Victron Setup for a Skoolie: A Proven Component List and Wiring Order
From Kyle at Getboatparts: this is the reference layout I start most skoolie consultations from. Get free system design help and I'll adapt it to your bus.
Reference system (24 V full-time build)
| Role | Part |
|---|---|
| Battery | Victron Lithium Battery Superpack 24V/100AH NG $1,808.62 (×2–3) |
| Inverter/charger | Victron Multiplus-II 24/3000 70-50 120V UL Approved $1,010.25 |
| Solar | Victron Smartsolar MPPT 100/50 UL Approved $196.36 (one per array string group) |
| Alternator | Victron Orion-Tr 12/24-5A 120W Isolated DC-DC Conveter $72.34 or a 12/12 Orion XS on 12 V chassis builds |
| Monitor | Victron Smartshunt 500A/50MV IP65 Bluetooth Battery Monitor $125.40 |
| Hub | Victron Cerbo GX MK3 $337.61 |
| Main fuse | Blue Sea 5502 Class T Fuse Block 225-400 AMP $58.69 + Blue Sea 5119 300A Class T Fuse A3T $90.17 |
| Disconnect | Blue Sea 3000 Battery Switch HD ON/OFF $104.47 |
| Bus bars | Blue Sea 2307 Busbar 4 X 1/4 Stud with Cover $37.48 |
Wiring order
- Battery + → Class T fuse (within 7 in) → main switch → positive bus bar.
- Battery − → SmartShunt → negative bus bar. Nothing else touches the battery negative.
- MultiPlus-II on its own fused feed from the bus, with the shortest and heaviest cable in the system.
- MPPT and Orion outputs go to the bus through appropriately sized fuses.
- Connect the DC distribution panel or fuse block for 12/24 V loads.
- VE.Direct/VE.Bus cables run to the Cerbo GX. Enable DVCC so every charger follows the battery's limits.
Commissioning checklist
- Set the lithium charge profile on every charger (MPPT, MultiPlus, Orion).
- Set the SmartShunt battery capacity and charged voltage.
- Torque every lug to spec, then re-check after the first 500 miles. Vibration loosens them.
See also: skoolie electrical sizing and Victron basics.
Free system design help: tell me your loads and roof layout, and I'll send back a complete parts list and quote.
FAQ
What's a good Victron system for a skoolie?
A common full-time build is a 24 V lithium bank (~300 Ah), MultiPlus-II 24/3000, one or two SmartSolar 150-class MPPTs or 100/50s, an Orion DC-DC from the chassis alternator, a SmartShunt and a Cerbo GX for monitoring.
Where does the SmartShunt go?
On the battery negative, before anything else. Every load and charger negative must go through the shunt's load side or it won't count that current.
Do I need a Lynx distributor?
It's tidy but optional. Heavy-duty bus bars plus a Class T fuse and a battery switch do the same job for less.