12V vs. 48V Victron Systems: What’s Best for Your Camper Van Build?

When it comes to building a high-quality camper van electrical system, Victron Energy is a top-tier choice trusted by vanlifers and professional builders alike. But one common question we get at Beachside Custom Vans is:

“Should I go with a 12V or a 48V Victron system?”

Both options have their place depending on your lifestyle, power needs, and budget. Let’s break down the differences and help you make the best choice for your build.

⚡ What’s the Difference?

At the core, the difference comes down to the voltage of the battery bank and the electrical system. Most traditional van builds run off 12V systems, while more advanced or power-hungry builds might use 48V systems—especially when large inverters or lithium battery banks are involved.

🔵 12V Victron Systems: The Classic Choice

✅ Pros:

• Wide Compatibility: Most camper van appliances (fridges, fans, lights, water pumps) are natively 12V, so there’s no need for voltage converters.

• Proven Simplicity: 12V systems have been used in RVs and vans for decades—they’re well-documented and easy to troubleshoot.

• Parts Availability: Fuses, wire, chargers, and appliances are widely available and affordable.

• Smaller Inverter Size: Great for basic setups that don't require more than a 2000W inverter.

❌ Cons:

• Thicker Wiring Required: Lower voltage means higher current, which means thicker cables—especially for long runs or heavy loads.

• Less Efficient at Scale: If you're planning a large system (3000W+ inverter, multiple appliances), the inefficiencies can add up.

• Current Limitations: 12V systems can bottleneck when powering larger devices like induction cooktops or A/C units.

🔵 48V Victron Systems: The High-Power Upgrade

✅ Pros:

• Greater Efficiency: Higher voltage means lower current for the same power. That translates to smaller wires, less voltage drop, and better performance.

• Ideal for Large Systems: If you're running a 3000W+ inverter, air conditioner, or a heavy solar array, 48V handles the load much better.

• Smaller Wire Gauge: You save on copper and weight with thinner wiring—especially helpful for long wire runs.

• Scalable Design: 48V is more future-proof for builds that may upgrade over time.

❌ Cons:

• More Complex: Requires step-down converters to run standard 12V appliances, adding to cost and complexity.

• Less Plug-and-Play: Most DC appliances and fuses are not 48V-native, so you’ll need to carefully plan the architecture.

• Higher Initial Cost: While long-term efficiency is better, you'll spend more on converters, batteries, and chargers up front.

• Not for Basic Builds: Overkill for vans with modest power needs (e.g. fans, fridge, lights).

🛠️ Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Your Needs	Go 12V If...	Go 48V If...
Power Budget	Under 3000W	Over 3000W or A/C
Appliance Setup	Mostly 12V appliances	Mixed 120V/12V, Induction or A/C
Experience Level	First-time builder	Experienced or with pro installer
Cost Sensitivity	On a tight budget	Willing to invest more upfront

✅ Beachside’s Take

At Beachside Custom Vans, we recommend:

• 12V Victron systems for builds with fridges, fans, lighting, and moderate off-grid needs.

• 48V Victron systems for advanced builds running A/C, induction cooking, or heavy off-grid loads.

We tailor each system based on your actual use case—not trends. Whether you want the simplicity of 12V or the performance edge of 48V, we’ll engineer a system that’s safe, efficient, and road-ready.

Need help designing your system?

📩 Reach out to our team for a custom electrical consultation.

We'll walk you through battery sizing, inverter selection, and how to make the most of your Victron system—whatever voltage you choose.

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