Vanlife is all the rage these days,  the idea of hitting the open road while keeping a comfy living and working space is a dream for many.  At the heart of a good campervan conversion is the electrical system – it's what keeps everything running smoothly on your travels. If you're thinking about setting up an off-grid campervan electrical system, there are some key things to keep in mind to make sure it's efficient, and reliable.

Figuring Out Your Power Needs

Before you dive into designing your campervan's electrical setup, it's super important to get a clear picture of your power needs. Think about all the gadgets and appliances you'll be using regularly – like lights, fridges, laptops, induction stove or an AC and phones. Estimate the wattage and the number of hours each device will run daily. This information helps calculate your daily power consumption (in watt-hours), which will guide your battery capacity and solar panel requirements.  Calculate how much energy you'll use in amp-hours per day to figure out what kind of battery capacity you'll need. On an average we calculate around 60-80 amp hours per day for a typical conversion. This goes up when appliances such as heat exchangers, induction stove, electric AC units are added.  Knowing your particular needs will help you pick the right components and make sure your system can keep up with your lifestyle, now and in the furure.

Picking the Right Battery System

The battery system is the heart of any off-grid campervan electrical setup.  

Choosing the Right Battery the main types of batteries used in campervan conversions are:

  • Lead-Acid Batteries (AGM): Affordable but heavier and less efficient. They need to be charged to full capacity regularly to prevent degradation, and can only be drawn down to about 50%, the expected life exectancy is 4-5 years.

  • Lithium-Ion Batteries (LiFePO4): Lighter, more efficient, and longer-lasting. Though more expensive upfront, their lifespan and efficiency make them cost-effective in the long run, you can draw down to about 75% and they last about 7-8 years. 

Lithium-ion batteries are a popular pick since they're lightweight, durable, and efficient, and pricing of them has come down significantly over the last years.  They also last longer and charge up faster than the old-school lead-acid batteries, and can be discharged further.  When choosing batteries, think about capacity, weight, and budget to find what works best for you.  Budget about $11.00 per amp hour for a lithium battery. 

Solar Panels System

Solar panels are a great way to assist in charging your house system. Using the sun's energy to charge your batteries, helps to reduce your environmental footprint. When adding solar panels to your van conversion, consider how much roof space you have and the kind of sunlight you'll get on your travels. On average a 200 watt panel will generate about 8 amps per hour of power in good sunlight, and 1/2 that with indirect light, so dont rely on solar as your main source of energy to charge your house system. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient and space-saving compared to polycrystalline panels.  Also, invest in a high-quality solar charge controller (MPPT is preferred) to efficiently regulate the energy flow to your battery sytem.

Inverters 

You will want to consider adding an inverter to your house system, espically if you are lookign to run any (AC) applicance while on the road, or being off grid.  When choosing the inverter, think about what you are looking to power, a 2000 watt inverter is able to run most household appliances, such as a microwave, induction stove, or smaller blender.  Have a look at the wattage of the appliance you are looking to run to determine your needs.  Pure sine wave inverters are best for sensitive electronics, providing a smooth and stable power output. Also, think about installing a power management system to keep an eye on and optimize energy use, making sure everything runs efficiently without overloading.

DC-to-DC Charging System

A DC-to-DC charger allows your vehicle’s alternator to charge your house battery while driving. Key points to consider include:

  • Compatibility with your alternator and battery type.

  • Output capacity: Match it to your battery’s charging requirements.

  • Smart features: Some chargers optimize charging based on battery chemistry and vehicle voltage.

Safety and Monitoring

Safety is paramount in any electrical setup. Include the following:

  • Fuses and Circuit Breakers: Protect wiring and devices from overloads, each appliance should have its own protected circuit.

  • Proper Wiring: Use the correct gauge wire to handle your system’s current without overheating, this is critical - there are guides on line to help you determine appropiate wire sizing for your appliances and lenght of wire runs.

  • Battery Management System (BMS): Protects lithium-ion batteries from overcharging and discharging, most batteries now have a BMS sytem built into them - also consider Lithium batteries with a low temperature heater built in.

  • Monitoring System: Install a display or app to track battery voltage, solar input, and energy usage in real-time, Renogy, Xantrax or Victron offer good options for this.

  • Also, make sure all electrical components are securely mounted and insulated to prevent damage and ensure they last - also ensure proper venting of components 

Future-Proofing Your System

A well-designed electrical system should be flexible and functional to meet the diverse needs of vanlife.  When designing your system think of what you need now but also design your system with flexibility for future upgrades. For instance, leave room to add more solar panels or batteries as your power needs evolve.  Consider adding modular components that make it easy to upgrade and expand as your power needs change this is often something not thought about in van conversions.

How Pura Vida Vans Can Help Your Vanlife Journey

At Pura Vida Vans, we totally get the unique needs of outdoor enthusiasts and digital nomads. Our dedication to quality and craftsmanship ensures that each van we build reflects the owner's lifestyle and goals. Whether you're looking for a mobile business solution or a basecamp for your next adventure, our custom van conversions offer the flexibility and functionality you need. With a focus innovative designs, we empower you to embrace the freedom of vanlife without giving up on comfort or style.

For more info on designing an off-grid campervan electrical system or to check out our custom van conversion services, reach out to our team at alex@puravidavans.com 
or call us toll free at: (833) 849-3929 . Let us help you kick off your next adventure with confidence and peace of mind.

 

Final Thoughts

Building a reliable and efficient electrical system for your campervan requires careful planning and quality components. By assessing your power needs, investing in the right equipment, and prioritizing safety, you can enjoy the freedom of off-grid living with confidence. Take the time to research and consult professionals if needed—a well-designed system is the foundation of your campervan adventure.