Power is going to be a major focus for this build because of the number of devices I plan to run. The van will be outfitted with 600–800 watts of solar panels and (2–3) 300Ah batteries, which can also be charged through shore power.
I won’t be using alternator charging — some van builds do, but I’ve decided against it to keep the living space fully independent from the van’s drivetrain and electrical systems. The goal is a system that’s self-contained and built to last long-term.
The internal power system will run the fridge, AC unit, Maxxair fan, Starlink, a hotspot, and a 24/7 microcomputer that handles GPS tracking (more on that in a future post). It’ll also power a gaming PC and either an Xbox or PS5, though those will stay fully off when not in use.
While I’m still finalizing the exact specs for everything, I’ll be using a 2000W–3000W inverter for AC power, a solar charge controller that can handle the panel array, and all the other necessary components to tie it all together. Power usage will be carefully managed, especially with high-draw devices like the AC and gaming setup.