Victron Inverter and Solar Upgrade for Van Cruiser X17

Challenge

Keeping reliable power in remote areas is a big challenge for long-term travel. Standard solar systems usually can’t run high-power appliances like coffee machines, microwaves, or air conditioners. When you’re off the grid and only use the factory charging sources, standard battery systems can run out during cloudy weather or when parked in the shade. Without a good way to connect DC battery storage to AC appliances, off-grid adventurers are often limited to just basic lighting and refrigeration.

Solution

Installing a high-efficiency solar panel and an integrated inverter system gives you a complete power solution. The shade-resistant solar panel keeps collecting energy even if debris or branches block part of it, so your battery bank stays charged throughout the day.
An inverter with a built-in transfer switch automatically manages your AC power. When the vehicle is plugged into shore power, the system sends electricity straight to your outlets. If you unplug, it instantly switches to battery power for AC.

Having experienced technicians install the system is important to meet Australian safety standards. Qualified installers keep high-voltage AC wiring separate from DC circuits and make sure everything is properly earthed. This protects your vehicle’s electronics from surges and keeps your manufacturer’s warranties valid. Professional installation also prevents cables from overheating and ensures that every part operates within safe temperature limits.

Execution

The Adventure Additions team started by mounting the Exotronic 250W Horizon solar panel on the Van Cruiser X17’s roof. They used special brackets and a waterproof cable entry to maintain the roof’s integrity and prevent leaks. High-quality solar cables were connected to a Victron SmartSolar MPPT controller to maximize solar energy.

Inside the electrical cupboard, the team installed a Victron Orion XS 50A DC-DC charger to speed up charging from the vehicle’s alternator while driving. They also added a 3000W inverter with an AC transfer switch and rewired the caravan’s AC circuit to run through the inverter. This keeps the power points working no matter where the power comes from. All units were securely mounted in the cabinetry, and a remote-monitoring switch was added for easy use.

Duration

The whole installation at the Adventure Additions Braeside Facility takes about 12 hours. This includes the work for installing the inverter, mounting the solar panel, swapping the DC-DC charger, and extra time for testing and calibration.

Results

The Van Cruiser X17 now has a strong power system that can handle heavy AC loads without needing external hookups. The 250W shade-resistant panel boosts the daily charge rate for the iTech World lithium batteries. The AC passthrough system switches power automatically, making things easy and reliable for the user. All parts are fused and installed to professional standards, so the system stays reliable, even off-road.