Complete 12v Campervan, RV, MotorHome, Boat Wiring Tutorial

Go to 17:08 for a wiring guide with diagram.
Full Parts & Tools Video with links to buy here... • VW T6 Campervan Conver...
Everything you need to know to install 12v electrics in your campervan, RV, Motorhome or even Boat.
Also watch this more advanced 12v electrics video • Advanced Offgrid 12v E...
I struggled to find this information online so as I was wiring up my campervan I decided to put a video together of how I wired it up and what methods and parts I used.
This is only part of a series of videos I put up, for the full parts & products video please go here • VW T6 Campervan Conver...
If you liked this video and its contents please share it on social media and give it a thumbs up as it really helps spread the love.
If you want to show your appreciation with a donation you can do so at www.gadgetjohn...
Thanks you very much for watching our videos and for your support.
#12velectrics #campervan #tutorial

[@taniafrankle7412]

Hi John, just wanted to thank you for the clear concise video. Had been searching for some time for a decent "how to" guide - yours is by far the best out there. I have a landy and wanted to out in a few upgrades and thought it best to run all new things off thier own circuit. Thanks again and keep up the great work with the channel (new and old)

[@johnmandy]

Tania Frankle Thanks for the kind message, I’m always happy to help where I can 👍🏼

[@terryc47]

Thank you John, I too certainly reflect Tania's sentiment's also. Very clear and easy to understand, very much appreciated.

[@arturnowak879]

I agree and I want to join your thanks for John. Great clearly video. Thanks

[@martinmedium]

Your videos are certainly relieving my anxiety at my first boat safety examination coming soon. The battery bank was a mess when I bought it. Great stuff!

[@fireflyrobert]

Simplicity is evidence of the most advanced form of teaching - John you've got it! Many thanks for this.

[@nixworld767]

Hello from Florida John. Thank you so much for making this video. I am totally pedestrian-level in regards to 12V accessorizing but recently came into possession of a 1995 Chevy van and a 1961 antique fiberglass runabout boat. I will convert the van into a camper van, installing USB ports, a 12V fridge, etc., and in the boat I intend to install a gps and LED lights. I've watched several videos, and often i'm left scratching my head as the producer seems to assume the viewer knows more than, in fact, he does (such as me). THIS video was great. I watched the entire video, made screenshots of your wiring diagrams, and took notes. With this, my understanding has greatly improved and you've given me the confidence to proceed. Thank you!

[@redyellowpink01]

THIS IS SUCH A GOOD GUIDE. It's amazing how many guides miss out the simplest but most important stuff like the gauge of wire and rating of fuses

[@jreasterby]

What a brilliant, no hype, straight talking account. Thanks for demystifying something that was previously a bit frightening.

[@ConcernedMalteser]

John you're a star. I've just bought a van last April and am in the preparation and planning phase at the moment. I know nothing about electrics, but you've explained it in such a way I can now understand. One thing I'm not quite clear on and hope you can explain to me is when you need an inverter. I know you need it if you're charging 240v gadgets from your leisure batteries, but do you need it if you want to charge your leisure batteries from a 240v source (such as a campsite hook up). Like yourself I plan on running everything on 12v. I'm even looking into the 240v portable charger you talked about in another video. Thanks again for all your brilliant videos :)

[@johnmandy]

This video might help kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHLRo6Sud8eXacU The portable charger review is here kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKanqIaDi9uUqJo

[@ConcernedMalteser]

@@johnmandy Thank you John that's very helpful

[@RoyceMunday56]

THANK YOU! I've been watching videos for years to help me wire up my 12v system and NONE has been as useful as this. For someone like me who's a numb-nuts with electricity, this is at exactly the right level. The wiring diagram makes such sense too.

[@crazy1901]

John I ve watched hundreds of vids re electrics....yours is the clearest by far. Thanks

[@sheyedlington9046]

You are the best. 👌 I am tempted to do the basic install. I am so scared. Starting my retirement with a blank canvas. I will keep you posted. Thank you.

[@mikebikekite1]

I don't even have a camper but I found this interesting and easy to understand. You asked for questions: Does it matter if the leisure battery is a different size to the vehicle battery as long as it's 12v? How do you connect if you have multiple leisure batteries (narrow boats have 3)? How would solar be connected and why didn't you go for this? What voltage is healthy for a leisure battery? You mentioned RCD but I didn't hear what that stood for. Again, thanks for a very clear video.

[@partalien9862]

I have just stripped an old 2011 ambulance (just imagine the wiring nightmare) now i know where to put everything back in the correct way. Many thanks, simple really eh, you just saved my brain the effort!

[@rampantapple]

First video on campervan electrics in plain English. I actually understood it for once. Thanks.

[@damianutano8542]

I feel like an electrician after that! You answered every question I had. Well done

[@ericpeterson4895]

I agree with everyone else. By far the best video I've come across on the subject. Question is how to determine correct size for inline fuse coming off battery. To help US folks use 1/0=60mm and 14guage= to 2.5mm

[@johnmandy]

Thanks, each appliance or light uses a different amp rating, if you don’t know the amp rating you can check when it’s in use with an ampmeter.

[@jimdelaney4289]

Thank you John. I can now start to think straight again. Everything has become much clearer and simpler. Well done.

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 😁👍🏻

[@stephenrowe1399]

great video i am in the process of converting a full size American school bus and installing the electrical system is the thing that has given me sleepless nights. its great to find someone who explains things so well thanks

[@petewoodhead52]

John, Thank you for this video. I'm rebuilding my 1992 Airstream Tow trailer and I've watched a number of highly explained but difficult to understand videos. Your KISS video has helped me to better envision what it is I need to do.

[@nikfarmer]

At last!!! Sometime who actually knows what they're talking about. Good work.

[@mrdaveeastham123]

By far the best explanation of campervan wiring I have found - and I have really looked! Absolutely brilliant ... thanks so much.

[@duncancameron9734]

By far the best, basic, van electrics video I've seen.

[@geegee2022]

What a very clear and very informative video.im halfway through my t4 camper build and electrics are not my strong point.you have just cleared everything up that I was unsure of. Thank you 👍

[@paulsalem7730]

I am new to this game but have watch many elec utubes. Yours is the be sdt I have seen, clear concise.

[@allanmckeown9554]

I understood everything thanks to your clear and concise tutorial. Thankyou

[@kenstewart9327]

I'm currently renovating/rescuing an elderly Peugeot Pilote motorhome whose electrics are a partially restored nightmare. Like others on here, I had a reasonable understanding of what I wanted and was looking at various options of achieving that. Your explanation clarified that in a very straight forward way and I can now move forward. I appreciate your help. Thank you.

[@louie.seddon]

I've watched so many of these videos to try and understand how to wire up my T5 and this is the first one which covers it all including wire size!! Thank you

[@AnthonyFister]

I loved the modular electrical plugs in sockets. Hopefully that company has some AC plugs for the US. I’ll be checking it out. Loved your video. Keep them coming. Thank you.

[@richfurlong4137]

What a fantastic and clear video for people starting out with camper electrics, thank you.

[@tonymartin3780]

Agree at video help tremendously to understand the 12 v system, just purchased a VW camper which has been converted . But don't feel happy with its layout . Thanks again

[@lenross]

Really can't thank you enough. I would have got it totally wrong, seeing you explain it makes it all clear now.

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 👍🏼

[@tristendb]

Explained very well , I was going to get a 1000w invertor but like yourself it was only to charge laptop and drone batteries. I have now liked and subscribed. Thank you

[@samlicence9835]

Thanks John, this is really helpful. I'm a total novice to all of this and you've made it seem really simple. I feel confident that I can take it on, albeit with a lot of caution and more study!

[@ktda9266]

really nice video john,clear,to0 the point,easy to follow.no unnecessary techno talk.thumbs up..

[@STTC]

Excellent advice Sir, I have converted my Transit and this video has really opened my eyes, great explanations

[@CalebImmel]

Amazing tutorial. Big thanks from a first time van builder in Northern California! Explained so simply and understandably.

[@johnmandy]

Enjoy the build 👍🏼

[@JohnWick-tc1xy]

John you are a skillful person do you know it?

[@atwilsonjr]

this has got to be the most thoroughly explained video on this topic

[@shanesteenkamp7759]

Best bloody video I've seen regarding this sort of thing which one could apply to a wide range of situations. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@clivegilbert7165]

The best and simplest video on electrics, that I have seen..and I have watched lots. Thank you.

[@95165068]

Fantastic video. This is my first conversion and I'm 100% using your wiring diagram. This video made it so easy to understand. Thank you.

[@NomaddUK]

Hi John. I find it easier to remember UK wiring as BRown = Bottom Right (When looking into an open 13amp plug) and BLue = Bottom Left (This would therefore be the opposite side to the fuse). I feel sure that is why those colours were chosen as theri first two letter are BR and BL (Bottom Right and Bottom Left) :o) Great video. I now need to get an isolator and fuse box and ground bus bar like those...

[@robster1147]

Just found your channel, learnt more about motorhome electrics in last few hours than I ever thought😄... Great channel

[@northernwarrior7177]

i watched so many of these and got really confused until watching you. your video actually makes sense and is easy to follow. now all i have to do is do my own van 😁

[@mrw9513]

Hi thankyou so much for this video, I've been trying to get my head round a 12v electrical systems with vsr split charge relay and having no electrical knowledge at all, I was bamboozled by the complexity of it all. So decided to try and find someone explaining the basic principles and here I am, and this has really helped. Thanks again and best wishes to you both and stay safe and well.

[@T1000.Android]

The fridge stops working, first step check fuse box. The Light isn't on to indicate that the fuse is blow but checks fuse anyway :) haha. I have to subscribe to good stuff like this. I look forward to seeing your other videos.

[@ashleycollins7942]

Thanks John, very helpful video, I have tried finding a detailed video of 12v wiring for a while now and have been unsuccessful until I viewed your post, now I feel confident that I can get my camper conversion moved along nicely, top man👌

[@johnmandy]

Glad it helped 👍🏻

[@uzitalking2890]

Love this John. No messing about no fuss no stupid stories .. straight into the gubbins of the matter.. really enjoyed it . Well done . If your ever in Merseyside/wirral look us up and we would love to have you on Uzi Talking 2.

[@gaz3097]

Mate, it's taken me weeks and countless videos to try and get my head around basic 12v circuit and installation, I wish I found your tutorial weeks ago, absolute perfect. Thanks!

[@RomeoEdward]

great video, I learned a lot. If I'm understanding your diagram, you use one red wire to wire all 6 lights ending the string with one black wire to the grounding block.

[@Geetarsparkie]

No they are wired in parallel. Red and black to each fitting. Same as a 240 volt loop in system in uk for lights. otherwise if one bulb failed they would all go out.

[@SNAKEPIT359]

Fantastic tutorial. For someone who can just about wire a plug this is very helpful. Ill be using it to wire a 30ft narrow boat. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@davebeedon3424]

Nice presentation---thorough yet clear. I love the diagram you made. A surprise was your explanation of "waste of energy" when using an inverter to boost voltage for charging devices that only require five volts. Thanks for an informative video!

[@jimmybarton7344]

Great video. Lot’s of very clear & concise information. You’ve definitely calmed my nerves before attempting to install a 12v system in my van tomorrow. So thanks 🙏

[@999mrkhaled]

The simplest explanation in KZbin thanks a lot

[@ryanpell3866]

Easily the best wiring video I have watched on youtube. Thanks.

[@roamer3727]

thankyou very much kind sir. I actually understood everything(first time ever) you make a great instructor...…….GREAT VIDEO many thanks

[@vikingprepper2948]

best campervan wiring. thanks

[@jakebunn4648]

By far the most clear and simple explanation of wiring a 12v system great video 👍

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Thanyou John for sharing. I think I could with guidance wire my small minivan. That was very well explained.

[@johnvancamper9581]

Thanks John. I already knew this stuff but it's still a pleasure to watch you explain it. Your video techniques together with your teaching skills are a great combo. You make it seem simple without us feeling like WE are simple. I agree with your comment in another video about this being a (KZbin) van community. I've only just found your channel and Mevi too. That guy is a trooper. As the yanks would say "you just gotta be rooting for him !" I'm dead sure I can learn from both of you. Thanks again. John

[@kennethjohnson7973]

Great job on explaining us and over seas power and how to hook up power the bad part is wire Is in gauge not mm so that's the part he should explain too other wise great and I did learn a lot

[@jamesskerl186]

Great job John, very clear and easy to follow. The electrical side of my tear drop camper build was my biggest hurdle and thanks to you I feel more comfortable doing it. Thanks from James in the land down under.

[@El33G33kGoat]

Beautifully electric laid bare good sir. I was dreading doing mine in my new van build but this is about as motivational as it gets. very simple, precise and most of all honest. Awesome.

[@paulcusackmarine]

Hi John, Loved the video .. I wish I went to you're school, you are a very smart man ..👍👍.. I'm watching and learning .. I just wanted to say, thank you .👍👍☘️ from an old man who is trying to tackle the wiring headache .🤭👍🤔🤔 I went to a campervan place today and asked for help in picking all the bits etc.the owner said ...Next ..!!!!!🤭🤭🙄🙄 I rest my case ....and we carry on ..thanks again .. Paul

[@grizzlygoes6004]

I'm already done with all my wiring in my van. But i have to say you really thought your video through and it is really good ! :) In my opinion it is important to mention that the Voltage sensitive relay(VSR) has a standby consumption. So if you're planning to stay at a place for a longer time without any other power sources loading the leisure battery than the actual car better unplug it. Otherwise it will drain the battery slowly over time.

[@johnmandy]

The vsr sold in the uk have no drain. The relay opens once the incoming voltage drops and therefore nothing can leak back.

[@mindchangesrelaxationthera9547]

Brilliant John, I've gone though loads of videos on KZbin and yours is by far the best. Well done and thanks very much

[@barrysmith3760]

Looking to kit out a van for racing karts so this was really really useful - thank you

[@christopher4636]

Nice setup you have there, however I feel I must be a pedantic sod and correct you on one point. On your USB charge socket the combined output is 3.1A but that's at the 5V output, so even when taking into account something like a 85% efficiency on the internal step down circuit, at the 12v input it's only pulling a maximum of around 1.5A. so perhaps a 2A or 3A blade fuse would be more appropriate and still allow for use when your leisure batteries have a low voltage. Smaller rated blade fuses do exist. Keep up the good work, I'm enjoying these videos.

[@robertbringberger785]

Seen a lot of vids now doing research for my van and this was by far the best one on electrics. Big thanks.

[@joemirenna6714]

Thanks, just what I was looking for. I'm building a pull-behind camper trailer, and most of this applies. Only difference is that I want to install a converter/charger that will take shore power (120v) to charge the battery (12v).

[@88DanBob]

This video is great, thanks for making it so easy, I’ve been so nervous of doing this part of my camper build because I’m so bad with electric ratings, always struggled with maths, this video didn’t overwhelm me at all. Thanks

[@Mtlmshr]

I have to say I’ve been looking for a video like this for quite a while. You have answered so many questions that others just gloss over. I thank you so much for helping a electrical neophyte such as myself by going into the minusha of how to wire things up.

[@ianlincoln9570]

The way you explain stuff makes things so clear so thank you . Im just at the buying van stage and then plan to try and have a go myself thanks to people like yourself that give confidence to take on a camper project . Kind regards . Ian

[@maximebarthelme5834]

Thank you for all these very useful and clear information !!

[@DuncanAtkinson]

Excellent video, very sensible and simple to understand descriptions. Great diagram too 😁 cheers dude

[@1justgo]

Great explanation, very useful. Thanks.

[@postiesteve]

Very clear video. You've really helped me massively Thanks

[@joshuahorine4361]

You, my bald Buddha. Are a Godsent. Thank you

[@dannorris4945]

Brilliant video John, I understand how to fit electrics, but it's also nice to see different tips etc. 👍

[@johnwren3976]

Very well done! One of the better explanations available. Thank you

[@Dogboxa]

Thanks John for such a well explained guide on van electrics. This is by far the best video I have come across and has helped enormously as I am just about to attempt wiring the electrical system in my van. I have been reading lots and slowly getting my head around it all, but after watching your video I now have the confidence to start wiring it all together. Much appreciated and now subscribed!

[@barrygiles8116]

WHAT A GREAT VIDEO HOW TO DO THINGS THE RIGHT WAY.Thanks John

[@martwne123]

Gotta say brilliant video I know nothing about van electrics, an now I kinda get it, u should be a teacher 👍👍👍

[@netherlabs9646]

Mate, you're an absolute legend! Thank you so much!

[@timbrennan8223]

Great explanation John. I already new a bit about vehicke electrics and with this video I'm confident about doing it myself. Thanks.

[@paulinetalbot4657]

Great tutorial john and fantastic to watch without the very annoying music most put on some great videos and spoil them just found your channel from another great video maker greg virgoe i wish more would ditch the music its very annoying as one gets older i dont watch them if they play music over themselves talking

[@gregbarbour8013]

Thanks for this video. I am new to 12v and this makes it all look so straight forward

[@iangourlay7896]

Clearest video I've seen on camper electrics. Thank you

[@barry-cq4xg]

great video and a good stab at explaining a complex subject.

[@rhettuk]

That was easily the best guide ive ever seen, top marks!

[@spreadthefunk]

Hi John, thanks for taking the time to post this. A fantastic guide. Nice and clear, pictures n’all. Perfect!

[@lesliefranklin1870]

Note that the older VW vans had positive ground. I had one in the 1970s and learned quickly when a pair of cheap jumper cables vaporized in front of me.

[@leesmith5420]

You made this task seem a lot less daunting, thank you.

[@philwilliams23]

Thanks John for your excellent video and explanation of the electrics. Its given me a huge confidence boost and understanding of what's involved to do my electrics. Big thumbs up! 👍

[@stephenmorgan5100]

As for laptop and your camera batteries really worth buying a 12 volt charging cable, I use one with my cameras and MacBook also have a 12 volt tv.. They are great and take a lot less juice than me charging them using my inverter. They are available for most things and a must. Only use my inverter for microwave and kettle. Realise this is for your build but worth mentioning the earthing is different if you use solar, the earth must be from battery not vehicle. Brilliant channel glad i found it :-)

[@johnmandy]

Thanks Stephen. In my new van I have solar wired straight to batteries and then everything is powered from them. My laptop at the time was a beast and my drone batteries never charged fully off the 12v, so the inverter was a must. Now, in my new van, I use 12v for nearly everything. The inverter has been used about 5 times in almost 9 months, but it's there for when I need it. A lot of people wire solar up to be used directly, I can't see the point, I wired my solar up to charge the batteries and my 12v wiring then supplies power day & night, with the solar charging them during the day.

[@marklloyd9375]

Gadget John great vid.. I have just started about a camper conversion and I have only installed a 12 v heater and a tv .. I have connected them to leisure batteries and plugged them in to 12v cigar type sockets that have fuses... question is are they safe and should I install a fuse box ?

[@johnmandy]

mark lloyd The 12v fan heaters are not safe in my opinion, if the wire gets hot while you run it then it’s unsafe. The tv should be perfectly fine though.

[@marklloyd9375]

The you John, the heater is a diesel night heater so assuming that will be fine too

[@natalievoyles2073]

So helpful. Thank you!!!

[@smarshall110988]

This is brilliant, the best video I've watched for electrics. Thankyou

[@leswatson9111]

Many thank's John

[@leighdeakin4285]

Good video very well Explained. But I would like to point out a little problem in your wiring I have found over the years of being a vehicle technician 90% of the problems in wiring is them red scotch locks I would advise you to solder and heat shrink all of them . Liked video looking forward to more

[@johnmandy]

The scotch blocks are used to check wiring is all in place and things are working and then connections are soldered after 👍🏻

[@dadsondecorators6786]

Just what I was looking for. Very informative and in simple terms. It now all makes sense. Thank you.

[@victorbooth2453]

Thankyou, you’ve taken all the fear out of it for me , very concise.

[@efjefe]

Leisure battery? Oh in the US the van dwellers call it house batterymm. Good video.