This blog post is an index of ALL of the DIY solar wiring diagrams for campers, vans & RVs you can find here on EXPLORIST.life. There are several options below to choose from. There are varying sizes of systems and this list is constantly changing and expanding to fit your needs. All of the diagrams below feature:
- Lithium Battery Bank Storage
- Ability to Power Devices via Shore Power
- Ability to Charge the Battery Bank via Shore Power
- Ability to Charge the Battery Bank via Solar Panels
- Ability to Charge the Battery Bank via Vehicle Alternator
- Ability to Run both 12V and 120V Appliances
- Applications for DIY Campers, 30A OEM RVs & 50A OEM RVs
How to Best Use This Page – (Video)
This video will show you how to best use this page. Although this page is just an index of all of the wiring diagrams, it’s always helpful to have a bit of a page orientation as you are looking for the right diagram for your needs:
DIY Camper Solar Wiring Diagrams
The following diagrams will get you well on your way to getting your camper prepared for off-grid adventures. There are several diagrams below for various applications of, not only ground-up DIY campers but also OEM RV retrofits. Each of the following diagrams are high end diagrams using primarily Battle Born Lithium Batteries and Victron Energy Components. The solar array size is incredibly flexible depending on the roof space you have available. Check them out and leave any questions/comments you have in the comments section below.
This diagram and parts list is perfect from ground-up electrical installs into campervans, skoolies, or expedition vehicles. This system is most suitable for systems that do not have a pre-existing house electrical system installed.
This diagram features:
- 3000W Inverter Charger
- 400+ Amp Hours of Battery Storage Capacity
- 400W-1200W Solar Array Capacity
- Alternator Charging
- Shore Power Charging/Passthrough
This diagram and parts list is perfect from ground-up electrical installs into campervans, skoolies, or expedition vehicles. This system is most suitable for systems that do not have a pre-existing house electrical system installed.
This diagram features:
- 2000W Inverter Charger
- 200+ Amp Hours of Battery Storage Capacity
- 200W-700W Solar Array Capacity
- Alternator Charging
- Shore Power Charging/Passthrough
This diagram and parts list is perfect for retrofitting solar and an upgraded Inverter into a factory build OEM RV with 30A shore power. This system is most suitable for systems that do not have a pre-existing house electrical system installed.
This diagram features:
- 3000W Inverter Charger
- 400+ Amp Hours of Battery Storage Capacity
- 400W-1200W Solar Array Capacity (Optional)
- Alternator Charging (Optional)
- Shore Power Charging/Passthrough
This diagram and parts list is perfect for retrofitting solar and an upgraded Inverter into a factory build OEM RV with 50A shore power. This system is most suitable for systems that do have a pre-existing house electrical system installed.
This diagram features:
- 3000W Inverter Charger
- 400+ Amp Hours of Battery Storage Capacity
- 400W-1200W Solar Array Capacity (Optional)
- Alternator Charging (Optional)
- Shore Power Charging/Passthrough
This diagram is for users requiring extensive power demands through 120V/240V split phase at up to 3000w per leg. This diagram also shows how to wire multiple solar arrays through multiple charge controllers into the Lynx Distributor. This diagram also features full system monitoring through the Victron GX line of devices.
This diagram features:
- Dual 3000W Inverter Chargers for 120V/240V Split Phase
- 600+ Amp Hours of Battery Storage Capacity (12V Battery Bank)
- Up to 5800W of Solar (expandable at a rate of 2900W per charge controller)
- Alternator Charging at a rate of 100A (optional)
- Shore Power Charging/Passthrough
This diagram and parts list is perfect from ground-up electrical installs into campervans, schoolies, or expedition vehicles. This system is most suitable for systems that do not have a pre-existing house electrical system installed. This diagram features high-performance wires, fuses, and fuse holders but chooses more budget-friendly components like Renogy, Aims, Kisae, or similar
This diagram features:
- 2000W Inverter Charger
- 200+ Amp Hours of Battery Storage Capacity
- 200W-520W Solar Array Capacity
- Alternator Charging
- Shore Power Charging/Passthrough
This wiring diagram is a full guidebook for all of the 12V branch circuits like likes, fans, 12v outlets, USB outlets, 12V Refrigerators are other such devices commonly used in DIY Campers.
This wiring diagram shows a typical 6-circuit 120V branch circuit wiring diagram that is commonly used in DIY Campers for 120V outlets, water heaters, air conditioners, and other high wattage devices.
Not sure what size you need? Start with a power audit here: https://www.explorist.life/what-size-of-solar-system-is-needed-to-power-a-camper/
If you are looking for old wiring diagrams you can find those here:
https://www.explorist.life/solarwiringdiagrams-archive/
Need Personalized Help? Join my private group today: https://www.community.explorist.life
Bill Davis
Monday 2nd of August 2021
Hello Nate!
First want to say thank you for all the well crafted videos, literature, and diagrams. They are the best on the web! Now I have a question regarding a wiring diagram I purchased from you.
I purchased the up to 1200W system diagram for my RAM Promaster 3500 system and I have one question:
- where on the chassis does the negative 4/0 wire from the distribution device need to be connected - 1) to the frame under the vehicle, or 2) to the main vertical framing posts inside the vehicle body?
I'm thinking it will be okay to connect it to the main vertical framing inside the cargo compartment since it's tied to the main vehicle framing but I want to get your advise on the matter.
Thank you! Bill
George
Thursday 29th of July 2021
Thank you for these videos. This is a great resource
Aaron LeClaire
Thursday 29th of July 2021
Did I hear in one of you videos that you have put together a book / instruction guide? I’ve been looking around on your web site, but have not found it. Can you please send a pointer (or tell me I am full of it!) :).
Thanks! Aaron
William Pierce
Wednesday 21st of July 2021
I enjoy your videos very much, but I would like you to draw up a personal diagram for a cargo trailer build out with a 30 amp service and 400 AH of lithium battery wired as 24 V system with 1200 watts of solar and a 3000 inverter and using all Victron components. Thanks
Scott Dawson
Tuesday 20th of July 2021
Nate, Love your videos and personalized help. I purchased and followed your diagram for a retrofit of a 30A travel trailer. I have purchased and pulled all of the wire but when I went to terminate the #6 wire from my Victron Multiplus into my OEM 120V fuse panel the breaker will not accept this wire size as it was originally #10. Dont know what to do now as I don't want to change the panel. Any advise would be appreciated.