Flood Damaged Camper Van Conversion: Complete Electrical System Upgrade with Renogy
From Disaster to Dream Rig: Rebuilding a Flood-Damaged Camper Van
Imagine the horror of discovering your beloved camper van, your home on wheels, flooded with three inches of water. This nightmare became a reality for the creators of this video, who were forced to rip out their entire van interior and start from scratch. But from this disaster came an opportunity to rebuild and upgrade, creating a camper van that is more capable and comfortable than ever before. This is a story of resilience, determination, and the power of a well-planned van conversion, with a special focus on a state-of-the-art electrical system from Renogy.
The Heart of the Van: A Complete Renogy Electrical System
A reliable electrical system is the lifeblood of any camper van, powering everything from lights and a fridge to laptops and cameras. After the flood, the decision was made to not just replace but significantly upgrade the electrical system, and Renogy was the brand of choice. The new system is a testament to the latest in off-grid power technology, designed for full-time van life and complete energy independence.
Components of the Upgraded Electrical System
The video provides a detailed look at the new electrical setup, which is a masterclass in van power systems. Let's break down the key components:
- Solar Panels: The old system had two 200W solar panels, for a total of 400W. The new setup features three 175W N-type Renogy panels, boosting the total solar input to 525W. These new panels are not only more powerful but also smaller, lighter, and more efficient, making them ideal for a van roof.
- Inverter Charger: The old 200W Renogy inverter was replaced with a new Renogy 200W pure sine wave inverter charger. This powerful unit not only converts DC power from the batteries to AC power for household appliances but also includes a built-in charger for when the van is connected to shore power.
- MPPT Charge Controller: To manage the increased solar power, a new Renogy 60 amp MPPT charge controller was installed. This smart device optimizes the power from the solar panels to ensure the batteries are charged efficiently and safely.
- Battery-to-Battery Charger: A Sterling Power B2B charger was also included in the new system. This allows the van's alternator to charge the leisure batteries while driving, providing an additional source of power.
- Other Components: The system is rounded out with a host of other essential components, including breakers, bus bars, a voltage regulator for the Maxx fan, a 12V fuse board, and multiple plug sockets.
Interior Comforts and Clever Solutions
With the electrical system in place, the focus shifted to the interior of the van. New upholstered cushions were made from fire-retardant material and comfortable 10cm thick foam, creating a cozy seating area that doubles as a bed. A clever lift-up table was added to provide extra workspace, with a neat adjustment to prevent it from hitting the main worktop. The video also shows the process of cutting and installing new panels for the sliding and back doors, using cardboard templates for a perfect fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camper Van Electrical Systems
What are the essential components of a camper van electrical system?
A basic camper van electrical system should include leisure batteries, a way to charge them (solar panels, B2B charger, or shore power), an inverter to power AC appliances, and a fuse box to protect your circuits. The complexity of your system will depend on your power needs.
How much solar power do I need for my van?
The amount of solar power you need depends on your daily energy consumption. A good starting point is to calculate the wattage of all the appliances you plan to use and how long you'll use them each day. This will give you an idea of your daily energy needs and help you size your solar array and battery bank accordingly.
How to choose the right inverter for a camper van?
When choosing an inverter, you need to consider the total wattage of all the AC appliances you want to run at the same time. It's also important to choose a pure sine wave inverter, as this will provide clean and stable power for sensitive electronics like laptops and cameras.