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

[@jreasterby]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@jimdelaney4289]

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

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 😁👍🏻

[@clivegilbert7165]

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

[@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

[@damianutano8542]

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

[@duncancameron9734]

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

[@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.

[@ryanpell3866]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@rampantapple]

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

[@richfurlong4137]

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

[@CalebImmel]

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

[@johnmandy]

Enjoy the build 👍🏼

[@crazy1901]

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

[@allanmckeown9554]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@mrdaveeastham123]

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

[@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.

[@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 👍🏼

[@ktda9266]

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

[@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.

[@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 👍🏻

[@Dinomotouk]

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

[@sheilajoseph9953]

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

[@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

[@darrenhumphrey8946]

Thanks for this that’s put my mind at ease, I have a sergeant ec160 and needed to get my head round what was being done. Thanks again

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@STTC]

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

[@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 👍

[@suffolkbuh2035]

Superb Video John, wish me luck!

[@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...

[@spreadthefunk]

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

[@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

[@gregbarbour8013]

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

[@ARTHUR140194]

This video was so incredibly clear! Thank you very much, you should become a teacher or something like that! Cheers

[@maximebarthelme5834]

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

[@Noz_174]

Best wiring guide on YT! Many thanks!! 🙏🏼👍🏼

[@optomisticostomistsmith501]

Hi John just found your channel this is Mega many thanks it was easy and right at my level

[@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 🙏

[@barry-cq4xg]

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

[@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.

[@cosycamperconversions]

Great video John, love your simple explanation. I am a lot wiser for it. Cheers

[@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!

[@PatrickLeyGreaves]

Superb information, I have a much better understanding now. Subscribed.

[@christopherk9560]

one of the best videos on this subject out there. well done john and thank you.

[@victorbooth2453]

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

[@alisaleh6100]

Really enjoyed your video very informative and lots of options, For such a short video you've impressed me. Well done..

[@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.

[@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

[@robster1147]

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

[@DuncanAtkinson]

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

[@barrysmith3760]

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

[@DutchAussieProductions]

I just discovered your channel. Thanks for the video. I will have a look at the others. Have a great day.

[@postiesteve]

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

[@fattyfishdrones]

Great video, very well explained and will be a big help for my up and coming task. Thanks

[@edphoto]

Thanks for taking the time to do this video 👍 really helpful and clear!

[@johnmandy]

Thanks Edward 👍🏼

[@1justgo]

Great explanation, very useful. Thanks.

[@derrickmardon8210]

Brilliant video, helped me so much, looking forward to the Rest of them

[@alliejr]

Your point about using inverter to charge phone/tablet (13:30) is spot on. But I have to ask, your laptop runs a >110W charger? Even a big old MacBook Pro 17 from 10 years ago only ran a 80W charger. Every modern laptop charges off USB-C (I can charge my MacBook off a 10000 mAh portabe battery). Likewise I am sure you can find a DC battery charger solution for your drones.

[@johnmandy]

There’s another video about batteries & inverters in more detail. Your right about 12v chargers 👍🏼

[@darrenjones3681]

Hi John I also have a Vw t5.1 (yours is I T6) now I have had problems with my leisure battery, I am keen to know which Split VSR relay you used, my van and I’m sure yours also has, stop start system which may also have regenerative energy recuperation on overrun (coast) or braking, now I have been told unless a battery to battery charger has been fitted they can chuck out too much power from the smart alternator and causing early death for your batteries

[@johnmandy]

The video description has a link to another video where you can see all the parts used. Ours worked fine with a vsr split charger 👍🏼

[@MACK13]

Thanking you both for planting the idea in our minds. Deffo on the project list. Thankyou so much for taking the time to film and share. Regards Maggie and MACK, Huddersfield

[@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

[@steviehunt]

Great video...Does it matter which side of the 12v isolater switch terminals go to the fuse box

[@johnmandy]

Yes, you always isolate the positive cables.

[@johnwren3976]

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

[@JohnWick-tc1xy]

John you are a skillful person do you know it?

[@embemor5872]

Great video! Thanks. You made it look easy to do. I am rewiring a 13ft Boler RV trailer from the ground up. You explained it so clearly! Terrific!!

[@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.

[@jonfenwick6200]

Perfect tutorial mate. Really helped.

[@999mrkhaled]

The simplest explanation in KZbin thanks a lot

[@jamesgraham306]

Good video. Thank you. I am about to set up electrics for a basic 2-birth 1970s caravan that I have just renovated and I reckon this wiring tutorial covers a lot of what I need to install. This differences are that I shall need to have 240v external electric hook-up plus caravan external lights and 13-pin towbar stuff. Can anyone suggest another source of information for me as a UK DIYer? I intend to get an electrician to check it all before I use it but I want to do as much as possible myself so I understand it and to save money.

[@johnmandy]

The easiest 230v hookup kit is this and involves no special skills. amzn.to/34VoKAF

[@jamesgraham306]

@@johnmandy Thank you John......best wishes from Jim

[@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.

[@rhettuk]

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

[@CamperVanya]

Great informative video. Although not converting myself I wanted a thorough understanding of the electrical workings of a conversion. This did the job for me. Cheers!

[@johnmandy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@downdroneservices8910]

Aw man! Brilliant simple video, thank you

[@veedub1379]

Brilliant video. Exactly what I got fitted in my campervan conversion. Very well explained.

[@dadsondecorators6786]

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

[@philipshropshire]

Found this video very useful indeed. Helped no end. 10/10

[@johnmandy]

Glad you liked it!

[@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

[@atwilsonjr]

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

[@dannorris4945]

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

[@barrygiles8116]

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

[@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

[@sihaughey8498]

Good video. Easy to understand. Thanks Shippers

[@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.

[@williamcolquhoun4461]

Thanks for this, A very good, basic guide. Just what I needed.

[@douglasgower3266]

good video John, well worth watching

[@ljaysperspective1775]

The instructions and the precise explanation with the diagram simplified it for me. I'm hands on but also very visual. So this vid def helped. Is there anyway to print out the diagram? Thx again

[@johnmandy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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 😁