HOW TO Build a Battery box for camping leisure batteries on the Go

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

My new treasure hunting channel @TheCockneyTreasureHunter Everything I use in my camper van is available in my Amazon Store www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvanworld - remember, this is an affiliate link, so every purchase helps keep these awesome videos coming at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

[@jansweeney1333]

I ll be having a look @ your new channel ‘ TheCockneyTreasureHunter’ ; happy new year when it comes to.🫶🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Jan

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

@@jansweeney1333 thank you Jan have a great one 🫶👍

[@jansweeney1333]

@@BigVanSmallWorld happy Hogmanay 🎆 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Newnomads]

Because I like it... is the best reason to do anything!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I couldn't agree more! After all, the best projects are built with love... and maybe a bit of coffee! ☕️

[@martinbowra9152]

Grey would be a good idea inside,especially if you plan on making videos in the van later on. Your white balance and colour will be very accurate

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Good call on the grey! I want my van to look sick on camera, so I’ll definitely think about it!

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

great work

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you! I appreciate your support!

[@petertitterton6836]

Good job Mel, a couple of comments. Taping over the blade fixing hole on your Makita track saw will improve the dust extraction. Also try velcro or magnets to secure your battery box/heater covers, no need to screw it down.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely look into improving the dust extraction and securing the covers. Appreciate your insights!

[@The-Good-Life-Off-Grid]

Happy new year 🎉 I use those floor mats in my van Thay are fantastic when you jump out of bed, and not on To cold floor 🤠👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Happy new year! That’s a great idea I point my Diesel heater out let towards the floor on cold morning who needs under flooring heating a 🤣😂🫶👍

[@anthonysanders8847]

Brilliant job Mel and you done a great job on the work unit happy new year 👍👍👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Happy new year!

[@mk1photography62]

Nice work Mel great storage

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 🤗

[@neiljemmerson8826]

Nice looking garage mel, black n oranges is a good shout, probably get people saying dont do it but its your van do it youre way.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Haha, true! If they don’t like it, they can always build their own van! 😄

[@DJRogEurotour]

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you both XX

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you so much! Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year as well!

[@goldpanvanman]

Ty for these videos 😊

[@Antonymorris1.6]

Looks good mell grey just paint edge battery box grey .Happy New year 🎉to u n becky x

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks for the suggestion! A little touch-up with the grey paint sounds like a great idea. Happy New Year to you too!

[@tonydean1262]

Mel if you are ever near Spalding Lincolnshire not far from where you got the vivaro metal detecting give me a shout Regards Tony Love most of the build so far Happy new year 🎉

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks for the invite, Tony! I’ll definitely keep that in mind if I'm in the area. Happy New Year to you too!

[@Shan-outnabout]

That looks well good, happy new year 🎉

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Happy new year 🥳

[@Myk9-training]

Great video. i think the grey and orange would look good, and i have not seen that in a camper yet, so be different, and it's a nice colours ❤

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks for the suggestion! Grey and orange would definitely add a unique touch to the camper. I love the idea of standing out!

[@christopherpurdue24]

Best Wishes and a very Happy New Year Mel Becky Monster 👍🏻⭐️

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you so much! Wishing you a fantastic New Year as well!

[@yeti5631]

Thankyou for the explanation about the power pack/battery combo makes me feel happier!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I'm glad the explanation helped! It's always great to hear that our content is making a positive impact.

[@zenzen9131]

Happy New Year Mel :) Keep these awesome vids coming matey :)

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Happy New Year! Thanks for the support! I’ll definitely keep the videos coming-stay tuned for more camper van content

[@After909]

Orange and grey 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Right? Love that combo! Orange and grey are a vibe for sure!

[@philcorp1213]

It's good to see u in a better mood. Comparing with last one. Well done Mel

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😁

[@roddysallie8098]

What is the name of the wood board that you are using? Thanks

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/326209073899?itmmeta=01JG9THJ8XNSJ8F833NWZZ3YXM&hash=item4bf39372eb%3Ag%3AkcAAAOSwictmn-Ej&amdata=enc%3AAQAJAAAAoHoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKkHtNV96vyYOhyE0HoeDHK3vrMicUQV4HMxX1VJM24gFqzgjk4KR3l8hHOMrpppHZr9q%2BiZjZKgoLxEvSDFB%2FWGVpmlqzImliLul2321MAQXRNzZC6pu1KLhiu%2FYPUeTUBaL1T9eiU7%2BqWaE8qOdN0SaWZhe8dS6P1kVhcaAbc8VK2Vf1IVAPdPLp5amNDSkoY%3D&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&siteid=3&campid=5338454651&toolid=20008&mkevt=1

[@kevinthebespectacledpilgrim]

You do exactly what you want Mel, it’s a joy to watch you problem solve. I can’t seem to find the link to your detectoring channel. I’ll definitely subscribe. Happy new year.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

thank you here you go My new treasure hunting channel @TheCockneyTreasureHunter

[@simonrichardson5203]

I like the clips idea at least you could get access quickly should you get any electrical burning smells etc

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Absolutely! Having quick access to the battery box can really help in case of any issues. Safety first!

[@WhipperdeetsAdventures]

Looks great 😊 hope you both had a lovely Christmas and and great new year 💙

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you so much! Wishing you a fantastic New Year as well!

[@markmcsharr8777]

Am watching the A team in the background and the music came on as he started building 😂

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

@@markmcsharr8777 oh if one I could use that music 😂🫶👍

[@paulhaffenden8911]

I believe Homebase are closing down so grab it all whilst you can.

[@petehall9827]

Top work Mel,garage looks bang on in grey and definitely a few subtle bits of orange would finish it a treat 👌

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks for the feedback! I’m really happy with how the garage turned out, and I totally agree that some subtle orange accents would add a nice touch!

[@AurynGaming]

Link your other channel in the description, makes it easier for people who don't have overlays on :P

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

HI it should be there My new treasure hunting channel @TheCockneyTreasureHunter

[@jansweeney1333]

Good shout I m trying to find the new channel but no luck yet 🤷🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@DA11NOON]

Great vlog 👍 happy new year 🎉

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you so much! Wishing you a fantastic New Year as well!

[@dalerussell9075]

thanks again gezza...love your vids.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I really appreciate your support! It means a lot to me that you enjoy the content!

[@Baloovanz]

You could put a huge shelf above you’re pull out drawer increasing the useable space 😎

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That's a fantastic idea! Maximizing space is essential in a camper van conversion, and a shelf would definitely help with that!

[@philcorp1213]

B4 u reinstall bed. Might it be better to have it so you can lift it up at 45 degree to gain height for when u r in there?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s a great idea 🫶👍

[@MACK13]

Your van, your home, your rules. Everyone is different with their own ideas and needs. All the Best to you three - and Happy 2026🎉😊😀

[@jansweeney1333]

Don’t you mean 2025 🤔🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@MACK13]

@jansweeney1333 I've always been ahead of myself 🤦🏻🤦🏻🤦🏻😀

[@jansweeney1333]

@@MACK13 🤣🤣

[@andymiles6443]

loving the build Mel, I have noticed one thing so if you don't mind me saying, your bed battens will bend over time with weight on them. if you place them long side down they will be stronger !!!!! the way you laid them there are weak under weight .... have a happy new year Mel...

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely consider your advice about the bed battens. Happy New Year to you too!

[@andymiles6443]

@@BigVanSmallWorld your welcome and laying them the new way will only raise your bed maybe not even 1/2 inch but be a lot stronger, "av a nappy new year"

[@petemoring67]

Hey Mel! .... I didn't see Your Smiley Face at 'The Barn Xmas Party' ... Were You not invited?? 🤔😂🤣😂

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I wouldn’t want to be associated with those degenerates I’ve got higher standards

[@kroozer5215]

Hey Mel where did you get the boards from that your using ?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

e bay

[@kroozer5215]

@@BigVanSmallWorld what's it called mel

[@karlcronin6589]

I have to chuckle The Times people question why you do things in your Van. The way you want to do it. And you hit the nail on your head, joe van.And it's her you want to do things. To have so much space on the slide out and give you the excisce to which today I will be fighting underneath a bed altering wiring on my brother's van. Wish me luck crimp in ninety five milk cable in a rabbit hutch.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Good luck 🤞

[@karlcronin6589]

@BigVanSmallWorld the 95mm2 done just the 50mm2 to do.And I don't need an ambulance after falling off the side of avan.......

[@techbloke5970]

What keeps the saw guide from moving when you are cutting

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

the track has none slip strips on the underside

[@mikedelta1679]

. No me old China. No to more than 2 batteries in parallel. 👎 No to not fitting a second alternator. 👎 A second alternator whose output voltage is matched to the charge voltage of an AGM. Yes to using large 2v single cell storage batteries. 👍 Yes to using a 2nd alternator. 👍 Do it right, do it once. 👍 .

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I’ll do it my way 😂🤣🫶👍

[@philcorp1213]

Hinge battery cover. Easy access

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Sure is

[@andrewpatterson5349]

Hey Mel......do those batteries vent gas when they are charging? Just worried if they do then your heater is going to pump it into your living space! Please check it and stay safe mate😎

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Great question! Yes, some batteries can vent gas during charging, but I make sure to use proper ventilation and safety measures in my setup. Safety first!

[@DJingDad]

Surely if you put stuff behind the drawers it wont go back in? Looking forward to it being finished mind...great job

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That's a great point! I’ll make sure to plan the space wisely so everything fits perfectly. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@chris-e8v3z]

will it be possible to screw a board on top of long hinges and then place containers on top rather than in a box.? i see you can buy the long hinges online..is it the same as a draw runner but instead of being on its side the hinge will just sit on a flat floor..if this makes sense..happy new year.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks for your question! I appreciate your input and creativity. Happy New Year to you too! I hope this year brings you lots of exciting projects!

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

Hi Mel, great to see you being able to reuse those AGM’s as besides saving money it also has some green credentials too. To be honest they have done very well to survive so long and still be useable. I had exact same brand 130AH AGM from a company near Manchester, the battery died within the 3 year warranty period but the supplying company didn’t want to know as they said it had lasted it’s expected life span. I don’t live in my van and I have all the correct B2B and Victron Solar Controller so never got discharged incorrectly. So keep an eye on them and their capacity. Needless to say I bought myself a decent Lithium which is half the weight and twice the capacity, fitted it a year ago and no more discharge concerns. Got myself a Bluetti a couple of months ago to give me off grid flexibility for mains, think mine is the perfect mix of power now. Your van is looking great and better with each project.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I really appreciate your insight into battery longevity! It’s great to learn from others' experiences. I’m glad you’re enjoying your setup and finding the right mix of power!

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

@ I have to say Mel, your channel is one of the channels that I watched that gave me the confidence and inspiration to build my own van. The Chinese diesel heater was a game changer and I think it was you that mentioned the display going dim so that gave me a heads up to fit a power switch but place the switch out of the way so that it doesn’t get turned off accidentally. I added a GSM Relay to mine so that I can turn the heater on and off by text message so when I have been out anywhere I get back to a nice warm van. ATB for 2025 👍

[@andrewmillerphotography]

Why install an inverter when you have the 230v power bank ?!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Good point! But I like having the inverter just in case I wanna plug in something that needs a bit more juice!

[@Ko-gl2dd]

Nice content. Pull out draws are a good use of space. And make more accessible space. Good luck with rest of the build.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks for the feedback! Pull-out drawers really do maximize space efficiency. Stay tuned for more updates on the build!

[@terezasnyder]

As an artist, I have appreciated the warm relationship between the exterior color of the van and the remnant yellow on the doors and other places. I think carrying a warm palette throughout the van would be a great idea. The turtledove grey is warmer than the grey of the drawer and boxes and makes a good transition between them and the yellow and exterior color. A few 'pops' of orange would fit right in.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks for sharing this that’s very kind of you 🫶👍

[@barbelist]

Pipe your heater intake into the living area.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That's a solid suggestion! I'll definitely consider routing the heater intake into the living area for better warmth.

[@kenking-x7q]

Happy new year Mel🎉

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you so much! Wishing you a fantastic New Year as well!

[@michaelbratton3319]

Homebase has gone into administration and closing all stores around the country?another sad statistic?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

It’s definitely a tough time for Homebase and their employees. Let's hope they can bounce back in some way!

[@The-Good-Life-Off-Grid]

No some are still open

[@mikedelta1679]

. Not My Problem Me Old China. .

[@andrewjackson3761]

im sorry mel , i mean i love all you do and understand if you can you can and its up to you , but for once i disagree as i see know benefit in experienting with out of date redundant technology that can let you down just as temp or letting them get low its just annother problem you may have and if they let you down they could ruine a trip or damage van . also your building to fit compartment that when you need to replace the overweight agm batteries it will need a redesign but i trully hope it never go's wrong and its a great sucess

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I appreciate your perspective! It's always good to weigh the pros and cons before diving into any project. Your concerns about the technology are valid, and I’ll certainly keep them in mind as I continue with the build.

[@andrewjackson3761]

@BigVanSmallWorld thank you so m uch mel for your responce , most would of taken it wrong but i trully love your channel and your videos and i understad not wanting to waist batteries that are ok and not long ago number one choice wish you all the best and loving progress on van and think brilliant idea to seperate 12v from 240v

[@franklealand1181]

Shame your white grills aren't orange,so yes grey with orange accents under the bed or possibly the whole interior of the van would I think be great

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I appreciate your input! Orange accents could definitely add a unique touch to the van's interior. It's all about finding the right balance, right?

[@humandread]

why do you need so much stuff? You like building or travel. Iff it is the last you can do things much more easy and you would be traveling 4 years now....

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to building and traveling. I love combining both to create a comfortable and functional space for my adventures!

[@humandread]

​@@BigVanSmallWorld That sounds good, be careful not to get caught up in the construction process and miss your travel adventures! All the best from campervan driving Netherlands! We drive a MB 608 Firetruck as Camper

[@a64738]

I have 4 batteries LifePo4 100A 100Ah and they are 54kg total. If I was to have same capasity using AGM I calculated it would be 250kg... So AGM was not a option for me as I am already at the weight limit even without full interior ;(

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yeah that’s why I took them out the Sprinter way to heavy but the vario is a 7.5 ton so not much of an issue 🫶👍

[@kens-creations]

Hi Mel Where do you buy the coated panel from? Thanks

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

ebay