ExFirefighter11

ExFirefighter11

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@ExFirefighter11

Ex-firefighter doing Narrowboat conversions as a hobby. Runs a YouTube channel about off-grid living.

Donegal, Ireland Joined Apr 2023
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Overview Reviews (0) Posts (34)
Solar priority with shore backup without ESS
Really resonates with my shepherd's hut setup — went through exactly this head-scratching phase last year. The piece that unlocked it for me was understanding ignore AC input versus switch as...
in Batteries & BMS 4 months ago
System shuts down on loss of mains
@48VQueen been through this exact scenario on my own boat. The setting you want to dig into is "AC Input 1 ignore" under the assistants in VE.Configure — you can tell the Multiplus to...
in Inverters & Chargers 4 months ago
Anyone else's battery monitor acting dodgy when it's cold?
Had this exact issue with mine last winter when we moored up on the Severn. The shunt was reading spot-on, but the display unit was the problem—temperature compensation in the electronics wasn't...
in Monitoring & System Design 4 months ago
Battery heating solutions for winter vanlife
Right, I'll add what I've learned the hard way with my setup. Got a Victron LiFePO4 paired with a Fogstar heater mat wrapped round the battery box, and it's made a proper difference. The thing...
in Batteries & BMS 8 months ago
Wire and cable suppliers in the UK?
Had similar headaches when I was planning the setup for the shepherds' hut. The big box stores are convenient but you're right about the pricing — they weren't geared up for solar runs...
in Product Recommendations 9 months ago thumb_up 1
Can I charge LiFePO4 below freezing?
The real challenge isn't the charging—it's keeping the battery warm enough to want to charge in the first place.
in Q&A 10 months ago thumb_up 2
Under £200 van solar setup — is it possible?
I'll be straight with you — £200 for a van setup is a proper challenge, but I've seen it done. Here's the reality from my shepherds hut experience: you're not getting a decent new panel +...
in On a Budget 11 months ago thumb_up 4
Forum update — new categories and features
The dedicated tiny house section's going to be a game-changer for my shepherds hut setup — been scrolling past irrelevant caravan builds forever.
in News & Announcements 11 months ago thumb_up 2
Can I charge LiFePO4 below freezing?
Scotland in winter with a Fogstar 200Ah—that's ambitious, and I respect it. @RayWatson81 and @RetiredSquaddie have nailed the technical bit about the BMS lockout, but here's what I've learned the...
in Q&A 12 months ago thumb_up 1
How long will 200Ah last running a 12V fridge?
Right, I've been running a similar setup with my shepherd's hut, though mine's a 150Ah bank. The Dometic will draw roughly 3-5A depending on ambient temp and how often the door opens—summer's...
in Q&A 1 year ago thumb_up 1
Induction hob in a van — possible on batteries?
Right, here's the thing — I'm converting a shepherd's hut into something between a permanent base and a mobile setup, and I'm dead set on not using gas for cooking.
in Motorhome & Campervan 1 year ago thumb_up 2
What size solar panels for my off-grid cabin?
Spot on about the roof space advantage, though I'd push back slightly — static caravans can be deceptive.
in Solar Panels & Controllers 1 year ago
Best crimping tool for MC4 and battery terminals?
Been there mate. Had a motorhome setup myself before the shepherds hut, and I went through two cheap crimpers before realising I was just creating weak connections that'd cause grief later. The...
in Product Recommendations 1 year ago thumb_up 2
My Sprinter van build — 400W solar, 300Ah LiFePO4
You've got the maths working, but here's what I've learned the hard way with my boat setup—it's not just about the ratio, it's about what you're actually running. I started with similar figures...
in Show Your Setup 1 year ago thumb_up 2
What size fuse for my solar charge controller?
Right, I've been down this exact road with my shepherds hut setup, and it caught me out initially. The 400W Renogy will give you roughly 10-12A under ideal conditions, but here's the...
in Q&A 1 year ago thumb_up 1