When you think of an adventure camper van, you usually focus on the niceties: sink, fridge, place to sit and sleep, and a toilet.
But what if you have all that plus a massive state-of-the-art 630-watt solar panel system coupled with a 400-amp lithium battery to bank power? That’s what we see in an admittedly pricey converted van listed on eBay.
You might not be ready to click on the triple-digit Buy-It-Now button. However, similar solar technology for your vehicle is accessible today.
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The Sprinter’s rooftop solar allows for impressive off-grid, electric amenities: a high-efficiency induction cooktop, hot showers on the go, and a fridge running 24/7. It adds up to one lean, mean, off-grid adventure machine.
Van Life on Solar, Not Propane
This unique diesel-powered Sprinter camper van is 100-percent propane free. That means no trips to gas stations to refill propane tanks for cooking or hot water. You also don’t have to worry about leaks and other propane safety concerns.
Run low on diesel? No worries about that either. This adventure camper van strictly uses solar to power everything other than its cabin heater.
The 630-watt solar system boasts all the key components. This includes USA-made parts like the solar panels, 400 AH Battle Born lithium batteries, the 3,000-watt Victron inverter, and a remote switch. There is also a Victron 150/60 charge controller and battery monitor.
The inverter and other components are neatly tucked under the bed platform—as seen in these two photos.
Idaho-based EMG Built expertly installed this setup. This black six-cylinder 4WD Sprinter van is now available for showings or immediate purchase. Be aware: It’s the last EGM Built van being sold until the summer of 2021.
What Is Being Powered by the Sun?
This high-tech 630-watt solar system is the largest solar array available on any 144-inch-wheelbase Sprinter van. It covers the majority of the Sprinter’s roof.
Not only does it power six 110-volt and eight USB charge outlets, but it also sends juice to a dozen lights throughout the cabin. The sun also powers the LED light bars surrounding the van.
In addition to powering outlets and lights, this off-grid capable 4×4 van enables these amenities:
- It can generate hot water in 12 minutes via a German-made water heater.
- A Summit two-burner induction cooktop hooks up to the lithium batteries to offer an abundant supply of cooking heat. The efficient cooktop is easy to clean and generates less moisture than its propane-powered cousins.
- A Max Air deluxe fan is offered in this Mercedes-Benz camper van. It also comes with a remote and thermostat.
- An Isotherm marine-grade refrigerator keeps edibles chilling while a rear-view camera helps drivers back up.
Off-Road Solar For Everybody
With all its technology and solar goodness, this brand new off-grid adventure camper van is ready for the long haul. Stay remote and off-grid as far as your diesel fuel will take you.
Of course, the fully decked-out Sprinter’s Buy-It-Now Price of $165,000 is not within everybody’s budget. But don’t let that dissuade you from sun power. A single solar panel or two can begin the off-grid transformation of your ride.
eBay has a wide selection of affordable solar panels and kits. They go up to the 600 watts provided in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. And with solar power in place, you can then look to the Sprinter listed on eBay for inspiration for amenities to add next.
For more ideas, see: Camper Van Conversion: 6 Must-Have Items.
