleanup with damp (water) washrag for nice, smooth finish..
Excellent video and very helpful. I am ordering the 100 watt kit tomorrow and wanted to see the video and know what to expect when I get it and go to install it, very simple install. Thanks for posting.
Nice job guys/gals, I would suggest that the battery be put into a sealed box and vented to the outside, when the controller equalizes or charges the battery its going to produce Hydrogen gas which is explosive! Not to mention the smell that will be given off!!
Hydrogen itself is odorless, if it smells it's most likely something else from the lead/acid battery. Changing to an AGM or Gel battery would remove all smell and maintenence from/on the battery.
Sin Semilla true, hydrogen is oderless but the sulfer smell will come off the battery from the sulfuric acid inside the battery that is sitting under the bed that is not protected in any way
Nope. Still couldn't do it. Brooke has knowledge and skills under her belt that the absolute newbie does not. Going through the brake light. Shrinking with a Bic. "Do wish I was getting more volts", etc. But I still got much good info from the video. Thanks Bob and Jamie.
bob you're part of what/who inspired me to do the same thing you are. i currently have my class C in the driveway, being rebuilt with my own hands. i am having an electrician over right now to do the tail lights and blinkers, and a plumber coming to connect my new propane tank but other than that, i built it. im leaving in a few months and will be vlogging the whole thing, but my vlog will be starting this week. thank you so much for the awesome and helpful videos, keep them comin!
Well I’ll be, that looked pretty simple, though I think I’d prefer a rack to put it on, the rack will be handy for other things to. Though I don’t understand the need for the voltage meter seeing how the box (forgot name) tells u it’s working + I don’t know what I’d need to buy that connects to the box to charge up what u want to charge or for a light. Those girls did a wonderful job. And thank u Bob for sharing this, the thought of my installing solar has been intimidating, I greatly appreciate this. Thank u
Wow...much easier than I had thought. Thank you for doing this..and all that you do for us. And I'll apologize beforehand...but he young lady in the tye dye dress...is stunning.
Glad all of you guys are collabing now! Bob - with Jamie, & Jax and others. I think Jax is trying to introduce some world renowned RU-vidrs He's collabed with to all of you guys in the Nomadic community. These are RU-vidrs like funforlouis, the candorist, and many, many others who happen to be friends with Casey Neistat. They're part of the English RU-vid invasion of the last 4 years and who own their own rigs and love to nomad around the country, as well. They have top tier sponsors and their subs number in the millions. Connecting with other formerly Middle Class kids who 'made it' on RU-vid, and can shout out your channel to their audience can only help you guys connect, build, and contribute greatly to your own channels and the resources of this rapidly growing, diverse community! 😊.
Even though this was filmed awhile ago.. Was nice to see you give Jamie a shout out.. As you guys made many videos together in the past. And both are great for the Nomad lifestyle.
great job guys I think this way of life is so fun to be able to just leave at a moments notice just the feeling of that power that you are in control of your life that " Il never be homeless " is so real thank you Bob for setting me free
Painful to see holes being drilled in someone's roof. Worth the money to use ladder racks to mount them on. Then only one hole in the roof for all the wires to go through.
I really hope they didn't mess up that paint job. Hippies in 21st century WOW. At first I thought I was watching an old Fleetwood Mac video. I can go on with this all day. Great video though
Great lesson Bob. Questions??? I'm glad you showed charging the phone because I was wondering how that wired box on the ply turns into lights, power for a laptop or charging devices. I think I get it. So when you say 12 volt does that mean powered through a cigarette lighter? I think I have a basic inverter. I have a device I plug into my cigarette lighter in the car and it has a house style Power outlet to charge my laptop. Would a solar set up mean I would not need to have the car running or be using the car battery via the cigarette lighter? Thank you for sharing your skills. You make lives better.
And yes, all lose connections make for a high resistance connection, which results in undesiegned for heat. This is even at low votage depending on amperage, ohm's law, etc.
Oh ya, roof rack which attaches to the drip edge around the roof. This also would add huge air flow under panels which gives a bit more watts to the batts. No holes in the roof or all that sealing. And the liner panel! Down side to this would be you look like a contractor, and the extra cost of the racks. Still a good install and instructional video.
I used Rivets with butyl and dicor, didn't have to access the back side with rivets. Holding up wonderfully. Some use vhb tape but I've lost a bendable panel on the freeway. Both videos are on my channel! You'll see with rivets, you don't need to remove the headliner/insulation if you've installed it.
Besides the battery issues listed below; venting, tightening connections, short protection; the battery should also be physically secured so it is not bouncing around as she is driving down the road.
Did the fuse boxes come with the kit, or where do you look to buy them separately? Great job on showing this, because I understand this better now. After Hurricane Harvey we rigged up 12 volt fans in the house using car batteries but had to charge them with the car during the day. I am getting solar panels to set up power supply for emergencies at home. THANKS.
Thanks for sharing..Thinking of doing solar? Hear good things about Renogy. Do you recommend a system with thicker gage wires for faster charge? Or are these standard?
I believe that the wires going from the Charge Controller to the battery are too small. I've seen installs by highly capable people, and their wires were bigger.
Two questions: Why wasn't a roof rack installed first? Why wasn't the screws used in conjunction with tape and caulking to avoid roof van leaking? I felt the pain as she was making the hole in the van roof.
A vented to outside battery box would not only keep the battery gasses out of the van, it will keep the battery terminals from shorting out if something metal accidentally touches the top of the battery (no big sparks that can set things on fire). I don't see bat boxes used much in these van builds and it makes me wonder - how many batts are bouncing around, unsecured, sparking when they hit metal?
I was thinking the same thing. All the stuff being stored? Chances are there for an "oops" to happen. Then the whole rig burns. That would ruin your whole weekend.
Also at Jamie's recent van build I noticed they were using a silicone caulk for a sealant, and an adhesive. So they eliminated the use of bolts, what are your thoughts on this?
Can you get an update as to how it held up agains the wind on the interstate and general driving. Also how much noise the panel and cables made while driving?
Use an AGM battery (that's what they use in mobile homes because they are sealed) and put it in a box so nothing can touch the posts. You've been warned.
We can try to be so nice, in not pointing out truthfull facts that we injure people or make them sick at the best case. This video is almost a what NOT to do video?
what's the best set up for a beginner I'm in the process of saling my 2 pickups to buy Nd van and build it would love to have it done the coming of the new year I'm from Kentucky and do construction work and unemployed at and looking to do something different with life and the more I watch this channel the. more I wanna become a van dweller
And when you are driving around with that on your roof, you really gonna trust some tape to keep your expensive solar panels from flying off? I don't think so.
It's used on high end cargo trailers to join the aluminum sheet/sheathing, instead of rivets-- YES, requires meticulous surface prep, application... don't let it get on YOU!
Looking for recommendations as to the Best Quality for the dollar..... I need to know what to buy to give me enough power to run a small heater now, and a small box fan later... and TV or laptop while possibly cooking with a small crockpot.
If they want to expand to 4 panels they will need to move the placement of this one and that leaves a hole in the roof. I used a bit of bondo and it's good as new (a little ugly but keeps the rain out)
So funny I have been torturing myself for a year now over this very thing. Can I or Cant I? the mechanical aspect is a breeze but electrical always throws me. I think I have it except for how to wire the inverter into the system so I can use existing outlets. Just got estimates for 200w system installed from 3,5k up to 7k which seems a little excessive to me. was thinking of waiting till RTR and having it done in Quartzsite.
I just have a dumb question--- Why would anyone just put one panel of solar on the roof and drill 8 holes to hold it down, rune the headliner, and take a chance on leaks when you can use double sided 3M and do the same thing without drilling any holes-- the 3M is fantastic stuff - you can't even pull it off without breaking your back.....
Is Renogy recommended over GoPower and Zamp Solar? If so, why? Thank you. I know wattage is wattage but I was wondering if anyone knew if any brand in particular had better and longer lasting power generation.
I know your supposed to get the watt hours from the appliance or light but what is an example of what 100 watts will power (ie 12 cup coffee pot, LED lights)? thanks
Devices just use watts. Watthours is a battery rating. A 100 watt panel will power nothing. (figuratively speaking) The battery where the power is stored will power your device. You have to take the average hours of daylight in your area (AVG Daylight HOURS 4) times that by your solar panel rating (100 watts) and you have an estimate of usable power for your area. So my example would give you 400 usable watts of power per day. So thats 1 100wat light bulb for 4 hours or 1 10watt led light bulb for 10 hours. Do you see where energy efficient appliances will help out?
If you live in a minivan and value stealth in a city,which do you recommend a solar generator or flexible solar panels with battery and charge controllers,power inverter etc ,considering the limited space ?
Besides ebing trained in enineering, etc I've also been certified in a number of blue collar feilds over the decads, but i'm technically disabled now, so I'm trying to be carefull with what I say and don't say.
Yes this video was painful to watch I put on my van ladder racks in the factory mounting holes I wasn't going to attempt to drill 24 or more holes in my roof for my solar.
Depends where you live. Depends on your battery storage. Depends on the energy consumption of your CPAP. There's lots of variables to take into consideration before answering that question.
If you use a lead acid battery it will off gas during charging. This is highly flammable explosive gas and also not good to breathe in. The battery should be in a sealed enclosure with a vent pipe or sufficiently sized tube going up and out of the van or living space with a device at the top end to prevent rain water from entering the battery enclosure. The battery should be mounted to the floor or even better in a good case mounted out side under the floor in a way that it can be serviced like on a drawer slide assembly inside a steel enclosure. I've personally witnessed a battery explode with so much force it launched a split hood assembly both sides of a international 8' x18' flat bed truck nearly 10' feet into the air. This occurred in Pennsylvania the winter of 1977 it was - 15 degrees and was connected to a gasoline powered start all machine being jump started. Once the engine started the operator of the start all machine pulled the positive terminal off and caused it to spark that was the first mistake or second cause he hadn't even stopped the charge current coming from the start all machine which he should have done first and then carefully removed the negative cable first which should have been attached to a ground point away from the battery. Hydrogen gas is extremely explosive. I once had a battery explode for no apparent reason in my 1976 datsun pickup while driving on a smooth road through town. It was properly connected and secure. It blew the whole top and sides of the case off. I opened the hood and the terminals and cell structure were still intact so I drove it home. It misfired like crazy cause the battery acid is highly conductive and was all over the plug wires. To this day I have idea why this battery exploded it must have been an internal short caused by a defect or foreign object inside the case that caused a spark. I replaced the battery cleaned up the wire's and every thing was fine never have had an issue again with any car battery again but I do respect the power of lead acid batteries and am extremely careful when working with them.
Standard lead acid battery, off gasses hydrogen sulfied gas, both expolive and toxic!? both can only be addressed by isolation from living compatments muchless sleeping? that's why the danger. Ther were also many more mistakes, sorry, just unprofessional.
AGM batteries are already sealed. That's why they use them specifically for motor homes. And yeah, you should put it in a box so nothing can touch the battery posts. They've basically done everything wrong that they could have in this video when it comes to the battery.
I am so sorry but the lady behind the camera with the snorting sinus issue should not have the mic so close to her constant irritating snorting noises. For those of us with a easy queasy tummy....I had to stop watching sorry. I'm sure she's a wonderful person but really does need to see a E.N.T DR.for her problem. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of solar install with us 😊
Made in Michigan 67 that was the lady on the roof in the dark hat and shorts with the snuffing thing going on. Bob is holding the camera when she has the snort going on. At 5:40 you can watch and listen. She even rubs her nose then has a series of coughing fits.
hi there just trying to find out if i get a van and want solar power what wattage do i need to run a small fridge a tv an electric jug a hair dryer laptop charge my phone, i take it i would need more than 1, 100 what solar panel and then do i need a bigger battery and converter thing. thank u
