Falcon Overland

In this episode, we discuss the many learnings I had while touring round for a whole month being off grid. This also builds from 2 1 week trips I had prior to this month's stint.

In this episode, we discuss how to run high amp loads and what equipment you'll need to run them.

In this episode, we cover how to build a system to do induction cooking and if it's worth the cost.


After some more experience and thinking I've come up with the below system requirements.

To do Lithium cooking on a budget it'll cost at least $3150
No Name 250ah lifepo4 high amp BMS - $1500
3000w kings inverter - $450
Cable - $300
25 amp cheap DCDC charger - $300
High-Quality relay for straight charging off alternator - $400 (PowerHub has this feature inbuilt)
K mart induction cooker - $59

This system will have a low chance of failure but I wouldn't be surprised if a component fails within 5 years.

If you are cooking two nice meals a day for two people only using electricity and boiling water for dishes you'll use between 100-200ah a day. This means if you have a 100 amp alternator you'll need to do 2-3 hours of driving a day or have 900w of solar in summer and 1300w in winter.

If you want a high-quality system it'll cost $11200 and you will want:
Victron/Redarc 400ah lifepo4 - $5000
3000w Redarc inverter - $3000 (victron's inverters are too big and bulky for vehicles)
Cable - $300
30 amp Victron/red arc DCDC charger - $500
High-Quality relay for straight charging off alternator - $400 (PowerHub has this feature inbuilt)
Decent induction cookers - $300
250 amp Redback alternator $1700

This system has an extremely low chance of failure and it'll is highly unlikely to have any faults within 7 years and you won't have to worry about your batteries going flat.

You also have to remember your not just paying for this system to do induction cooking you get a world of benefits once you have a decent electrical system like this.

In this episode, we look at running lithium batteries as starter batteries, the purpose of this is to make a very lightweight deep-cycle battery system by using lithium batteries as your deep cycle and starting batteries, in most cases this will take weight out of your vehicle while providing better starting and winching power to your vehicle.

In this episode, we cover the different types of solar panels as well as what you get for spending more on your panels. We also go into how to mount them and charge your batteries properly using an MPPT controller.

In this episode we go over all the different styles of camp lights, I've missed a few options out so i will touch on those in a future podcast mainly around battery lights.

In this episode, we talk everything about driving lights. Spotlights vs upgraded bulbs vs lightbars. cheap or expensive and what's best for your driving style?

This episode is not for beginners, today we discuss ways in which you can charge lithium batteries directly off your alternator. This is an area that I am still testing and learning and I take no responsibility if you damage your property as a result of trying what I am testing.

Since recording this podcast in 2022 I have done a lot more testing and have a lot more knowledge and understanding around alternator charging for LIthium batteries so check out my holiday recap podcast to complement this.

In this episode, we cover sizing your chargers and batteries for your electrical system. What size DCDC charger do you need? How many Watts of solar do you need? What about the alternator and AC charging and the expensive question, what size battery do I need?

We go over the four ways of charging a house battery in your RV, Camper, 4wd or house boat and what methods are best for you?

We go over the cost, efficiency, what's best for your situation, and how to use multiple charging methods at the same time.