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Plug and Play power systems are more common but often can be confusing and expensive depending on requirements. Popularity of power "stations" (Yeti, Jackery, Ecoflow...) as an alternative are ok, but that just it, they are "ok" not really intended nor ideal for campervan and have significant drawbacks for a campervan or RV. They do not generally have decent ability to charge from the alternator correctly or with any real power, they rely mostly on solar or shower power charging, and they don't have built in ability to wire to a fuse panel so that you can run outlets and connections throughout your van. Power stations are very easy and a great option for "temporary" system if you have limited electrical requirements and can plug your device directly into the power hub and not really needing an integrated system. There is a reason professional builders do not use these power stations, they have limits and do not truly integrate into a build. This is not because they are designed poorly, they just are not designed for that. Currently the Ecoflow Delta line has one of the better alternator charger systems if you need this kind of power system.
Ecoflow Delta with decent alternator charger- super simple, but don't get fooled, this is NOT like the pro-level systems we would put in a build. There are significant differences. Some moderate electrical experience is needed to install the alternator charger. Unlike other systems like this in the market this has a alternator charger that has decent charging ability. This however is not a system you would hook a ton of wires to, its designed to connect directly into not connect to fuse panels ideally to a bunch of outlets. Its a decent DIY SIMPLE solution.
Delta Pro Alternator Charger still requires a similar wiring to as any system especially if you are running multiple DC outlets. Its is not designed to run AC outlets through your van. The Delta Power hub is a superior system from Ecoflow for vans, but as long as you understand the limitations of these type of systems, they do work ok.
PRO Build LEVEL Plug and Play systems:
Ecoflow Power Hub system (This is not what is above) - plug and play and 48v. This is a very nice system that is pretty close to plug and play. There are some limitations with this system, but its as close to state of the art for a plug and play 48V system. Very straight forward wiring. This is a pro level system that is plug and play. You do need some electrical experience like any electrical system for install.
Power Hub system allows you to run lines into van walls properly
CraftAutoworks system for a plug and play system for a DIYer is another nice system. Like the system above a moderate amount of experience is needed for install. This system is is totally labeled, has quick connects, super compact, and specifically is designed to integration a professional level system in a van. You still need some electrical expertise, for example you need to be able to wire up confidently alternator power line, ground line, Solar, DC and AC outlets and be able to use a multimeter same as the Ecoflow Power Hub
Let take a look how we used this system in a van.
We built a simple box to hold batteries and the power system module that includes a 2000w inverter/charger, fuse panels for both AC and DC, battery shut off, Circuit breakers for all power supplies, as well as AC outlets. It has a built in solar/Alternator charger that is adjustable with external battery and inverter/charger control panel. It is designed to hold up to 460 ah of lithium batteries. We did make modifications on this system to address a low SOC override option to wake up lithium battery if it is in a low SOC state so that you can "wake it back up" to be able to charge it up. (yes is more common than most would think)
Fits easily in a sprinter rear quarter panel below a bed
Ultra compact complete system
labeled connections, takes most of the confusion away from external wiring
Example of quick connects labeled
Custom box
Yes, there is still considerable wiring that needs to be done to the system from outlets, walls, solar, shore power, and alternator in any integrated system even plug and play. Fuses and circuit breakers are often needed as well for main power lines. This is why its not just a few hours to install. Its super time consuming to run the wiring to the "plug and play" wires and of course get it to fit properly around everything else.
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