Van Life Electricity Set Up for Dummies (no solar)
Van Life Electricity Set Up for Dummies (no solar)
*MAKE SURE YOU READ THE PINNED COMMENT*
Hey guys! Here’s an explanation of my van life electricity! I made a video a million years ago about how to set up this electricity system in your van, but in the two years I’ve been doing van life, my system needs a reboot, so I decided to film another one that actually showed the process (with all its ups and downs!). Thanks for watching ♡♡
PS. Here’s a quick article I found that dives a little further into what to consider when buying a deep cycle battery: https://buyitforvanlife.com/100ah-deep-cycle-battery-reviews/
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💁🏼♀️FAQ💁🏼♀️
*What kind of van do you have/how much did it cost/how many miles did it have on it when you bought it?*
My van is a 2001 Ford Econoline E250 that I found via Craigslist, I bought it with 67k miles on it – it was listed for $3000, but I got them down to $2400.
My Van Build: http://bit.ly/2x3bv3M
My Van Build Cost: https://bit.ly/32SzUXF
Van Life Playlist: https://bit.ly/2D5CT4c
*What sewing machine do you use?* https://amzn.to/2EigFwH
*What are you filming on?* iPhone 11 Pro
*How do you make money?* I sell clothes on Depop (link above), and get ad revenue from YouTube! I also have a video on ways I’ve made money in the past; http://bit.ly/3d1451P
Thank you for showing us how to do that. That was very helpful to me. It’s cool to see that us ladies can do things mechanical. The way you explain things makes it possible for me to understand and give me the courage to try. Please keep making videos like these!
I can’t believe how simple you made it look! Omg, now I’m thinking maybe I can do my own electrics in the van… I need to find out how to attach a water heater to the inverter and my fridge and to have some USB chargers at the bed side. Thank you so muxh!
I was on youtube looking at cabin videos and came across your channel when you bought your cabin and 4 hrs later here I am …. Great job Hannah .
Ur adorbs
Um how are you not getting shocked? Maybe im missing something?? Great video thou thanks.
Oh i love that u named ur van, i so do that with all my vehicles.😍😍😍
Thank you so much….I have to do my van alone and was looking for something like this that i can do until i can get solar…. but that may be some time from now…so this is PERFECT!!!
Wire loom over the wire to protect it from rubbing through and grounding out. (Arching)
Very very good job hanna!! That was helpful to me i learned that it really wasn’t as complicated as i thought it was… Thank you! 😃
10:18 I would also mount the Battery Isolator in the engine compartment close to the Starter Battery. That way your auxiliary battery system would be completely isolated from the very important main car battery.
Loved the video. I needed this information.
This helped me see that the onboard power setup can be straightforward, that a no-solar alternator powered AGM battery is possible, and that it can be installed by one person. I’ve watched many tutorials by now to learn about the components and their ratings in detail, but I still appreciate that Hannah Lee D. shared this. It started me on learning more 🙂 I remember this video for motivation when more than one try is necessary – which is most of life. Go Hannah!
Total thumbs up!! I learned something, should I decide to convert my van. Thank you! You are one cool chic 👍
Awesome video – I love the tech stuff.
8:27 That looks like the exhaust pipe from your engine. Don’t put your battery cable there, the Hot pipe will melt the insulation and cause a short that will kill your main battery. Get some plastic cable clamps that your can mount on a piece of metal that will keep the wire secure.
She would amd reminds me so much of Taylor swift
Very intelligent girl not afraid to try anything.
Ya did good god bless an as always be safe
7:07 You should have disconnected the Black (Ground) Wire before working with the Red (Hot) Wire. Disconnecting the Ground will prevent any shorts.
Harbor Freight is a good place to get solar panels you can get a complete set up for panels all the cords and a controller into light bulbs for less than a hundred bucks
Wait… your back in a van?
Hi Hannah. This may have already been mentioned, but don’t ground your house battery. You should run black and red wires to ALL your 12v items and they should have a cutoff switch and a small fuse panel. If you are using ground on your house and your vehicle battery (making them common) you will definitely have issues. Hope this helps
I use to live in L.A., but I am not and never was Hollywood.. If I was though, I would SO produce a reality TV show with you (if you were game)… I’m converting an ambulance and have gotten a few ideas from your channel, thanks!!! As scary as your electrical tutor was (smile), you did introduce me to the Battery Doctor, battery isolator – again, thanks!!! Good luck & rock on… If you ever hit VA hit me up for some ideas…
I cannot believe you only have 58K views
Intro looks like Hannah Baker from 13 reasons why
Not even 1 month yet
How long does your aux battery last without turning on the van? Currently looking into running power in 97 Econoline.
Thanks, for the ideas. 😊
Hi! I wonder what that little black machine box you have is called? The one that first cinnected the positive cabeL? Anyone?
Would really need a box like that! Thank you
I deal with 00 thick car audio wires and found it easiest to just use a blow torch and fill the hot terminal up with soldier then plop the wire in it. In 4 ga wire a decent iron should do the trick tho. The radiator hose under the engine may get the wire hot so i would route away from that if possible or try to not use the inverter while the antifreeze is hot as it will cause the wire to heat up more. Lastly id suggest using fuses 12inches from the batteries on the positive wires although i myself sometime do not practice that safely and skip fuses
Sell me for income.. extra income
A smart solenoid sounds better than a mosfet to me TY bay. So can u set the cut off switch 2 a specific time and r they wired in series or parallel
This is exactly what I have not been able to find in any other tiny power set up! Thank you!!!!
Solar isn’t so complex. Get a solar panel or panels for a 12 volt system, a solar charge controller that handles the watts and amps generated by your panel or solar array and then connect the panels to the charge controller and connect the charge controller to your 12 volt battery. Just like the 12 volt system you have in Walter it will be dc voltage and positive and negative connections. Its mounting panels. Mounting the charge controller and running the wires. There are wire guage charts online and if your going to do this kind of electrical work pick up a set of wire crimpers to make life easier along with some heat shrinks or a heat shrink kit. You can incorporate a fuse block which makes combining several panels alot easier aswell as adding circuit protection. Wire sizes depend on how many amps you want to carry over the length of the wire. You’re definitely skilled enough to handle this. I’d recommend useing wire loom and zip ties on a vehicle. It helps keep your wires protected and neat. For a small system on your van I’m pretty sure you can do it for less then $500 depends on how big you go and if you’re going to ad batteries. I’ve set up my own solar power system for my off grid life and I’m happy to help answer any questions you have if I can. There are calculators online to determine what size system is suitable for your needs but I’ve found whatever you calculate you should double it but even one 100 watt panel with a 30 amp charge controller would help keep your battery charged and give you the ability to ad a panel or two later without having to upgrade your charge controller.
I would like to add a second battery to my van. I gave found agms are pricy. What battery would you suggest. Thank you for your time.
I’ve seen tons of van life videos even van dwelling and it seems the subject of waste is avoided at all costs. There is not 1 video on a diet for van life like chocolate milk is bad to drink while eating breakfast😧🤯 it might be a bit diffrent 4 everybody but it’s still pretty much the same)as in apples. I love Ritz crackers or maybe this is my concern cause looking 4 a 2 spot is terrible I may need sum diapers haha
thank you I just bought van and it has 2 batteries but I do not think I have inverter– this electrical stuff is confusing thank you for helping me understand
*READ ME*
I am not an expert! Under this comment please add your *advice/tips//ideas/safety warnings* so other people can read through! & if you are considering trying this, DEFINITELY read through these comments, and take them into account.
*Please note*
DO NOT connect your cable to your starter batter first (like I did 🤦🏼♀️) Thread your wire first, and get everything set up. Connect your wire to your starter last.
The tape I used in this video is a temporary fix, and I will be replacing the connection when I have the right materials.
If you are building your own system – soldering & heat shrink is the proper way to connect the wires to the terminal connectors.
Good info
I did it your way with no plans to do solar in the future because it doesn’t generate enough to be worth the trouble and expense, unless you want to park in the desert. There’s always a little driving to top off he battery, right? if only to a trailhead or shop. Nice inverter. You did right. Fancy toys not always best.
Very impressed with your electrical knowledge and mechanical abilities.
XRP, QFS. Free Energy<3 I’m a second waver, I hope the galactic technologies get disclosed any time now :’)
Thank you Hannah you are too cute! I am definitely getting a converter and deep cycle battery for my trip, one day at a time.
Bro, this video is so technical wtf lol and I work in aerospace/automotive.. smh.. I need your training!
You are so funny 🙂 Thanks for the lovely Video !!
Free Penny Lane Ippolito from DHS in fort Collins co,
This helped . This is the one thing I’m dreading doing and messing with on my set up 🥺
Would you be able to cook electric with this setup?
Hi Hannah, just passed this vid on to fellow Minnesotan Samantha O. You mentioned your rust. Hope this is helpful when not working on your cute little house. Enjoy watching! A couple tips if ok. Purchase POR 15 amazon, disposable brushes, (store remainder in 1 qt rubbermaid) gloves and coat all mechanical and body rust w it. Then this link for frame and more. Brush lots spray w good squirt bottle or compressed air. Under Coating with Oil
Mistie1
https://youtu.be/fFoLp8Y5fWM
Nice work! So cool to watch you getting hands on, without fear. Doing some of your own work is definitely a confidence builder.