13/06/2026
We've done a few off grid installs over the years in kombis, but we've been entrusted to fit out another rear engined German bus.
Unlike kombis, we have room for days in this converted Mercedes bus.
It had a basic 12volt set-up in it previously but it all needed upgrading as the new owner is going to live in it permanently on a property.
It won't be connected to mains power so it needed ample battery storage and a decent size inverter.
We have installed an iTechworld pro caravan kit, which includes 360ah of lithium batteries, 40ah dc-dc and ac/dc chargers, 600 watts of solar, and a 3000watt inverter that will be connected to 2 240volt power points.
We've also replaced the 12volt water pump and upgraded the wiring to the mini electric hot water system (which at 25 amps is the thirstiest item used in the bus but it won't be running all the time)
For some winter warmth we have set up a vevor 5kw diesel heater that can be switched on and off with a remote. The heat is plumbed up to a floor vent. We found a battery powered transfer pump that should make filling the tank pretty straightforward.
Everything has been thoroughly tested and is working well.
Of course a qualified electrician will be used to wire up the 240v power points that will be permanently connected to the inverter.
We have the option in the future to get another mppt solar charge controller and connect the older existing panels, but in our testing so far, I think the 4 new panels will be ample.
Anyway, a fair bit of work done mostly as overtime.
