Campervan Electrics: The No-Jargon Guide
Plain-English electrics: size your system, choose batteries, and protect wiring safely — without the guesswork.
Step 1 — Daily usage drives everything
Write down appliances, watts, and hours. Total the watt‑hours — that’s your daily energy budget.
Step 2 — Battery type and size
- AGM: lower upfront cost, heavier, ~50% usable depth regularly.
- LiFePO₄: higher upfront, lighter, long life, ~80–90% usable depth.
Rule of thumb: Ah ≈ (daily Wh ÷ 12). Add 1.5–2× buffer.
Step 3 — Charging sources
- Alternator/DC‑DC: reliable top‑ups on drive days.
- Solar: independence when parked; size after battery is known.
- Shore power: only if you need it — campsites and maintenance.
Step 4 — Inverter (if you actually need 230/240V)
Choose continuous wattage to cover your biggest device, with headroom. Many builds get by on 12V + USB.
Step 5 — Wiring & protection
- Fuse/breaker every positive cable near the source.
- Use the correct cable size for current and run length.
- Quality lugs, proper crimping, and secure mounting.
Want the full walkthrough? The Electrics Bible explains layouts, fuse maps, and example boards.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying solar before knowing your battery size.
- Oversized inverters that idle away your energy.
- Mixing cable sizes and skipping grommets.
Let the spreadsheet handle it. Enter appliances once and get sizing suggestions.
Electrical work should be checked or carried out by a qualified professional.