Full Van Build
The ultimate full-time van build. Dual solar panels, alternator charging, 400Ah battery bank with monitoring, bus bar distribution, inverter, and multiple load circuits.
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Open in editorThis is the complete electrical system for a full-time van build. Two 200W solar panels feed a 60A MPPT controller, while the engine alternator charges through a 60A DC-DC charger. Both charge a 400Ah lithium battery bank (two 200Ah batteries in parallel), monitored by a battery monitor that tracks state of charge, current flow, and remaining capacity.
A positive bus bar distributes power from the main battery bank to a 1500W inverter (through a dedicated 200A fuse) and a DC fuse panel with three circuits for LED lights, a fridge, and a water pump. The battery monitor sits in the negative path between the battery bank and a chassis ground point, measuring all current flowing in and out of the battery bank. All load negative returns connect to the chassis ground. This is the gold standard setup for serious van lifers who need reliable power for full-time living on the road.
Components
| Component | Qty | Key Spec |
|---|---|---|
| 200W Solar Panel | 2 | 200W each |
| MPPT Charge Controller | 1 | 60A |
| Engine Alternator | 1 | 150A |
| DC-DC Charger | 1 | 60A |
| 200Ah Lithium Battery | 2 | 200Ah each |
| Battery Monitor | 1 | 500A |
| Chassis Ground | 1 | System ground |
| Positive Bus Bar | 1 | 300A |
| 200A Inverter Fuse | 1 | 200A |
| DC Fuse Panel | 1 | 3 circuits |
| 1500W Inverter | 1 | 1500W |
| LED Lights | 1 | 5A |
| Fridge | 1 | 8A |
| Water Pump | 1 | 5A |
