American Trucks & Vans
Hablamos Español.
Financing Available!
Phone: 714-622-4047
Mon-Fri 8:30-5:30. Sat – Sun Closed
11151 Beach Blvd. Stanton, CA 90680

Off-Grid Van Electrical System

Full-Time Power for Volkswagen Eurovan

CASE STUDY
Gabby — Digital Nomad & Full-Time Van Lifer

Gabby wanted the freedom to travel, explore and work remotely from her 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan. The van was already mostly built out, but its electrical system was designed for weekend camping—not full-time living and working on the road.

She handled the parts of van life she wanted to make her own and brought the electrical, charging and connectivity work to American Trucks & Vans.

A Complete Off-Grid Electrical Upgrade

American Trucks & Vans installed a complete off-grid electrical system covering power storage, solar charging, charging while driving and cellular connectivity. The system was designed to support full-time living and remote work without making Gabby depend on campground hookups for her everyday power needs.

Custom Solar Mounting

Three 100-watt flexible solar panels provide 300 watts of solar capacity. Because an older van roof can move as it heats up, the team built a custom frame to manage that movement and protect the panels.

Flexible solar panels mounted above the pop-top roof of Gabby’s Volkswagen Eurovan
A custom frame protects the flexible solar panels as the older pop-top roof moves with temperature changes.

What Went Into the Build

Power and Charging

  • LiTime 12V 200Ah lithium battery for extended run time.
  • Victron solar charge controller to manage solar charging.
  • Redarc BCDC charger to recharge the house battery while driving.
  • Custom-built enclosure to keep the battery and electrical components secure, organized and protected.

Living and Working on the Road

  • weBoost cell signal booster for connectivity on the go.
  • Indel B 85L refrigerator—larger than what typically fits in a van this size.
  • Two new AC outlets, two 12-volt ports and two USB-C charging ports placed throughout the van.
  • Roof vent fan for airflow and temperature control.
Open Indel B 85-liter refrigerator installed inside Gabby’s Volkswagen Eurovan
An Indel B 85-liter refrigerator provides food storage for full-time life on the road.

Cold Storage for Everyday Living

The Indel B 85L refrigerator gives Gabby more room for groceries than a typical refrigerator installed in a van this size. It was integrated into the existing interior alongside the system controls and power connections.

Connectivity and Convenient Power

The weBoost cell signal booster supports Gabby’s remote work while traveling. New AC outlets, 12-volt ports and USB-C charging connections make power available where she needs it throughout the van.

weBoost cell signal booster installed inside Gabby’s Volkswagen Eurovan
A weBoost cell signal booster supports remote work while traveling.

Gabby’s Eurovan Electrical Upgrade

Gabby smiling from the driver’s window of her Volkswagen Eurovan near the beach
Gabby now lives and works full time from her Eurovan.

Living and Working Full Time on the Road

Gabby’s system has been running smoothly. She can charge from solar while parked, recharge the house battery while driving and use the cell signal booster to stay connected for work. The result is a van that supports both her remote job and the freedom to keep exploring.

“I handled the vibes and American Trucks and Vans handled the wiring. Best division of labor I’ve ever made. Now I can park somewhere beautiful, let the solar do its thing, and take work calls without worrying about losing power or signal. I’m so grateful to the whole crew for making this life possible.”

Gabby — Digital Nomad & Full-Time Van Lifer

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