How to Wire A Van Conversion | Beginners Guide to Running Electrical Wiring for a Van

[@Freebird70]

Wow! You explained the process slowly and clearly. I’ve done renovations in my homes, but never dealt with the electrical wiring. Im 70 years old and you made it so simple to understand, step by step that now, I’m not afraid to tackle this. I already have some wires!

[@Vankookz]

If you thought this was helpful the masterclass is a real gem! www.vankookz.com

[@g-forcefundamentals2912]

I have spent the past 2 weeks watching as many YT videos on van life as I could, and this channel seems to be the best for building. I was starting to think I could never do my own van conversion at age 60 because of the electrical but now I'm thinking different. I am subscribed and will be doing a deep dive into the channel this weekend. Thank you for all do.

[@Vankookz]

Absolutely thanks for the feedback! We also just released a comprehensive van conversion masterclass that goes into much more details and take you through step by step each phase. With monthly support Q&A calls as well.

[@AaronCookTC]

One of the best van wiring videos I have seen. Explains clearly +

[@Brittnaysbeastin]

this is so helpful! i’m a complete newbie with electrical and it’s been hard to find a walk through video that shows step by step. this video answered everything i needed to know!

[@Vankookz]

Awesome glad we could help we just put out an entire series start to finish van project.

[@MicaelaSkyy]

This video just took a lot of my anxiety away. I'm so scared of dealing with electrical but I don' have the budget to hire someone to build out my van so I'm planning to do as much of the labor myself as possible. thanks for sharing

[@Vankookz]

You got this

[@noelletblack]

This was so freaking helpful. Made me actually feel like I can do this part of the van build instead of finding someone to help out. My only real question is: if you can *under*estimate the gauge, but you can't *over*estimate the gauge, why wouldn't you use one large gauge for everything? Is it a cost thing? Might be a silly question, idk.

[@Vankookz]

Cost.... 12 gauge will be more expensive per foot.

[@noelletblack]

@@Vankookz makes sense. Thanks for the clarity (and the great vid)

[@bonjourdarlings_]

Amazing video for someone that has no clue about electricity!!!!! WONDERFUL VIDEO for someone who doesn’t know what they are doing 😅

[@Vankookz]

You got this! We also have a great 12 Volt Masterclass on our website. www.vankookz.com

[@AH-yv7kj]

Thank you so much. We can do anything with the right teacher. You're the best.

[@Vankookz]

Thanks! We have an entire van build masterclass about to drop. You can sign up at vankookz.com

[@dreday7100]

bro! this is the best damn wiring video ive seen and ive been watching dozens and dozens on end. appreciate the in depth breakdown and whys and why nots. killin it man!

[@Vankookz]

Thanks appreciate that! 🙏 there a lot more DIY videos on the channel and website www.vankookz.com

[@EraOneSamael]

This video was incredibly helpful! Thank you for being so thorough in describing everything!

[@Escapepod2024]

Thanks for the wire Guage details. Most videos don't mention guage. I am wiring to my lights etc right now. Cheers.

[@Vankookz]

Yeah glad we could help

[@kellyhynes9325]

You’re a bloody Legend! Thank goodness someone has Finally made it simple and clear for me where electrics has always eluded my tiny brain 😂🎉👍

[@Vankookz]

Awesome stoked you like it.

[@hygiverse]

Is that van for chasing tornadoes because you sound like that guy in the movie twister

[@anniemorts2927]

Thank you so much for this video. I was so afraid of doing the wiring, You did a great joy explaining it.

[@Vankookz]

Thanks! I just put out a pretty extensive DIY Van Conversion Electrical EBook with tons of diagrams and other info. www.vankookz.com/shop

[@GenuineVanLife]

Wow that reflectix sure looks perfect the way you did it. Will keep this in mind for my next build (if ever).

[@Vankookz]

Yeah once we started doing it that way we never looked back…

[@spencer6145]

wow you guys are a wonderful find! Tanks for the Van info.

[@SaltySouthernOutdoors]

Thank you for this video.

[@Vankookz]

😊

[@SLloyd-qb8kt]

Thank you! This is awesome!!!

[@mickeyb8485]

Would it be ok to just use 16 awg for all my lights, USB outlets and cigarette lighter outlets?

[@mikaleya]

I was planning to create my own van renovated but i needing to finding a job,then took lessen of van..then need to buy or finding a van..and then learning how to remove thus stuff..yeah,alots of thing will have a hard times for me..

[@Nick-ke7yg]

Great video! Why wire the 2 fans separately instead of together into one on the panel? Just curious as ive seen it done that way. Thanks!

[@Vankookz]

You can do it either way

[@tonyroddy]

Guys out here making it looking easy 💯 👏 electricians y todo Mira 👀! HGTV needs to pick you up for a pilot for real. Congrats 🍾

[@Vankookz]

Bro we do it all. Vanlife experts. Congrats to you too! You have come so far dude! Keep doing what you do and love ❤. PS I talked to Josh and he confirmed the Commanche connection way back when. So we officially go waaaaay back!

[@josephjuno9555]

I have done totally wireless van build! Jackery 2000 watt solar generator (have not added solar panels yet?) I use usb rechargeable lights a magnets, can move around attach to any metal surface. No wiring. The jackery has 3 AC, 4 USB and a 12v plug. 2000 watt built in inverters 3000 watt Surge can power almost Any house product including 700 watt microwave. ICECO 45qt on 12v from Jackery. It can be recharges while driving or from AC. Will add solar eventually? Keeping my van build simple and functional.

[@Vankookz]

Nice that’s awesome!

[@AlamoMetro]

So for ease of use could you just use 12awg marine grade for everything. My Ac is separate connection by itself. Other items are: wall lights (include 110v outlets and USB), refrigerator (DC and shore power), microwave incidentals overhead lights, water heater and water pump. Aldi a few convenience outlets (inside and outside). Do the AC Lights need three wire for ground? Using Craft Auto wiring box.

[@Vankookz]

12 Gauge will be fine. Stick to 12v for your lights.

[@robadair]

Nice job, Kevin

[@Vankookz]

Thanks dude.I'm trying to start with the basics and not go in too deep here with these videos.

[@soflocitizen9736]

Can this also apply to converting a box truck? Great vid thank you!!

[@Vankookz]

Yes, absolutely

[@donnaknox2206]

Do you have a video on your panel box and how to plug into 30 amp shore power?

[@Vankookz]

AC Power Outlets in a Van | How to Wire an Inverter to a Breaker Box kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2jYlGOfjtWoeZI

[@morphergaming0531]

Is there a reason other than cost (smaller gauge is cheaper) that you install different wire gauges depending on the load? Most important any safety issues with using 12 gauge throughout?

[@Vankookz]

No 12 throughout is fine. It’s just cost. Most of these 12 bold loads don’t need much like lights, fridge, and chargers. If you are wiring AC loads you will want to use 12 gauge marine wire.

[@julioquiros1981]

I guess u Can wire all with the tick wire only. Just like a house. You can run all in 2-12 20 am wires. Does run power faster ?

[@Vankookz]

It’s cheaper 12 is a bit over kill for all these low draw 12 volt accessories.

[@RoyboyBean]

Are you going to do 120v lighting and appliances too?

[@Vankookz]

It’s all 12v we do run some wires for 120v for some outlets.

[@antjanlosen]

Do you really need to run black to negative on the battery? Can't you just connect it to a closer grounding point in the body?

[@Vankookz]

Yes you can. That is a bit more advanced way to wire as this is just a beginners guide.

[@Roniaurea]

What happens if you wire a fan with 18awg ? I don’t have a “maxx” fan, and I couldn’t find any info about wire size in manual, but someone in the reviews said it’s 18awg so I connected it to 18awg extension..

[@Vankookz]

Depends on how much amperage your fan puts out. There are wiring size charts online. Also we go over this a good deal in both the van conversion masterclass and the 12 volt DIY masterclass on www.vankookz.com

[@Liimpy]

Most fans are 16 Guage wiring

[@bromadiclifeadventures1470]

Good info! Thanks for sharing!

[@Vankookz]

Yeah we have tons more in our masterclass at www.vankookz.com

[@bromadiclifeadventures1470]

@@Vankookz I ain’t gonna lie, I have been considering a van build, but all that stuff seems a little intimidating since I am inexperienced. But, after checking out your clearly explained videos, I am thinking about going for it.

[@alexbruni2410]

Nice!

[@zura73]

What if i use 12 or even 10 gauge wire for everything? Instead of 3 different gauge wires use same gauge for everything? Thank you

[@Vankookz]

That will work.

[@ragnaroksangel]

I'm going to staple mine parallel instead of using zipties. That way you know for a fact the top wire is X, next wire is X, etc.

[@Vankookz]

Yeah that’s a viable option just be Careful the staple doesn’t penetrate the wire insulation, maybe protect the wire with a lil extra somthin’ somthin’

[@mariesch1]

Heya What do you do with the existing van wiring in the panel if you want to put insulation through yet access the cables later if there's any issues?

[@Vankookz]

You can use a PVC conduit and have access to all the wires that way otherwise. It's kinda like a house you would just have to cut out the walls and troubleshoot.

[@saidt.8200]

Well done!

[@Vankookz]

Thanks! 😊

[@carljung-kv5dx]

great video , subbed

[@Vankookz]

Awesome welcome to the Vankookz channel!

[@prestonthibo9744]

How come you went with copper clad aluminum wires?

[@Vankookz]

I pulled it out of an old RV so I reused it. Wire is so expensive right now.

[@chartmann43]

So confused! Are you running 6 different wires for the lights?

[@Vankookz]

They are daisy chained. I have a nice and easy 12 volt e book at www.vankookz.com

[@davidmangan1944]

Do u like that word module

[@Vankookz]

Do you like it?

[@ernestojordan2688]

Thank you .. this's helpfull

[@Vankookz]

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback. We are going to have a lot of DIY videos coming out here in the next few weeks.

[@chipmeister111]

Thank you, good info

[@Vankookz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Lilasun]

Thank you!

[@Vankookz]

Happy to help

[@markEddie-tu5ff]

Can use wago’s makes you’re life so much easier than crimping

[@markEddie-tu5ff]

Also there is safe zones for wiring so you don’t hit the cables

[@Vankookz]

wago's look pretty legit! Thanks!

[@cdenisewilkerson]

Stupid question: why not use battery operated “tap lights”?

[@Vankookz]

You can it's just not very sustainable in the long run.

[@rachelosgood-dk9ws]

Hey guys. I really enjoy your step by step instructions. If I can quibble at all…😅 please stop raising the pitch in your voice on the very last word in your sentences. I know it’s picky but it drives me nuts. Thanks again for the information.

[@Vankookz]

Haha! Sorry it’s just hope I talk only on film!

[@Flaggyt]

Why in van conversion there suddenly is no need anymore for proper pvc pipe to run the wires through? It's all janky as hell with all the loose wires behind the wall. One of the reasons I'll never buy a diy converted camper van. They are all held together bij best intentions.

[@Vankookz]

I put them all in plastic conduit later in on the video. You can run any type of conduit you want anywhere.

[@MrZeazy]

Lmao @19:35

[@Vankookz]

I didn't catch it....

[@MrZeazy]

​@@Vankookz Chaining two blacks together