📋 Table of Contents & Overview
Refitting the On-board Electrics in the GiottiVan
If you travel a lot and rely on self-sufficiency, a well-thought-out energy management system in your van is essential. Here you can see how I refitted the on-board electrics in our GiottiVan to meet our energy needs all year round.
The factory-installed 100 Ah AGM battery was simply too small. The self-consumption with just the fridge, heater, and lights is already about 30-40 Ah per day. Therefore, it was important to increase the energy storage capacity.
Battery:
- I replaced the original 100 Ah AGM battery with a 280 Ah LiFePO4 battery. This offers significantly more capacity and a longer lifespan. Thanks to its compact dimensions, the LiFePO4 battery could be installed in the same location. This is a big plus, as no additional space for the electrics is needed.
- Size (L x W x H): 355×330×190 mm
- 31Kg
Charge Booster:
- The charge booster was replaced with a more powerful 50 A charge booster. This ensures that the battery is charged faster and more efficiently.
Inverter:
- I installed a new inverter. For simplicity and space-saving reasons, I chose a 4-in-1 inverter from ECTIVE, which also has an integrated MPPT controller for solar panels.
Monitoring:
- The entire system is now monitored via Bluetooth with a Smart Shunt. The original battery display was inaccurate, so this solution is much more reliable.
EBL Integration:
- The electrical block (EBL) was integrated into the new system to continue using the existing wiring and circuitry.
Relays for Headlights:
- I installed relays for operating the LED headlights and rear lights. This ensures reliable control and reduces power consumption.
Distribution:
- I housed the 230V distribution in a new box.
- Additionally, new sockets for USB, 12V, and 230V were installed.
Solar:
- I installed two solar panels on the roof. Click below to read more.
Grounding Relay (Personal Protection):
- If shore power is available, the relay remains open and disconnects the grounding bridge; in battery operation, the relay is closed.
For warranty reasons, I will not show exactly how everything was connected. It is important to have such work checked by a professional to ensure safety.
In Numbers:
- 280Ah leisure battery with heating (-35°C)
- 350Wp solar
- 20A MPPT solar charge controller
- 1500W inverter
- 20A shore power charger
- 50A charge booster
Conclusion
Thanks to the large battery and the integration of solar panels, we are now able to be self-sufficient. This gives us the freedom to travel independently of external power sources and use our van all year round.
PERSONAL PROTECTION IN IT AND TN NETWORKS
The isolating relay is shore power controlled:
If shore power is present, the relay is open and the grounding bridge is disconnected; in battery operation, the relay is closed.
Download Documents
Electrical Diagram Overview
Electrical Diagram GiottiVan 60B – Overview 12V / Solar / On-board Electrics (Click to enlarge)
Electrical Diagram Roof Rack, Solar Panels & Auxiliary Lighting (Click to enlarge)
⚡ Products Used - 12V Distribution ▼
Leisure Battery LiFePO4 Ultimatron 280 Ah
Powerful 280Ah LiFePO4 with Smart Bluetooth BMS and integrated battery heating.
To product →
SmartShunt IP65 Victron 500A
Precise battery monitor with Bluetooth connection for monitoring via the VictronConnect App.
To product →
Inverter 4-in-1 Ective SSI 15 / SSI 15 PRO
1500W sine wave inverter with integrated MPPT solar charge controller, charger and NVS.
To product →
Charge Booster Votronic VCC 1212-50
50A B2B charger for fast and safe battery charging while driving.
To product →
12V Main Battery Disconnect Switch
Robust disconnect switch for complete galvanic isolation of 12V circuits.
To product →
M8 Busbar Distributor with Cover (250A)
Heavy-duty busbar for clean positive and negative distribution.
To product →
MEGA-Fuse Holder
High-current fuse holder for inverters, charge boosters, and main lines.
To product →
12V Fuse Box
Compact 12V blade fuse distributor with ground connection and LED defect indicator.
To product →
PD3.0 USB-C & 12V Socket
Fast charging USB-C and standard 12V flush-mount socket for living areas.
To product →
MPPT Solar Charge Controller 100/30 (Victron)
Highly efficient MPPT charge controller for solar blankets and roof panels with Bluetooth.
To product →
DC Solar Fuse & Disconnect Switch
Automatic circuit breaker for easy disconnection of solar panels during maintenance.
To product →
Anderson Mounting Frame (for Solar Blanket)
Practical external flush-mount socket for quick connection of a mobile solar blanket.
To product →
Distribution Box / Installation Box
Sturdy housing for protected accommodation of terminals and relays.
To product →🔌 Used Products - 230V Distribution ▼
Waterproof Junction Box (IP66)
Moisture-protected distribution box for 230V shore power and inverter lines.
To product →
2-pole RCD/MCB Switch (RCBO)
2-pole residual current and circuit breaker for motorhomes according to DIN VDE 0100-721.
To product →
Motorhome Grounding Relay (Eltako ER61-UC)
Separates the PE-N bridge when shore power is connected and closes it in autonomous inverter operation.
To product →
2-pole Potential-Free Switching Relay (Eltako ER12-200)
Reliable disconnect and switching relay for safe changeover on DIN rail.
To product →
Potential-Free Time-Changeover Relay (Eltako MFZ12DX)
Multifunction time relay for defined switch-on and switch-over delays.
To the product →Discover more camper upgrades & instructions:
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