VAN LIFE: SOLAR & OFF GRID POWER SYSTEMS EXPLAINED

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Interactive Diagrams, Materials Lists & How to Guide ► kombilife.com/electrical
In this Van Tour, we're explaining mobile electrical systems and sharing the details of our entire off grid power system which we've designed to meet the demands of mobile living and working off the grid. We talk about how we recharge our Lithium LiFePo4 Batteries using Solar, how to get the most out of your solar panels as well as the most efficient way to generate 12v Power whilst we are on the move with our Alternator. We also discuss the best options for "shore power" to rapidly recharge our battery bank when we really need to hook up to the grid and also the best way to monitor our battery system so we can protect our investment and maximize our time off grid and on the move.
Part 1: Our 1 of our Electrical Systems Van Tour • Building The Ultimate ...
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6 апр 2020

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Комментарии : 123

@KombiLife 4 года назад

I hope this help those of you are currently building out your vans. *LEARN HOW TO BUILD YOUR SYSTEM - Easy Step-by-Step Guide and interactive Diagram* ► kombilife.com/van-life-electrical-system-guide/ We'll have a new adventure episode out on Thursday for those of you who want to catch up with how Van Life in Africa is going.

@deezynar 4 года назад

How are you two doing? Still symptom free? Are you being treated OK in the country you're in now? Are you getting food and supplies as you need them?

@tomsummers1137 4 года назад

This is a totally comprehensive energy system for a small RV, not to mention a very clean and compact install. These components are top notch, and those Battle Born batts are considered the best and worth every penny of their nearly $1000 price. But what I like the most about this video is the very clear explanation and camera work. Nice one Ben! Just remember no matter how good the episode it’s always better with Leah and Alaska in it.

@KombiLife 4 года назад

Thanks Tom, I agree always better with the girls in the vid, they will be in the videos whenever I can encourage them to do so 🤭

@thomasj4057 4 года назад

Hi Ben, thanks for the detailed video. Since you're a solar geek: a common mistake, which you made about 11 min into the video, is to confuse energy and power. Energy is stored in your batteries and is measured in Wh (Watt-hours) and power is the output or input measured in W. An analogy can be made to fuel, diesel is stored energy while the engine output is power.

@KombiLife 4 года назад

thanks for that Thomas, you're right I use the terms interchangeably.

@jamieharrington9037 3 года назад

These 2 videos are the absolute best I have seen about electrical. Thank you SO much for putting them out there!! I finally feel like I have a basic understanding.

@KombiLife 3 года назад

So happy to hear that Jamie, best of luck with your project!

@mimilion6072 4 года назад

I have my own van and have watched loads of vids on this subject but this is the best explanation and easy to really understand.

@KombiLife 4 года назад

Great - so pleased to hear that. Thanks for the feedback

@0HARE 4 года назад

Thanks for a well explained and thorough walk-through of your power system build. I learned a lot from it, and will refer back to it when we're ready to go off-grid. Safe Travels

@laurieberg2880 4 года назад

As Dad no doubt mentioned use properly sized fuses, breakers, connectors and wire - not the place to cheep out. Those 4 batteries would happily weld steel if need be...

@KombiLife 4 года назад

yeah, safety first when building a van electrical system, for sure!

@elliotstr3x530 4 года назад

For someone who is currently planning his first van build, this is incredibly interesting!

@KombiLife 4 года назад

Glad to hear it Elliot. Thanks for your support.

@alisamehmal7234 4 года назад

Thanks for the loads of information. Thinking back to Capito's engines videos vs Boomerangs. Learning through experience and sharing your adventures. ⭐ Thanks 👍 Hope you are all three together, safe and healthy 🙏💛 ♥️🇨🇦

@jestubbs69 4 года назад

Rocking the PV! Tech has caught up to my wildest PV fantasies!

@jenny80myles 4 года назад

You made this informative and interesting. I feel like I learned a lot.

@richardblaxley7398 4 года назад

Hi ,very informative and easy to understand . I’m enjoying your videos while self isolating. Stay as safe as you can. Looking forward to more videos .

@KombiLife 4 года назад

Thanks Richard, happy to keep your brain working during the pandemic .😁

@takolivia4142 4 года назад

Subscribing to you guys and getting a membership is the best idea I had in a while. Your videos are relaxing, entertaining and educative !

@KombiLife 4 года назад

Glad to hear it. Thanks for your support and welcome to the Kombi Crew.

@ValRigoli 4 года назад

Congratulations Ben, very well put together episode explaining and demonstrating the required components for a good camper/caravan/motorhome system. Whilst I can often find fault with most installs I have seen, (I do have some expertise in this area) I can find little that I don't like with your Boomerang install. I feel so confident in the quality and accuracy of this video's content that I will be passing on it's RU-vid link to friends and fellow motorhome club members alike. Great work Ben & Leah, Alaska and Boomerang too :-)

@KombiLife 4 года назад

Great to hear it Val, thanks very much for the feedback.

@AdventurousWay 4 года назад

Great video and explanation! We also love geeking out and monitoring our solar system :)

@leo169 4 года назад

Explained very well, thanks Ben. :)

@clownycrazy 4 года назад

This is great info!

@axelcordes 4 года назад

Cheers ! so well done - thanx Axel

@CampervanCookout 4 года назад

Enjoyed geeking out, what a great system!

@KombiLife 4 года назад

:) Thanks for nerding out with us 🤓

@JesusFriedChrist 4 года назад

6 months ago jeez

@andyroye5622 4 года назад

Very informative and educational 🙏🏾🙏🏾

@brazendreams9563 4 года назад

Thank you so much for the explanation!! It helped me get an understanding of how a system works. I'm just beginning this electrical journey and need all the help I can get.

@KombiLife 4 года назад

It can be a headache. Our guide book gives you all the info you need to build your knowledge and get the project done

@Swimdeep 4 года назад

Well explained and easy to follow. Thanks Ben.

@KombiLife 4 года назад

Glad to hear it. Thanks

@ATrainTravels 4 года назад

That's some technology in the car! Be safe :)

@orangejuicebikes 4 года назад

I love these videos i hope to do this someday

@GatheringSticks 4 года назад

I find this stuff super interesting.... good job.

@KombiLife 4 года назад

happy to hear that, thanks for watching

@NightcoreSM 4 года назад

You can Connect the Battery Monitor and the Solar charge controler Via the App. Connect a "Victron Smart network" so both devices Speak to each otter an share infos like Voltage, temperature, Usage and with that info the MPPT can optimize your charge even more!

@bobsears4762 4 года назад

Very informative.

@nikodewolf8840 4 года назад

Beautiful build system! 🙊👌

@kevdotf 4 года назад

Cheers Ben's Dad

@Aaron-P 4 года назад

NOYCE!!! 😎👍

@MakeDoAndMend1 4 года назад

Really Good Video and good explanation. VOLTMETERS = Back in time motor cars didn't have Alternators just Dynamos. These would only charge batteries when above 1000rpm. So sitting at traffic lights engine tickover battery not charging. So if you had headlights on, battery voltage would drop so along came the dash mtg voltmeter. Giving a rough indication of voltage. Which gave an indication to warn you to switch to side lights. Saving power etc. These voltmeters, along with rev counters, oil pressure,temp gauge, oil temp gauges became fashionable. Not really needed as simple Indicator lamp can show over temp, low oil, rev counter just listen to engine revs to change gear. Modern battery systems are excellent and voltage, current indicators are really only needed for initial set up. Soon gets boring looking at and checking power etc. Forgot to mention early voltmeters had a small heater inside which warmed meter needle which bent under heat. Hence how slow the needle moves and inaccurate. Cheers from old George

@KombiLife 4 года назад

thanks for sharing the info George

@shatwikshankar05 4 года назад

Ultimate set up.still a long way to india.looking forward for it 👍

@KombiLife 4 года назад

can't wait for India - hope you are doing well over there.

@shatwikshankar05 4 года назад

@@KombiLife that's only the sad part,not in India right now,stuck in birmingham.but no worries I have combi life videos and tea by my side.

@Nickwillfixit 4 года назад

Awsome system, and very informative video thanks. Hey Ben you reckon your dad is helpng so he can get his quiet life back lol.

@KombiLife 4 года назад

Ha ha

@TVideoupload 3 года назад

Great video but damn that’s a lot of equipment taking up storage space, woulda been nice if you could mount it in the engine bay or somewhere hidden, but I understand this makes presentation for the sake of video nice.

@Alex-fy7sc 4 года назад

Hey guys. Hope you are ok! Please give us a feedback letting us know you guys are ok. Just a 10 sec video saying "We are all good, living the life! Stay in home and keep safe everybody!", that would be more than enough. Take care!

@robbwolf3309 4 года назад

Battle Born! Reno,NV

@projectnovice3461 4 года назад

Great video as always! Eager to know you guys are doing alright over in Morocco Whats the name and brand of the USB charging station?

@KombiLife 4 года назад

it's link on our website, can't remember the brand off hand - kombilife.com/van-life-electrical-system-guide/

@stevelandsberg6951 4 года назад

... sure hope you get to do this voyage... ... and we all get some travel restrictions lifted by summer/fall ... Cheers ~ S

@KombiLife 4 года назад

oh boy Steve, so do we

@karlhunt6932 4 года назад

Very clear and concise very rarely comment on very rarely comment on this but thank you very much very useful. Is there a distributor for battlebornin the UK or Ireland I don't see any information on their website

@KombiLife 4 года назад

Transporter Energy is the UK battery distributor, based in Essex I believe.

@macklillster9570 4 года назад

hiya guys, just yesterday bought a 79 hiace camper and am planning on taking her on a trip around France in the summer (if the lockdown is over, fingers crossed). with all this free time was trying to plan a route and remembered seeing you guys use a map with recommended and free camp spots etc. was just wondering what this was and how to get access to it ? thank you and hope you are keeping safe morocco. best wishes from the isle of wight!

@KombiLife 4 года назад

Try Park4Nite app

@JohnS-zq8ks 4 года назад

Well done. My system is nearly the same. I love my AC to DC and DC to DC Sterling chargers. You've come a long way since the Peruvian coast!

@KombiLife 4 года назад

Nice - yep that's true 😁

@daninvan911 4 года назад

i've looked, (perhaps not hard enough) where did you get the outlet covers for your fresh water and shore power?

@KombiLife 4 года назад

Got them from eBay. I’m working on a list of gear used. Will share ASAP

@Aaronivoify 4 года назад

I could be wrong but because your solar system is on a single MPPT your system will still be dragged down if one panel gets shaded. You could look at getting DC optimizers if it becomes a problem. Also, don't use adhesive tabs on the panel because it will eventually melt. Look for solar panel clips. The clenergy brands are the best.

@KombiLife 4 года назад

Panels are in parallel so they don't suffer from partial shading issues. Thanks for the comment(s)

@roffey1 4 года назад

Hey Ben, is your starter battery a normal lead acid battery or lithium as well?

@KombiLife 4 года назад

The starter is lead acid. We hope to get rid of it someday

@murderdoggg 4 года назад

Would reflecting more sunlight with mirrors onto solar panels significantly increase electrical output? I was thinking for a backyard setup. Mobile, mirrored Plexiglas panels on a wooden frame would be easier and cheaper to make than installing more solar panels.

@KombiLife 4 года назад

I’ve also wondered the same thing. I would guess it would help but I’ve never tried.

@williamoorejr 4 года назад

Perfect timing-- they just showed up today-- so for this kind of money I think I will make them interchangeable with my other camper as well. Noticed in the instructions that the MPPT can get damaged if disconnected from the solar array- Have you a work around for that or is it a case of DON"T DO THAT

@KombiLife 4 года назад

hmm interesting Bill. I'll send you a PM via Patreon to discuss

@kojomensah7474 4 года назад

I have not seen yr previous vedios before so what is the best battery that one can afford

@KombiLife 4 года назад

kombilife.com/electrical

@ketsiabella4657 3 года назад

Hi My question is how much battery & solar panels and inverter do I need for 83” long trailer pleaseeee I’m stupid to this type of things, I will be running Apple home computer & full size fridge & stove & 2 bug screen tv & hair blow dry and lights, Apple TV & Mac Pro laptop & cell phones & 2 fireplace & ps5 and washer and dryer in the DIY tiny house that is made out of shipping container, I want the feeling of a house powering please help I’m so clueless, I don’t want to over buy nor under buy

@mcjjordan 4 года назад

Why did you not go for victron charger& inverter aswell?

@KombiLife 4 года назад

nice piece of kit, but we didn't choose it because of this: kombilife.com/van-life-electrical-system-guide/#invertercharger

@markbrewer21 4 года назад

Great video, but I did have one question that I didn't hear addressed. Do you ever have more than 1 source charging the batteries at the same time? For example, do you utilize the B2B (battery to battery) charger AND the solar panels both feeding into the positive bus bar? From the diagram, I see that each has an isolation breaker that interrupts the connection to the positive bus bar, so if you left all of them on, what would happen? Hypothetically, if the B2B charger were operating (output 12 VDC) and the solar were operating (output 15-16 VDC), then both of those sources feeding into the positive bus bar would, in theory, would allow the B2B charger to be back-biased with the solar voltage. In other words, you would be trying to push the solar voltage (15-16 VDC) into the B2B charger. I guess this could also happen if you forgot to isolate the shore power circuit after leaving, and switched to "on the move" or "solar". Again, with zero power coming into the ON GRID charger, but it still being connected to the positive bus bar, it would be subjected to the voltage source feeding the bus. Unless these devices have some internal protection built in, couldn't this damage some of the equipment? Thanks for the great series and best wishes for safe travels! Cheers!

@KombiLife 4 года назад

we go into this in more details in our book. The short answer is that the Solar panel voltage is regulated by the controller before it connects to positive busbar. As long as the cabling has been designed to handle the loads, and the breakers are their to protect it all charging inputs can (and do) work well simultaneously. more details - kombilife.com/van-life-electrical-book/

@np939427a 4 года назад

What happens to Tpp boris when he breaks down, What's your backup plan going to be in a remote area?

@KombiLife 4 года назад

Yeah probably

@assemabusall4534 4 года назад

What about ur internet ?? Where do u get ur internet !

@xymre9956 4 года назад

You guys have a awesome system also hows everything in Morocco?

@KombiLife 4 года назад

life's OK here - I''ll update you guys soon with what's been happening (we're filming everyday)

@xymre9956 4 года назад

@@KombiLife ok awesome to here

@classicscustomsandhotrodso600 4 года назад

I have to take the piss because I have been doing it to everybody. I noted in your text that you plan on driving across boarders. You may get arrested because boarders are people that rent rooms off you and that could hurt them. Driving across borders, however is perfectly legal. Stay safe.

@Largexxl-zn4lx 4 года назад

Thanks for the insights. And thanks for the discount code. But 400Ah for more than 3500 dollars does not work out for me. Plus all the additions...

@KombiLife 4 года назад

Understandable. Do you really need 400Ah of Lithium? That's a heck of a lot of power

@Largexxl-zn4lx 4 года назад

@@KombiLife right, i dont have a mobile video production unit like you xD 200 would be enough (plenty) i suppose.

@shantelleadeline6053 4 года назад

The project like this step by step is described on the Avasva website and many more plans you can find on that website.

@paxwallacejazz 4 года назад

Can you provide a itemized price list?

@KombiLife 4 года назад

yup - just go here, click the add to cart button and you will see the prices of the products you are interested in (obviously you don't have to buy them) kombilife.com/van-life-electrical-system-guide/#materialslist

@benjeslabbert9128 4 года назад

Cheers to your dad🍻

@stephenlunt342 4 года назад

Them battle borns aren't cheap! No colbalt either, didn't know that.You're mppt is obviously top dollar. When putting all this together did you not think it's over kill for your needs?

@shantelleadeline6053 4 года назад

I made it by myself. I used Avasva solutions for that.

@NightcoreSM 4 года назад

If you have high quality Panels with 3 ore more bypass diodes in them you wont be affectet of partial shading i got 1200 Watts of Solar on my Sprinter. 3 Panels connected in series to push down 125 Volts , mean i start charging very early in the day and it keeps charging even an hour after sunset. if you got Battery voltage +5V you start charging and series brings your Voltage up to start sooner (also you can use smaller wires BUT you need Bigger, more expensive MPPT controllers)

@KombiLife 4 года назад

good point on the need for a larger MPPT controller. I'd be interested to see how effective the bypass diode are in a real life test. If you ever see us on the road, let's go and make some videos :)

@NightcoreSM 4 года назад

@@KombiLife i would really love to :) im a German Car-mechanic and hobby Photographer :) i tested my Solar by parking under a Tree and i only lost that Panel worth of wattage that was coverd in shade :) (which is 370 Watts per Panel) its even enough to run my Dometic AC unit :) im Kinda a technic geek. i went so far designing my own radient floor Water heating :P i follow you since the Start of hasta alaska, maybe you brought me into Vanlife. it all started with a 2000 kilometer Bycicle Trip from Germany to Sweden

@kopeducati 3 года назад

with all that stuff under seat, no more need for a heater... :)

@Aaronivoify 4 года назад

You got 1 month top before the adhesive on the zipties melts.

@KombiLife 4 года назад

yep zipties should be considered a temporary installation. They're fine for none critical things like cable tidying though; especially when you use more than one

@alymorning2961 4 года назад

Them batteries better be good at $900+ each 😱

@KombiLife 4 года назад

I know right, that's EXACTLY what I was thinking. But I'm happy to say they were worth the investment, 100% no regrets. Investing in the right power system is key to making the most out of mobile off gridding.

@1999colebug 4 года назад

Im only at 200Ah :( Someday Ill make it to 400 haha

@KombiLife 4 года назад

I think 200 is enough for most people, especially if it's Lithium

@as1tis 4 года назад

Boarders.

@jordansmith4289 4 года назад

Nerd!😂🤙

@BrendanExplores 4 года назад

How great would it be to be able to self isolate on the road travelling the world in a van ❤️❤️ P.s I'm a new British RU-vidr 😊

@VinhNguyen-mk7hg 4 года назад

Your Vanlife will be perfect if you have this portable recycling hot water shower Rewashower. Search Google for rewashower

@KombiLife 4 года назад

that would be nice

@DenisLeskovar 4 года назад

There is some false information here. In van you want to wire panel in series. You mentioned shaded areas of panels, and if you have part of panels in shade the output from that panel drops significantly, thus lowering output voltage and energy, while if panels hooked up in series, you lose just part of voltage and current. The mppt charge controller should have higher voltage on input, that can be done with wiring panels in series, so in low sunlight or shaded panels can actually do something with that voltage. With parallel wiring you have 18v or something like that (depends on panel) on input of mppt in optimal conditions, and if you shade part of one panel, that panel drops quickly bellow 12v, and charge controller cant really make miracles. In series wiring, you get 36V on input of mppt, and if you shade part of panel, you have a lot of room before it drops bellow 12V. In the morning you have very low voltage on mppt , while in series there is n-times more voltage with which mppt can charge.

@KombiLife 4 года назад

Decent panels with bypass diodes would help with the shading issue. Thanks for the watching and sharing your experience.

@CD3MC 4 года назад

5:45 But keeping a Lithium battery topped up at 100% will rapidly reduce usable life...

@KombiLife 4 года назад

You are right. We have out charging profile set up to make 100% a little less than true 100%.

@er.you2594 4 года назад

the comments is 6 months old...

@KombiLife 4 года назад

the video has been unlisted for a while - was just waiting for the pandemic to come because I knew everyone would want to build campervans ready to go exploring after 🤭

@colinvanful 4 года назад

wtf man this is over kill 400 ah at 4 amp per /hr that = 100 hrs with no input ! besides that the pure cost of all that lot was how much ? i have a rough guess it was around 3 k for the system . nevermind the fuel cost to top the batterys up on the road ! honestly if your bus /combi is giving you 16 mpg you lucky ! plus when you get out into the wilds and the whole lot goes down who are you going to call to get it fixed when your in the middle of god knows where ! you might think you have it all covered but your sure screwed if you think anyone knows how to mend it when it goes wrong ! ME PERSONALY WOULD HAVE BOUGHT A GENARATOR THAT RUNS OF VEG OIL OR DEISEL . plus it would have been lighter than that lot !

@KombiLife 4 года назад

Thanks for your comment Colin.

@williamoorejr 4 года назад

I think for the life of a generator and it's fuel and its weight that could produce this kind of clean sine wave - you would be way better off with the Battle Borns and controllers and no one yelling at you for all the noise/