This blog post will show you how to install a high end campervan electrical system in a Mercedes Sprinter.
This Sprinter Camper electrical install was designed and installed by me, Nate from EXPLORIST.life, into a Mercedes Sprinter Camper Van built by Waypoint Vehicles, a newly launched professional camper van up fitter based in Los Angeles – focused on building premium adventure vehicles, using only the best of the best products available. This was truly a fun project and I’m excited to share it with you.
This blog post will show you the wiring diagram used, the parts necessary for install, as well as some additional details about the install process.
Waypoint wanted a top-of-the-line camper electrical system, with the ability for customers to expand their systems and evolve over time as needed. This system features a 100% Victron Energy based powerplant with Blue Sea Systems and Switch Pros integration for AC and DC loads which can be switched from multiple locations in the van via touchpad or a smartphone app.
This diagram features:
- 3000W Inverter Charger
- 600 Amp Hours of Battery Storage Capacity
- 180W Solar Array Capacity (Expandable to 440W)
- Alternator Charging (60A)
- Shore Power Charging/Passthrough
- System Management via Victron Connect app & Cerbo GX w/ Touchscreen
History of Changes to this Page (Click to Expand)
Updated diagram to feature Blue Sea 360 AC and DC panel instead of standalone units – Nov 1, 2021
Post Published October 23, 2021
Full Parts Kit For This Install
There are a TON of parts necessary to complete this project. Not only the Inverters and batteries, but lugs, heat shrink, copper washers, ferrules, signal wires, and a ton more. The itemized parts list for all (most) of these parts is listed below… but if you are planning on tackling this project yourself, you should check out the kit I helped Waypoint Vehicles assemble so you can get all of the components delivered to you in one go and save yourself 30 trips to the hardware store (only to find that the hardware store doesn’t have what you need). This is truly going to be the easiest way to source all of the parts for this project. Here is the link to that kit: https://waypoint-vehicles-store.myshopify.com/products/ultimate-power-package
DIY Camper Van Wiring Diagram
DIY Camper Solar Parts – Shopping List
The parts list below is a consolidated parts list for this entire system. This list is about 90% complete as I am having trouble sourcing a few items, but this should get you pointed in the right direction (but those parts are included in the Waypoint x EXPLORIST.life kit linked above).
IMPORTANT NOTE: For the ‘Quantities’ in the below shopping list, each singular component is listed a quantity per each, wire is listed a quantity of feet, and heat shrink is listed as qty 1 = 2.25″.
For Example:
Qty 1 – Inverter Charger means you need to purchase 1 Inverter Charger
Qty 3 – 4/0 Wire means you need 3 feet of 4/0 wire. This may mean you need to buy 5ft from the product page
Qty 5 heat shrink means you need 5 pieces of 2.25″ heat shrink. This means you’ll need 5 x 2.25″ pieces of heat shrink for a total of 11.25″ of heat shrink.
39 Responses
Hi Nate,
How did you combine the (4) 4/0 cables to the Smart Shunt. I see an “Adapter” and (2) cables with 3/8″ lugs and (2) cables 5/16″ lugs?
Thanks,
Jack
The 3/8″ lugs were stacked on the shunt on top of the Lynx Adapter and the 5/16″ lugs were on the lynx adapter on the top and bottom of the adapter. A longer shunt bolt is required to accomplish this.
Nate,
I apologize on the breadth of the last question. Since you are phasing out your consultation, can you recommend someone else such as yourself that is as qualified as you?
Further, I have spent time again within your videos and blogs and have answered some of these questions such as increasing solar and need for two battery protects (thank you). The Diagram still comes up as the DIY versus Waypoint, and would like to understand what the “Switch Pro” is and does.
Thank you again,
Fred
The Switch Pro is basically a touchpad controlled relay board. It’s just a nice way to control all of the lights/fans/etc from a switch pad without using relays. It’s still using relays… but it’s in the little processor board, so they aren’t as bulky as typical mechanical relays. That could be added/subtracted from either system.
Nate,
1: Went to purchase the Waypoint Sprinter Diagram PDF, and a DIY Diagram PDF goes into the cart, so I didn’t purchase it.
Also, in this Waypoint Diagram 2: could you share what the “Switch Pro” is and does, 3: the advantage of two Smart Battery Protects at different amps, 4: and if the Energy VE.Bus BMS is redundant with the MultiPlus when using non-Victron lithium batteries with built-in BMS? Even if the non-Victron batteries with built-n BMS failed, wouldn’t the MultiPlus and Cervo GX cut the power on low/high temperatures and other issues?
5: Lastly, what would this system require to make it expandable to 700W of solar?
6: I look forward to downloading the Waypoint Diagram and to start ordering parts!
Thanks again for your help!
1: Here is a link to the Waypoint diagram: https://shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/plans-and-diagrams/solar-wiring-diagrams/waypoint-vehicles-x-explorist-life-wiring-diagram/
2:The Switch Pro is basically a touchpad controlled relay board. It’s just a nice way to control all of the lights/fans/etc from a switch pad without using relays. It’s still using relays… but it’s in the little processor board, so they aren’t as bulky as typical mechanical relays. That could be added/subtracted from either system.
3: Different amps for different amperage demands.
4: The VE.Bus BMS won’t work with non-Victron-BMS batteries. There wouldn’t even be a place to plug it in. Batteries with an internal BMS like Battle Born Batteries do not need an external BMS.
5: Bigger charge controller, a few more connectors, bigger fuse, etc. Check out the various solar charging systems I’ve put together here: https://shop.explorist.life/product-category/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/solar-charging-wiring-kits/
6: If you are using batteries with an internal BMS; perhaps this diagram would be more useful/accurate: https://www.explorist.life/3000w-inverter-400-600ah-400-to-1200w-solar-camper-solar-kit/ Here is the tutorial/kit/etc for that one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01F4QDVJUq0
Nate, I would like to use your wiring kit and the Victron set-up used on this build. Here’s where I need help. We will be using our Campervan in North America through 2022, then taking it to Portugal permanently at some point in 2023. This is a change in current from 110v to 230v, and 60Hz to 50Hz on the shore power. We will wire the house with 12 gauge, swap out the 30A plug and 110v outlets for a EU plug and 230v outlets, yet will we be able to still use the MultiPlus inverter? Any other changes from this build that we will need to make for safety and conformity? And, any additional thoughts on this switching out process would be greatly appreciated!
You will not be able to use a 120V inverter/charger to power/charge from 230V loads, no. The inverter would need to be changed out as well as well as, potentially, wires and breakers to stay code compliant.
Nate thanks for all your diagrams but i can’t find what i’m looking for I have a fifth wheel and have installed everything according to your drawings for camper van solar setup but i can’t understand how to wire the inverter AC In and Ac 1 out when i have a auton transfer switch with a Generator the auto Transfer isFurron Model # F50-ATS my Inverter is Victron MultiPlus II can you tell me if you have a drawing i can buy Thanks
If you have a 50A RV, this is the direction you should go: https://www.explorist.life/50a-camper-inverter-with-solar-alternator-charging-wiring-diagram/ The Multiplus 2×120 would simply be ‘downstream’ of the transfer switch and the shore/genny upstream.
Nate, the video shows you using 4/0 wire, yet your diagram that I purchased show 2/0 wire for battery connections and invert and controller runs… I purchased 2/0 can I use it anyway?
The system you are commenting on uses 4/0 for the battery bank to lynx distributor and battery bank to Multiplus runs. I don’t use 2/0 anywhere in this particular diagram so I’m not sure what you’re looking at there.
Nate, great resource and write-up. Super helpful.
Wondering if you went with the Victron Smartshunt instead of the full Lynx setup with Lynx Smart BMS so you didn’t have to use two Lynx distributors?
I love the Lynx system for its clean packaging and setup, but seems like a misstep on Victron’s part by not making it easier to attach a Lynx shunt. Thoughts?
We simply didn’t have enough room for the Lynx Shunt in this particular system. I had some pretty severe dimensional constraints.
Nate, do you sell a drawing of the electrical system structure?
Not for this one, I don’t. You’ll want to get in contact with Waypoint for that one.
Could youcomment on why you use the isolated DC-DC Charger? I see no need for that version unless you’re using it as an isolated power supply.
Non-isolated would have also worked in this particular application. There for a while, supply chain issues were affecting the non-isolated versions making them unavailable (and I don’t design systems with parts that are unattainable). Also, I like designing systems that work for a much wider range of vehicles; for example… if somebody wanted to install this system in a 5th wheel camper, they would need to run dedicated positive and negative wires.
@Nate Yarbrough, thank you for your reply. Now I’m curious as to why a 5th wheel system would be different.
There is no electrical connection between the tow vehicle and the RV house battery bank. The hitch can’t be considered a chassis ground. The wire in the 7 pin connector isn’t big enough to sustain 30A; so a dedicated positive and negative needs to be run.
Nate, I purchased both the DIY Campervan wiring diagram and the Waypoint Sprinter wiring diagram. My build will be exactly as the DIY Campervan diagram with the following changes; dropping the Victron BMV-712 batt. monitor and replacing with the Victron Smartshunt 500A/50mv, but adding the Cerbo GX and the GX Touch 50.
Question; I noticed you use a Solar Isolator on the DIY build, but replace with the Solar Disconnect Breaker.
I understand they accomplish the same thing (ability to turn off), but, can you help me decide which would work be best for my custom build and possibly some insight?
Thank you in advance…
Either is fine. It just comes down to ease of sourcing the products. Waypoint is sourcing the solar breaker for their kits and I’ve found an easier time sourcing the solar isolator for my parts lists and kits.
Nate, impressive expertise, enjoy watching your educational/informational videos. This may be a uneducated question, but; can you explain why two Dual Victron Orion DC to DC Chargers? Thanks…
Two of them charge twice as fast as one of them.
Hi Nate,
Could you clarify your decision for 2 dc/dc chargers? What are the benefits of having multiple DC/DC chargers in a system? is this just because Victron doesn’t make one unit large enough? is this for redundancy? Will they both always be doing the same thing at the same time, or will one be charging while the other is off? And just to make sure, they are both connected to the starting battery at the front of the van together? The parts list states I need six of these chargers, I assume that is a typo, but I do need two, correct?
Thanks
Scott
Two chargers charge faster than one. That’s the reason.
Hi Nate,
I was wondering what software you use to draw your electrical diagrams. I am looking to draw out my van and I like the simplicity of the diagrams you have put together.
I use Microsoft Visio to make my diagrams.
Hello,
First of all thanks for all your efforts for this community!
Recommendation: It will be even better if you will keep the diagrams free of charge …
The parts list is not 100% correct:
– DC to DC there are not 6pcs used, it is only 2pcs used
– 1 battery smart protect is missing from the list (guess 65A one – where the solar charge controller connects to Lynx)
Problem which I can see with this setup is when the 65A smart protect disconnects the charger from the battery bank/Lynx distributor it will damage the solar charging controller as it is still connected with the solar array 😉
You’re welcome!
Recommendation: Keep your thoughts about what I do and don’t monetize to yourself.
Orion quantity fixed.
Battery Protect added.
In the event the 65A smart battery protect disconnects, the charge controller should not be damaged. It will just cycle on and off until battery power is reconnected. Victron charge controllers can handle being connected to solar and not batteries under these conditions. This is even how I designed the system for the official victron tour trailer that Victron had me design and install.
Looking for one of your diagrams for a 50 amp service for a 5th wheel. Could you direct me?
https://www.explorist.life/50a-camper-inverter-with-solar-alternator-charging-wiring-diagram/
Nate, good evening! I paid and downloaded your 400ah DIY solar layout. Then, I watched your “professional install” video an noticed you used Smart Battery Connects and a BMS device. Those items are not listed on your 400ah layout. Are these items required for safety or are they nice to haves for the professional layout? Also, can you use the BMS with any battery?
The Smart Battery Protects and BMS shown in this install are for use ONLY when using Victron SmartLiFePO4 batteries. If you are using Battle Born batteries, those are not necessary as the Battle Born batteries have an internal BMS on each battery.
Is there no Smart Shunt in the list?
Should be fixed now.
Nice, helpful, thanks for sharing.
Awesome post and video Nate! Couple of questions, in the past you’ve run the inverter dc through the Lynx distribution but here it’s direct to battery. Also, 180w of solar seems inadequate for a 600ah battery system?
Here, the multiplus is protected by the main system fuse, yes. Running it through the Lynx Distributor is simpler and requires more commonly available parts. I don’t want to say we were cutting corners here but we were ‘saving space through advanced design while staying up to code’; if that makes sense.
180w of solar would not charge 600ah of battery bank capacity on a daily basis, no. But 180w of solar was the max that Waypoint wanted to install on this particular van and I talked them up from 400ah to 600ah to see what would actually fit into their enclosure. A bit of a prototype/concept, if you will.