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Complete Victron Off-Grid Campervan Electrical System (Expandable)

Complete Victron Off-Grid Campervan Electrical System (Expandable)

James Staines |

Build a Reliable Victron Off-Grid Campervan System, “upgradable expandable”


This guide outlines a complete, scalable off-grid electrical system for campervans using Victron components. Designed for reliability and modularity, it includes solar, alternator (DC-DC), and shore charging, with future-ready upgrades like inverters and expanded battery banks for high-draw appliances like air fryers.

firstly we have information for our basic install as you read through our documentation we will explain the changes we make to make sure we have facilities to upgrade and so that the system works for future upgrades if needed (when needed)

To set up a basic off-grid electrical system for a campervan using Victron components (for quality and expandability), and allowing later upgrades like more batteries or solar, here's a complete walk-through.

To get 100% accurate information we would need to know your vehicle model and typical usage (e.g., weekend trips vs full-time living), this is a thought if you are to use our Van Build Buddy, but here's a solid general foundation:


🔌 System Overview

A basic, modular off-grid system includes:

  1. Battery bank (start small, with upgrade path)

  2. Victron MPPT solar charge controller

  3. Victron DC-DC charger (for alternator charging)

  4. Victron shore power charger (optional but useful)

  5. AC/DC distribution

  6. Battery monitoring (e.g., Victron SmartShunt)


🧰 Starter System Components

1. Battery Bank (12V)

  • Start with: 1x 100Ah LiFePO₄ (e.g., Victron, Battle Born)

  • Upgrade path: Add more in parallel later

  • Victron BMS optional at this scale, more critical with multiple batteries

2. Solar Power

  • Victron MPPT 100/30 (up to ~440W of solar, expandable)

  • 2x 200W mono solar panels (start with 1 if budget-limited)

  • MC4 cables, inline fuse, combiner if needed

3. Alternator Charging

  • Victron Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC 12/12-30A

  • Charges from engine while driving, adjustable for lithium

4. Shore Power

  • Victron Blue Smart IP22 Charger (12V/30A)

  • Great for topping up when parked at campgrounds or at home

5. Distribution & Fusing

  • 12V fuse block

  • Victron Lynx Distributor (for later expandability)

  • 120V AC panel if installing an inverter later

6. Battery Monitoring

  • Victron SmartShunt 500A

  • Tracks SOC, voltage, amps, useful for upgrades


🧰 Tools & Materials

  • Crimping tools for lugs and ferrules

  • MC4 crimp tool and solar connectors

  • 4 AWG / 2 AWG wire depending on current needs

  • Fuses (ANL, MIDI) and holders

  • Busbars, cable lugs, heat shrink, zip ties

  • Wire loom or conduit


🛡️ Safety & Legal

  • Use proper fusing close to battery on every circuit

  • Install main cutoff switch

  • Follow ABYC or Vanlife Electrical Code if available

  • Proper grounding of all metal frames and components


🔧 Modular Design Tips

  • Mount components on a plywood electrical board

  • Leave space for a future inverter or more solar

  • Use Anderson connectors or terminal blocks for easier upgrades

  • Label wires and keep diagrams for future work


📚 Tutorials & Resources

Let me fetch some high-quality Victron-based wiring guides, videos, and parts lists.

To set up a basic off-grid electrical system for your campervan using Victron components, with the flexibility to upgrade batteries or add more solar panels later, here's a comprehensive guide tailored for UK-based DIY builders. This system integrates solar charging, alternator (DC-DC) charging, and shore power, providing a robust foundation for off-grid living.


🔌 System Overview

A modular off-grid system includes:

  1. Battery Bank: Start with a single battery and expand as needed.

  2. Solar Charging: Victron MPPT charge controller with solar panels.

  3. Alternator Charging: Victron Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC charger.

  4. Shore Power Charging: Victron Blue Smart IP22 charger.

  5. Power Distribution: DC and optional AC distribution panels.

  6. Battery Monitoring: Victron SmartShunt for real-time monitoring.


🧰 Starter System Components

1. Battery Bank (12V)

  • Initial Setup: 1x 100Ah LiFePO₄ battery (e.g., Victron, Battle Born).

  • Upgrade Path: Add additional batteries in parallel as needed.

  • Note: Ensure the battery has a built-in BMS or plan for an external BMS if expanding.Vanlife Outfitters

2. Solar Charging

  • Charge Controller: Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/30.

    • Handles up to 440W of solar at 12V.

    • Built-in Bluetooth for monitoring via the VictronConnect app.

  • Solar Panels: Start with 1x 200W monocrystalline panel; add more as needed.

  • Wiring: Use MC4 connectors and appropriate gauge cables.

  • Alternator Charging

  • DC-DC Charger: Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30A Isolated DC-DC charger.

    • Ensures safe charging from the vehicle's alternator.

    • Suitable for smart alternators and lithium batteries.

    • Bluetooth-enabled for easy configuration.

    • 4. Shore Power Charging

  • AC Charger: Victron Blue Smart IP22 Charger 12V/30A.

    • Charges the battery bank when connected to mains power.

    • Features adaptive charging and Bluetooth connectivity.

5. Power Distribution

  • DC Distribution: 12V fuse block for distributing power to DC loads.

  • AC Distribution (optional): Install an AC distribution panel if planning to add an inverter for 230V appliances.

6. Battery Monitoring


🛠️ Tools & Materials Needed

  • Wiring:

    • Appropriate gauge cables (e.g., 4 AWG or 2 AWG) for battery connections.

    • MC4 connectors for solar panel connections.

  • Fusing:

    • ANL or MIDI fuses and holders for circuit protection.

  • Connectors:

    • Cable lugs, heat shrink tubing, and busbars.

  • Tools:

    • Crimping tools for lugs and MC4 connectors.

    • Wire cutters and strippers.

  • Mounting:

    • Plywood board for mounting components.

    • Cable management accessories (e.g., zip ties, cable clips).YouTube+1YouTube+1


🛡️ Safety & Legal Considerations

  • Fusing: Install appropriate fuses close to the battery on all positive circuits.

  • Isolation: Include a main battery disconnect switch for safety.

  • Grounding: Ensure all components are properly grounded to the vehicle chassis.

  • Compliance: Adhere to UK electrical regulations and standards for vehicle conversions.


🔧 Modular Design Tips

  • Component Layout: Mount all electrical components on a dedicated board for organization and accessibility.

  • Future Expansion:

    • Leave space for additional batteries or solar panels.

    • Plan for the potential addition of an inverter for AC power needs.

  • Documentation: Label all wiring and maintain updated schematics for future reference.


📚 Tutorials & Resources

  • Victron Off-Grid System Installation: A step-by-step video guide on setting up a Victron-based off-grid system.

  • Victron Van Install: Detailed blog post with wiring diagrams and component layouts for a campervan setup.YouTubeVictron Energy


🧾 Parts List with Purchase Links

Component Description Purchase Link
Battery 100Ah LiFePO₄ Battery Victron 100Ah LiFePO₄ Battery
Solar Charge Controller Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 Victron MPPT 100/30
Solar Panel 200W Monocrystalline Panel Renogy 200W Solar Panel
DC-DC Charger Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30A Victron Orion-Tr 12/12-30A
AC Charger Victron Blue Smart IP22 12V/30A Victron Blue Smart IP22
Battery Monitor Victron SmartShunt 500A Victron SmartShunt
Fuse Block 12V DC Fuse Block Blue Sea Systems Fuse Block
Main Disconnect Battery Disconnect Switch Blue Sea Systems m-Series Switch
Wiring Kit Appropriate gauge cables and connectors Marine Grade Wire Kit

📄 Summary for PDF Export

Basic Off-Grid Campervan Electrical System with Victron Components

  • Battery Bank: Start with 1x 100Ah LiFePO₄; expandable.

  • Solar Charging: Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 with 200W panel.

  • Alternator Charging: Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30A DC-DC charger.

  • Shore Power Charging: Victron Blue Smart IP22 12V/30A charger.

  • Power Distribution: 12V fuse block; optional AC panel for inverter.

  • Battery Monitoring: Victron SmartShunt 500A.

  • Safety: Proper fusing, main disconnect, and grounding.

  • Expandability: Designed for easy addition of batteries, solar panels, and inverter.

This gives us the basic install information. What we look at next is to make sure we have enough power for a ninja air fryer. See the changes plan out and the difference of requirements and needs.

A Ninja Air Fryer typically draws 1400W–1750W depending on the model. To safely run it off-grid, you’ll need an inverter capable of handling high AC loads.


✅ System Upgrade Needed for Air Fryer Use

To run a Ninja Air Fryer off your Victron-based system:

🔌 Add a Victron Inverter

🔋 Battery Bank Recommendation

  • Minimum: 200Ah LiFePO₄ (to avoid large voltage drop)

    • Example: 2x Victron 100Ah in parallel

  • Why: A 1750W draw at 12V = ~145A (1750W ÷ 12V), which is intense for a single 100Ah battery

Inverter Cabling

  • Use 2/0 AWG wire from batteries to inverter

  • Include Class T fuse (e.g., 250A) near the battery

  • Ensure all terminals are tight and protected

⏱️ Usage Time Consideration

  • Running a 1750W air fryer for 15 minutes = ~440Wh

    • With 200Ah @ 12V (2400Wh usable if lithium), that’s roughly 18% of your usable energy


🛡️ Safety Tips

  • Always ventilate the cooking area well

  • Don’t use high-draw appliances when battery is low

  • Mount the inverter securely and close to the battery bank


🧾 Parts to Add

Component Description Link
Inverter Victron Phoenix Inverter 12/2000 Victron Phoenix 2000W
Inverter Fuse Class T 250A Fuse and Holder Blue Sea Class T Fuse
Battery Upgrade Add another 100Ah LiFePO₄ Victron 100Ah Battery
Wiring 2/0 AWG Inverter Cable Kit Inverter Cable Kit

 


📄 Summary

  • Yes, your system can support a Ninja Air Fryer with the addition of:

    • A 2000W inverter

    • At least 200Ah lithium battery

    • Proper fusing and cabling

  • This setup can handle short-term cooking loads, especially with good solar or shore power for recharging.

  • For longer term cooking loads we would need to look at changing multiple factors, I’ll look to do this in a separate blog post.

 Above we have the link to the following this is purely for easy reading.

🔌 System Upgrade Components & Pricing

Component Description Price (GBP) Purchase Link
Victron Phoenix Smart Inverter 12/2000 2000W pure sine wave inverter suitable for high-power appliances like air fryers. £559.99 Amazon.co.uk
Victron Energy Lithium Battery Smart 12.8V 100Ah High-quality LiFePO₄ battery with built-in Bluetooth for monitoring. £610.00 Offgrid Power Solutions
Blue Sea 5502100 Class T Fuse Block with Insulating Cover Provides overcurrent protection for high-capacity circuits. £79.13 Amazon.co.uk
ECO-WORTHY Battery Cables Set 2/0 AWG cables suitable for high-current connections between battery and inverter. £18.99 Amazon.co.uk

 


Total Estimated Cost:
£1,268.11

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary based on availability and shipping.


🛠️ Installation Notes

  • Inverter Installation: Mount the Victron Phoenix Smart Inverter close to your battery bank to minimize voltage drop. Ensure adequate ventilation around the inverter to prevent overheating.

  • Battery Bank: With a 100Ah LiFePO₄ battery, you can safely draw up to 100A continuously. However, running a 1750W air fryer at 12V draws approximately 145A (1750W ÷ 12V), which exceeds the continuous discharge rating of a single 100Ah battery. Therefore, it's advisable to use two 100Ah batteries in parallel to handle the load safely.

  • Fusing: Install the Class T fuse block within 18 inches (45 cm) of the battery's positive terminal. This fuse protects against short circuits and overcurrent situations.

  • Cabling: Use 2/0 AWG cables for connections between the battery bank and inverter to handle high current loads with minimal voltage drop. Ensure all connections are secure and terminals are properly crimped.


🛡️ Safety Considerations

  • Ventilation: Ensure that the inverter and battery compartment are well-ventilated to dissipate heat effectively.

  • Overcurrent Protection: Always use appropriately rated fuses or circuit breakers to protect wiring and components from overcurrent.

  • Regular Maintenance: Periodically check all connections for tightness and signs of corrosion. Inspect cables for wear or damage.


📄 Summary

To safely and effectively run a Ninja Air Fryer off-grid in your campervan, consider the following setup:

  • Inverter: Victron Phoenix Smart Inverter 12/2000 – £559.99

  • Battery Bank: 2x Victron Energy Lithium Battery Smart 12.8V 100Ah – £1,220.00

  • Fusing: Blue Sea 5502100 Class T Fuse Block – £79.13

  • Cabling: ECO-WORTHY 2/0 AWG Battery Cables Set – £18.99

Total Estimated Cost: £1,878.11

*Note: This total includes two batteries to handle the high current draw of the air fryer safely.

 So let’s return back to our initial install before we mention an air fryer, when we start with just looking for a budget install. We will then include some final prices and information.

🔌 Initial Off-Grid System Components & Pricing

Component Description Price (GBP) Purchase Link
Battery Victron LiFePO₄ 12.8V 100Ah Smart Battery £499.00 Quality Source Ltd
Solar Charge Controller Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 with Bluetooth £99.99 Wired Campers
DC-DC Charger Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30A Non-Isolated DC-DC Charger £168.49 12 Volt Planet
Shore Power Charger Victron Blue Smart IP22 Charger 12V/30A £167.95 Cactus Nav
Battery Monitor Victron SmartShunt 500A/50mV £79.99 Wired Campers

Total Estimated Cost: £1,015.42

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary based on availability and shipping.


🧰 Additional Components & Materials

To complete the installation, you'll need the following:

  • Solar Panels: 1x 200W monocrystalline panel (~£150)

  • Wiring & Connectors:

    • Appropriate gauge cables (e.g., 4 AWG or 2 AWG)

    • MC4 connectors for solar panel connections

    • Cable lugs, heat shrink tubing, and busbars

  • Fusing:

    • ANL or MIDI fuses and holders for circuit protection

  • Tools:

    • Crimping tools for lugs and MC4 connectors

    • Wire cutters and strippers

  • Mounting:

    • Plywood board for mounting components

    • Cable management accessories (e.g., zip ties, cable clips)


🛡️ Safety & Compliance

  • Fusing: Install appropriate fuses close to the battery on all positive circuits.

  • Isolation: Include a main battery disconnect switch for safety.

  • Grounding: Ensure all components are properly grounded to the vehicle chassis.

  • Compliance: Adhere to UK electrical regulations and standards for vehicle conversions.


📄 Summary

Initial Off-Grid Campervan Electrical System with Victron Components

  • Battery Bank: 1x 100Ah LiFePO₄; expandable.

  • Solar Charging: Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 with 200W panel.

  • Alternator Charging: Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30A DC-DC charger.

  • Shore Power Charging: Victron Blue Smart IP22 12V/30A charger.

  • Battery Monitoring: Victron SmartShunt 500A.

  • Safety: Proper fusing, main disconnect, and grounding.

  • Expandability: Designed for easy addition of batteries, solar panels, and inverter.

Total Estimated Cost: £1,015.42 (excluding solar panel and additional materials)

 

🔧 Full System Build Cost (Initial + Upgrades)

Category Component Description Estimated Price (GBP) Purchase Link
🔋 Battery Bank 1x Victron LiFePO₄ 12.8V 100Ah Smart Base battery £499.00 Quality Source
+1x Victron LiFePO₄ 12.8V 100Ah (Upgrade) Needed for air fryer £610.00 Offgrid Power
☀️ Solar Victron MPPT SmartSolar 100/30 Handles up to 440W solar £99.99 Wired Campers
200W Monocrystalline Panel Base solar input £150.00 Renogy UK
🚐 DC-DC Charging Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30A For alternator charging £168.49 12 Volt Planet
🔌 Shore Power Victron Blue Smart IP22 12V/30A For mains charging £167.95 Cactus Nav
📊 Monitoring Victron SmartShunt 500A Battery monitor £79.99 Wired Campers
🔌 Inverter (Upgrade) Victron Phoenix Smart Inverter 12/2000 Runs air fryer safely £559.99 Amazon UK
🧯 Fuse Protection Blue Sea Class T Fuse & Holder High-amp circuit protection £79.13 Amazon UK
🔗 Cabling ECO-WORTHY 2/0 AWG Inverter Cable Kit For battery–inverter connection £18.99 Amazon UK
🧰 Install Materials Cables, MC4s, Lugs, Heat Shrink, Crimpers, etc. Estimated total £150.00 Local suppliers / Amazon

 


💷 Total Estimated System Cost

Scope Subtotal
Initial System (battery, charge controllers, solar, DC-DC, shore, monitor) £1,165.42
Upgrade (Inverter, 2nd battery, fuse, cable kit) £1,268.11
Installation Materials & Misc. £150.00
🔢 Grand Total (Everything) £2,583.53



📦 Summary for Export (PDF-Ready)

Full Victron Campervan Off-Grid System (Expandable)

  • 🔋 Battery Bank: 2x 100Ah Victron Smart LiFePO₄ (12V)

  • ☀️ Solar Charging: Victron MPPT 100/30 + 200W panel

  • 🚐 DC-DC Charging: Victron Orion-Tr Smart 30A

  • 🔌 Shore Charging: Victron IP22 30A

  • 📊 Battery Monitoring: Victron SmartShunt 500A

  • AC Power (Upgrade): Victron Phoenix 2000W Inverter

  • 🧯 Safety & Fusing: Class T fuse, proper cabling

  • 🧰 Install Materials: Cables, connectors, tools

🔧 Total System Cost: £2,583.53

all prices vary from time to time, we have included some Amazon affiliate links to help me find content like this, at the point of writing there was no financial gain. All information is as proven and accurate as possible. If you are looking for content like about for your build simple head to VanBuildBuddy where we can help from start to finish in as much details as you require.

 

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