78. How should I arrange the new campervan electricals?

[@Vandemonium]

Hello all! Here are some answers to the (very!) frequently asked questions and frequently offered suggestions:- 1. I stand to be corrected (!!!) but I'm not convinced yet that the inverter will get too hot as it will only ever run for about 10 minutes at a time (warming some soup or boiling some rice etc) and it is very cool down on the floor where I hope it might go. 2. Yes, I will buy 90-degree lugs and see if I can get the inverter in the same cabinet as the battery, as I initially considered then dismissed. 3. There is not enough room to put the inverter above the battery. 4. I need to have a look under the passenger seat to see if there's space there, yes 5. The bedding does fill its section (I had removed two duvets while filming!) 6. It's only a cold tap (I know it looks like a mixer but isn't!) Cheers and thanks for all the lovely tips! David

[@Cherijo78]

At the end of the day, it's YOUR VAN, and you're the one that has to live with whatever you do! I enjoy watching you faffing about and yelling at the screen every time regardless! ENJOY! 💜💜💜😻

[@billharris6886]

It looks as though from the comments you have taken quite a beating on this particular subject. I am sorry this has turned into more modifications to your existing electrics housing than expected but, since you are trying to increase your power output by 5 times, extensive reworking is not uncommon. It's is hard to get a precise approximation of how long the induction cooktop will be running since it takes a lot of power to bring water to a boil. I am just erring on the side of extra design margin in regards to heating of the electrics since, excessive heat in that area will shorten the inverter, as well as the battery life.

[@Vandemonium]

Bill, I wouldn't say a beating - all good advice and suggestions - just a lot of repeats so I'm trying to save people the effort if their suggestion has already been made!

[@larrypinter3321]

MY 2000 Watt pure sinewave inverter lives in a similar space to yours (under an enclosed seat), and it never heats up. The internal fan sees to that, along with the sufficient air space in the enclosure-- which is unvented.

[@michaelhausman3061]

I'm glad you added this as I was just typing up a reply to suggest some of the same. Believe it or not, these "not very fun" videos are the best to me, as the interest in coming up with clever engineering solutions and tinkering are the main reason I'm here. Well, that and the puns. Appreciate the videos as always, David! Cheers from rainy California!

[@erikdam391]

David, STOP! A 2kW inverter is about 90% efficient, meaning at full load about 200W will be dissipated as heat. This means one important thing: AIRFLOW! if you enclose it the way you seem to have decided it will easily overheat, causing it to turn off to protect itself, and even if you could live with that it will most likely shorten the lifetime of the unit drastically! YOU MUST ENSURE A GOOD AIRFLOW! My recommendation would be to redo the panel on the left side of the cabinet holding the 230V connectors, freeing up space for mounting the inverter along the front of the compartment holding the battery, making a large ventilation hole towards the side door as well as on the other side of the cabinet (next to the fan grills), facing towards the rear doors. Place the main cutoff switch where the upper 230V connector currently is located and find somewhere else for placing the 230V connectors - maybe above the inverter, facing towards the rear door. I get your reasoning for having two 230V connectors, but I would probably put the two connectors in parallel and use a switch to select between shore power and power from the inverter... Ventilation would also be a good thing for the smaller electrics cabinet, although the solar charger and DC/DC charger are not as powerful as the inverter. It's still likely to get toasty there... I do automotive electronics development for a living and can only stress the importance of ensuring good cooling!

[@TheAdenau]

Just what I was going to say. +1 cooling cooling cooling

[@peterholmes5085]

@@TheAdenau I agree. very worried about the cooling of the inverter

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers. The solar cabinet has been fine for five years (and there is no DC/DC charger) so I'm happy that that's OK "as is"

[@tjj300]

Two items, David. First, that inverter needs decent airflow to keep it cool during use. You might want to put some ventilation holes into an adjoining compartment to increase airflow. Second, look into using some plastic conduit to run the wires through to keep things neat. Fittings allow you to bolt a connector through a plywood wall, and then just cut the conduit to fit between connectors. Then you just run the wires through the conduit.

[@julesstone7990]

I haven't got a clue what you are on about with the electrics etc. but a huge congratulations on the toilet roll holder! ha x

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you!

[@phil_j_c]

That inverter needs a supply of cool air and an exit for warm air.. .. they can get hot. You can't really mount it in an enclosed space with no airflow.. You would need to vent the area.

[@richardhewitt.easyvanlife.6957]

Yes needs venting, a small computer fan uses very small amount of power.

[@philgray3443]

We run ours in a cabin that is around 38° in summer. It doesn't seem fussed, but we dont run it for extended periods.

[@JohnSmith-qd8po]

If you plan on running the induction cooker, the inverter will generate quite a bit of heat. Ventilation would be required in the compartment. It would be advantageous to mount the inverter in the same compartment as the battery in cold weather to heat the battery, but disadvantages in hot weather.

[@burtbaxter6485]

David , don’t forget airflow. 2000W generate lots of heat , inverter has fan built in so make sure plenty of airflow wherever you decide to put it .

[@julese-p278]

The cables from your 2000W inverter don't have to go straight out. You can get right angle eye terminals to connect the cables to the inverter.

[@billharris6886]

Hi David, I get the impression that the details of this installation are causing a bit of anxiety. I have done several similar installations so, hopefully my suggestions will be of some help. First off, determine how much of the existing cabinet space is available for the new installation. The highest priority by far is the cable length between the battery and inverter. I estimate you will need 10.1 mm (80 mm sq) copper diameter cables to carry the 200 amps and I would strive to keep the cable length to no more than 250 mm if possible. Use welder's cable or similar fine stranded wire, which is more flexible. Given your available space, I suggest mounting the battery on the van floor so it can't move around when the van is in motion. Directly above the battery, place a shelf to mount the inverter on with both battery and inverter terminals as close as possible to each other. Any component in the electrical system that generates heat must have some type of ventilation and there should be least 25 mm of clearance between the component body and cabinet to allow air flow. The rest of the electrical components can be mounted wherever it is convenient simply because they are not carrying that much current. Switches and fuses should be easily accessible but, especially the master switch. So, fit your largest components first in proposed layouts and group the smaller components nearby where practical.

[@jayoneill1533]

“Gentle demolition” Quite the understatement David !

[@playing_in_trafic]

You can get right angled copper tube terminals to enable inverter cables to not have to go into the bedding compartment.

[@christofliebers3816]

Current Dilemma? In Puns Labyrinth! You're still my favorite nerd, Dave.

[@leop3009]

Your last thought is the best way..... And i do love electrical work 😁

[@louannejones2304]

Your idea to open up your bedding stage space and use it for your electronics is excellent. That puts everything together as it should be. 😊

[@isobelchapman9548]

Blimey David, you’re a marvel and I’m still sane after all that. I do like your final ideas but don’t get me to name them!

[@RB-wl7ct]

Remove the small panel behind the sockets. Move the back wall out to make room for the battery. Mount the inverter on its side to back wall you just moved. You can get angled connectors. You can take the cover plates of the inverter sockets and wire directly to the external sockets on the outside panel. The consumer unit should be on its back wall and all the fusing in the space just vacated.

[@century2298]

No matter where the inverter goes, it will need ventilation. It can't be blocked in or covered up. I hope you got it sorted out. I feel your frustration. Move 1 thing and you end up moving 5 things. I call that game "Solar Tetris". ( Charge controller, breaker box, inverter, fuse, shut off switch..... AC breakers, DC fuses.....)

[@paulteirney3587]

You have to have air flow through the closed cupboard to cool the inverter or the unit will overheat.

[@tomtruesdale6901]

GFCI Ground Fault Curtic Interrupter. I am thinking put L shaped lugs on the inverter cables. Good luck with this project.

[@craigleemehan]

My suggestion is that whatever you do, keep the DC cables from the battery to the inverter short as possible. 2000W at 12 VDC is ~170 A, while at 240 VAC is ~8 A. You want minimal voltage drop from the battery to the inverter.

[@Vandemonium]

Absolutely

[@mick.Walker]

New battery where the old battery is, false floor on top of it, inverter on top, leaving loads of airflow, possibly vents cut in, then it's all contained together, the cables will easily flex to and from the battery below

[@Vandemonium]

Sadly, not enough room to put the inverter above the battery.

[@derektarrant9232]

I’d turn your battery 90 degrees, then get the inverter in next to it, yes you lose somewhere to put your spare water, but in terms of overall loss I reckon that would be the least

[@h.b.4058]

Electrics take up so much space (and aren't light). Just remember the inverter will likely have a hum while running, so right under your head while sleeping might be less than pleasant. Ok, if you don't need any AC power overnight and can just turn it off. If you use false bottoms, hinge them in so they are easy to open. Lay it out with wires in place. Sometimes the bends you have to make with thick wires take up more room than you would think. Great choice on keeping the stove top mobile. It can be lovely to cook outside, especially if it is something with strong smells, or if you don't want to have to go inside just to make a cup of tea.

[@Vandemonium]

Yes, the inverter will only run when I need to cook or boil the kettle.

[@petestuart6584]

I agree with your last suggestion of position things, however bare in mind not to box the inverter in too much, otherwise you may compromise on the cooling of it via the fans and the ability to switch it off and on. Good luck in not blowing yourself up!

[@Dmate89]

@21:10 you begin to explain my thinking, and I thank you for that. If you drill some holes into the woodwork, forming the starboard side of the clothes+inverter compartment, it would give a channel of cooler air, which will healthily be used by the inverter. Also, you can poke some holes into the loo-compartment likewise, to provide access to yet another box of breeze.

[@stebnalang2824]

Sir, The LiFePo4 battery you selected can be positioned in any orientation you wish . This means it can be positioned on it's side, end, or upside down if that suits your needs. If it won't fit in the compartment sitting on it's bottom, perhaps sitting on it's end or side will work.

[@GordonjSmith1]

I think that you need to read the cooling requirements of the inverter. In my experience putting one in a confined space is an error, and especially one fitted with two cooling fans. However I do see that this system is not going to get very heavy use - but I would still read the tech specs to gain a better understanding. I might also add that you are adding weight to the right hand side of the vehicle (the driver's side) and you appear to do most of your trips alone. This will lead to increased wear on the suspension and potentially a noticeable 'lean' to the vehicle when you are driving it - but it is a good thing that the battery will be positioned on the centre line. Interesting project, very much enjoying the voyage. Well done you.

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers. The weight shouldn't be an issue, the van has a load capacity of 1,200 kg so anything I have in there currently is relatively negligible.

[@agentmango]

Perhaps there are batteries and inverters with the performance you need as well as more favourable dimensions. Something to consider in the future, a great deal of painful research during the shopping phase can save one from future headaches. Of course if you got a great deal on that battery and inverter, that's understandable!

[@Vandemonium]

The battery was free as explained in a prior video and the inverter is typical of its size.

[@reelsroses3268]

I love all the tongue n cheek titles to all of your videos. Well done.

[@brianmac001]

If you were removing the dividers, etc where the water bottle was sitting, you could fit the battery & inverter in that box with the terminals for the inverter ( mounted on its side) poking through drilled holes in the fuse/electrics cupboard

[@caniacstevehenderson7115]

I'm glad you're working that out

[@jayjay8116]

Oh dear David , you lost me a quarter of the way in, but I agree with you about wanting things neat and tidy, I’m like that when decorating for Christmas with all the lights wiring. Anyway good luck, I’ll tune back in when it’s done. 😂

[@martinworrall5888]

Would you need to have vents in whatever storage space you use for the inverter ? Because if the inverter is in a kind of sealed box would it have enough cooling air ?

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Why not clear the space out, including the wood framing bits, and come up with a rationalized design for the power system. THEN look at the space that is left with an eye toward bedding and tool stores?

[@dennisharvey4499]

You seem to be thinking about the mechanical positioning of each item, and then the wiring of it. I would suggest deciding on the mechanical placement of each item based on the minimum wire length between the battery terminals and the inverter input. The best place for the main isolator is mounted on the battery terminal with integral fuse / breaker. Remember batteries are always live and have the power to vapourise spanners so insulate the tools. I used to train engineers who maintained battery systems.

[@louisethompson2474]

CC I was watching and the obvious answer kept coming to me. Why don't you remove the centre wooden divide in the existing battery box and put the new battery in there facing down the van ( if you get my drift) so that the contacts are near the front corner where you want to put the master switch. You can then put the inverter beside it and if necessary move the side wall so both fit together and you still have a reasonable size storage box for the bedding. 🤔🤔

[@C--2]

Allow enough clearence for inverter fan intake and exhaust. Also, placing it in an enclosed space can cause overheating.

[@kevc8780]

I see many commentors with good ideas. I will just second making sure there is airflow for the inverter; even using spacers to get it off the floor an inch or so will help with circulation and then you can put a perforated cover (false floor) on top and use for storage of anything other than linens. Definitely should use a vent into the living area near the inverter.

[@BobPhleming]

Hi David, you could put the inverter where you currently store the water container, in front of the battery. This would mean shorter cable runs and a neater installation. It would also allow for batter ventilation, as the inverter will need adequate airflow to avoid overheating.

[@kommentelogabor]

What are the specs of the inverter? How much space should be left around it? I can imagine quite a big heat generation on full 2kW... What about pushing the front wall of the battery compartment up to the new battery and install the inverter on the outside of the compartment? That way it would ventillate really well. Oh, wait then it will suck dirt and filth into itself. Bummer... 😅

[@brianharlach-vj3sh]

if wiring's not an issue, i would look at mounting the inverter under the passenger seat. if it fits, you'll keep demolition to a minimum and lose less storage space (also allow proper ventilation for the inverter)

[@taylorr7010]

Take out all partitions and start again, prioritizing battery and Inverter, sort your storage out after electrics are done

[@billharris6886]

David, I'm glad you finally got all your plumbing problems sorted out. I like the idea of making the cooktop portable, versus built in to the counter top.

[@larrypinter3321]

There are 90 degree terminals for your cables onto the inverter

[@kentsavick2516]

If those main battery cables are aluminum, throw them away and get real copper cables. The copper will handle that much power without a problem. Never use aluminum cables. They're garbage and cause problems, including fires. I would just put the battery and the inverter in your existing battery compartment with the terminals facing the electrical compartment ( towards the door). That would keep everything in a smaller area with shorter cables. The partitions would have to go, but no major loss.

[@rianderous8761]

12:05 there are 90° ring tongues available (or maybe with a bit of DIY you can bend it yourself)?

[@harryb1745]

I can get the 90-degree ring terminals on Amazon. CDN ,I'm not sure about the UK..

[@peterhilton48]

If you rotate the battery 90 degrees will it fit in the battery compartment ... obviously after removing the internal partitioning ... and the the inverter might fit alongside .

[@garyb47]

David, I may have missed it, but have you taken into account access to the inverter on/off switch ?? Inverters generally draw some 12v power anytime they are turned on, even if they are not converting anything to mains voltage. Best to turn it off unless you are actually needing mains power. This can lead to some cold noodles if your battery has been flattened.

[@Vandemonium]

It comes with a remote on/off, I forgot to show that

[@Rich-n-Cooper]

You can get 90 deg terminal lugs to help with your cable routing for the Inverter. Definatly consider cooling vents for the inverter if you plan to run the induction hob for extended cooking times. possibly computer fans to help there! keep your cable runs as short as you can and the positive and negative lenght should be equal or as close as you can.

[@donaldripper3354]

Hi David, Prioritize: There are three bulky items here and the least critical by far is the water container, it can go literally anywhere. I'd prefer the battery and inverter to be in that area together, even if you have to shrink the size of your bedding storage area slightly to allow easy fitment of the cabling. Good luck and thanks for the vlog.

[@kleincamper]

I recommend to create an air flow to and from the inverter. At 2000W it can become quite hot. Also, is your battery capable of delivering 200A over a long period of time?

[@Vandemonium]

Yes, it's rated for that

[@TravisAviation]

That inverter should probably be able to breath a bit. But Honestly, I think you are better off just using the battery and inverter compartments you have and modifying those to fit everything. I think it is silly and even potentially hazardous to have the inverter farthest away and wiring all that stuff around when your plugs are right next to the old inverter. It is hard to give you a solid plan because I am not there in person, so I can't actually see the sizes you are working with, but if you can make it happen, reworking those compartments(tearing out some of those walls), I think you will be a lot safer and happier in the long term. Also make sure you use the 2 wires together like you said, or get a new one custom size and gauge for that 2000W output. That stove will NEED it. It is best to keep the wires from the inverter to battery as short as possible too, but not a big deal if you don't. Maybe get a ~175 amp fuse between the battery and inverter. Good luck with your choice! And keep that inverter way from anything potentially flammable like linens.

[@wartington1]

David. Is it possible to fit the battery and inverter north/ south in the compartment after removal of internal ply instead of existing east/ west.

[@darrenleigh201]

Plan the work, then work the plan. I think you have a good idea of what needs to be done. Thanks for sharing!

[@lockedin60]

David I would suggest that anytime wires of any thickens goes through a partition that you get yourself some vinyl or rubber grommets. They would help to protect the wires. Most substantial work stations have them these days. You could also get you a rolled up holder for your wrenches. AWG= American Wire Gauge.

[@johnshaw4140]

David , regardless of substance I always enjoy your videos

[@pyoung168]

Just make a false floor in all 3 of the storage spaces. This will allow space for all electronic boxes and cable runs. Just, as others noted, be sure that the entire electronic space(s) have good through flow ventilation, possibly by adding ventilation grids or holes near floor of each space. Good luck!

[@bradpalmer2914]

Any space under the front seat or even in the front passenger foot-well? a 2KW inverter is going to be plenty hot so will need more ventilation than a builders tea hut. On A little bit of a tangent, Do you have or have you thought about a DC - DC charger wired into your van's engine electrics so you can charge your leisure battery while driving? You can never have enough ways of charging if you are going all electric. Anyway good luck

[@Vandemonium]

I don't have a DC/DC and am hoping to get away without one.

[@najken]

I might not see the height of the battery but I would try the battery and then the inverter on top in the current battery box. Alternatively put the inverter a long the long side of the battery in the same compartment. I guess removing the partition between the battery and water bottle is needed

[@Vandemonium]

Sadly, not enough room to put the inverter above the battery.

[@sherihewitt1427]

How about rebuilding the battery cabinet. Place the battery on the bottom, build a shelf over it and place the inverter there. Make a top for the cabinet and make a door at the front to access the battery and inverter from the front. You can fit the water bottle elsewhere more easily if this scheme works.

[@Vandemonium]

Sadly, not enough room to put the inverter above the battery.

[@PhantomrpH]

You can get a 90-degree lug that will allow you to have the cable come up or down.

[@dreamingflurry2729]

Hey David! The "invisible" sounding board (I myself do it without a camera - so yeah: I talk to myself and sometimes that is good conversation actually and does solve problems, if you go through pros and cons of something etc.) is a tried and tested method of problem solving! As for your van: It does drive a lesson I learned recently (well: OK over a year ago by now!) home, too - You can never have too many cable-ducts! If you want to ad something later to anything (be it a house, an apartment, a boat, a camper-van etc.), it's best if you installed cable-ducts while constructing the thing. Sadly: Cable-ducts were not a thing in the 60s, when my grandfather built this house! So yeah, I had to add my own on top of the wall (doing the old thing with a mallet and chisel is just too time-consuming and frankly too messy, too!), drill large holes in the walls and still ended up not getting everything 100% as I want it...but it's good enough for now having 2 LAN-Sockets in each room (except the bathroom!) ps: No, WLAN is not "good enough" - I love a reliable connection and there's a lot of WLAN-Networks around, I am living in a (small) town after all, so they tend to not be reliable really!

[@markwhitcher2138]

Keep in mind, the heat from the inverter has to go somewhere. Dumping it into the box where you have it mounted may get hot.

[@leannsanford906]

Yea! It makes my night whenever I see one of your videos pop up on my feed 😃

[@erikkola8078]

I would move the Bedding store wall over 6 to 8 inches. Giving the room for battery and inverter.

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

Elastictrikkery is always fun to install. My only advice is make sure it's all easy to get at when/if things go wrong. Only you will be happy with your installation as you know your van intimacy. Cheers from old George

[@dmcarpenter2470]

Ground Fault Interruption Circuit. Enjoying the vids, David. Thank you

[@pfalzgraf7527]

Could you put the new inverter where the water can stands now (I know, you talked about that, but hear me out!) in such a way that the inverter's two plugs replace the two plugs that are now at the outer wall of that cupboard towars the door. That might mean the cables from the inverter might have enough bending space on the other side. Then you'd just have to find a place for the water canister. But yes, you'd lose your safety-shore power plug. ... Well, it's another idea to consider. Looking at all your possibilities, I think your last version is probably the best! That false floor thing saves you the most space and I think cooling and all that will be better. You know, it is sometimes fun to break my head for someone else's problems. Apart from that, it is good mental exercise. BTW: glad you solved your leak-problem! Just installed an new dishwasher in the house and I'm so happy that everything worked on the first try! (ok, they make it easy but still, you never know)

[@joemelton7023]

David is not space in the current battery cabinet. For you to mount the inverter on top of the battery

[@Vandemonium]

Sadly not

[@jennifermoody487]

I know nothing of how such things are installed, and I enjoyed this video! However, I was asking myself about ventilation with every choice. Like the idea of false bottoms so the storage space can still be used.

[@familyw5661]

Why is there always "another drip" lol real things. Great video David thanks again!

[@iainlyall6475]

can u stand the 2000 W thingy on its end so the connections are on top? well u answered that seconds later :-) @16:00 put your bedding where the 2000W thingy is now and vise versa(?)

[@YT4Herk]

Does renogy perhaps have an adapter for those terminals that can permit the cables to be routed vertically instead of to the right? Sort of like having a 90-deg plumbing elbow inserted into each terminal.

[@squarewheelsorguk]

Could the inverter not go in the same central space as the new battery?

[@grenvillephillips6998]

Thinking aloud is often very useful!

[@Vandemonium]

It really is!

[@rickkearn7100]

David, your config at ~ 24:00 timestamp looks best with a caveat: pay special attention to the inverter manufacturer's specifications for clearances for dumping heat. All of your other arrangements thumbs up, IMHO. Cheers.

[@Galerak1]

To my understanding the 'barbed' saw-tooth moulding on the pipe adapters is to stop the pipes slipping off. Also, with the pipe being made of flexible plastic/rubber, using a jubilee clip would force the saw-toothed into the pipe thus creating a water tight seal... it is also more easily removeable should there be a problem at the other end of the pipe 😉 Glad you got it all sorted out though. p.s. Did you ever put any foam strip around the top of the cabinets for the worktop to sit on? This will stop the worktop from creaking and the bolt fasteners from noisily rattling loose while the van is being driven. p.p.s. I can't believe it took YT 7 days to notify me about this video 😒

[@keithrowell653]

What leaps out at me at 12:45 but one year later - why not braze your stonking great positive cable to an angle piece to be bolted on to the inverter. But I didn't read comments yet or see what you eventually did.

[@keithrowell653]

Ah! 90-degree lugs were the words I was looking for.

[@AmsNl2BcnEs]

Inverter AND battery into the corner storage cupboard. Inverter on side attached to studs facing out (near side wall) so wires can go around the corner through the bedding cupboard and can be boxed in. If you put inverter on the outside wall then the wires will have further to go to get to rest of electronics and will impose on then bedding storage more. Hope that helps 😊

[@mphunty]

I would put the inverter above the battery separated buy the shelf. You can get right angled terminal connectors. Yes you would need to widen that bit but the panel between battery is the only bit that needs modifying, making the bedding compartment an bit of an L shape. The brace across the top can stay in place. This would keep high amp cables short, provide able space around for cooling and minimise space lost in my opinion. what ever you decide, good luck!

[@sharktripdan]

If you put the battery and inverter into the bedding compartment, you could put some of the bedding and other storage into the old battery/storage compartment. and it wouldn't take all of that compartment but still allow room to work on it.

[@Vandemonium]

Thr trouble is, the wiring would have to cross the old compartment to get to the 12V box and the shore power etc so it would be much less usable as a compartment 😔

[@sharktripdan]

@@Vandemonium couldn't the wires be run across the front of the old compartment and be attached to it? There shouldn't be any connectors in there, just wires passing through.

[@Vandemonium]

Hmmm not sure. It may depend how thick the wires have to be to carry the current so how much they can be bent round corners etc

[@johnnagle6528]

Could you build a false floor in the bedding compartment and put the inverter on the floor? Would you have enough height in the bedding compartment this way?

[@CliveDavis-jp4eh]

Move the battery rearwards (where you currently have your spare water container) and mount the inverter where the battery is but with the connectors towards your electrical compartment. You can then route any bends through the electrical compartment.

[@seaspirit5087]

What about a false bottom to the bedding locker with ventilation for the inverter?

[@gisohio8988]

Whatever you end up doing I am sure it will be great, lots of good ideas here. I would try fitting the battery first, preferably with the terminals toward the door. Then see if you have enough space to build a shelf above the battery for the inverter. Negative cable from battery direct to the buss bar on the other side of the partition, positive through a fuse like a SamlexPower DC-FA-200 bolted directly to the terminal and then on to the battery disconnect switch. From there I would install a positive buss after the disconnect and run from the busses to the inverter, and from the busses to the 12v fuse block for your circuits. I would also cut holes in the partition between the battery and the solar charge to allow the inverter fans to function properly and cut some vent holes in the bottom front of the battery cabinet to promote good air circulation through the cabinet and around the inverter. Looking forward to seeing your solution. Thanks for all the great videos.

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers. There will be bus bars! No space for the inverter on top though, so cabling it is.

[@rickwatts7885]

They do make Right angle cable connections that would allow your cable to come off the battery straight up.

[@Palmiped09]

A right angled cable lug from Inverter?

[@stanleyromanowski9816]

Here, across the pond in the colonies, it's GFCI, "Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter.

[@TheChipmunk2008]

The difference is that GFCIs tend to operate at 3-5mA, most RCDs are in the 30mA range (as we often used to use them to control multiple circuits, so leakage added up)

[@Matt-Bristow]

Keep the battery where it is ... remove the partition in the battery box. Add a shelf/false floor above the battery and put the inverter on top.... fuse box and master switches can still fit in the battery space ...

[@xox101]

I work with computers and small servers. That inverter is going to need a lot of space around it with unobstructed airflow. There is a reason why it has two fans. How about mounting it on the ceiling of the van or maybe under one of the two front seats? Provided of course there is airflow under the seats. Or the opposite side on the van wall? Just trying to think outside the box so to speak, something you do very well. Really enjoying this series of videos. Should be a cracking camper when you get her finished. Keep at it, will be worth it in the end.

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers. I'm not convinced (yet!) that it will get too hot as it will only ever run for about 10 minutes at a time (warming some soup or boiling some rice etc) and it is very cool down on the floor where I hope it might go.

[@michaelburroughs7494]

So many suggestions make it confusing when you can't see the whole set up. Just make sure you leave enough space for air to circulate around all that electrical stuff to keep it cool.

[@johnp99550]

Just my two pennies' worth, I would be rearranging the electric cupboard and wiring so that inverter has the optimum position for cooling and connection to the battery. "Sometimes the longest route is the shortest" glad you got the tap fixed though 👍

[@paulmaynard408]

Hi David, I wouldn’t put the master switch down low as you might accidentally brush it with your feet and turn it off unexpectedly. Maybe put the consumer unit facing the removable front for speed of access.

[@andrewschmidt5312]

Hello David. I am not an expert but a few thoughts for you to digest. Identify the clearance requirements for the devices - thermal cooling space. Then maybe draw out a scale ' floor plan', scale cutouts of your devices, and then place them on your floor plan and see what works best.. There is software for this as well. All I have. You have very interesting projects and I enjoy wish you well...

[@steamboatmodel]

Would it not fit flat overtop of the battery?

[@Vandemonium]

Sadly not

[@holdenman8850]

Just to put a spanner in the works lol.. put the inverter plug side next to the two sockets where the jerry can is.. then you can get 90 degree cable lugs, you can get left, right and pointing up lugs.. fix the inverter to the wall opposite the Battery

[@gordonlennox4501]

I would suggest as others have done to start again. Prioritise and design your electrical system (including items you may fit at a later date) over everything else because this is more important. Bedding and other miscellaneous things will sort themselves out. I know you will probably balk at the idea and not do it but you would have peace of mind with a job well done. All the best with whatever you come up with.

[@shastagreen8866]

Have you considered placing the new long inverter diagonally in the pillow space? It would give much more room for the fans and the wires would be shorter and bend less. Then you could cover it with a board and still have room for the bedding to fit. I hope you read this in time. Good luck.

[@Vandemonium]

See the next video, which was released today!

[@om617yota8]

Put the battery where your current one is, and the inverter next to it where the extra water jug is, but rotate the battery and inverter so the big chunky terminals for both are next to the electrical cabinet. The 240v wires from the inverter will be pointing away from the electric cabinet, but the 240v wires will be much smaller and more flexible, and less susceptible to voltage loss due to wire length. Make sure you have plenty of ventilation for the inverter. You might need a class T fuse for the lithium battery, although I'm not sure with it being 12v. Well done sir, it'll be great in the end.

[@smky143]

they do make 90 degree lugs

[@hughcarson6837]

That was a bit of hard work for you David, good luck with it all