In the video by EXPLORIST life – DIY Campers titled “The Cost Breakdown of our DIY camper electrical system,” the cost of a high-end DIY campervan electrical system is thoroughly discussed. The video provides a comprehensive overview of the system’s expenses, from the components to the screws. The installation of two 270 amp-hour Battle Born GC3 Heated Lithium Batteries wired in series to create a 24-volt system is highlighted. The decision to opt for a 24-volt system and its cost-saving benefits are explained, including the significant difference in expenses when using smaller wires. The total cost of the system is $12,060, with the breakdown of various components and additional expenses provided. The video offers insights and tips for designing an electrical system while emphasizing the value and performance of the installed system.
Furthermore, EXPLORIST.life offers a complete kit for this system, priced at $4,695, which includes all necessary wiring and components, excluding the batteries and inverter/charger. The recommended purchase of battery bank components directly from Battle Born is emphasized, along with the additional expenses for the electrical enclosure, external solar port, HDMI extender, L-Track hardware, and various shop supplies. The article also mentions the availability of a full cost breakdown for branch circuits and associated components in the future. Lastly, the EXPLORIST.life Certified Installer Network is introduced as an option for individuals who prefer professional installation services, with a warning against choosing unauthorized installers who might infringe on intellectual property and compromise quality.
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Components of the DIY Camper Electrical System
When it comes to creating a DIY camper electrical system, there are several key components that you’ll need to consider. Two crucial components are the 24-volt system with two 270 amp-hour Battle Born GC3 Heated Lithium Batteries and the Victron MultiPlus 24-volt 3000-watt Inverter/Charger.
The 24-volt system with the Battle Born GC3 Heated Lithium Batteries is a great choice for a camper electrical system. These batteries are designed to provide ample power for your camping needs, with a total capacity of 540 amp-hours. The heated feature of these batteries ensures that they can function well even in cold weather conditions, making them highly reliable for your camper.
The Victron MultiPlus 24-volt 3000-watt Inverter/Charger is another essential component of your DIY camper electrical system. This inverter/charger is capable of converting the 24-volt DC power from your batteries into 120-volt AC power, allowing you to run various appliances and devices in your camper. Additionally, the MultiPlus feature combines the functions of an inverter and a charger into one device, saving space and simplifying the overall system setup.
Cost Breakdown of the Electrical System
To give you an idea of the cost involved in setting up a DIY camper electrical system, let’s break down the expenses:
- EXPLORIST.life complete kit: $4,695
- Battle Born GC3H batteries: $5,018
- Victron MultiPlus inverter/charger: $1,388
- Electrical enclosure: $722
- External solar port: $50
- HDMI extender: $24
- L-Track hardware: $63
- Miscellaneous shop supplies: $100
It’s important to note that these costs represent the specific components required for the electrical system. However, there are other components, such as branch circuits and associated components, ground deploy solar array, and alternator charging, that are not included in this cost breakdown.
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Specialty Tools Required
To successfully install your DIY camper electrical system, you’ll need a range of specialty tools. These tools are essential for effectively working with the various components and wiring of the system. Here is a list of the tools you’ll need:
- Wire cutters: Used for cutting wires to the desired length.
- Diagonal cutters: Ideal for cutting wires in tight spaces.
- Flush trim cutters: Necessary for trimming excess wire.
- Wire strippers: Used to remove the insulation from wires.
- Cable knife: Designed to make clean cuts in cables.
- Ratcheting insulated terminal crimper: Essential for crimping insulated terminals onto wires securely.
- Ratcheting uninsulated terminal crimper: Used for crimping uninsulated terminals.
- Lug crimper: Necessary for crimping lugs onto wires.
- Ferrule crimpers: Used for crimping ferrules onto wires.
- Heat gun: Required for heat shrink tubing and other heat-related applications.
- Multimeter: Used to measure voltage, current, and resistance.
- AC voltage detector: Essential for detecting the presence of AC voltage in wires.
These specialty tools are essential for ensuring a proper and efficient installation of your DIY camper electrical system.
Additional Tools Required
In addition to the specialty tools, you’ll also need a set of standard tools to complete the installation of your DIY camper electrical system. These additional tools include:
- Sockets and ratchets: Necessary for tightening nuts and bolts.
- Screwdrivers: Used for various tasks, such as removing screws.
- Wrenches: Essential for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts.
- Drill: Required for drilling holes and driving screws.
- Impact driver: Ideal for driving screws quickly and effortlessly.
Having these additional tools on hand will ensure that you have everything you need to complete the installation successfully.
Total Cost of the Electrical System
When considering the cost of your DIY camper electrical system, it’s important to take into account both the component costs and the cost of the specialty tools required for the installation. Here is the breakdown of the total cost:
- Component costs: $12,060
- Specialty tools: $600
- Total cost: $12,660
Keep in mind that these costs are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as the brand and quality of the components and tools you choose. However, this breakdown provides a general estimate of the expenses involved in setting up your DIY camper electrical system.
Installation Time
The installation time for your DIY camper electrical system will vary depending on your level of experience and expertise. Here are some estimated timeframes for the installation:
- Proficient installer: 1 week
- Novice installer: 2 weeks
These timeframes take into account the complexity of the installation process and the learning curve involved for those who are new to working with electrical systems. It’s important to allocate enough time for the installation to ensure a thorough and efficient setup.
Conclusion
Creating a DIY camper electrical system can provide you with a high-performing electrical setup at a reasonable cost. By investing in quality components like the Battle Born GC3 Heated Lithium Batteries and the Victron MultiPlus inverter/charger, you can ensure that your camper will have a reliable and efficient power supply.
Additionally, it’s worth considering the EXPLORIST.life Certified Installer Network. This network consists of professionals who are trained and certified to install camper electrical systems. Opting for the services of a certified installer can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your electrical system is being installed by someone with the necessary knowledge and experience.
Lastly, supporting ethical installers is essential for promoting the growth and sustainability of the DIY camper community. By choosing to work with installers who uphold ethical standards and practices, you contribute to the overall integrity and reputation of the industry.
In conclusion, a DIY camper electrical system can be a rewarding project, offering you the freedom and flexibility to power your camper on your own terms. With the right components, tools, and knowledge, you can create a reliable and efficient electrical system that enhances your camping experience.
