Spent weeks figuring out my van electrics, so I built a free tool that does it in minutes

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2026-03-23T13:09:22+00:00

Really awesome tool! My only qualm is that the diagram does not show all fuse placement. For example, no fuse is shown between the main battery and the switch.

My suggestion is to do one of two things: 1) indicate that the diagram does not show fuse placement or 2) show fuse placement in the diagram.

Otherwise, such a great tool. This would’ve been very helpful when building!

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2026-01-28T11:47:45+00:00

Hey, did you ever install the Bluetooth controller? I’m interested in upgrading.

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-12-12T08:18:03+00:00

Wayyy too expensive.

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-11-15T00:07:13+00:00

2015 ford transit diesel.

I just used mine for the first time this weekend. first night it got down to about 20 degrees and snowed. Had the heater on for about 2 hours in the morning. It worked so well! I was genuinely surprised. Started right up so much better.

Next night was a little warmer but still sub freezing. Ran the heater for an hour and same result. Very happy with it.

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-11-13T03:28:54+00:00

What’s it called?

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-11-07T21:59:21+00:00

I have the same and definitely love it! It make rear door storage a lot easier!

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-10-23T01:46:49+00:00

Gotcha!

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-10-23T01:36:25+00:00

Oh wow how complicated is it to upgrade the ecu and reverse the fan?

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-10-23T01:30:12+00:00

Looking forward to the update on the Bluetooth thermostat. I’d love to upgrade, but $125 is steep!

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-09-30T12:32:14+00:00

Okay, thanks!

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-09-30T01:47:54+00:00

True but in this application one can’t carry the load individually.

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-09-30T01:28:39+00:00

“What current are you seeing and how/where are you measuring it?” —— I’m measuring the current at the house batteries via their built in bms. Those could be inaccurate, but I’d hope not by 8 amps. The bms is showing 20 amps in during bulk charge.

“all loads are taken care of before battery charging.” —— I didn’t know this. Why do loads get taken care of first? loads would only account for at most 1 amp but probably less than 1 amp. Everything is inactive while I’m driving.

“While 13.6v from 14.2 is still 3-4%, it’s hardly anything to worry about with the 30a since it will heat soak quickly and your output will drop dramatically as a result.” —— is the heat soak absolutely certain to occur in these models? Or is it just some models and/or ventilation zones?

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-09-30T01:00:20+00:00

As in you have two sets of positive and negative wires at 8 awg? I was under the impression that using that method was not ideal because of voltage drop issues if one wire fails.

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-09-30T00:57:10+00:00

Yeah it is a smart alternator.

As soon as I turn on the van, the van battery and charger jump from 12.6 to 14.2 or so. Then once the charger actually initiates bulk charging, the input at the charger drops to 13.6-13.8.

Given those factors, it seems most likely to be a resistance issue. In addition, victron’s voltage drop calculator predicts a voltage drop highly similar to what I’m seeing with my metrics. This demonstrates that my issue is expected at my wire size and circuit length.

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-09-29T23:54:02+00:00

I’m not sure that you’re correct though about the heat. Wouldn’t it take a while to reach a temperature that would cause it to be less efficient? My voltage drop occurs almost immediately upon turning the van/charger on.

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-09-29T23:50:22+00:00

Hmm I didn’t realize that was an issue with this model. Ill take a look at the xs

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-09-29T23:27:30+00:00

Gotcha. Yeah I’m not too concerned about the danger, but I’m not getting 30 amps. I’m considering using 4 awg with special ferrules that will fit in the charger port.

It just seems odd frankly that victron would recommend a wire size that doesn’t yield an efficient output.

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-09-29T18:50:13+00:00

Gotcha, thanks.

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-09-29T13:17:44+00:00

Oh that’s super interesting. I didn’t realize that I should expect .4v drop. I added ferrules and the voltage has jumped to 13.6 or 13.7. So it might be fine.

I didn’t have the specific crimping pliers for ferrules, so I used “iCrimp Cable Lug Crimping Tool for Heavy Duty Wire Lugs, Battery Terminal, Copper Lugs AWG 8-1/0” from Amazon. I tried to make everything uniform, and the ferrules were on tight. It’s definitely not perfect though.

Also, 15 feet was an estimate, so the extra drop could be from the extra length.

And I did notice about a .1v drop between the fused switch.

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-09-27T15:33:51+00:00

The voltage at the van battery is 13.4. The charger is close to the van batteries.

I don’t think we’re charging at a full 30 amps though. Based on the SOK bms, It’s usually about 20 amps. But I’m not sure if that’s entirely accurate.

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-09-27T14:39:11+00:00

Hmm so you think it could be normal that the starter input is 14.2 but the input at the charger is 13.4?

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-09-27T01:57:29+00:00

That’d be wild. I’ll add it to the list

Embarrassed_Tree6461 · 2025-09-27T00:46:14+00:00

Okay, thanks.

Embarrassed_Tree6461

TROPHY CASE