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.
Ben
Sunday 29th of January 2023
I'm wondering if you feel it is necessary to use GFCI Receptacles for all of your receptacles in the van build? Or should I just use regular receptacles?
Juergen
Saturday 26th of November 2022
Hi Nate, Perhaps I'm German - but the question may be common: - There are many solar installations with often huge power. - Also common, there are significant distances between the panels and the regulator.
Shouldn't there be fuses on the roof to secure the longer lines between panels and their consumer ( i.e. regulators)?
David Frye
Friday 25th of November 2022
In the 30A RV Retrofit diagram (Victron) it states, “Built-in OEM 120VAC to 12VDC converter. Disconnect all wires connected to this and/or turn off 120v breaker powering this converter.” Would this statement also be applicable to the 2000w INVERTER | 200-400Ah Lithium | 200W-520W Solar system (Renogy)?
Todd wheeler
Wednesday 16th of November 2022
I just purchased a wiring diagram that has a 400 amp fuse after the batteries The 4/0 wire has a max amp limit way below that. Why that size fuse ? Thanks
Jonathan Lopez
Sunday 9th of October 2022
How did you manage to use 6AWG wire to your Orion DC-DC charger? I've got our installation laid out just as yours - but all of my calculations point to using a larger guage of wire... You mentioned that your alternator wire/battery wire goes under van... I'm assuming you routed above muffler (safely?). I truely wish you gave more detail in regards to your wire routing techniques as I feel some would benefit from that info.