All-in-One Campervan Power Systems: Are They Worth It?

Pre-packaged campervan power systems have become increasingly common — you buy one kit that includes battery, inverter, and charging in a single integrated unit. Whether this is the right approach for your build depends on your priorities.

What all-in-one systems offer

EcoFlow PowerKit: A modular system with a dedicated battery (LiFePO4), a combined inverter/charger/distribution unit (the PowerHub), a DC-DC charger, and an MPPT solar controller. All components communicate together via EcoFlow's network. Available in 2kWh, 4kWh configurations.

Victron-based integrated system (not a kit, but commonly used as one): A MultiPlus inverter-charger + SmartSolar MPPT + Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC + Smart LiFePO4 battery + Cerbo GX + Touch 70 display. These work as a system via VE.Bus and VE.Smart networks, with unified monitoring.

Portable power stations used as van power: EcoFlow Delta Max, Jackery 2000, Goal Zero Yeti — large portable units with AC output, solar input, and DC charging. Not permanently installed, but used as the electrical system in simple builds.

Budget caravan kits: 12V distribution panel + PWM controller + AGM battery sold as a set. These are the lowest cost option and the lowest quality.

Advantages of integrated / all-in-one systems

Simpler installation: Components are designed to work together. Wiring between units is shorter, connectors often proprietary and pre-matched. For a builder without electrical experience, less to get wrong.

Unified monitoring: One app shows battery, solar, inverter, and charging all in one place. EcoFlow's app and Victron VRM both do this well.

Pre-validated compatibility: The manufacturer has confirmed all components work together. No compatibility research needed.

Faster builds: Less time specifying and sourcing individual components.

Disadvantages of integrated systems

Cost: All-in-one systems typically cost 20–40% more than an equivalent build from individual components. The EcoFlow PowerKit 2kWh is approximately £2,500–3,000. An equivalent Victron + LiFePO4 build from individual components runs £1,500–2,200.

Vendor lock-in: EcoFlow proprietary components only work with other EcoFlow components. If a part fails and EcoFlow changes the model, replacement is difficult.

Less flexible: Adding a second battery or reconfiguring voltage is harder with integrated systems. A custom-built system can be expanded by any competent electrician.

Victron is not truly all-in-one: The Victron ecosystem requires more component selection and wiring knowledge than a true all-in-one. It is more of a compatible system than a plug-and-play kit.

Portable power stations as van electrical systems

For very simple builds — weekend camping, a second vehicle, or a van used occasionally — a large portable power station (EcoFlow Delta 2 Max: 2kWh, £800; Goal Zero Yeti 1500X: 1.5kWh, £1,200) serves as the complete electrical system.

Advantages:

No installation — place in the van, done
Remove and use outside the van
No 12V wiring to run
AC output, DC output, USB-C output all included

Disadvantages:

Expensive per Wh compared to a built system
Not integrated with vehicle charging (no alternator input in most models)
Cannot run high-current 12V loads (compressor fridge running from 12V needs direct battery connection)
Limited expandability

Best for: Weekend campers, festival vans, people who want zero installation effort, people who move between a van and home.

The verdict

For full-time or frequent van life: Build a custom system. The cost savings are significant, the flexibility is much greater, and components can be upgraded individually. A Victron-based system with smart networking gives you the monitoring advantages of an all-in-one without the lock-in.

For occasional use or a simple build: An EcoFlow Delta 2 Max (or similar portable station) is genuinely convenient and cost-effective at the low end of the power scale.

For a high-end integrated experience without DIY: The EcoFlow PowerKit is a legitimate option — it is expensive but genuinely integrated and produces a very professional result.

FAQ

Is EcoFlow PowerKit reliable long-term?

EcoFlow PowerKit is relatively new (introduced 2023) and long-term reliability data is limited. EcoFlow has a good reputation for consumer power stations. The proprietary integration is a risk — if EcoFlow stops supporting the product line in 5 years, spares and support may be unavailable.

Can I use a portable power station with my existing van solar panels?

Most portable power stations accept solar input via MC4 connectors. EcoFlow Delta products support up to 800W solar input. You can connect van roof panels to a portable station while it is inside the van — but the connection requires running cables from the roof to the station.

What is the cheapest way to get mains power in my van?

A small pure sine wave inverter (£80–150) connected to an existing leisure battery with correct fusing. This gives you limited 230V output (one socket, up to ~1,000W) for the lowest cost and complexity.