Owner guides
Campervan electrics: complete DIY installation guide
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Many modern campers want their campervan to include the same electrical appliances that they enjoy at home - a fridge, microwave, TV and more. But you need solid campervan electrics to enjoy these luxuries.
In this DIY guide to campervan electrics, you will learn how to:
Calculate the size of battery you need in your campervan
Calculate how many solar panels you will need to power your campervan
Optimise battery life in your campervan
Design a charging system for your campervan electrics
Compare split charging vs solar power vs mains power
Install a solar-powered campervan electrics system
Make money from campervan hire in Australia
By the time you’re done, you’ll have a campervan conversion that can power all your electrical needs, regardless of whether you’re camping at a caravan park or off-grid in the bush!
For even more information, see our full guide to DIY van conversion in Australia.
Earn up to $10,000 a year by hiring out your campervan - sign up to Camplify today.
Disclaimer: Please use this article as a general guide only and consult a certified electrician before beginning any work. Always read the manual for any piece of equipment you use.
How to design and install your campervan electrics
Step 1. Calculate how much power you need for your campervan electrics
Before you can plan your campervan electrics, you’ll have to determine how much power the system needs to provide to meet your demand.
Start by calculating how large the batteries need to be to power your campervan electrics. Then calculate how many solar panels you need on your campervan to charge the batteries every day.
A. Calculate the size of battery you need in your campervan
Begin by checking the number of watts (W) each electrical appliance uses. Multiply this figure by the number of hours you expect to power it each day. This will give you the power consumption of each appliance, which is measured in watt-hours (Wh).
Once you’ve done this for every appliance, add up all of the Wh’s to get your van’s total power consumption per day. For the sake of this explanation, let’s say it’s 960Wh per day.
To determine your required battery capacity, which is measured in Amp-hours (Ah), divide your 960Wh of power consumption by the system’s voltage (12V).
With this formula, it might seem like you need a battery capacity of 80Ah.
In theory, yes. In practice, no.
To ensure that your battery doesn’t drain too much (below 50%), its capacity needs to be at least double the power consumption. Otherwise, you’ll damage your battery and reduce its lifespan. To be on the safe side, go for a 160Ah capacity or above. More is more.
B. Calculate how many solar panels you need on your campervan
Now work out how many solar panels you’ll have to mount to charge your batteries every day. Divide your 960Wh of power consumption by the standard hours of proper sunlight per day (about six) to see how many solar panels you need.
In an ideal world, that means you’d need 160W of solar energy each day.
In reality, the weather might be overcast, the camping area might have lots of shade or you might need to use more power than usual for whatever reason. It’s always best to round up your solar energy needs by roughly 20%. In this example, we’d recommend installing 200W of solar panels.
Another helpful approach is to use your battery capacity as a benchmark for calculating your solar panel’s wattage - you should have a minimum of 160W for 160Ah.
Step 2. Design power storage (a battery system) for your campervan electrics
Once you have calculated the size of the battery or batteries you need in your campervan, you can optimise battery life by arranging the batteries in a certain way.
Whilst your 12V campervan electrics could be run on a single 12V battery, this is usually not the most efficient setup. Instead, wire two 6V batteries in a series circuit to create a total of 12V. This setup should result in a deeper discharge time (i.e. longer battery life).
Do not buy a 12V starting battery that is designed for starting a car, truck, motorcycle or boat. Instead, buy a deep cycle 12V battery (also known as a leisure battery). Deep cycle batteries are designed to provide a steady flow of current over a long period of time. Many deep cycle batteries are made specifically for use in campervans and motorhomes.
Step 3. Design a charging system for your campervan electrics
There are three different systems you can use to generate power and charge the batteries in your campervan:
Split charge system (charge whilst driving)
Solar panels
Generator or mains power
A. Split charging system (charge while driving)
A split system charges both the campervan's primary (vehicle) battery and auxiliary (leisure) battery when the engine is running. The primary battery gets priority and is fully charged first. Once the primary battery is charged, all power is directed towards charging the leisure batteries.
Because a split charging system will only charge your campervan batteries when the motor is turned on, this option is best for those who plan on driving multiple hours per day.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to a split charging system:
Convenience: If you plan on driving for multiple hours each day, the split charge system will automatically charge the deep cycle battery in your campervan.
Easy to install: It is fairly quick and easy to connect your campervan’s primary battery and leisure battery via a split charging system.
Affordable: A standard campervan split charging system can be purchased in Australia for about $75.
Engine usage: You have to keep your engine running to charge your campervan batteries. This is a problem when camping at a campsite for more than a day.
Inefficient: Other options are more efficient at charging your campervan batteries.
Best for:
A split charge system should not be relied on as the main method for powering your campervan electrics. However, you may want to install one in your campervan as an additional way to charge your campervan batteries on days when you’ll be driving long distances.
B. Solar panels
Solar panels harness electricity from the sun to charge the deep-cycle battery in your campervan. This is the easiest and most efficient way to power your campervan electrics. A solar power system allows you to camp off-grid for long periods of time.
This option is suitable for all campervan conversions. It charges and powers your battery and campervan electrics both when you are driving and parked at camp.
The great thing about this option is that you can buy everything you need for your campervan in a solar panel kit (note that some kits don’t include the batteries and inverter). To make your decision easy, see our list of the best solar panel kits for motorhomes.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to a solar panel power system:
Totally off-grid: Camp for days or weeks at a time without relying on other power sources such as mains power or your engine (fuel).
Free energy: It is free to harness the sun’s energy.
Charge all day: Solar panels harness energy all day long, regardless of whether you are camped or driving in your campervan.
Environmentally friendly: powering your campervan electrics with solar energy doesn’t release harmful emissions.
Relatively easy to install: Most people will be capable of installing solar panels on their own campervan (see below for details).
Cost-effective: The largest expense is the solar panel kit (anywhere between $300 - $2,500). After that initial outlay, you save on operational costs compared to other options.
Requires adequate sunlight: On overcast or rainy days, the solar panels will not work as efficiently as they would in direct sunlight.
Best for:
Solar panels are a great option for all van conversions and should be relied upon as the main method for powering your campervan electrics. They are particularly valuable for those who want to camp off-grid (as opposed to camping at caravan parks or holiday parks).
C. Mains power or generator
It is possible to charge the deep cycle battery and power your campervan electrics by connecting to a 230V mains outlet at a powered campsite. This requires the installation of a power inlet on the side of your campervan. It will also require the installation of an inverter/charger to load and convert your battery’s 12V DC to 240V AC output.
Alternatively, you could power your campervan electrics with a 230V generator. In Australia, these generators are often powered by diesel. Be aware, however, that generators are costly, noisy and bulky. Some owners attach generators to the back of their campervans via a hitch cargo carrier.
You may consider this option if you want to use power-hungry appliances in your campervan, such as an air conditioner, microwave or TV.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to using mains power:
Convenience: It takes seconds to plug your campervan into mains power at a powered campsite.
Power large appliances: You don’t have to worry about running out of electricity when powering large appliances like air conditioning or televisions.
More difficult to install: Requires you to cut a hole in the side of your van for a mains power inlet.
Not as cost-efficient: Over the long term, the price of staying at powered campsites may outweigh the cost of other options such as solar panels.
Can’t go off-grid camping: Unless you have installed an additional option such as solar panels, you will only be able to use your campervan electrics when staying at a powered campsite.
Best for:
A mains power connection is a great way to power your campervan electrics if you plan on mostly camping at powered campsites (e.g. caravan and holiday parks).
Step 4. Install the campervan electrics system (solar)
These instructions focus on installing a solar-powered electrical system in your campervan (as opposed to a mains power system or a split charging system). This is because solar power is the preferred method for powering campervan electrics.
A. Plan your campervan electrics system on paper
It’s important to plan your campervan electrics system on paper so that you can avoid dangerous and costly mistakes. Create a diagram to visualise how your solar system will be laid out, what supplies you’ll need and how it all works.
A solar power system should be designed like this:
Solar panel → Solar cables and MC-4 connectors → Solar charge controller → Fuse → Deep cycle battery
Once you’re confident in your design, run it by a certified electrician for advice and approval.
B. Buy the parts for your campervan electrics system
To install a campervan solar system, you need several key components:
Solar panels - absorb sunlight and convert its energy into electricity.
Solar regulator - draws and controls the electrical current from your solar panels, optimising the rate at which your batteries charge. We recommend using an MPPT (rather than PWM) solar regulator, as it can produce around 15% more power.
Deep cycle batteries - stores electricity so that you can use it for power.
Inverter - converts your battery’s 12V direct current (DC) into 240V alternating current (AC), which can charge appliances with an ordinary plug.
Battery monitor - displays handy information, such as your battery’s charge levels.
Wiring and fuses - safely connect all of the other components in your system.
C. Choosing the correct wire gauge
Wires that are too thin may provide too much electrical resistance and pose a serious safety risk. Wires that are too thick will be more difficult and time-consuming to work with.
The appropriate gauge depends on the maximum current that will run through the wire, as well as the length of your entire wiring system.
The maximum current of each electrical appliance should be listed in the technical specifications (check the user manual). For DC appliances, this will be measured in Amps. For lighting, it is listed in watts. To calculate current from wattage, divide the watts by your system’s voltage (12V).
To determine the wire size for DC systems, measure the total distance that your positive and negative wiring will run and then double it.
Once you have the above figures, use Blue Sea Systems’ awesome “Circuit Wizard” calculator to determine the correct wire size for your van build.
D. Choosing the right fuse size
Fuses protect your wiring. If your electrical current reaches a dangerous level, the fuse will blow intentionally to break the circuit and prevent major issues.
Here are some tips for fuse installation:
Use fuses that are set to blow above your circuit load’s maximum current, but below your wire’s amperage rating.
Install your fuse as near to the battery as you can. This minimises the length of wire that could carry a dangerous current.
Fuse any circuit that will have a current running through it. A circuit is a complete electrical loop, from the positive (+) wiring to the component to the negative (-) wiring. You need to install a fuse on the active (+) wire.
Read the manuals for your battery, solar regulator and inverter to discover which fuse size to use in each circuit.
E. Crimp the wires
Join your wires together with standard crimp connectors. To learn how to crimp wires, read this article or watch this video.
Remember to check that your connectors are suitable for your wires’ size. If you’re using wire that is thicker than 8 AWG, we suggest buying it with pre-installed terminals or having the terminals installed at your retailer. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy a specially-designed crimper tool that applies enough pressure to connect bigger terminals.
F. Wire the batteries, solar regulator and inverter
Wire your batteries in parallel, first connecting the positive terminals together, and then the negative terminals together. Afterwards, mount your batteries to the floor of your chassis with self-tapping screws and shake-proof lock washers for sturdy grounding.
Connect the battery to a pre-fitted earth point on the van’s chassis. If no pre-fitted earth point exists, you can fit a bolt to the chassis and use it as an earth point. Bolt one end of a braided battery earth strap to the earth point and bolt the other end to a clean bit of bare metal on the chassis. Now, connect a cable between the earth point and the negative battery terminal.
Attach the solar regulator to your van’s interior wall with enough space for proper ventilation. Similarly, ground your inverter in a place with plenty of airflow, as it will generate lots of heat.
Then wire both your solar regulator and inverter directly to the battery, including an inline fuse for each.
Always connect wires to your batteries using opposite ends of the battery bank. That means connecting positive wires to the positive post of the first battery, and negative wires to the negative post of the last battery. This will charge and discharge your batteries at the same rate, which supports healthy functioning.
As you can see, this information is a very brief overview of the wiring process so please do not use it as your sole guide. Instead, check out these detailed guides to setting up your electrical system.
G. Fix the solar panels to the campervan roof
Follow these steps when mounting solar panels on the roof of your campervan:
Inside your van, inspect the metal frame of your ceiling and choose a blank spot that you can drill through.
Place the solar panels on top of the roof and note where the brackets sit. Ensure that the brackets align with a blank spot on the ceiling of the van.
Attach the brackets to the solar panel.
Drill a pilot hole through the roof, followed by the correct size hole for the bolts you are using to secure the panel to the roof.
Place silicone around the hole on the roof.
Fix the solar panel to the roof using the bolts and nuts provided. Repeat for all the brackets.
Some van lifers use 3M VHB tape to attach solar panels to their van. Whilst this may help you avoid drilling holes in the roof, it may not be strong enough to secure the panels when driving at high speeds. , as this means they can avoid drilling holes in the roof. While this tape is super strong, others just don’t feel like it is enough, especially when they’re cruising down a motorway.
For more information, see our guide to DIY van conversion in Australia.
H. Wire the solar panels
Once mounted, wire your solar panels in parallel. That way, it’s easy to add extra panels in the future. It also keeps each panel’s electrical current independent from the others. This means that if one panel is in the shade and its current drops, it won’t affect the other panels’ power output.
After you’ve joined all of the positive wires together and all of the negative wires together, feed them inside the van through a hole in the roof, to where your solar regulator is located. After your battery is wired up to the solar regulator, connect your panels’ positive wiring to the positive solar terminal on your regulator. Do the same with your negative wiring.
Don’t forget to add an inline fuse between the panels and the solar regulator. Additionally, never disconnect your battery if the solar panels and solar regulator are still hooked up. To avoid a blown fuse, always disconnect the panels first.
I. Wire the lights and vent fan
To learn how to wire up your lights in your campervan, see our guide on LED lighting.
Hopefully, you have also read our guide on van roof vents and already mounted the vent to the roof of your campervan. Use butt connectors to crimp extra wire onto your fan’s positive and negative wires. Then join the positive wire to your fuse box with a quick disconnect and the negative wire to your bus bar with a ring terminal.
J. Have your campervan electrics tested and certified
The above guide is only an introduction to some pretty complicated and dangerous work. If you’re installing the campervan electrics yourself, discuss your plans with an electrician before you begin. Once you’re finished, get the setup tested and certified by a trusted professional.
Make money from your campervan conversion
Now that you know how to connect the campervan electrics in your DIY conversion, you can enjoy a heap of modern luxuries when travelling around Australia!
But what about when your road trip comes to an end and your campervan is sitting idly in the driveway?
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Why Camplify?
Each year, heaps of Aussies earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their campervan through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.
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The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.