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Electrical Diagrams

Detailed, print-ready wiring diagrams for three proven power system architectures — plus a customizable bundle to build them.

↓ Explore the Systems Get the Wiring Diagrams
The Building Blocks

What's actually in a system

Each system below draws from these same categories of components — which specific parts you need depends on the architecture you choose.

Charging Sources
Recommended

Shore Power

Plug into campground or home power to charge without the engine running.

Only If Using Solar

Solar Charge Controller

Regulates power from solar panels so it charges your batteries safely.

Recommended

DC-DC Charger

Charges house batteries from your van's alternator while you drive.

Optional

Secondary Alternator

An extra, dedicated alternator for rapid charging on large battery banks.

Power Storage
Required

Battery Bank

Stores your power. Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries with internal or external BMS.

Recommended

System Monitoring

See your state of charge in real time — from a SmartShunt, a Cerbo GX, or a Bluetooth app on your phone.

Power Delivery
Required

Inverter / Charger

Converts DC battery power to AC for outlets, and charges from shore power.

Required

Wiring & Cable

Properly sized cable carries power safely throughout your system.

Required

Distribution

Bus bars and fuse blocks that route power out to every circuit in the van.

Required

Fuses & Breakers

Protect every circuit and wire run from overcurrent and short circuits.

How This Works

Three steps to build your system

01

Size your system

Run a load calculation to know how much power you actually need. See our load calculation guide.

02

Pick an architecture

Choose one of three proven system designs below — backed by our suite of free example wiring diagrams and Build Your Own Bundle tool.

03

Add your accessories

Round out the build with shore power, circuit protection, and wiring in our accessories bundle.

Comparing options first? Read our Victron vs. EcoFlow comparison to see how a traditional build stacks up against an all-in-one power kit.
Watch First

What kind of system does your van need?

A quick rundown of the tradeoffs before you commit to an architecture.

Choose Your Architecture

Three proven system designs

Each architecture balances charging performance, system monitoring, cost, and expandability differently. Explore the options below to find the right fit for your power needs.

Internal BMS battery system
MOST AFFORDABLEEASIEST INSTALL

Internal BMS Battery System

Charges with solar, DC-DC chargers while driving, and an inverter/charger on shore power. Works with any standard internal-BMS lithium battery — we recommend SOK and Epoch.

Internal BMS System – 12V Blog Post Internal BMS System – 24V Blog Post
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External BMS Victron battery system
HIGHER CAPACITYSMALLER FOOTPRINT

External BMS Battery System

For larger power systems that need more capacity in the same footprint. Uses Victron Smart NG batteries with a Lynx Smart BMS — and sets you up for an easy future upgrade to a secondary alternator.

External BMS System – Blog Post
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Dedicated secondary alternator system
MOST POWERBEST FOR AC UNITS

Dedicated Secondary Alternator

The most reliable way to keep a large battery bank charged while off-grid, especially with big loads like rooftop A/C. Builds on the external BMS system with a dedicated charging alternator.

Secondary Alternator System – 12V Blog Post Secondary Alternator System – 24V Blog Post Secondary Alternator System – 48V Blog Post
Get the Wiring Diagrams Build Your Own Bundle

Stuck on a decision? Email service@vanlifeoutfitters.com or call 754-444-8704 ext. 2