Van Conversions
Unlike typical motorhomes or campers, van conversions come as empty shells, without a pre-existing electrical system beyond the starter battery. To simplify the design process we have created a step-by-step van system builder with kit recommendations for all five subsystems: Battery Bank, Alternator Charging, Solar Charging, AC Input/Output, and DC Distribution. At the bottom of the page, you can find some popular pre-configured options.
Van System Inspiration
Educational Van Videos
Cody and Garret breakdown a complete AM Solar installation on a 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van. They explain how to safely access the Sprinter’s factory Consumer Connection Point (CCP) and how to make the necessary connections to integrate a 30A Victron Orion DC/DC charger for alternator charging. Next, they provide some DIY tips including safely discharging electrical components before starting the installation, warranty considerations, wire routing, and more.
We take a look at one of our most intense builds yet. This van features dual Victron Quattro inverters/chargers configured in split-phase, a Watchdog surge protector, Victron VE.Bus BMS, Victron Cerbo GX Monitor, dual Victron Orion converters, Victron Smart Lithium batteries, a Nations secondary alternator, and so much more!
Our R&D department representative, Cody, takes us through an inside look at the Ford Transit 2021 Consumer Connection Point. DIYers with this van may find this information helpful especially when connecting their alternator chargers. Remember that different makes, models, and years have different specifications, so please look into your own rig for details. This particular LTV was built on a Ford Transit chassis.
Mitchell demonstrates how to install a new 30 Amp shore power inlet in this empty shell van. DIYers can feel confident doing this on their own. If you buy your system components from AM Solar, you can also feel confident knowing you have the experts in your corner ready to give you technical support and answer your questions when they come up.
Our R&D department representative, Cody, takes us through an inside look at the Dodge Ram ProMaster 2021 Consumer Connection Point. DIYers with this van may find this information helpful especially when connecting their alternator chargers. Remember that different makes, models, and years have different specifications, so please look into your own rig for details.
1. Select a battery bank: The battery bank is the heart of the system. We recommend LifeBlue lithium batteries because of their Bluetooth monitoring, high quality, and ability to expand over time. Because of the input and output current limits of LifeBlue batteries, we recommend at least 100Ah of battery capacity per 1000W of inverter output.
We sell LifeBlue batteries as a base kit, which includes one battery, a Victron BMV-712 battery monitor, cable, lugs, and heat shrink, plus expansion kits, which include one battery and parallel cables. For three batteries, select one base and two expansion kits.
LifeBlue batteries come in three size configurations, choose what will fit best for your application.
100Ah: H 9.4" x W 12.5" x D 6.5" 28lbs
200Ah: H 10.8" x W 20" x D 6.9" 57lbs
300Ah: H 9.5" x W 20.25" x D 11" 83lbs
Estimated Installation Labor Cost
300Ah Lithium System with Monitor
6 hours / $870 (+ cost of equipment)
LifeBlue lithium batteries have integrated controls to automatically protect against overcharging, overly discharging, and frozen charging. This integration makes installation much easier for DIY projects. LifeBlue offers the most comprehensive Bluetooth monitoring showing status, temperature, voltage, current, cycle life, battery health, Faults and state of charge.
This is a complete LifeBlue lithium RV battery base kit with a Victron BMV-712 Bluetooth battery monitor. The monitor is included to provide cumulative battery bank data, compatible with Victron VRM monitoring. When expanding the battery bank, do not mix battery models and limit the battery bank to four batteries.
This kit is designed to be an add-on to an existing LifeBlue battery system.
Victron battery banks are another popular option:
This kit is designed to work with one or two Victron lithium batteries. It does not use a Lynx Distributor to combine batteries. When adding alternator charging or DC distribution, be sure to use kits specifically recommended for Victron lithium batteries. This kit is ideal for compact lithium installations.
Please see note about shipping Victron batteries below.
This kit is designed to work with 1-4 Victron lithium batteries in 12V, or 2-8 Victron lithium batteries in 24V. It uses a Lynx Distributor to combine and fuse batteries. When adding alternator charging or DC distribution, be sure to use kits specifically recommended for Victron lithium batteries. This kit is ideal for large-scale lithium installations.
Please see note about shipping Victron batteries below.
Add a Victron Lithium battery to an existing Victron lithium system. Do not mix battery ratings in the same system. Parallel Expansion kits are for 12V battery systems. 24V battery systems can be built from an equal number of Parallel and Series Expansion kits.
Please see note about shipping Victron batteries below.
2. Select an Alternator Charging kit: Due to the limited roof space for solar panels and frequent driving, common to van owners, the alternator charging system is likely to be the primary source of energy for your van. You will need to choose between a DC/DC charger or a battery combiner. You can learn about their differences here.
We have witnessed 129A of charging current at idle with the high current kit on a Mercedes Sprinter with a 220A alternator.
Estimated Installation Labor
High Current Alternator Charging
8 hours / $1,160
Enable DC/DC charging from your alternator to a secondary Lithium, AGM or Flooded battery bank. This kit is ideal for van conversions and skoolies with older alternators or lithium batteries with input current limits under 100A.
Ideal for: Vans, skoolies, motorhomes
*Please note that cables length needs may vary by application. Please email info@amsolar.com if you would like to customize the cable lengths to better suit your needs.
Enable alternator charging to a drop-in lithium battery bank. An optional boost feature lets your house batteries start your ignition when your starter battery is dead. Not for use with alternators rated less than 160A, Smart Alternators, or rigs with regenerative braking.
Enable 200A alternator charging of a Victron lithium battery system. A boost button lets your house batteries start your ignition when your starter battery is dead. This kit is ideal for van conversions and skoolies. Not for use with alternators not designed to deliver 150A to a secondary battery.
Other popular alternator charger components and kits:
3. Select solar charging system: With a solid alternator charging system and frequent driving, you shouldn’t need more than about 200W of panels on a van. Our most popular configuration includes two panels on a 20A charge controller. These kits include everything you need for solar charging: solar panels, mounts, wire harness, combiner box, sealant, charge controller, disconnect switch, fuse/breaker, lugs, heat shrink, etc.
Check out our Complete Solar Charger page to get panel dimensions.
If you want to use a portable panel, we recommend oversizing the central charge controller so it can handle both the roof array and the portable panel.
The Victron SmartSolar MPPT charge controllers are compatible with any battery type, can work on 12V or 24V battery systems, and communicate status via Bluetooth.
Estimated Installation Labor
2x 100W on 20A Controller
7 hours / $1,015 (+ cost of equipment)
Communicates battery voltage and solar charge rate to a smart phone or tablet via Bluetooth, Expandable up to 300W, Advanced MPPT charge controller delivers approximately 20% more energy than PWM, Combiner box covers roof penetration and allows for easy upgrades, Panel(s) can be tilted
Communicates battery voltage and solar charge rate to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, Expandable up to 450W, Advanced MPPT charge controller delivers approximately 20% more energy than PWM, Combiner box covers roof penetration and allows for easy upgrades.
Communicates battery voltage and solar charge rate to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, Expandable up to 700W, Advanced MPPT charge controller delivers approximately 20% more energy than PWM, Combiner box covers roof penetration and allows for easy upgrades, Panel(s) can be tilted
Popular solar panel options:
4. Select an Inverter/Charger System: The Victron Multiplus inverter/chargers combine an inverter and a charger in one unit. They also offer PowerAssist, which means that they can combine shore power with battery power when necessary. Our kits come with everything you need, from the shore power cord to an AC outlet.
For a vehicle like a van, with no existing shore power connection or AC distribution panel, get the “Empty Shell Kit” variant. If your van is partially built out with a shore power connection and AC panel, get the “RV Upgrade Kit” variant.
The 3000VA inverter/charger is only slightly more expensive than the 2000VA and shaped differently. The 3000VA inverter/charger gives you the option of running an air conditioner or running multiple appliances at the same time, like a coffee pot and a microwave. Installation time is the same for both inverters.
In order to fully support the 3000VA inverter, you will need a battery bank that can handle 300A of current outflow or three LifeBlue batteries.
If you plan on running an air conditioner, get an Easy Start kit.
Estimated Installation Labor
MultiPlus Inverter (Empty Shell Kit)
17 hours / $2,465 (+ cost of equipment)
The MultiPlus is a powerful true sine wave inverter, a sophisticated battery charger that features adaptive charge technology and a high-speed AC transfer switch in a single enclosure. Rated at 2000VA.
Note: Some Keurig coffee makers are known to be incompatible with inverters. In some cases, this will just result in a loud buzzing noise while operating, and in other cases, it will result in inverter overload and failure to operate. This doesn't mean your inverter will be damaged or that trying to use your coffee maker is dangerous; however, AM Solar cannot support compatibility issues resulting from a Keurig coffee maker. We recommend doing some research and purchasing a different coffee maker if you find yours to be incompatible with your inverter system.
Please note there is currently a nation-wide shortage of Duplex AC breakers (primarily 15/20). Our kits are designed to include these, but we may need to make substitutions due to stock level. Please email info@amsolar.com if you have any questions about this.
Steady State: 1600W
Surge: 4000W
Voltage Output: 120V AC
Voltage Input: 9.5-17V
No Load Draw: 3-9W
Waveform: Pure Sine
Frequency: 60hzCharger: 80A
Passthrough: 50A
Efficiency: 92%
Dimensions: H 19.70" x W 9.21" x D 5.75"
Extra: PowerAssist
The MultiPlus is a powerful true sine wave inverter, a sophisticated battery charger that features adaptive charge technology and a high-speed AC transfer switch in a single compact enclosure. Rated at 3000VA.
Note: Some Keurig coffee makers are known to be incompatible with inverters. In some cases, this will just result in a loud buzzing noise while operating, and in other cases, it will result in inverter overload and failure to operate. This doesn't mean your inverter will be damaged or that trying to use your coffee maker is dangerous; however, AM Solar cannot support compatibility issues resulting from a Keurig coffee maker. We recommend doing some research and purchasing a different coffee maker if you find yours to be incompatible with your inverter system.
If you have a 50A coach, we recommend looking into our MultiPlus-II 12/3000/2x 120V VE.Bus Inverter/Charger kits for 50A coaches.
Please note there is currently a nation-wide shortage of Duplex AC breakers (primarily 15/20). Our kits are designed to include these, but we may need to make substitutions due to stock level. Please email info@amsolar.com if you have any questions about this.
Steady State: 2400W
Surge: 6000W
Voltage Output: 120V AC
Voltage Input: 9.5-17V
No Load Draw: 8-20W
Waveform: Pure Sine
Frequency: 60hz
Charger: 120A
Passthrough: 50A
Efficiency: 93%
Dimensions: H 14.3" x W 10.2" x D 8.6"
Extra: PowerAssist
Other popular inverter kits and components:
5. Select the appropriate DC Distribution Kit: In order to safely draw power for DC loads, you will want a DC Distribution kit.
The 6-circuit option is usually fine with most vans, but a 12-circuit option is available.
Estimated Installation Labor
12V DC Distribution Kit
1 hour / $145 (+ cost of equipment)
This kit includes everything you need to connect DC loads to a battery bank. A Victron Battery Protect prevents the batteries from being overly discharged.
This kit includes everything you need to connect DC loads to a Victron Lithium battery system.
Other DC Distribution kits and components:
6. Optional components and tools: You may consider including these items in your purchase.
Custom Drawings and Programming Instructions are free for any kit. Just let us know at check out, or add this to your cart.
Here’s an example of a custom drawing. 300AhBB 180W 230A 3000VA 6, 400AhVT 380W 200A 3000VA
Tools - Make sure you have something equivalent to everything on the top row of this page.
Conduit - If you plan on routing an alternator charging cable under the van, get some 5/18” conduit.
Complete System Monitor - The Victron Cerbo and Touch 50 GX can log data and communicate over the internet.
Inverter Programming - Our inverters come pre-programmed, but if you want to do it yourself, you’ll need this.
Tech Support - Each kit comes with a set amount of free tech support, if you feel you may exceed that, you can purchase more here.
Installation Videos
Below is a six-part video series on a van installation using Victron lithium batteries.
Customer/Sponsored Videos
PreConfigured Complete System Examples (Obsolete kits)
Deep in the woods 200W 200A 200AhLi 2000VA
7,745.00
- 2x 100W Solar Panels with mounts and wire harnesses
- 30A Victron SmartSolar MPPT Charge Controller with Bluetooth Communication
- Victron BMV-712 Battery Monitor with Bluetooth Communication
- 200Ah Lithium System with AMS V4 Victron battery protections
- Integrated alternator charging with manual boost
- 2000VA Victron Multiplus pure sine inverter / 80A charger with hybrid 30A shore power
- Sub panel with multiple breakers and AC outlet
- 100A DC Battery Protect with remote disconnect prevents over discharge
- 6 position DC fuse block with DC outlet offering dual USB and standard 12V
- Shore power cord, inlet, lugs, heat shrink, cables, etc. all included
Up on the mountain 340W 200A 400AhLi 3000VA
10,070.00
- 2x 170W Solar Panels with mounts and wire harnesses
- 30A Victron SmartSolar MPPT Charge Controller with Bluetooth Communication
- Victron BMV-712 Battery Monitor with Bluetooth Communication
- 400Ah Lithium System with AMS V4 Victron battery protections
- Integrated alternator charging with manual boost
- 3000VA Victron Multiplus pure sine inverter / 120A charger with hybrid 30A shore power
- Sub panel with multiple breakers and AC outlet
- 100A DC Battery Protect with remote disconnect prevents over discharge
- 6 position DC fuse block with DC outlet offering dual USB and standard 12V
- Shore power cord, inlet, lugs, heat shrink, cables, etc. All included