An Inspirational Journey
Buying a roof rack for a van conversion from a vendor can easily cost $1500-$2500. I spent less than $400 building it myself. Building a custom one to fit 3 large solar panels and making sure they can fit between the rooftop fans while making sure you can secure everything to the van is complex. It took some time to complete the puzzle.
I also ran the solar cables inside the van without having to cut a hole. Was able to run them through a factory opening which is used for the backup camera and the back roof light. I added fuses to each solar panel to protect each one should one of them ever short out or have issues.
I installed three 200 w solar panels (total of 600 watts of solar power. They are running in a parallel configuration with three 12v 100ah lifepo lithium batteries.
I’m waiting for a part I forgot to order so I can’t connect all the electrical yet, but I already have most of the cables ran so I’ll be setting up the electrical box and and will go ahead and get all the boxes painted and ready to finish up the electrical side of things this week. I also plan on building the upper cabinets later this week. June 3rd (would have been my Dad’s 100th birthday) is my goal to have everything done and take my kids on an adventure. After the electrical is done (or almost done) I will be tackling the bench seats installation and then the shower/plumbing. Then it’s just fine tuning things. Getting closer and closer.
