CampMaker Van Simple Electrical System

Many van builds have large electrical systems. At CampMaker we work hard to show the value of a simpler design. This system uses Kisae DMT1250 Solar and DC to DC Charge Controller, Blue Sea Safety Hub 150, Samlex 1212F Inverter/Charger and a SOK 280AH Battery. I attached an "apples to apples" comparison of this setup versus Victron equipment and a Battle Born battery. The more expensive system would cost $5,295 compared to this equivalent system which costs $2,948. This is a 45% ($2,347) savings!
More information is available at campmaker.com
2023 Van Electrical System
280 AH SOK Battery $1,199
www.us.sokbatt...
Inverter Samlex 1212F $870
www.donrowe.co...
Inverter Remote $140
www.donrowe.co...
Kisae 50A Solar Charge Controller and DC to DC Charger $250
www.donrowe.co...
Kisae Remote $45
www.donrowe.co...
Solar Panel 500 Watt $374
www.platt.com/...
Blue Sea Safety Hub $112
Purchase: www.amazon.com...
Information Video: www.bluesea.co...
Solar Disconnect. $59.99
shop.explorist...

[@powerwall]

subscribed

[@dennislittlefield]

Thank you for your interest.

[@rusty-y8r]

nice set up. I feel people are quick to select victron and also over do it with components and sizing them up.

[@dennislittlefield]

Thank you! A vast majority of van builders assume a 3000 watt inverter is essential, but they don't know how to safely install or even use the system.

[@konvicti94]

very nice system

[@dennislittlefield]

Thanks

[@zarguy]

Dennis, I enjoyed most of your video, but as a novice, there's a big piece missing. Where does the battery connect to the system you show? At the shunt? At the MPPT/DC-DC charger? I've always heard the shunt connects to the battery negative and the charge controller.

[@thegreatgambini1926]

Hi, do you have a parts list and a schematic? Great video.

[@dennislittlefield]

There is a schematic on this page. I will prepare a parts list with web links and add it to the page. campmaker.com/video-gallery

[@colacurciolaw7745]

Much appreciated.

[@dennislittlefield]

@@colacurciolaw7745 I added the parts list and web links in the video description above. I hope that helps.

[@sands4651]

Simple setup with an easy-to-understand description. My problem is I already have and use a portable power supply. Can this be modified so I can use that instead of the battery and invertor? My power supply has both an ac and a solar input. It is the dc-dc charging I would like to add. Thanks!

[@dennislittlefield]

You could add a Victron Orion Dc to Dc 30 amp charger.

[@dennislittlefield]

Do you have a link to the power supply you are using? If you can draw up a basic schematic of you system, that would help me offer ideas.

[@sands4651]

@@dennislittlefield I have really limited needs for power right now. 12vdc fridge and some puck lights. Haven't used the van enough to know what else I need to power. Might use my CPAP This is the power supply I use. Thanks.

[@dennislittlefield]

@@sands4651 the fridge and the cpap will use the most power in a day. Do you need to use the humidifier? If you do, it will need about 70 AH. If you use your cpap every day, I’d suggest about 200 amp hour battery to give a buffer for unknown things.

[@mannyfragoza9652]

if you dont need a 3000 watt inverter you prob dont need a 300 amp battery.

[@dennislittlefield]

I’ve been able to do fine with the 1200 watt inverter, but I’ve regularly found the 200 AH battery wasn’t quite enough. That is why this time I went with the 280 AH.

[@mannyfragoza9652]

@@dennislittlefield do you have enough solar to charge that size battery i dont believe you talked about your solar setup. BTW im not trying to be a wise guy just curious about other folks DIY Solar systems

[@dennislittlefield]

@@mannyfragoza9652 You are asking good questions! I have a single 500 watt panel on the roof and the Kisae Dc to Dc charger is 50 amps. This is a lot more than the usual 30 amp Dc to Dc chargers. So it will be able to charge fairly well.

[@mannyfragoza9652]

@@dennislittlefield sounds like you def. have enough solar nice work my friend