October 2015 #vanlife update

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So this this month saw the conclusion of a number of projects I had been wanting to bowl over.

I rewired every circuit in the house battery (second battery for the muggles). Adding a fuse block and a master 50A fuse.

I also added a voltage sensing relay between the van's alternator and the second battery to charge while driving.

I installed an Anderson plug on the exterior of the van to allow hookups to external solar panels when the van is in the shade.

External panels (40w) allow the van to be parked in the shade

External panels (40w) allow the van to be parked in the shade

External Anderson plug direct to battery allows external batteries or a mains DC battery charger to be connected with the doors closed

External Anderson plug direct to battery allows external batteries or a mains DC battery charger to be connected with the doors closed

​The final project was the adding of two digital meters for solar input and one for output to keep an eye on usage. 

Digital read outs allow me to keep an eye on the system without lifting the hatch

Digital read outs allow me to keep an eye on the system without lifting the hatch

With the rewiring of the system I now have 3 12v cig sockets in the front and one in the rear all running off the house battery. I needed more other wise I would need to keep unplugging the 12 fridge to charge my phone or run a 12v fan.

My parents have a 1 year old 31lt Waeco 12v CDF-35 fridge they are giving to us so we theoretically can go off grid for weeks (food and relationship pending :D ) 

Videos to come 

#vanlife #vw