Off-Grid Electrical Systems in Camper Vans: The Ultimate Van Life Power Guide

Dreaming of the open road, starry skies, and total freedom from the grid? Living off-grid in your camper van means more adventure, fewer hookups—and definitely fewer worries about finding an outlet. But here’s the kicker: you don’t need a giant, wallet-draining battery bank to make it happen. 

Too many van lifers overbuild their electrical systems, thinking “bigger is better.” The truth? With a little know-how and smart planning, you can power your adventures with a compact, efficient setup that won’t break the bank—or weigh down your build. 

This guide will show you exactly how to calculate your camper van power needs, explore common van electrical setups, and introduce a cost-effective off-grid power system that actually makes sense. 

Section 1: You Don’t Need a Huge Battery Bank—Here’s Why 

Before you shell out for a monster battery setup, take a step back. Most van lifers don’t need nearly as much power as they think. Let’s break it down: 

Step 1: List Your Electrical Devices

Start with a basic gear inventory. Common camper van electrical components include: 

Find the power consumption (watt-hours) for each device, either from appliance labels, user manuals, or a quick Google search. Multiply the power draw by the number of hours you expect to use each device per day. 

Example: A fridge drawing 50W and running 24 hours = 1,200Wh/day 

Most camper van batteries are 12V, so use this formula: 
Watt-Hours ÷ 12 = Amp-Hours 

Example: 1200Wh ÷ 12V = 100Ah 

Step 4: Understand Battery Types & Efficiency 

Not all batteries are created equal: 

Pro Tip: Avoid overbuilding. Right-sizing your battery bank saves money, weight, and space. 

Section 2: What a Typical Van Build Really Uses 

Let’s look at a real-world example of camper van power usage: 

Basic Van Electrical Setup: 

Don’t Forget Solar Panels 

Solar power for camper vans is one of the easiest ways to keep your battery charged while living off-grid. Whether you are boondocking in the desert or camping under cloudy skies, solar helps you stay powered up. 

How Much Solar Do You Really Need? 

It depends on: 

Example: A 200W solar panel setup can generate around 800Wh/day (or 66Ah)—enough to keep your batteries well-charged during the day; especially if you’re just running the fridge and fan while you’re out adventuring.  

 
But, if you think you need a little more juice, no problem. Just slap a second panel on the roof and double your solar charging capability.  

Our Go-To Solar Panel: Renogy 200W ShadowFlux 

If you want reliable solar performance, check this out: 

Pro Tip: Pair this panel with a smart MPPT charge controller and you’ll be cruising with clean energy all day. 

Learn more about the Renogy 200W ShadowFlux solar panel here. 

Running a Rooftop Air Conditioner Off-Grid? You’ll Need More Power 

Thinking about adding a rooftop A/C unit like the Dometic RTX2000? It’s totally possible—but you’ll need serious battery capacity. 

Power Use for Dometic RTX2000: 

Want 2 days of runtime without recharging? You’ll need 500Ah of usable battery—this is a large system best suited for full-time vanlifers or those in extreme climates. 

Section 3: The Base 12V Electrical System – A Smart, Off-Grid Power Solution 

Looking for a power system that’s simple, affordable, and road-ready? The Base 12V Electrical System from Adventure Wagon is your sweet spot.