Before choosing your hardware, you must define your power budget. We guide our clients through a comprehensive energy audit, listing every appliance—from the fridge and Starlink to induction cooktops. If you want to do your own audit, Far Out Ride made a system calculator that can help tell you how much power you need. Crucially, your system should be designed with scalability in mind.

If you plan to add a 12V air conditioner or an electric water heater in the future, your current battery bank and wiring must be able to support that increased load without a complete system teardown.

Once you’ve sized your battery bank, the next challenge is replenishing that energy. At CAV, 90% of our builds utilize a triple-redundant charging strategy: Alternator, Shore Power, and Solar.

We rank them in that order for a reason. DC-to-DC (Alternator) charging is our top recommendation because it’s the most consistent; your van is a rolling generator. It generally offers higher amperage than solar, ensuring your batteries are topped off by the time you reach camp. Shore Power is the fastest recovery method and is vital for 'plug-and-play' maintenance at home or running high-draw loads like A/C via an inverter/charger bypass. Finally, Solar is your silent partner. While it’s the slowest method, it’s essential for 'boondocking' to offset small, parasitic loads like your fridge and lights while parked."

Dive deeper at our where do I start page ➜

Before diving into specific products, let’s talk about the heart of your system. In 2026, we only recommend one chemistry for campervan builds: LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate). Unlike old-school AGM batteries, Lithium offers double the usable power, weighs half as much, and lasts for thousands of cycles. Whether you choose a custom-built bank or an all-in-one unit, LiFePO4 is the only investment that makes sense for the modern traveler.

There are two ways to bring Lithium into your rig: a Custom Component System or a Portable Power Station (often called a 'Solar Generator').

Brands like EcoFlow, Bluetti, and Jackery have changed the game for DIY builders. These all-in-one units combine the battery, inverter, and charge controller into a single "plug-and-play" box. This removes the headache of wire termination, fusing, and component compatibility. If you’re looking to simplify your build, somthing like an EcoFlow Delta 3 Pro can significantly reduce your installation time.

While we install high-capacity custom systems for our full-scale builds to maximize communication and efficiency, a portable unit is a fantastic entry point. However, even with an all-in-one unit, we still recommend a few "pro" additions to make your van feel like a home:

• 12V Fuse Block: Don't plug every light and fan directly into the battery. Run one high-gauge wire from the battery to a Blue Sea Fuse Block (link), then branch out to your appliances for a cleaner, safer install.

• AC Circuit Integration (The "Whip"): Instead of running extension cords across your floor, you can daisy-chain permanent outlets through your walls and plug them into the battery unit’s AC output.

• Dedicated DC-to-DC Charging: Many "solar generators" charge slowly via a cigarette lighter. We recommend using a dedicated DC-to-DC charger compatible with your unit to ensure you’re actually topping off while you drive. Some of these all in one solutions even have directly compatible alternator chargers.

• Solar Array: Whether roof-mounted or portable, ensure your panels are compatible with your unit’s voltage input limits.