For many Sprinter van owner-operators, your van doubles as your workspace and living space. If you’re waiting between loads, parked overnight in a hot lot, or running routes for hours, having the right climate control and basic comforts makes a huge difference in your day-to-day life.

You don’t need to spend $10K+ to build a livable setup. With affordable solar, lithium batteries, and compact appliances, you can stay cool, powered, and comfortable year round.

Powering Your Van Setup — What You Actually Need 

To safely power a rooftop A/C, small fridge, and TV or lighting, you’ll want a dedicated power system separate from your van’s starter battery.

Components With Budget Price:

• Lithium Battery (300Ah) $400 to $600

• 400W Solar Panels $300 to $500

• MPPT Solar Charge Controller $100 to $150

• 2000W Inverter $150 to $300

• DC-DC Charger $150 to $250

• Shore Plug-In $100 to $200

Cooling on a Budget: Rooftop A/C for Less

You don’t need to spend $2,000+ on rooftop A/C. There are legit rooftop air conditioners starting at around $700 that can work for basic setups.

 Budget A/C Options:

• RecPro Houghton 13.5K BTU  $750 to $950 (needs inverter)

• DOMETIC Penguin II (used/refurb) $1,200

• Mini 12V A/C Units (not full roof units, but usable in cab)   $300 to $600

To run rooftop A/C for 6–8 hours, you’ll want:

• 300Ah–400Ah lithium battery

• Solar + alternator charging (to help replenish power)

•  If you go with a 120V A/C unit, you’ll need a pure sine wave inverter (2000W+) to handle the startup surge.

Cold Food and Drinks: Budget 12V Fridges 

No need to break the bank here. Even $250–$300 gets you a fridge that works all day on minimal power.

Recommended Units:

• BougeRV 30–42 Qt  $250 to $350

• ICECO JP40 or VL45  $350 to $450

• SetPower or Alpicool 12V Fridge  $200 to $300

They draw 30–60W/hr, run all day, and keep your food safe without ice.

Simple Entertainment: TV or Tablet

For rest or relaxation, a small 12V TV or tablet setup adds real comfort.

Options:

• 12V Jensen RV TV (19–24”)  $150–$250

• 12V monitor + streaming stick  $100–$200 total

• Tablet with case/stand  You probably already have one!

Pair this with USB charging outlets and LED lights (low draw, super cheap) and your van becomes a legit mini lounge.

Total System Recap – Budget Setup For AC, Fridge, & TV

Remember you need a dedicated power system capable of supporting all the usage and wattage that is separate from your van’s starter battery.

Components With Budget Price:

• Battery $600

• Solar Panels   $500

• Invertor $200

• Rooftop AC   $1200

• Fridge $250

• DC-DC Charger $200

• Shore Power Plug $200

•  Solar Charge Controller $150

• Wiriting, Monitor, LEDS, etc. $300

• TOTAL BUDGET $3,600
  
  

That’s a fully self-contained van setup: air conditioning, refrigeration, TV, lights, and power. All off-grid and rechargeable via solar, alternator, or shore power. This will help your van long term as you will not idle the vehicle overnight or during the day. Reduced engine idling and lower maintenance costs.