Adding AC to a Van for a Dog Trainer: The Electrical Upgrades That Made It Possible
Not every van build needs a massive electrical overhaul.
Sometimes the goal is straightforward:
Install a reliable AC system that can comfortably support how the client actually uses the van.
That was the case with this recent project.
This van was mostly a shell build for a dog trainer who needed one major thing:
Reliable air conditioning for traveling with dogs.
The AC System We Trust
For this install, we used the same unit we’ve been recommending and installing for years:
The Dometic RTX 2000.
There’s a reason we continue using it:
Extremely reliable
Efficient for van use
Proven performance over time
Designed specifically for 12V applications
In all the years we’ve worked with these systems, we’ve only had one unit fail.
That kind of reliability matters when people are relying on their van in real-world conditions, especially when pets are involved.
AC Is Only Part of the Equation
Installing the AC unit itself is only half the project.
The bigger question becomes:
How do you properly power it?
That’s where the electrical upgrades came in.
The Electrical Upgrades
This client didn’t need a huge, overcomplicated electrical system.
We kept things relatively simple and focused on what was necessary to reliably run the AC.
Upgrade #1: Victron Orion XS50 DC-to-DC Charger
We upgraded the charging system to a Victron Orion XS50 DC-to-DC charger.
This allows the van to:
Charge more efficiently while driving
Better support the larger battery bank
Improve overall system performance
For clients running higher-demand components like AC, proper charging becomes incredibly important.
Upgrade #2: Epoch 460Ah Lithium Battery
To support the Dometic RTX 2000, we installed:
A single Epoch 460 amp hour lithium battery
This provides a substantial amount of usable power while keeping the system streamlined and efficient.
Lithium batteries are especially important in applications like this because:
More usable capacity
Better efficiency
Faster charging
Longer lifespan compared to AGM batteries
Why This Setup Works
One thing we focus on at Adventure Life Vans is building systems around actual usage.
This client didn’t need the biggest electrical system possible.
He needed:
Reliable AC
A dependable battery setup
A system that made sense for his workflow
That’s exactly what this build accomplished.
Final Thoughts
A good van system doesn’t have to be flashy or overbuilt.
It just has to work reliably for how the owner plans to use it.
For this client, that meant:
✔️ Reliable 12V AC
✔️ Better charging
✔️ A lithium battery system capable of supporting it
Simple. Functional. Reliable.
And most importantly, ready for the road.
Need some help? Contact us!