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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

Battery Bank

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.

Visit our Battery Bank product page to compare LifeBlue and Victron lithium battery sizing and specs.

Estimated Installation Labor Cost 
300Ah LifeBlue Lithium System with Monitor:  6 hours / $870 (+ cost of equipment)

  • LiFeBlue Lithium Battery Bank with BMV-712 Monitor

    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. LiFeBlue offers the most comprehensive Bluetooth monitoring showing status, temperature, voltage,...

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  • LiFeBlue Lithium Battery Expansion Kit

    This kit is designed to be an add-on to an existing LiFeBlue battery system. LiFeBlue offers the most comprehensive Bluetooth monitoring showing status, temperature, voltage, current, cycle life, battery health, faults and state of charge. These batteries can only be parallel connected due...

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Victron lithium battery banks are another popular option:

  • Victron Lithium Battery System with Monitor (Single Battery)

    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...

    Please do not use a residential address, if you do not have a commercial address to ship to, please contact the front office. 541-726-1091 or info@amsolar.com. We can potentially ship to a dealer near you.
    Qualifying addresses:
    1. Are commercial addresses able to accept a pallet of goods under all weather conditions on normal business days with no notice or special delivery needs (no delivery appointment needed).
    2. Will have access to a forklift on site.
    I verify the address provided meets the requirements set by AM Solar. If it does not, I understand my order may be rejected and refunded with transaction fees subtracted.
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  • Victron Lithium Battery System with Monitor (Multiple Battery)

    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...

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Alternator charging

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 Cost
High Current Alternator Charging:  8 hours / $1,160

  • DC/DC Charging: Motorhome, Van, Skoolie

    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...

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  • Battery Combiner for Drop-In Lithium

    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.  ...

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  • Battery Combiner for Victron Lithium

    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...

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Other popular alternator charger components and kits:

  • Victron Cyrix Battery Combiner

    Victron Cyrix battery combiners connect your house battery bank to your starter battery and alternator to allow alternator charging. Additionally, when a charge is applied to a house battery bank the Cyrix will close and allow current to flow to the starter battery....

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  • 120A Alternator Charger Kit (AGM Battery)

    Please contact us to purchase. We want to ensure you are getting the kit and system needed for your application. Enable 120A alternator charging of a secondary AGM or Flooded battery bank.  A boost button lets your house batteries start your ignition when...

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  • 230A Alternator Charger Kit (AGM Battery)

    Enable 230A alternator charging of a secondary AGM or Flooded battery bank.  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. A Cyrix based alternator charger will...

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solar charging

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 Cost
2 x 100W on 20A Controller:  7 hours / $1,015 (+ cost of equipment)

  • Complete Solar Charger (20A)

    These kits offer everything one may need in order to put up to 290W onto an existing battery bank.  With the advanced MPPT charge controller and Bluetooth communication, these kits form an ideal foundation for a small power system mounted to a rigid...

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  • Complete Solar Charger (30A)

    These kits offer everything one may need in order to put up to 440W onto an existing battery bank.  With the advanced MPPT charge controller and Bluetooth communication, these kits form an ideal foundation for a medium power system mounted to a rigid...

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  • Complete Solar Charger (50A)

    These kits offer everything one may need in order to put up to 700W onto an existing battery bank.  With the advanced MPPT charge controller and Bluetooth communication, these kits form an ideal foundation for a medium power system mounted to a rigid...

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Popular solar panel options:

  • NOIR 100W Solar Panel

    Custom designed by Grape Solar for mobile applications, this 100W panel is ideal for Airstreams trailers, vans, truck campers, and any application where roof space is limited. The Grape Solar NOIR 100W panel comes in several kit variants.  Select the correct kit to...

    • Wattage: 100W
    • Type: Monocrystalline
    • Operating Voltage (Vmp): 19.1V
    • Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): 23.1V
    • Operating Current (Imp): 5.23A
    • Short Circuit Current (Isc): 5.59A
    • Size: 41" x 22" x 1.38" 15.4lbs
    • Frame: Black Anodized Aluminum
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  • NOIR 110W Solar Panel

    Custom designed by Grape Solar for mobile applications, this 110W panel is ideal for Airstreams trailers, vans, truck campers, and any application where roof space is limited. The Grape Solar NOIR 110W panel comes in several kit variants.  Select the correct kit to...

    • Wattage: 110W
    • Type: Monocrystalline
    • Operating Voltage (Vmp): 21.3V
    • Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): 25.7V
    • Operating Current (Imp): 5.18A
    • Short Circuit Current (Isc): 5.60A
    • Size: 68" x 15.4" x 1.38" 17.9lbs
    • Frame: Black Anodized Aluminum
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  • Zamp Obsidian 100W Solar Panel

    This panel has it all, a low-profile, a narrow footprint, and high output. It is ideal for van conversions, Airstreams, or anyone wanting the latest in mobile solar panel technology. Custom-engineered by Zamp Solar and made in Bend, Oregon. High Performance: By using...

    • Wattage: 100W
    • Type: Monocrystalline
    • Operating Voltage (Vmp): 21.9V
    • Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): 25.62V
    • Operating Current (Imp): 4.83A
    • Short Circuit Current (Isc): 4.58A
    • Size:: 20.7" x 43.6" x 0.67" 10.78lbs
    • Frame:: Obsidian Black Anodized Aluminum
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  • Rich Solar 200W Solar Panel

    High wattage, using 6" cells, this panel is ideal for large systems where there is ample roof space. These modules come in a standard and higher-voltage version*. Please be sure to match your kit and/or module(s) to similar voltage profile modules. Please reach...

    • Wattage: 200W
    • Type: Monocrystalline
    • Nominal Voltage: 12V / 24V
    • Operating Voltage (Vmpp): 20.4V / 37.6V
    • Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): 24.3V / 45.4V
    • Operating Current (Impp): 9.80A / 5.32A
    • Short Circuit Current (Isc): 10.2A / 5.83A
    • Size: 58.7" x 26.8" x 1.38" 26.5lbs
    • Frame: Silver Anodized Aluminum
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AC input/output

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 to run larger loads. 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, look at our Empty Shell Inverter/Charger Kits for 30A rigs. If your van is partially built out with a shore power connection and AC panel, check out our 30A Inverter/Charger Kits.

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 100Ah LifeBlue batteries.

If you plan on running a 120V air conditioner, get an Easy Start kit.

Estimated Installation Labor Cost
MultiPlus Inverter (Empty Shell Kit): 17 hours / $2,465 (+ cost of equipment)

  • Empty Shell Inverter/Charger Kits

    Empty Shell Inverter/Charger kits are full encompassing kits, designed for vehicles like van conversions or skoolies that do not have any existing wiring. These kits include the main AC panel and a shore power connection. For 30A builds, we recommend the following kits:...

    Please select your battery type for Multiplus programming
    If you selected "Other" for battery type above, please provide battery make, model, absorption/float voltage settings below
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  • 30A Inverter/Charger Kits

    Our 30A Inverter/Charger kits are designed for rigs that have a 30A AC service (3 Wire / L1- N -G), and that already have a 30A AC distribution panel and Shore power connection. Our Full-Pass Kits are designed to be installed between your...

    Please select your battery type for Multiplus programming
    If you selected "Other" for battery type above, please provide battery make, model, absorption/float voltage settings below
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Other AC Input/Output kits and components:

  • Victron Phoenix 1200VA Inverter Kit

    Victron Phoenix 1200VA Inverter Kit

    This kit includes all the standard components for the do-it-yourself installation of a Victron Phoenix 1200 inverter system.  This inverter offers Bluetooth communication compatibility through a dongle and is ideal for refrigerators, laptops, entertainment centers, and cell phone chargers. Wiring Diagram Due to...

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  • AC Input Passthrough Kits (no charger)

    These kits allow 15A/30A/50A shore power passthrough to a dedicated AC distribution box. The 30A kit is expandable to 4 more AC circuits, the 50A kit is expandable to 16 more AC circuits. These kits come with a Shore cord (n/a for 15A...

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  • EasyStart 364 Soft Start Kit

    Easy start kits are typically installed on air conditioning units where the start-up surge might overwhelm an inverter. This kit also comes in a recommended Bluetooth version that allows for diagnostic feedback. Please note that the Bluetooth module does NOT allow you to...

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DC distribution

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 supports 65A of DC loads and is usually fine with most vans. The 12-circuit option supports 100A of DC loads. For installations that include a 12V air conditioner, we recommend the high-current 12-circuit option.

Estimated Installation Labor Cost
12V DC Distribution Kit: 1 hour / $145 (+ cost of equipment)

  • DC Distribution Kit for Drop-In Lithium Batteries

    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. The Battery Protect is designed to keep your battery safe and only allows current to flow to DC...

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  • DC Distribution Kit for Victron Lithium Battery Systems

    This kit includes everything you need to connect DC loads to a Victron Lithium battery system. 12V 6-Circuit Wiring Diagram 12V RV Wiring Diagram

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Other DC Distribution kits and components:

  • DC Distribution Kit for 24V Battery Systems

    This kit includes everything you need to connect a 12V DC distribution block to a 24V battery system. High power systems frequently require 24V battery banks. This kit steps the 24V from the batteries down to 12V for the DC loads. Wiring Diagram

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  • DC Distribution Kit for Victron Lithium Battery Systems

    This kit includes everything you need to connect DC loads to a Victron Lithium battery system. 12V 6-Circuit Wiring Diagram 12V RV Wiring Diagram

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  • ATC Fuses (DELETE)

    ATC Fuses are commonly used in automotive applications between the battery bank and DC loads like lights and fans.

    • Dimensions: H 1.9” x W 4.2” x D 1.9”
  • 12V with USB DC Outlet

    Standard 12V outlet with dual USB AM Solar Part Number:  OUTLET-12USB

    • Dimensions: H 4.1" x W 1.8" x D 2.1"
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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 5/8” conduit.
Complete System Monitoring: The Victron Cerbo and Touch 50 GX can log data and communicate over the internet.
Inverter Programming: Our inverter/chargers come pre-programmed, but if you want to do it yourself, you’ll need an MK3 – USB cable.

  • Temperature Sensor for BMV-712

    Support from AMSolar is definitely 5 stars. 1st line of support for Victron equipment provided through distributors. AMSolar likely one of the best when it comes to RVs.

    Tom B

  • Zamp 2 Pole Plug, PV Side

    AM Solar is my “go to” website and store for all my solar needs. They provide technical advice to help ensure you are choosing the correct components. Their parts and connectors are high quality and come with heat shrink cabling to ensure a water tight connection.

    Bryan S

  • Zamp ATP Prep Kit – Male

    This is a nice kit to have. Everything needed to attach your panel to the zamp box. Very slick. Highly recommend.

    Steve S

  • Roof Wire Harness Acc. Kit

    I enjoy doing business with AM Solar. All the employees have been there a long time. They know and use the products the sell. They are knowledgeable and very helpful. They are the first company I turn to for my Airstream solar needs.

    Keith W