| If you are planning on using Victron Energy components like we show in this example, you should check out our discounted Victron bundle. We can pass on a lot of savings to you if you buy many of these items from us! Items that we sell are indicated in italic below. Items that are available in our discounted bundle have the word BUNDLE at the end. |
| Battery Bank |
| Victron 100 amp hour SuperPack lithium battery (BUNDLE) |
$1,025.00 |
4 |
$4,100.00 |
This system shows 4x, 100 amp hour batteries from Victron. This can be expanded as needed. Whatever batteries you use, be sure to check out the specifications to be sure that the maximum continuous discharge rating will support your loads. You can read the Victron SuperPack specifications in this PDF. This system is designed for a maximum of 400 amps coming from the battery bank at any one time. The maximum continuous discharge on the "high current" 100 amp hour SuperPack battery is 100 amps which is one reason we show 4x of these batteries in the example.
By the way, not everyone needs the very best batteries. See my "battery update" above. If you're on a budget or not going to be traveling in your van for a super long time, you might consider something like the SOK 206 amp hour battery that is about half the price of a Victron. Here's another lower cost battery with good reviews. I never used either of these batteries - just giving you some food for thought! |
| Blue Sea 300 amp battery switch |
$28.00 |
1 |
$28.00 |
This will serve as the main disconnect between your battery bank and all the DC loads so you can turn the system off when needed. You want the one that is labeled "on, off w/ knob". |
| Victron Energy Mega Fuse Holder |
$15.00 |
1 |
$15.00 |
This will hold the fuse that protects the wiring between your battery bank and the Lynx distributor. |
| 400 amp mega fuse |
$15.00 |
1 |
$30.00 |
This fuse will go into the fuse holder (above). You should consider having a spare! |
| Victron Energy battery monitor with Bluetooth BMV-712 (BUNDLE) |
$205.00 |
1 |
$205.00 |
The BMV-712 allows you to monitor all the energy (current) being consumed by things in the van or energy (current) being generated from solar or other charging methods. You can see this in both amps or watts and also monitor the the voltage of your battery bank. In addition, the unit also has a sophisticated algorithm to display the state of charge of your battery bank in both percentage of capacity remaining and remaining amp hours. Using the Bluetooth connectivity and the Victron app, the you can log historical data including energy use, battery efficiency, deepest discharge, number of charge cycles and more. |
| Inverter/Charger |
| Victron Energy MultiPlus 3000 watt inverter/charger with remote control (BUNDLE) |
$1,425.00 |
1 |
$1,425.00 |
The inverter will either pass through utility (shore) power when available or "invert" your battery bank's 12 volt DC power to 120 volt AC power which is what you're used to in a home for things that need that type of power such as electronics, water heaters, microwaves, etc. It also has a "charging" function that will take utility (shore) power and charge your battery bank with that energy - up to 120 amps. 2400 watt continuous output at 77 degrees, 2200 watts at 104 degrees, surge up to 6000 watts |
| Victron MK3-USB Interface (BUNDLE) |
$61 |
1 |
$61 |
This little device allows you to connect the VE.Bus on your Victron MultiPlus inverter/charger to a computer using USB and then configure/program the unit with VictronConnect software. Here's a post all about that process if you're interested. |
| 400 amp mega fuse |
$11.00 |
1 |
$11.00 |
This fuse will connect across the 1st position on the Lynx controller for circuit protection between the positive bus and the inverter DC input |
| Alternator Charging - DC-DC Charger |
| Victron Orion 30 amp DC-DC Charger (non-isolated) (BUNDLE) |
$228.00 |
2 |
$456.00 |
These devices connect to your van's battery to charge your house battery bank when you're engine is running. The Orion units max out at 30 amps so we suggest running two in parallel for a combined charging current of 60 amps which is high enough to help you charge quickly but not enough to damage a typical van's factory alternator. |
| Littelfuse 04980933.X Midi Fuse Holder |
$35.00 |
2 |
$70.00 |
We show these handy boxes being used to combine the inputs and outputs from the two Orion DC-DC chargers while adding circuit protection (fuses). Here's a photo of the configuration. |
| 2-pack, 40 amp MIDI fuses |
$20.00 |
2 |
$40.00 |
These fuses are used in the Littlefuse boxes above. |
| Distribution/Load Centers |
| WFCO WF-8930/50NPB-50 50 amp (or 30 amp) AD/DC load center |
$89.00 |
1 |
$89.00 |
Simplifies design and saves space by combining both 12 volt DC and 120 volt AC circuits into one load center/power distribution panel.
Good video on how to wire this up here. |
| Square D 50 amp HOM type single pole circuit breaker |
$12.00 |
1 |
$12.00 |
Main breaker for AC distribution. |
| Square D 15 amp HOM type single pole circuit breaker |
$5.00 |
3 |
$15.00 |
You'll want one of these for each 120 volt AC branch circuits. I've indicated 3x here but you may need more. |
| Victron Energy Lynx Distributor (DC) (BUNDLE) |
$205.00 |
1 |
$205.00 |
This product is pretty neato. It really cleans up your wiring since it serves as a 1) positive bus bar 2) negative bus bar and 3) 4x fuse holders. So, it combines a lot of things into one box that you would normally need additional wiring and components for. And, if you consider not needing to purchase all those things, it's a great value too.
Note about LED lights: often this Lynx Distributor is paired up with the Lynx Shunt or a Victron BMS. But, those are not needed if you use the BMV-712 battery monitor I've listed here that has its own shunt for monitoring. Those devices are what normally powers the Lynx Distributor's fancy LED lights that indicate if each of the circuits are working (fuse not blown). However there is a way to do this (hack?) without the devices which I detail toward the bottom of this post. Click here to jump down to that section. |
| 80 amp mega fuse |
$8.00 |
4 |
$32.00 |
1x fuse will connect across the 2nd position on the Lynx controller for circuit protection between the positive bus and the load center DC input.
1x fuse will connect across the 3rd position on the Lynx controller for circuit protection between the solar controller output and this positive bus on the Lynx.
1x fuse will connect across the 4th position on the Lynx controller for circuit protection between the DC-DC battery charger output and the positive bus.
1x fuse goes between the vehicle battery positive terminal and the positive cable run from the vehicle battery to the DC-DC charger DC input. |
| Solar System |
| Renogy 200 watt (12 volt) monocrystalline solar panel |
$300.00 |
2 |
$600.00 |
These are quite wide (24.1V, 63.8 x 25.9 x 1.4 inches). You may decide you prefer a smaller panel with slightly reduced output if they don't fit up on your rig's roof. Since I like to have air conditioning and vent fans/etc. up on my van roof, I wanted a total of 2x panels but if you have more space, there are certainly more options! |
| Weatherproof solar cables entry gland |
$12.00 |
1 |
$12.00 |
After you drill a hole in our roof, this can cover that up and the cables from your solar panels can go through this down into the van. There are two entry glands - one for your positive and the other for the negative. |
| Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 50 amp charge controller 100/50 (BUNDLE) |
$228.00 |
1 |
$228.00 |
The charge controller takes the raw power from your solar panels (around 48 volts and 9 amps in this case) and converts it to the correct charging voltage and current for 3-stage charging of your battery bank. |
| 2-pole, solar disconnect switch (32 amp) |
$22.00 |
1 |
$22.00 |
This breaker/disconnect is wired between the solar panel wire coming down from the roof and the solar panel (PV) input on your charge controller. This allows you to disconnect both the positive and negative current flow and essentially "turn off" your solar panel's output. |
| DIN rail breaker enclosure box |
$20.00 |
1 |
$20.00 |
This DIN railing enclosure is where the solar disconnect switch is installed. |
| Renogy solar panel mounting brackets (2 sets of 2x) |
$20.00 |
1 |
$20.00 |
These "z-brackets" will mount your solar panels to your roof. I recommend using plus nuts and then covering the entire bracket with Dicor sealant. |
| Shore Power |
| 30 amp shore power inlet |
$18.00 |
1 |
$18.00 |
This is normally installed on the outside of the van on one of the side walls. Some people prefer to hide it more by installing onto a box below the bumper. The white plastic on this inlet tends to yellow in the sun quickly so I recommend you paint it white (or whatever color) with a high quality spray paint before installing. I considered some of the more expensive models but that really is the only down side to this one that I've found and it's quick to paint. |
| 25', 30 amp shore power cable |
$55.00 |
1 |
$55.00 |
Used to hook up to shore power from a campground/home 30 amp plug. |
| 15 amp to 30 amp adapter |
$10.00 |
1 |
$10.00 |
You can use this adapter to use your shore power cable with a standard, 15 amp outlet. |
| Wire + Lugs + Heat Shrink + Connectors |
| 10' red and black (20' total) 4/0 AWG cable |
$90.00 |
1 |
$90.00 |
This heavy duty cable will be used to connect your battery bank to the Lynx DC distributor (through a main cut-off switch on the positive side). It will also be used to connect the between the Lynx Distributor to the inverter. This allows for up to 5 feet of cable for each of these runs on both the positive and negative side. |
| 20' red 2 AWG cable |
$38.00 |
1 |
$38.00 |
Cable run from vehicle battery to DC-DC charger (positive). |
| 20' black 2 AWG cable |
$38.00 |
1 |
$38.00 |
Cable run from vehicle battery to DC-DC charger (negative). |
| 15' red 6 AWG cable |
$20.00 |
1 |
$20.00 |
Used for the following DC positive runs:
Approximately 5' - used between the output of the solar charge controller and the positive bus (Lynx controller).
Approximately 5' - used between the output of the DC-DC charger and the positive bus (Lynx controller).
Approximately 5' - used between the positive bus (Lynx controller) and the DC input on the load center. |
| 10', red and black 10 AWG solar extension wires with one male and one female MC4 connectors |
$19.00 |
1 |
$19.00 |
These cables will be used to connect your solar panels down through the entry gland to your solar charge controller. They come with the "matching" MC4 connectors you'll need up on the roof and bare wire on the other side where they will connect to the solar disconnect switch. Then you'll need a little bit more 10 AWG to go between the output of that disconnect switch to the PV inputs on the solar controller itself. |
| 10/3 stranded copper cable (3x 10 AWG wires inside an insulated jacket) |
$2.00 |
10 |
$20.00 |
This cable will be used to connect the shore power inlet to the pre-inverter load center (if used) and from the load side of the main 30 amp breaker in this panel to the inverter input power connections. If you don't use the pre-inverter load center you won't need as much cable and it will go directly from the shore power inlet to the inverter input power connections. |
| 6/3 cable (3x 6 AWG wires inside an insulated jacket) |
$65.00 |
1 |
$65.00 |
From the inverter's output to the AC/DC load center's AC main breaker. This carries the 120 volt AC power from the inverter (and via shore power through the inverter) to your load center and all the downstream AC circuits. |
| 25' of black and red 16 AWG cable |
$8.00 |
1 |
$8.00 |
I would recommend using the red wire for the ignition trigger wire from the "upfitter connection" on the passenger side "b-pillar" back to the location of the DC-DC charger. Whatever remains can be used in various places on your build including low draw DC circuits such as lights, etc. |
| 10-pack, 4/0 AWG 5/16" lugs |
$21.00 |
1 |
$21.00 |
These lugs will be crimped onto the 4/0 AWG wire used between the battery bank and the Lynx distributor and to the inverter. |
| 10-pack, 4/0 AWG 3/8" lugs |
$21.00 |
1 |
$21.00 |
These lugs will be crimped onto the 4/0 AWG wire used in places where you need the larger 3/8" lug. |
| 25-pack, 4 AWG 5/16" lugs |
$15.00 |
1 |
$15.00 |
These lugs will be crimped onto the 6 AWG wire used throughout the system.You'll need about 12 but extras are helpful! |
| 15-pack, 2/0 AWG 5/16" lugs |
$22.00 |
1 |
$22.00 |
These lugs will be crimped onto the 2/0 AWG wire that connects each battery together. You'll have a few extra which is handy. |
| 25-pack, 6 AWG 5/16" lugs |
$15.00 |
1 |
$15.00 |
These lugs will be crimped onto the 6 AWG wire used throughout the system. You'll need about 12 but extras are helpful! |
| 10-pack, 2 AWG 5/16" lugs |
$13.00 |
1 |
$13.00 |
These lugs will be crimped onto the 2 AWG wire used for the connection between the vehicle battery and the DC-DC charger. |
| Black 3/4" heat shrink (4' length) |
$8.00 |
1 |
$8.00 |
Heat shrink for 2/0 AWG cables and 2 AWG cables |
| Red, 3/4" heat shrink (4' length) |
$8.00 |
1 |
$8.00 |
Heat shrink for 2/0 AWG cables and 2 AWG cables |
| Black 1/2" heat shrink (4' length) |
$6.00 |
1 |
$6.00 |
Heat shrink for 6 AWG cables |
| Red 1/2" heat shrink (4' length) |
$1.00 |
1 |
$1.00 |
Heat shrink for 6 AWG cables |
| Various heat-shrink, crimp-on spade connectors |
$22.00 |
1 |
$22.00 |
The positive wires for 12 volt DC branch circuits to things like lighting/refrigerator/etc. will connect to the load center using these spade connectors. This kit includes common sizes for wires you'll likely use for this. |
| Various blade fuses |
$9.00 |
1 |
$9.00 |
This variety kit of blade fuses is a simple way to have a range of capacity for fuses you'll need for the 12 volt DC load center branch circuits. |
| 1/4" thick x 1" tall x 6" long copper flat bar |
$18.00 |
1 |
$18.00 |
You'll cut short sections of this flat bar to use instead of a wire. In some cases, where your connections are very close together - such as the connection between the 300 amp battery switch and the Lynx distributor, it's easier and cleaner to use straight copper. 1/4" thick by 1" tall flat bar is roughly the same conductive equivalent as 4/0 wire which you could use instead of this. Once you cut the copper bar to length you can drill appropriately sized holes and use 5/16" bolts with washers and nuts to tighten down the connections.
Another option is these Blue Sea ML Series Link Bus connectors (9160) that can handle 500 amps of current. |
| Blue Sea 30 amp AC shore power main breaker (8077) |
$95.00 |
1 |
$95.00 |
This main breaker is wired between your shore power inlet and your inverter/charger AC input. Some installers will forgo this and hope/assume that the shore power they are connecting to is protected/wired correctly. |
| 10' of red and black 10 AWG cable |
$16.00 |
1 |
$16.00 |
|