r/VanConversion

I have a Mercedes 2011 Sprinter van with a Renogy solar set up, but I’m un aware how to use it. Long story short, I inherited this van and am not familiar with solar or how it works. I’ve been using the van for awhile now not doing anything, but using the fridge and plug ins and have had no issue, I just assumed the solar was doing its job and don’t have to do anything special. Recently, the fridge stopped working and the system has given me an error code “E1” and all electricity has stopped working all together. It seems like the solar is not charging.

Can someone please help me understand what I need to do and what happened? Or could someone please explain how this system works like I’m 5 years old? I’ll attach a bunch of photos of all the components

I apologize if this isn’t an appropriate post for this group. Please let me know if I need to move it somewhere different. Thanks so much in advance!!

First build, been lived in it full time. Full walkthrough on my channel if anyone's interested.

Hello!
My name is Finn from Vermont. I just bought a 2002 ford e250 Eclipse conversion van. I am super excited to start working on it and am beginning the process of planning needs to be done on it with my girlfriend.

I would like to keep as much of the interior the same as possible. I love the wood grain etc but also understand that it will have to be adjusted for true living.

There is currently an inverter and 3 or 4 outlets but only can be ran when the van is on so will need to figure out a solution there.
Also need to figure out a ventilation system but with the fiberglass top it is a bit of a daunting task.

Any suggestions truly appreciated on where to even start. Thanks

Hi all,

I found a camper van online and am about to fly out to see it. The seller sent me these pictures without telling me anything about the brands used etc. All I know from the post is:

OFF-GRID POWER:
• 3 × 195W Solar Panels
• 2 × 280Ah Lithium Batteries
• 3000W Inverter
• Charges batteries while driving (DC-DC charger)
• Charges from solar when parked

The guy I'm talking to said he is a truck driver by trade who built it with his father-in-law (who has the title in his name, no leins). This is the third they've built together. The Carfax says they purchased in September and have only put ~6000 miles on it.

My issue is I don't know much about electronics, but the blue painters tape looked like a red flag. Does anything look wrong with this wiring?

I know enough to ask about battery monitoring/heating for cold weather, but the seller only told me there's a gauge/thermometer, no app controlled monitoring, etc.

I'd appreciate any thoughts on this wiring...I've been told everything works appropriately, but it seems like a quick flip.

Thanks in advance

Afterthought: the carfax also has a recall (for fleet vehicles):

Recall #67C 2018-2026 VF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE

Status: Remedy Not Yet Available

Safety Defect/Non Compliance Description and Safety Risk

Some 2018-2026MY Ram ProMaster vehicles built for fleet sale may have been assembled with a cooling fan module which is susceptible to premature bearing wear and inadequate fuse protection. Certain extremely demanding fleet duty cycles can cause premature bearing wear resulting in high current draw combined with inadequate fuse protection on the 400W fan circuit which may lead to a vehicle fire. A vehicle fire can result in increased risk of occupant injury and/or injury to persons outside the vehicle, as well as property damage.

Repair Description

FCA US will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all affected vehicles to replace the cooling fan module and a fuse, and provide an owner's manual addendum and label for the Power Distribution Center (PDC).

Recall Status: Incomplete but repair parts are not available

and the van was in commercial use (~47k miles in 18 months) prior to the personal use...

Hello VanLifers! I am in the process of designing my first electrics setup in my first ever full van conversion. This is where I have got to so far. Is there anything obviously wrong/missing? Any advice is greatly appreciated! Peace and love