Detailed 12v Inverter & Battery Wiring Guide - Campervan, Motorhome, RV & Boat

Video Index:
0:04 Intro
1:38 Inverter Problems & Advice on using Inverter Power
3:07 Do you NEED an Inverter?
5:33 Inverter Types Explained
7:02 Calculating your needs
10:07 Battery Wiring
13:21 Inverter Installation & Testing
Here's the link to the inverter kit www.gjot.uk/Motorhome
To compliment my 12v wiring video, Solar Panel Installation and Solar Controller I have put together this video to help people understand more about 12v Inverters for their Campervan, Motorhome, RV & Boat.
For the written version of this video please go to my website www.gjot.uk/detailed-12v-inve...
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.
Are you interested in the Gear used to produce this video? Here's a link to all my tech I use to record and produce my videos...
www.gjot.uk/filmmaking-gear/
If you love reading then visit our website for more in depth information about the content of this video www.gjot.uk
Thanks you very much for watching our videos and for your support. Follow us on Instagram @GadgetJohnonTour
Some Images used are courtesy of Simon P Barlow caravanchronicles.com
#campervan #tutorial #inverter

[@andysutils]

Your videos on electrics are just so damn easily explained to understand. You explain everything in a way how to safely achieve something without feeling like you need a 10 year course in electronics to get something simple up and running.

[@lucianne7249]

That’s it, it’s official... you and Mandy are my van gurus. 😍 😄 You explain things so clearly - wonderful, thank you!

[@urbanarkoverland]

John this video is spot on. Thanks. So glad I watched it, I was about to push my car up the shops to get some milk. Life saver 👍👍👍

[@that1guycliff]

I had so many questions and you answered many of them, one after another, in this video. Thank you.

[@The_Breeze1]

Just used this guide for reference & successfully fitted my inverter. Microwave working & able to charge laptop too. Thanks John.

[@sonyaschmidt6674]

came for the accent, stayed for the very useful info. thank you for the help & for the great organization w/the timecodes!

[@Nutberg20]

I am such a noob when it comes to electrics but your video was great! Very informative and well explained! Thanks, hope your wife enjoys the coffee!

[@TBTVz6]

Thankkk you soo much, me and my girlfriend are deciding to join the van life. We are buying and starting it next month! She was scared because she wasn’t sure how to set up the battery, she didn’t even want to do it until I could explain what I learned to her. So thanks for this detailed instructions and for posting it on your blog!

[@bilindacurran9228]

At last a video that can actually tell you what to do thank you so much

[@ProjectAmber]

Cracking vid bud, covered some things I did not know and answered some questions i had whilst designing a friends system.

[@johnmandy]

Thanks bud, I'm glad I could help - feel free to get in touch if you ever need help in your new venture.👍🏻

[@garyoneill8868]

That was a GREAT analogy about the inverter re: getting the milk. Great video too.

[@katcankan7129]

Very clear explanation. I have watched many video's on inverters work. This John is one of the best that l have seen. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@johnmandy]

Thanks Kat 👍🏼

[@campervanchick8916]

I am so grateful to have found your channel. This explanation was so easy to understand. Very informative and has helped me a lot in making choices for my power needs.

[@williambuffalo4795]

Thanks for the excellent detail on this inverter, I have just ordered one from Amazon. You and Mandy stay safe!

[@imaginenation3280]

thanks for explaining in a easy way , I like how u teach . Cheers and stay safe

[@linz_in_NZ]

Great detail as usual - especially how to properly connect the batteries together. I was pondering an inverter until I saw one of your other videos about using 12V as much as possible and have just bought a 12V adapter for my laptop - must have got a good one as its the same one you showed 👍👍😎

[@captainheinie6355]

Practical demo was fantastic, the information was very good.. Thank you.

[@davidhudson374]

Great explanation now all I need is to learn about watts, amps and voltage. Thank goodness we are retiring soon. Should have enough time to absorb all of this.

[@thomascanedi3690]

Well done John, great video! Very meticulous! Thanks a lot for all this!

[@maz8869]

Absolutely brilliant explanation! Thank you.... now, do you fancy fitting one for me please?? Lol!

[@stuartw969]

Great, clear and comprehensive video. Thanks.

[@gilly4133]

Brilliant. I'm a mechanical engineer but never really understand the sparky hurty stuff, Very well explained thank you. I am trying to set up a split charge relay and have a small inverter I probably wont need now.

[@conankilcoyne]

I'm very grateful to you for putting this together. Well explained!

[@nedanother9382]

that was one very complete and well thought out explanation. Thank you so much.

[@theworldssexiestman]

Thanks for such a great simple and clear explanation. Very useful. thanks Jerry

[@gordonmitchell729]

Excellent comprehensive instruction John. You have made it easy for me thank you.

[@LivingFree365]

I'm looking at the same inverter (except for the 110v version) My suggestion would be to take the fuse out and replace it with an in-line Circuit breaker. It's easier to reset a breaker than trying to find a new fuse in case something happens. Cheers from the USA. Awesome Video!

[@hutch465uw8]

very detail and understanding loved the going to the shop theory well done

[@onemanandhiswhippet]

Great video John that’s going to help a lot of people 👍 see you all soooooooooooooooooooooooon Best regards us 3 up north 👍❤️😀🐾🍺🍟

[@ad-van-ture]

cheers🤘your love of tech and vlogs saves me soo much time👌ATB Shane

[@kylen2288]

Clear and concise, great video fella.

[@garrypeachey]

Thank you so much for this video I was going to buy an inverter I don't need an inverter now because I am only going to use 12 volts thank you very much for this video

[@ColinTonkasdad]

Great explaination, cant say enough on joining batteries as you explained, I made schoolboy error and my batteries were pants till I spotted mistake. I use 4 x6v and make 2 x12v... nice inverter. Cheers

[@prouty2112]

Hi m8 brill video thank you so much. Thank you for explaining how the amps and voltage work

[@Memyselfandvan]

Thanks John, you have c learned a few things up for me there, nice 1.

[@imranmajid1978]

Thanks for the information - provided in a manner which I at least could follow!

[@Ballynoes]

Nice explanation John..well worth washing. Thank You

[@swisstony662]

Well done think your helping a lot of people with vids like this very informative John keep up good work all the best .....swiss

[@malw2452]

Excellent explanation. Thank you for sharing.

[@tumbleweed1976]

John thanks for the information. Appreciate your videos. Dan, San Diego California

[@Rattletrap2]

Excellent video and information John! I did not know that about connection of the two batteries, so thank you!

[@johnfanning]

Another super informative video, John. TY :)

[@ShaunMurray63]

This is great info , thanks for doing this video.

[@markstevenson6180]

Just subbed great information very informative great to hear you are selling up and going full time hi from new Zealand

[@blueskies00]

Great vid. Nice graphics and explanations. Thank you for NO OBNOXIOUS MUSIC. NICE

[@simonthepiemanmartin]

Really useful and clear explanation, thanks!

[@georgemcnaughton7839]

Thank you for the free content

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

Nice one John, bloody great video and well explained 🤙🍻😉

[@MyNameIsHoward]

Brilliant John , I learnt so much 👍

[@drewsbenmad]

Very good explanation of the installation. I especially liked the battery wiring explanation.

[@dootxdoot1943]

thank you for the timestamps!

[@coconutz247]

wow! first time watching this dude. his video is so simple and clear. a really good one!

[@nobbystyles4807]

that is absolute genius about the voltage conversion conflict. superb. never thought of it that way. thanks. am doing a van conversion and beyond gas for cooking was gonna look into getting a leisure battery / inverter set up but i may dodge the invert since all the equipment i use will really be low voltage I.T. or SELV. cheers john!

[@yeti5631]

Very helpful, thanks Gadget.

[@peem1244]

Hi John, Mandy, Coop. Super video and very instructional. You realise when Mandy finds out you're throwing coffee away that you'll be in the dog house...or is that the Coop house? Stay safe guys and keep up the good work.

[@KapperDapper]

Very informative - great video! Thank you very much.

[@mervontour4716]

Hi John, love your posts. New to motor homing and am looking into inverters. This has great reviews but as someone else has asked can you confirm that the Krieger models 1100,1500 & 2000W are actually pure sine wave because all the spec sheets etc for these models say they are modified sine wave. There are however excellent reviews out there. Would be great if you could clarify.

[@ipcastellano]

Well that answer all my questions, thank you so much John for the video and the spreading of wisdom ;)

[@johnmandy]

Thanks 👍🏻🤣

[@lukefildes6466]

Hi John good video I enjoyed it and also found it informative thanks.

[@mhc6777]

Thanks John, there's some great tips in this - I've got a sneaking suspicion you know what you are talking about! :)

[@krismalde7994]

Great video - very knowledgable fella.

[@alliejr]

Thank you!!! for this. I’m new to van life and it drives me crazy watching everyone go crazy over inverters and AC outlets. EVERYTHING (almost) in your van life is 12V: your camera batteries, cellphones, laptops, drones, refrigerator, heating system, cooling system, TV, DVD. EVERYTHING. Probably the only exception is toaster or coffee maker. That’s it. Also, the max AC power appliance you can buy is about 1500 watts. 2000 watt inverter is more than enough for your one (maybe two) occasion use AC appliances.

[@cstu444]

Hmmm my Li-ion battery charger for my Milwaukee power tools needs a 110v outlet so I can make repairs on the road. Hard to repair using a slice of toast while drinking coffee!!

[@CampervanTales]

We are looking forward to our proper coffee from Mandy's Mobile Coffee House at Camp Gadget. Great info as per, thanks John

[@johnmandy]

I'll need to rethink my solar setup if she starts making 20 coffees a day 😆

[@CampervanTales]

@@johnmandy 😉☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕

[@mikebeaumont137]

You are a diamond. Loved it.

[@Iveavan]

Nice bit of kit that inverter bud 👌👍, the cheap inverters seem to kill batteries too! Nor do they last ! ( I wouldn't class myself as a heavy user of power ). 3 inverters in 5 years in my old "works van" ( one nearly caught on fire ! ), and 3 batteries later ! X that by 200 engineers if they too had the same problem as me 🤔, Now in my "new works van" and inverter No 4 🙄! Well I haven't bothered using it, I just rely on USB ports now mate. And kept the expensive ( ironically 👋🤪👋) german built split charger ( from the old works van ) for the "Gentlemans lounge bus" 🤫😁👌👍👍👍

[@fetabrown]

Thanks for the video, didn’t have an inverter in the last van, but planning on one in the next one. Tragic about the coffee! 😉 ☕️

[@juliawood8461]

Thanks for the video- really helpful and clear for a beginner

[@shawnireland1197]

thank you for your help. video very helpful.

[@nigelfish4251]

Great video so many useful little tips thanks

[@roamer3727]

great video ……….look forward to many more...…….thankyou

[@mikecharlton3111]

Thanks a lot buddy 👍 Brilliant explanation, on how to fit an inverter, and has helped me out a lot .

[@BrothersGrim2012]

Thanks for the video, very useful info

[@GabeDonzelli]

Great explanations. I'll reading your blog.

[@aberdeenaviationphotograph9311]

Great video. Learnt a lot. Thanks. Going to see if you've done a similar one for solar hook ups.......

[@mapstheway9763]

Thanks John, 👍

[@dparris61]

Nice one John great vlog 👍👍😎

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

Well explained as usual John. Interesting about how you take the positive and negative feeds off the different batteries.

[@ChristopherOBrien000]

Great instructional, thanks.

[@steadycamuk1]

Excellent vid. Very useful for knowing whats required and how. We've just had a 300W one fitted for camera battery charging and chromebook , but will check out the 12v laptop chargers and more importantly I will check out how its all wired to make sure its the correct way round not just the usual way round. Thanks for posting

[@johnmandy]

Oh Ed, I hope you didn’t pay too much. I used usb chargers for all my cameras, including my drone, and my laptop charges off my power bank. If it wasn’t for Mandy’s love of coffee I’d still have the little inverter that never got used.

[@steadycamuk1]

@@johnmandy No not too much LOL but i've just ordered an official Acer 12v to 19v supply from Power4laptops at Burnley of all places lol. because of your video so many thanks, will be nicely set up for our month long trip to Austria/Germany in May

[@johnmandy]

Great stuff. That sounds like an epic trip 🚐👍🏼

[@maitlandnhw1122]

Hi John thanks for great video and easy simple explanation really thanks. From South Africa

[@zabir1271]

Hello, thanks for this nice explanatory video! :) I was wondering, is there a way to know the standby inverter's consumption from battery ? I am thinking to use an inverter permanently for my garage that has no power from grid option. Currently i have a solar+12v battery+2*10watts 12v bulbs but i am thinking to switch to 240v so i can run some hardware tools when needed.

[@MrMonzaman]

Great and informative video. I am a newbie and have a (perhaps silly) question, if I use a 2000 W converter in my Peugeot Traveller and have the engine running while I brew a coffee or use the Microwave, do I damage the battery or can it cope with the loads for a short periode of time? thank you very much :)

[@MichaelWebMason]

Fantastic video, thanks John.

[@kevsea2766]

wonderfully explained

[@LetsTrySomethingNew]

Love love love this!! Thanks so much, GJ!! This was incredibly useful and informative - and as a teacher I appreciate this even more! Do you have a video / blogpost describing how to wire the AC sockets from the inverter to sockets around the van? I have no idea how this might work... Thanks again!

[@cliveneilands1449]

Good explanations!

[@jameslincs]

Really great video. Very clear and helpful. I’ve subscribed 👍

[@bathroomjon1]

Informative video John - many thanks 😊

[@BruceLauderdale]

So good! Although, I can’t trust anyone who throws coffee away 🤣🤣🤣 I’m glad you explained the battery flow, I’m amazed how many people don’t get that. If you got with three of 4 batteries even that method would still strain the outer batteries slightly more than the inner two. The best solution would be to go back to a positive and negative terminal with same length leads... Great work..

[@johnmandy]

As electricity flows it means all batteries share the same load when wire this way. 2 batteries or 200 batteries, the principle is identical.

[@gereshomeE]

THANK YOU John. I was no good at maths at school. I'm listening to you and I KNOW that you are explaining well but my brain refuses to STILL understand. I'm sorry! I need a coffee and another rest before listening to your next video! ☺

[@ianjamiesonmusic]

Super helpful, thank you!

[@kenbeaty9580]

Very informative.

[@gavsterdb]

Really helpful! Thank you

[@Sam-ws2if]

Very simple explanation 👌💯

[@christinewood8331]

Brilliant thank you so much so all I need are 2 batteries the same and an inverter for my caravan so I can use any 3 pin plug ie slow cooker ..I don't need to have them connected anywhere else

[@misspiggyyy1974]

Good vid. Well explained.

[@slavomirdzieciatkowski8811]

Thanks for the amazing details here. I haven’t heard anyone else making a point about proper battery wiring so thanks! Makes a lot more sense now.

[@johnmandy]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@paulsingh9043]

Great vid!, you’ve just saved me a bomb!…. 12v here we go!!

[@gregartis7847]

Cracking post John! Cheers.

[@bobboomer4042]

That was good thank you