Travel Smarter, Not Harder
Camptronics offers intuitive automation for off-grid energy systems based on Victron Energy.
Living on the road, even the simplest things can turn into a real quest. Want to wash the dishes? Better check the water level. Want a warm shower? Are the batteries charged enough?
These small but constant tasks add up and distract from the main thing — enjoying the journey. That is exactly when smart automation becomes a necessity rather than a luxury.
Typical life-in-van challenges
Manual water level control
Monitoring battery charge
Monitoring pipe temperatures
Energy consumption optimization
Solar charging forecasting
Dennis and Camptronics
Who is Dennis?
He is a part-time vanlifer, an authorized Victron installer, and a recommended software integrator. In 2022, he converted his own camper and started noticing things that could be improved for a more comfortable life on the road.
Dennis is the founder of Camptronics, a company that turns an ordinary motorhome into a truly smart one.
"Along the way, I met people who were going through the same process but had certain flaws they couldn't fix. Others didn't even realize there were options to solve their problems — they thought it was just part of the RV journey."
"My interest in the electrical side of this whole thing was sparked by the reliability and ease of use of Victron components. They are accessible and have a large community. By using these components, I started with a very solid base that I will only keep improving."
Smart automation for the road
The heart of the system — Cerbo GX
The Cerbo GX is the core of the entire solution, collecting data from connected Victron components and third-party sensors. Thanks to its openness and flexibility, it can do much more than just real-time monitoring or relay switching — especially in the hands of an experienced software integrator.
Camptronics tech stack
Using the Modbus-TCP protocol and a detailed register list, Dennis accesses a deeper level of system data. He incorporates this data into Node-RED logic, allowing him to create custom automations tailored to each van. The built-in Cerbo MQTT broker provides reactive, real-time automation.
What can the platform do?
Location-based analytics +
The platform uses the Cerbo GX GPS location, local weather forecasts, and MPPT data to estimate how much solar energy will be available over the next two days. It factors in sun intensity, sunrise and sunset times, cloud cover, and recent consumption.
If a full battery charge is expected, the system automatically turns on high-consumption devices, such as the water heater, making the most of the excess solar energy.
Altitude data helps adjust the diesel heater for better fuel combustion in the mountains. The GPS function also ensures safety for solo travelers and can serve as theft protection.
Tank and pipe monitoring +
Fresh and grey water levels are monitored in real time, and alerts are sent instantly via Telegram or SMS — without the need to constantly check them.
Automations include shutting off the pump when the fresh water level is low to prevent depletion, and automatically turning on the heater when the temperature drops below 4.5°C to protect pipes from freezing.
Smart energy management +
When the battery charge level drops below 30%, the app sends an alert if high-power appliances (induction cooker, air fryer) are used, preventing deep discharge. The inverter automatically turns off in standby mode to save energy.
The platform detects alternator operation and, when there is excess power, redirects it to heat water or power other high-consumption appliances.
Vehicle data +
The platform reads detailed vehicle data: engine RPM, fuel range, oil and AdBlue levels, odometer readings, etc.
"These functions are mostly used in fleets to create eco-scores for trips made by company drivers or people renting out their motorhomes, to check how responsibly their vehicles are being driven," Dennis explains.
One less problem +
This is an extremely customizable tool for simplifying daily life on the road. For example, if you have to leave your dog in the camper, the system monitors indoor temperature, CO₂ levels, and air quality, automatically turning the heater or ventilation on or off.
Key solutions at a glance
Without automation
Constant manual checks of water and battery levels. Risk of freezing pipes. Energy waste due to a forgotten inverter.
Vacation interruptions due to minor operational tasks. Inability to safely leave a pet in the camper.
With Camptronics
All systems are monitored automatically 24/7. Alerts arrive only when attention is truly needed. Smart use of excess solar energy.
Pipe protection, climate control, and pet monitoring without your involvement.
Future developments
🔧 In development by Camptronics
Installation and integration
Victron ecosystem — open and expandable
This story is just one example of how the flexible Victron ecosystem helps companies and individuals unlock new possibilities, combining technology and practicality to make everyday life easier.
If you want to add smart automation to your camper or off-grid system — contact us. We create custom solutions for our clients, and you can also **check out our projects** created by our company.
Have a project or idea?
Share your idea with us and we will do everything to make it a reality for you
