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.
Jack Gerber
Saturday 14th of May 2022
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
Nate Yarbrough
Sunday 15th of May 2022
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.
Donovan Sprintenreiter
Thursday 5th of May 2022
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
Nate Yarbrough
Friday 6th of May 2022
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.
Donovan Sprintenreiter
Sunday 1st of May 2022
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!
Nate Yarbrough
Friday 6th of May 2022
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
Donovan Sprintenreiter
Sunday 24th of April 2022
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!
Nate Yarbrough
Sunday 15th of May 2022
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.
Roger Tolbert
Friday 22nd of April 2022
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
Nate Yarbrough
Sunday 15th of May 2022
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 2x120 would simply be 'downstream' of the transfer switch and the shore/genny upstream.