This section describes an easy to build camper van electric system that can start simply and cheaply but be expanded as more functionality is needed.
The basic system provides all the basics and is all many people will ever need. It powers your fridge, lights, water pump, fan(s), and USB charging. It will run for 2 or 3 days without plugins or charging. Depending on your battery choice it will cost about $1200.
If you want more, it is designed to be expanded to include solar charging, Inverters to power household appliances, shore power charging and more battery capacity.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries have come down in price so much that we no longer show a lead acid battery alternative.
There are several choices in LiFePo4 batteries including capacity, single or multiple batteries, maximum current, and cold weather protection. These are discussed below and on the batteries page..
The only house battery charging for the basic system is from van alternator via A DC to DC charger.
Expandable to also charge from solar and/or shore power
BlueSea Safety Hub 150 organizes and simplifies wiring.
The $20 no wiring shore power solution.
This gives you 120 VAC household power in the van when you are at a campground with plugins.
Most anything that runs on 12 volts
Fridge, lights, water pump, USB sockets, Furnace, …
An Inverter to run 120 VAC house power items can be added.
The pages linked to below have all the details on how to plan your system and how to build it.
Detailed build instructions for the basic system
While the Basic system does a lot and many will find its all that is needed, the pages below go over some additions that a lot of people make. Things like the ability to charge the house battery from solar, or an inverter or inverter/charger to be able to run household appliances in the van.
Add solar charging of the house battery to the basic system
Add an inverter to the basic system to allow running 120 VAC household applicances.
Add an Inverter/Charger to the basic system. The Inverter/Charger combines an inverter and a shore power charger into one unit.
Add a Shore Power Charger. This allows you to charge the house battery from the campground plugin.
Add a battery monitor that will tell you how much juice you have left, how fast you are charging or discharging.
Add additional battery capacity to your system to allow longer boondocks and bigger loads
The pages below will help you plan your system, and answer questions like: Which kind of battery should I use? Should I add solar charging, and how much? Should I use a simple Inverter, or an Inverter Charger? and more…
Estimating your daily electrical loads and battery size.
Detailed info on how to wire the system – what kind of wire to use? What tools do I need? Crimps and lug? Make or buy cables? …
What type of battery to use? Battery installation? Battery care?
This will help you make the decision on whether to go with separate inverter and shore power charger, or to go with a combined unit.
This covers everything solar – do I want to add solar charging? How much solar do I need? What kind of solar panels to use? …
Additional topics and information that might be helpful