OZK Customs + Victron Energy Power System

About Victron Energy

Victron Energy creates energy storage solutions and power systems for home backup and off-grid use, industrial and marine applications, as well as professional and recreational vehicle markets. But that is just putting it in a nutshell, because Victron Energy has a worldwide presence and reputation for excellence across the energy industry.

Since its founding in 1975 by two Dutch entrepreneurs, Victron has stood out as a pioneering company in the arena of solar energy and independent power solutions. For close to 50 years now, the company has looked to change and update the way that energy is stored and utilized, growing from a small, one-office operation to a truly global innovator and leader in renewable energy technology.

They are world-renowned for their battery-based energy systems, known as Blue Power or B.P., and their intelligent line of inverters, manufactured for a wide range of industries, and responsible for converting solar energy seamlessly into optimal, usable energy. Utilizing the most advanced renewable energy technology across a variety of applications, Victron focuses on crafting durable products using sustainable production techniques while always integrating features designed to make their systems smarter and easier to use.

After decades of innovation and a consistent reputation for quality, Victron continues to lead the energy industry in a variety of products, as well as product, hardware and software updates, and technological sophistication and reliability. We look to them for our fixed camper van battery systems as a pioneer across multiple world-wide markets in smart solar systems, batteries, along with efficient chargers, monitors, and other accessories required to establish independent mobile power solutions.

Victron Camper Van Battery System

How Much Power Do You Really Need?

Here at OZK Customs, we love Victron battery systems for camper vans for a lot of reasons. Now, if you’ve already read about the Goal Zero Yeti systems we offer, you may be thinking they sound so convenient, why would you want to install anything more complex and more expensive? And it’s true, the Yeti Power Stations are incredibly versatile and easy to use in a camper van set-up. But the trade-off for that convenience and portability is power.

The power limit of the Yeti station is in its available amp output, which is a necessary consideration depending on the type of appliances you want to run in your camper van. Even the most impressive Yeti power station, the PRO 4000, is limited to a 30-amp output with a 50-amp surge. This means that you will struggle to run bigger, more power-hungry units like the Dometic Penguin II air conditioner off it – especially for more than maybe an hour or two. Those power stations are designed more to run smaller appliances and accessories and can do that very effectively.

But, if you want to be able to run larger devices that require higher power output, or even moderate power output for long periods of time, you need a battery system with a little bit more oomph to it. And this is where the Victron Energy battery systems are second to none. We can tailor the Victron system to the actual needs of your camper van, and everything you plan to run on your power system. As well as take into consideration how long you need to be off-grid for and more. Instead of a 30-amp cap, we can easily install a robust Victron system that can comfortably put out 60,80, or even 100 amps. And, unlike the standard 12-volt system of the Yeti Power Stations, we can also build a much more powerful 24 or even 48-volt Victron system into your van.

Sizes and Custom Install

For camper vans, Victron Battery Systems are commonly installed in 400-1200 amp hour (AH) sizes, with our minimum recommendation usually being a 600 AH system. As with everything else about your custom van, we order and build every part of the Victron system specific to your needs and desires. Do you want an AC? A water heater? What types of outlets? How big will your van be? We look at everything related to the power you’ll likely require on a camper van trip, so we can make the most educated recommendation.

After we talk all your power needs over with you, we can recommend the right size Victron battery system and talk about installation and where you need your electric run. The Victron Energy Battery system is a fixed system, so we will install it in a floor cabinet, in an out of the way location chosen with your input and depending on the rest of your van interior layout.

We run a custom wiring package through your camper van walls based on your specifications and the devices you want power to – such as that Dometic AC unit – as well as where you want plugs, lights, fans, and more. This includes power for future devices. Maybe you don’t want to install that AC unit right now, but want the option to have it installed in the future. We can make sure that wire is at the right location, ready for when you need it.

Charging Options

Like the Goal Zero power stations, Victron batteries have several potential avenues for recharging. You’ll be able to plug the system to recharge it when you are at a power source – whether that is while parked at a campground or at home. With the proper power charging inverters you’ll also be able to draw some energy off your van’s own power system while you are driving: any power not needed to keep your van’s engine batteries at capacity or run other essential components can be converted to charge the Victron batteries.

And finally, if you intend to be off-grid for long, or prefer to spend days at a time away from established campsites with easy access to plug-in charging, we can also help you with a solar charging option to provide some sustainability to your energy system. Given that Victron Energy is at the forefront of renewable energy solutions with a plethora of smart controllers, inverters, and management systems for solar charging, they make it easy to integrate solar to your energy storage system.

Depending on the potential daily draw on your power system, we can set up your Victron batteries to also charge from solar panels, either installed on your van’s roof or a portable application like the Goal Zero Solar Briefcase. Your average 200-watt solar array, such as Zamp Solar’s Obsidian solar panels, will not be enough to keep your Victron system charged indefinitely if you are drawing on it consistently. A larger solar system would be required for that. But even a modest set of solar panels can provide some increased independence to your off-grid adventures by helping to offset some of your base energy demands, such as for the refrigerator, lights, fans, and small device charging.

Ready To Make a Decision?

There is no doubt, the Victron system is a pretty serious investment – between the base cost of the system and the installation labor and time, this may be one of the more serious decisions you make about your conversion van build. But that’s as it should be, because your power system will run most of the things that make van life comfortable and enjoyable for you, whether you are taking shorter weekend jaunts or long hauls across country for weeks at a time. We want to make sure you know about your options, and what each system can or can’t do. And if you need significant power output in the form of high

amperage for long periods of time (more than an hour or two), then it is likely that one of our custom built Victron Battery Systems is the right bet for your new camper van.

We’d love to talk with you more about what this system can do for your adventures on the road! Let us help customize a Victron battery package that will perfectly power your van life experiences and help you make those memories that will last forever.