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What kind of solar/electrical system do you need in your rig? We recommend a 3-part evaluation.

Step 1: Figure out your needs with a load calculation. We have a detailed blog post including sample load calculations you can use for this step. This exercise will really help you with the next two steps!

Step 2: Make a foundational decision on the type of system you'll be building. We've narrowed this down for you to four basic approaches/architectures - all of which use lithium type batteries. and each one has a detailed blog post, free example wiring diagram, and, for the Victron-bases systems, a discounted Victron Energy product bundle that you can configure to your specific needs. You'll save a bundle with our bundles! You can think of this as the primary components.

Step 3: Add on the "accessories" that you need for your particular system with our discounted accessories bundle that includes everything from shore power inlets to circuit protection and wiring. These are the products that will tie everything together into a fully functional power system!

 

Discounted Secondary Alternator Electrical Bundle (Lithionics)

$14,550.00

  • The easiest and most reliable way to source the components needed to install a powerful secondary alternator electrical system in your Sprinter, Transit or Promaster van.
  • This bundle corresponds to this example wiring diagram, our blog post that introduces the system and outlines the benefits, and our other post that dives into how to install it.
  • This bundle uses Lithionics lithium batteries. We also have a version that uses Victron Smart lithium batteries.
  • Save over $700 off our already competitive pricing when purchasing the bundle!
  • We can offer you an additional $200 off the cost of this bundle if you can purchase it with an ACH bank transfer instead of a credit card. It’s a simple process – we email you an invoice with a payment link and you enter the bank account number and routing number securely with QuickBooks. Please contact us if you’d like to take advantage of this extra savings.
  • Free ground shipping to the continental USA.
  • World-class support. We’re here for you when installing, configuring and using your system!
  • Our discounted bundle includes most of the components needed as outlined in our materials Google sheet. Pretty much every other item can be purchased at a small online store called Amazon.com.
  • This system is like having a generator bolted onto your engine to rapidly and reliably recharge your house batteries. In our testing the charge current is between 120 and 150 amps at idle and around 200 amps or higher when driving.
  • Scroll down to see customer reviews!
  • Complete details on what’s included in the description below.
  • We can configure this as a 24-volt version. Please contact us for details.
  • Check out our Promaster E-Guard to protect your alternator.
  • We now offer installations of the secondary alternator at our shop in Sarasota, FL. Please email us for more information and pricing.
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Description

What’s Included

Nations Secondary Alternator with Wakespeed WS500 Regulator

You’ll choose the correct alternator for your vehicle when adding the bundle to your cart. The alternator comes with everything you need to install including custom brackets, belts, etc. The Wakespeed regulator includes required “van harness”, “Lithionics CAN Bus Y Adapter” and a CAN bus data terminator. The Wakespeed Regulator will come pre-configured to work with the Lithionics batteries and the total number of amp hours you order in your bundle.

Most kits include a 280 amp alternator. If you have a Ford Transit van (2020 or newer with the 3.5L Ecoboost engine), that has the factory, secondary alternator, you can replace that with a Nations kit (see options above when adding to your cart). This kit includes an even higher capacity, large case Denso Hairpin 300 Amp XM alternator rated for 300 amps. If you order the “Transit w/ Factory Dual Alternators” option, you’ll need to take the vehicle to a Ford dealership with an FDRS Scan Tool so that they can change the van’s configuration from “dual alternator” to “single alternator” mode.

Lithionics 320 Amp Hour Batteries with Built-In BMS

State-of-the-art lithium batteries featuring high-capacity, small form factor and CAN bus communication with the Wakespeed regulator for fast, reliable and safe recharging. Includes the necessary Lithionics “Wakespeed/IonGauge Integration Harness”. Please be sure to read the Lithionics Battery terms and conditions (PDF) prior to purchase.

Why do we use 2x or 3x 315Ah batteries instead of a single 630Ah battery? The maximum recommended discharge current rating for the Lithionics internal BMS batteries is 150 amps. A MultiPlus 12/3000/120 inverter/charger can run loads greater than 3000 watts for long periods of time which is 230-250 amps depending on the load and the battery voltage at the time. So, this is why we always pair at least two batteries up for this system. Similarly, on the charge side of the equation, the maximum continuous charge current for these batteries is 150 amps. So, by adding two batteries, you can maximize the charging current available from the Nations alternator.

Your choice of MultiPlus Inverter/Charger 

Your choice of MultiPlus inverter/charger – the original 12/2000/80, the newer 12/2000/80, the original 12/3000/120, the newer MultiPlus II 12/3000/120 or the dual phase/240 volt capable MultiPlus II 12/3000/120. Please feel free to contact us if you’re not sure which one to choose! The most popular options are the original 12/3000/120 or the newer MultiPlus II 12/3000/120.

Victron Energy Lynx Distributor

Victron Energy SmartShunt (500 Amp)

Victron Energy Cerbo GX

Victron Energy GX Touch 50

Victron Energy MK3-USB Interface

Victron Energy VE.Direct Cable and GX Touch 50 adapter for CCGX Cut-Out

Battery Connections For Various Configurations

There are slight differences on how the batteries are connected to the system’s data bus between the 2x, 3x and 4x battery configurations. Also, the 3x and 4x battery configurations add a second Victron Energy Lynx Distributor. Please see our blog post about this system that includes detailed wiring diagrams!

Included with all battery configurations:

  • Lithionics “Wakespeed/IonGauge Integration Harness” (75-523-288)
  • Wakespeed “Lithionics CAN Bus Y Adapter” cable
  • Can Bus Data Terminator

Additional with the 3x battery configuration:

  • Lithionics Weatherpack “Y” (75-238-12)
  • Lithionics “M12 to Weatherpack” (75-525-36)
  • Second Victron Energy Lynx Distributor

Additional with the 4x battery configuration:

  • Lithionics Weatherpack “Y” (75-238-12)
  • Lithionics “NMEA to Weatherpack Cable Adapter – 180 inch” (75-218-180)
  • Lithionics “M12 to NMEA Cable Adapter” (75-524-18)
  • NMEA 4-Way Tee
  • Second Victron Energy Lynx Distributor

Important Installation/Use Notes

When installing these batteries into your electrical system, Lithionics recommends 4' (or longer) size 2/0 cabling from the battery terminals to your disconnect switch. Then you may use a minimum of 8' of 4/0 cabling for the rest of the pathway to a MultiPlus inverter/charger (from the battery switch, through the main fuse, to the Lynx Distributor (bus bar) and from the Lynx to the MultiPlus DC power in). Our example wiring diagrams call this out.

We then recommend using the manual disconnect switch as follows:

When going from "use mode" to "storage mode" first turn off the batteries from the system using your disconnect switch and then turn off the batteries themselves with the power switch on the batteries.

When going from "storage mode" to "use mode" you should first ensure that your battery disconnect switch is off, then you can turn on the batteries with the power switch on the batteries. Once you observe a solid LED light on the battery switch you can then turn on the battery disconnect switch.

This configuration and procedures will protect the battery from damage by the inverter.

If you are using Lithionics batteries with a Victron MultiPlus or MultiPlus II 12/3000/120, you should be aware these units draw the most current during "pre-charge", and require special consideration. You should ensure that you're using the latest firmware on the batteries (2.07 or higher). In addition, as of January 2022, Lithionics has updated their battery hardware to add an "internal pre-charge circuit".

If you're using two or more batteries in your system (as our examples show), it's important to differentiate the batteries on the CAN bus. By default, each battery will have the same "battery id" and "CANSA" which are 1 and 70 respectively. Think of these as their sort of address on that network. You can leave one battery as is, with the default settings but you need to change these addresses on the second (or third, etc.) batteries. This is very simple and this video shows how to do it.

Customer Reviews

I would like to start out saying that I am beyond happy with the performance of the second alternator package. I did a lot of homework on options for our energy system. We had a few goals we needed to meet. 1) we wanted to be able to be off grid for an extended period of time. 2) we wanted to incorporate an air conditioner and be powered by batteries. 3) we wanted a quick recovery on the batteries. 

We converted a 2021 Mercedes sprinter cargo van with a 170 wheel base. The van infrastructure (plumbing and electrical)  design was paramount in meeting our goals and being able to support our lifestyle for an extended period of time away. 

After doing all the power consumption calculations for our needs it became abundantly clear that we would need a minimum of 600 ah battery bank. We are from Florida and plan on a lot of boon docking in the summer. It seemed like using solar panels and requiring full sun , which further heated the van, was not very efficient. Since we installed the second alternator package we can keep the van cool and still have power for our water heater, cooking, etc.

When it comes time to recharge the batteries, it happens in just a couple hours, just driving to our next destination or just turning on the engine to give the batteries a boost. We have never gotten to a point where we have run out of battery power. We just thought that with the unpredictability of solar charging, the second alternator charging is just more reliable. 

The installation of the components was fairly straightforward. I did not feel comfortable enough with the mechanical installation of the second alternator on the engine so I had Vanlife Outfitters do that part. They did a great job. During the startup and shake down, I had a couple question about software settings and Vanlife Outfitters walked me thru the issues. 

We feel really good about the direction we went for our needs.   I cannot say enough about the second alternator performance and the support we received from Vanlife Outfitters. 

– Ted Milburn

Shipping Details & Lead Times

This bundle ships for free to the lower 48 states!

All of the Victron Energy components will be shipped in one box from our warehouse in Florida. This part of your bundle order will typically ship out around 2-3 business days after your purchase.

The Lithionics batteries must ship via truck freight. They will ship directly from Lithionics in Clearwater, Florida. Please contact us if you can’t receive freight deliveries prior to ordering so we can arrange special shipping. These batteries are extensively tested prior to shipping. These batteries typically take 3-5 weeks to ship but the ship time can vary based on Lithionics production cycles. We suggest you order early! Feel free to contact us with any questions or current lead times. This delivery will include the Lithionics “Wakespeed/IonGauge Integration Harness”.

The Nations alternator, Wakespeed regulator and various Wakespeed wiring components will ship directly from Nations Alternator in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Due to high demand, current lead times are approximately 2-6 weeks. Feel free to contact us for the most up-to-date lead times.

Please see our terms & conditions regarding electrical and power system products. Many of our customers are DIY van builders but, if you're not familiar with power systems, you might consider hiring a ABYC or Victron Energy certified professional to assist with this part of your build. The team at Vanlife Outfitters is happy to answer any product questions but we do not assist in system design or configuration or troubleshooting for free. However, we do offer a wide range of example power systems and other informational content. If you need help understanding power systems, designing your particular power system or troubleshooting issues, we offer consulting services for camper van electrical systems.

Unlike most retailers (we're looking at you, Amazon), Vanlife Outfitters is committed helping our customers in any way we can and we have free information on our site including detailed example power systems. We would love to sit on the phone with each and every one of our customers while they figure out how to install their system or if they wired something incorrectly but we would need to hire a team of electricians to do that and, frankly, we would rather keep our prices low and offer paid consulting instead.

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