Need ideas for Consumer Unit location in tambour unit.

W

Wickzter

Member
VIP Member
Hi collective wisdom,

I need some ideas / input on where to locate my consumer unit and 12v DC fuse panel. I have a mass of cables coiled up behind the rear quarter panel giving me some flexibility on where I locate the CU and 12v fuse board. I had initially thought about the lower cupboard by the wheel arch but it would be an exercise in frustration to work on in such a confined space. My next option is in either of the end tambour cupboards (see pic). Practically, should I mount them on a board at the back of the cupboard and feed the cables in neat from behind, or on the tambour inner partition similar to what is shown in my pic.

Ideas, discussion, pictures welcome.



Thanks 👍PXL_20260427_155023050.webp
 
got a few extra pics to see what else you have around?
 
@Dellmassive thanks for the reply, nothing and at the minute, the kitchen / cupboards are only set fitted. My intention is to run the 12v from my power station which has a 30amp Anderson connector.

I can add some more pics tomorrow 👍
 
When you start travelling you might wish that you had not put static stuff in what is quite possibly the biggest and most used cupboard.
I think I’d opt for a less accessible and smaller compartment
 
Last edited:
DXX said:
When you start travelling you might wish that you had not put static stuff in what is quite possibly the biggest and most used cupboard.
I think I’d opt for a less accessible and smaller compartmnet.
Click to expand...
Very valid point, it's an SWB as well.
 
I nearly did. I had a diagram done by Roamer, inverter, the works. It was just messing with my head in the end, let alone the cost. So I'm keeping it as simple as possible.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DXX
Wickzter said:
Hi collective wisdom,

I need some ideas / input on where to locate my consumer unit and 12v DC fuse panel. I have a mass of cables coiled up behind the rear quarter panel giving me some flexibility on where I locate the CU and 12v fuse board. I had initially thought about the lower cupboard by the wheel arch but it would be an exercise in frustration to work on in such a confined space. My next option is in either of the end tambour cupboards (see pic). Practically, should I mount them on a board at the back of the cupboard and feed the cables in neat from behind, or on the tambour inner partition similar to what is shown in my pic.

Ideas, discussion, pictures welcome.



Thanks 👍View attachment 324546
Click to expand...
It looks very much like my set up with the tambour cupboard and the most useful void underneath around the wheel arch. That void houses my 230Ah upright Roamer LB and a 2000watt inverter. My CU is against the left hand side of the void with my mppt by the side of that.
The heavy ply floor of the tambour cupboard is now heavily reinforced so the wife can put what on earth she wants behind the tambour!
I have a 'false' left hand side cover in the tambour cupboard which hides the busbars, cerbo brain and all the wires and fuses behind my switch panel.
My 12v fuseboard is attached to the right hand side of the cupboard under the sink (breadbin actually) and takes up very little space.
We tend to go heavy on power usage and would struggle with a powerstation on its own, I take out a Bluetti AC180 for all power usage in the awning but to have the Roamer hidden in that 'useful void' makes me worry not about consumption.
Use the void! (And have a powerbank)!
Apologies for lack of pictures but we are pretty much packed up for an outing!
 
Don't worry mate we had our Hilti breaker and Belle cement mixer with us, as you say it was hard ground that year but waking everybody up at 6:30am with your DeWalt was a bit provocative? :whistle:
 
Thanks for the comments so far: here are some additional pics. And yes the void by the wheel arch would be ideal, it was my better half who was suggesting it would be the harder place to install, but she is also the one that would want the the space in the tambour for women stuff. :rolleyes:PXL_20260428_123450711.webpPXL_20260428_123527792.webp
 
Have a quick look over here, you may get some ideas.

Dellmassive

Thread 'Seat Base Electric + EHU + Solar Install + Charger + DC-DC -- How We Done it --'

Seat Base Electric + EHU + Solar Install + Charger + DC-DC -- How We Done it --

id like to build a thread showing what's possible as regards to seat base builds.

lets post a collection of our electrical installs, be it in the seat base or rear conversion.

just EHU or SCR/VSR, charger, DC-DC etc etc

Or Full on Solar setup . . . . Anything goes.

The idea is to inspire people and share some great ideas, tips and tricks.

I've seen some excellent installs across various threads on here . . . . . id like to bring them together here . . . . .

...
  • Like
 
You want to keep as much cupboard space as possible, but whilst enabling access to the consumer unit.
.... Just in case the breakers need resetting.

Is the tricky one, I like to hide my consumer unit right out the way.. ..

For example mine is actually behind the fridge,... It's only two screws to whip the fridge out to get to it so no problem for me.
 
@Dellmassive just having a flick through that build feed, I realise I don't have anything at all under my drivers seat, other than the cable for the EHU and Eco Flow alternator charger cables exiting from under the OEM flooring. This could be the place for the CU!

Thinking ahead, we don't have a diesel heater yet, we are going to see how we get on first, and prioritise sites with EHU when cold so we can use in oil filled rad. From what I understand an under body mounted Autoterm heater should not impact the under seat location?
 
We have a auto term D2 heater fitted under the van..

Which leaves the seat bases completely free, as in our case we have the lithium batteries and electricals under there.

Have a quick look at my camp up build thread and use the index at the front to jump to any relevant sections.


Dellmassive

Thread 'Dellmassive`s Camper Van Adventure'

Dellmassive`s Camper Van Adventure​

+++++++++++

After 8 camping trips away during this season (2022) its plainly evident that camping with a Tent and Panel van is hard work.
to date, we have always camped out in Tents and used the van to transport all the kit to the site.

1663668217282.png

Running out of space is a real problem . . . . and as we bring along the whole disco-tent and T6F communal setup, so space is a premium. . .

1663668414401.png

In fact this year we added the 500L roof box . . . . . to be able to get all the kit we needed to site.

1663668476219.png

no problem there . ...
  • Like
  • Love
 
Lots of options- I put my consumer unit under the bonnet, next to the battery, following some Forum examples.
 
drinfinity said:
Lots of options- I put my consumer unit under the bonnet, next to the battery, following some Forum examples.
Click to expand...
Yes, that would have been a good option but I would have to replace the one I have bought with a ip65 rated one 😟.

These are all great ideas 👍

This is one of the best communities online so helpful and not full of you know whats like some face book groups where they always belittle people that are seeking help and advice! Thanks to all for the conversation and ideas 💡
 
My Hillside Birchover conversion has the consumer unit, hot water heater switch, 12V habitation fuses and solar isolator in a rear cubby below the worksurface. Cable entry is from behind in a 45mm deep electrics cupboard at the front end of the rear wardrobe. I feel it’s an advantage of having the consumer unit in the rear cubby because it’s easily accessed from within the main habitation area should the need arise - no need to open up the tailgate.

IMG_2841.webp
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

VANLIFETerry
Our Off Grid Electrics - diagram and prices
2
Replies
24
Views
1K
t0mb0
T
RogueOne
T6.1 Kombi with slide units, Electric hook up location questions.
Replies
1
Views
445
Van-Plugs
Van-Plugs
T6Hey
Inlet to consumer unit - cable length
Replies
2
Views
914
T6Hey
T6Hey
lukethompson86
  • Locked
Sold Lwb campervan kitchen units
Replies
2
Views
380
lukethompson86
lukethompson86
L
Ideas for sink and fold over table for plug in induction hob
Replies
0
Views
257
Lucasimo
L
Back
Top