Custom 12V Off-Grid Campervan Installation

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Toyota Hiace Campervan Gets The Perfect Off-Grid Adventure Solution

At Sandgate Auto Electrics and Automotive Services, we love helping our customers get off-grid and explore Australia in their campervans and 4WDs. Recently, we completed a 12V off-grid installation for a customer who wanted to turn their Toyota Hiace into the ultimate self-sufficient campervan. This job included installing a Victron Orion XS 12 | 12 – 50 A DCDC charger, a Victron MPPT solar charge controller 100 | 50, 500 watts of solar panels, 600Ah of lithium batteries, and a power inlet on the van’s wall for additional charging options.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the details of this installation, how it works, and why a setup like this is perfect for anyone looking to embark on off-grid adventures.

The Challenge: Creating a Reliable Off-Grid System for Long-Term Travel

The owner of this Toyota Hiace was preparing for a long-term off-grid trip around Australia. They wanted a reliable power setup that could handle their everyday needs, including charging devices, running lights, powering a fridge, induction cooking and operating other appliances. Most importantly, they needed the system to be efficient, easy to maintain, and capable of keeping them powered up without relying on powered campsites.

With this in mind, we worked closely with the customer to craft a customer 12V off-grid solution that would allow them to stay off the grid for extended periods while enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a robust, high-quality power system.

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The Installation: Victron Components, Solar Power, and Lithium Batteries

For this job, we primarily used Victron Energy components—known for their reliability and efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements of the setup:

The Victron Orion DCDC charger is designed to charge the auxiliary battery from the vehicle’s alternator while driving. This charger ensures the auxiliary battery stays topped up while the engine is running, meaning the customer has power available even after long days of driving. It’s a crucial part of any off-grid setup, allowing continuous power regardless of solar input or campsite facilities.

To manage the solar power, we installed a Victron MPPT solar charge controller. This device maximises the power harvested from the solar panels and safely charges the battery. Victron’s MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) technology is highly efficient, even in low-light conditions, making it ideal for Australian weather variations.

We installed 500 watts of solar panels on the Hiace’s roof, ensuring the campervan could generate ample power during daylight hours. This level of solar input provides enough energy to charge batteries, run appliances, and power essential devices—keeping the camper self-sufficient even in remote locations. With solar this powerful, the customer can enjoy extended stays off the grid without worrying about running out of power.

To store all that solar energy, we installed 600 amp hours of lithium batteries. Lithium batteries are the gold standard for off-grid setups due to their long lifespan, faster charging times, and ability to handle deeper discharges compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. This large battery bank gives the customer plenty of capacity to power their fridge, lights, and other appliances, even during cloudy days or overnight.

For added versatility, we installed a power inlet on the exterior van wall. This allows the campervan to plug into mains power when available at campsites or caravan parks. While the solar and DCDC charger are enough to keep the system running off-grid, the power inlet provides an extra option for charging batteries if needed.

Why This Setup is Perfect for Off-Grid Travel

This custom 12V setup is designed to meet the power needs of a modern off-grid campervan. Here’s why it works so well:

With both solar panels and the DCDC charger working together, this setup ensures the customer has access to power whether they’re driving or parked up in a remote location. Even on cloudy days or when solar power is limited, the vehicle’s alternator can keep the auxiliary battery charged through the DCDC charger.

The 600Ah of lithium battery capacity offers ample storage for off-grid travel. Lithium batteries are not only lighter than lead-acid alternatives but also more efficient. With this much storage, the customer can run their appliances, fridge, and lights for days without needing to recharge, making it ideal for those who want to stay off the grid for long periods.

The 500-watt solar system, paired with the MPPT controller, ensures maximum energy capture from the sun. This means the campervan can stay powered even during lower-light conditions, extending the time the customer can spend in remote locations without relying on mains power.

The power inlet adds an extra layer of convenience, allowing the campervan to plug into shore power when available. This flexibility ensures the customer can top up their batteries at campsites or caravan parks if needed, while still enjoying the benefits of solar power when they’re out in the wild.

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Planning Your Own Off-Grid Adventure?

If you’re thinking about upgrading your 4WD or campervan with a custom 12V off-grid system, Sandgate Auto Electrics and Automotive Services is here to help. We specialise in off-grid 12V setups, from dual battery systems to solar installations, ensuring your vehicle is ready for long-term, self-sufficient travel.

Why Choose Sandgate Auto Electrics for Your 12V Off-Grid Installation?
  • Expert Knowledge: We have over 50 years of experience designing and installing off-grid systems for 4WDs, campervans, and caravans.

  • Custom Solutions: Every installation can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your vehicle and travel plans.

  • High-Quality Components: We only use trusted brands like Victron Energy to ensure your system is reliable and efficient.

Contact Us Today

Ready to power your adventures? Contact Sandgate Auto Electrics and Automotive Services to discuss your 12V off-grid needs. We’ll work with you to design a custom solution that keeps you powered up wherever your travels take you.

Visit our website for more information on our 12V and off-grid installations.

Contact Us

Give Us a Call at (07) 3269 3158

Drop by our workshop at 101 Connaught St, Sandgate, QLD

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