Van Life Power Explained: 800W Solar, 24V System & Why Budget Wins

Описание: Take a deep dive into @hantravelsslow’s budget friendly van electrical setup, built for long term travel and cold conditions, including camping in the snow in Tasmania. This van tour focuses heavily on power, solar, batteries, inverters, heaters, and real world compromises that help stretch the budget and travel longer.

Hannah walks through their 24V lithium system, DIY solar solution using 800W of home grade panels, a budget diesel heater, and the honest pros and cons of choosing function over aesthetics when living full time on the road.

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✨ What’s Inside:

🔌 Electrical Overview
24V system (instead of 12V). Lower current, simpler wiring
All power distributed via a single (messy but functional) power board
Built for laptops, cameras & Starlink, no air con
🔋 Battery Setup
2 × 12V 200Ah lithium batteries wired in series
Total: 24V / 200Ah
Ventilated battery compartment inside the van
☀️ Solar System
2 × home grade solar panels on the roof
800W total solar, wired in series
DIY brackets built by family
Performs reliably even in Tasmania’s weak winter sun
⚡ Charging & Inverter
Victron SmartSolar (100V / 50A)
Victron Blue Lynx distributor (reduces cable runs)
Victron inverter: 24V / 1200VA
Sized intentionally for laptops & cameras only
🔥 Heating
Budget Chinese diesel heater
Requires regular part replacement (every 6 weeks)
Proven effective while camping in snow
📡 Connectivity
Starlink installed (used sparingly due to cost)
Phones preferred where possible
Starlink hardware & cabling stored under seating
🚐 Interior Mods
DIY seat re upholstery (done by Hannah)
Electrical system tucked under seating with linen storage

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 The “spaghetti” power board & budget trade offs
01:00 Budget diesel heater (snow camping tested)
01:50 800W roof solar, home grade panels explained
04:30 Why 24V instead of 12V
04:00 Battery setup & ventilation
05:00 Victron solar charger & inverter
06:40 Starlink, phones & connectivity choices

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