12v Camper Wiring Diagram - Who wants some cash?

[T6ChrisO]

Basically Im happy wiring my 12v electrics but dont really have a clue when it comes to cable size or fuse size. I was going to use one of the many companys that design it for you and give you a wiring diagram but Id much rather give that money to someone on here.

So if I provided a list of equipment/want I want, who would like the job of sizing and providing a diagram?

No worries if nobody is interested, just thought I'd check first.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[Salty Spuds]

Basically Im happy wiring my 12v electrics but dont really have a clue when it comes to cable size or fuse size. I was going to use one of the many companys that design it for you and give you a wiring diagram but Id much rather give that money to someone on here.

So if I provided a list of equipment/want I want, who would like the job of sizing and providing a diagram?

No worries if nobody is interested, just thought I'd check first.

Cheers,
Chris

What you need is a good autocad nerd, know anyone?

 

[DXX]

When it comes to cable size and voltage drops have a look at 12v Planets website, calculators and tutorials.

 

[drinfinity]

I used the 12V Planet too, really useful site.
For me the most valuable thing I bought for the conversion was an A4 notebook. Start with what you want to do in the van.

Decide if you are always on a field with hookup, or away for a weekend without, or need a full off-grid for a month setup. Then list every electrical item, and the power consumption.

Divide the power in watts by 12V, and you get the required current in amps.

You can then figure out what battery/charging/solar/240v kit you might need, with the help of the experts on here and Dellmassive’s thread on the topic.


Decide what will run from the same switch. (Remember to have the USB sockets coming from a switch, or they will dribble your energy away). Add up the current needed for everything on that switch, and now you have an idea of the fuse you need for it.

The return current should go to the nearest earth point in the van body, so you only need half the length of wire (compared to running it all the way back to the battery). I could assume that my feed wires would be 5m long. Now you can plug the required current and 5m (one way) into the 12V planet calculator, and you have your wire size.



I used Visio to draw the layout so it was neater than my original hand drawing.

But the main thing is to list every electrical item.

 

[DXX]

Run a few extra cables for later changes and label all cables at both ends!
Just like the professional converters never do.