Installing off grid 12v camper van electrics | Campervan conversion UK

[@richardharrison5622]

Part of my business is automotive electrics and audio installations so I know a good old bit on this sort of stuff and I've got to say what a sterling job Sir 👏🏻

[@guardiology3119]

Grow up. ‘Oooh look at me, you’re doing a sterling job sir’ oooh let me hold it for you

[@richardharrison5622]

​@guardiology3119 you been sniffing again ya demic ?

[@trevormegson7583]

Do you know how many people you are inspiring to have a go right now? That is a great job done.

[@johndilks9366]

One small tip. Label the wiring. If anything goes wrong in the future you don't have to chase down wiring.

[@xV3ND3TT4x]

that‘s why he made this video, so he don‘t need to label, he just goes trough the video again

[@piggymito]

This is turning into an ace little series!

[@RABIDJOCK]

Well explained Paul that looks fairly straightforward..

[@MisterTeach]

I bet that felt good the minute the lights switched on! I watch another KZbinr with a van called 'Foresty Forest'; he has some kind of LED display for the battery so he can see how much charge etc. Is that something you'll have/ need?

[@CoffeeMon87]

Just wondering if it would have been better to maintain the through access from the back of the van to the drivers seat. As you have partitioned it off (@2:48), this would mean that you will need to physically get out of the van every time you want to access the driving compartment. You might regret it when its chucking down outside or blowing a gale.

[@RollrightKnights]

Captains seats and thru access for sure 👍

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

Electrics are the one thing that worried me. But after watching this, it looks pretty easy, provided you have the right gear and work slowly - thank you.

[@geoffsharp7713]

When you get the cables to join your leisure batteries in parallel, make sure you have the positives connected to one battery, and negatives connected to the other battery...helps even out the draw when is use and also when charging etc...

[@malp6280]

good nice clean install!! ok the criticism, I'd have thought making the install on a smaller scale would've been better suited as it would increase the internal volume for the van (helping you store more in cupboard's etc) the 2nd aspect is surrounding the location of the battery, again subject to what you liked or not etc again I'd have thought it better suited to locate the batteries outside or in a similar location as the main battery leaving the electronic controls in a internal easy to reach location.. again maximising internal space & giving added protection in-case of a fire (I'm mentioning fire as at times control modules fail & the unfortunate occurs) anyway your doing a cracking job upto now & not forgetting every day is a learning day especially when carrying out something new like making a DIY camper-van.

[@Matt-ke4bp]

I'm rather loving this little series! Would you be able to give us a rough ball park of how much the project would cost at retail so far Paul? Essentially, you've done the "these things you must do part" at this point - would be great to get an idea as this is really tempting :)

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

Mate much safer to mount your electrics on fire retardant meter board... The same stuff that's in the cupboard with you gas and leccy meter on it.

[@paultownley5825]

Didn't understand half of what you were explaining, yet I want to see the next video 😂👍👌

[@cathygibbons1743]

Me neither, but as usual Paul made it look easy. I just don’t do electrickery. 😀

[@alexmamczur9611]

Hi Paul, great job you are doing with the camper, please could you tell me which pocket hole jig you are using.

[@norseman1137]

Are you planning on doing anymore outdoor gear or is it all about the van now ... Just wondered

[@RichardOutdoors]

Good job. Please can you put links to the components? Thanks.

[@wilbearworks]

Good informative video. Any chance of a link to the gear you installed, please?

[@terranno]

Nice job, Paul if it was me I'd put fuse /breaker closer to the van battery just to be shure can't wait until next video great job

[@alexknight1301]

My first job was designing wiring harnesses for Caravans, Motorhomes and Van conversions. Still got it in me but daren't go for a conversion my self 😂 Love the progress Paul and Jo!

[@chrispwilliams6297]

Great video very clear. Can you add an inverter to this set up and how big a solar panel would you need? Cheers

[@daveh5154]

Looked complicated today. You sure you haven't done this before..?? 👍

[@zedman1]

Thoroughly enjoying this series although I don’t have a van nor even plan on getting one! Quick question: Shouldn’t it be the thin black wire from the CTEK that is earthed and not the red, or doesn’t it matter? Cheers.

[@jimmyjohnstone7258]

Surprised to see you have no,access from cab into back...or am I missing something?

[@michaelleigh2446]

when you were planning the build, did you think about front to rear access from inside?

[@fazerstorm-oap]

Normally you would have access through the van, even if it was just a small opening. Not ideal having to get out in the pouring rain to get something in the cab. He is doing a great job though. I would make the electrics a bit more compact so that the top of the cupboard could be used for storage. Never enough room in a van conversion! 😀

[@lockodonis]

Brew dog on the go there I see.... 🥳

[@smokinrider]

You need a breaker closer to the van battery, as you have an unprotected end, at the van battery end. If that part of the cable was to short out it wouldn’t be able to break the circuit from the van battery.

[@robporter817]

This is brilliant, Paul mind if I ask what your day job is please?

[@johnhall3877]

Really enjoying your project Paul and the lovely Jo. Hope it won't stop you getting back to the peaks under canvas? FYI Im on a first aid course, bought some cold packs, mentioned I would use them to chill food when wild camping, two guys (out of twelve) asked if I watched your channel!!! FAME

[@Braapncamp]

Nice and tidy work Paul! Like to see your van conversion. I cheated and bought me a factory built last year 👀😂. Looks like the Hillebergs got a competitor from now on, but I bet you will have your trail hike packing in the van, ready for outdoor adv's as well. 💪🤠👌

[@desmondbroad1305]

If your looking for more views best get your Speedos out or the bikini that's what a lot are doing I see.nice job

[@milcotto4153]

Speak for yourself :-)

[@happycreativemind]

Definitely happy with the views we have thanks muchley 😂

[@lukeedmonds5329]

Very nice work, I would have a look at a battery guard for your van, you do not want to drain the battery when out and about

[@nickpatterson362]

Second this, from the way it’s wired leds, fan directly to the battery I can’t see any shutoff protection on draining the batteries past a certain point.

[@madebyPure]

Paul, loving the videos but could you have a go at turning down the audio for the clips where you use power tool? It's hard to watch with headphones, cheers!

[@mikepiper8799]

Paul, do you have a link for the 30amp breaker?

[@dcmkgo]

Please, your battery is not a shelf for leaving your tools on.

[@radioactivepotato2068]

Tis nice to find content on the subject from a calm, mild mannered, clear and concise chap after trawling through a dozen clickbaity new age lunatics with ADHD editing. Cheers fella.

[@amydane2011]

I'm sure I saw you in town yesterday with your partner we where walking behind you but I didn't want to say anything lol 😂😂😂

[@alantheloneranger]

Just wondering. When the conversion is finished do you have to change the description of the vehicle on the logbook?

[@happycreativemind]

We don’t have to and to be fair it’s really difficult to do so we’ll probably not bother

[@stephenrowley4171]

Throw a bit of grease or vasaline on where youve cleaned the paint off for the negative will help to stop corrosion.

[@robertstevenson3126]

Why have you got a red wire to earth

[@Nappis3]

Hi Paul. Big thanks! I really like your content no matter if it's hiking or van building. Have you been thinking of adding any battery monitoring device(like Victron BMV-700 or similar) to your van electrics?

[@SimonOutdoors]

Nice one Paul, looks great 👍🏻 that’s surely the hard bit done! 😂

[@careymahoney1605]

Why not invest in a lithium battery..? Weighs about 1/3 of an AGM and way more efficient in terms of charging and output

[@happycreativemind]

I think, because these batteries are 1/3 of the price and do the job for what we need.

[@wpl-lifemusiceverything3090]

Just subscribed there Paul. Quality video. Both extremely informative and enjoyable. 👌🏼

[@gdb0360]

I'd like to recommend lanolin based wool grease for your chassis and battery terminations, especially the chassis ones. It'll totally eliminate any corrosion and intermittencies making connections reliable and trustworthy. Used it extensively on my vehicles and never had a dodgy connection in years. Link here. www.lanoguard.co.uk/products/marine-grease-lanoguard

[@stevedecoded1]

Excellent video Paul I’ve been back to this video many times as a template for our build. Thanks for making it and having it be well explained and easy to follow. Worth noting that the D250SE has a max input voltage of 23V so when choosing the solar it will likely have to be a 12V panel (they’re commonly 24V or above so the 12Vs can be a bit more expensive). Or you can get a 24V+ panel and put an MPPT between it and the CTEK since it will convert it down to 12V, though you’ll basically have two MPPTs at that point. All the best with the rest of the build sir!

[@jameshiggins.openworld]

Another amazing episode from the Legend that is Paul Messner . After the job Leave no trace in the van . Ha Ha

[@johnlelliott1981]

I like seeing people having a go, but if I may. The fuse/breaker coming from the van engine battery needs to be closer to the battery. Youll notice the other main fuses nice and close, generally the rule is to have the wire before the fuse short enough that if it breaks it can not reach ground, and then of cause after the fuse if a wire breaks the fuse will protect the battery. If you are grounding the accessories to the van like you have, you dont need a common groud at the fuse box because the whole van (metal parts) become a ground, so you can save on wiring, which can save money and weight, cause a lot of wire is heavier than people notice. And if you run the wires, charger to breaker, then braker to fusebox, then put a second wire on the fuse box to battery, you would save 1 breaker and 1 wire and it would still work the same, because electricity is not directional. Would be neater, less points of failure and again lighter. Thats just an auto elecies 2 sents! But thats for the vids, I enjoy them all the way from Australia.

[@johnlelliott1981]

And with the fuse box is connecting the battery and charger, if you need to remove the battery for any reason, lets say its blows up, you can still get power from the charger (engine battery).

[@moirabardin9030]

im not into electrics, did you get help to tell you where to put everything. I enjoyed watching.

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

Dood you are one hell of a maniac.

[@chrisjanes9336]

May I suggest the main fuse should be as close to the starter battery as possible because the length of wire from the starter battery to your control panel is unprecedented great video as usual

[@batwithglasses]

You should call these episodes "This Old Van" PBS would love to air this! Norm Abrams got nothin' on you Paul.

[@GedDevlin]

CB is making a come back , you should put one in .

[@mboutdoors_uk]

Proper effort that Paul. It all seems to be a bit baffling to me but I’ll take your word that it’s easy enough once you try it yourself! 🤪

[@ant_hart]

You made a good choice going for a B2B or DCDC charger over a voltage sensitive relay mate as a VSR will never fully charge your batteries. I see so many people using VSR’s because there cheap but there certainly not the way to go, especially with AGM batts. As someone in the trade I can tell you your doing a great job and have obviously researched what your doing 👍🏼 top marks Paul 👍🏼

[@ant_hart]

Also...off topic Have you seen Hilleberg are auctioning off for charity the 1 and only Camo fabric tent they made?? Might be worth a shout on your next video I’m sure with the following you have you could push the numbers up even higher 😊 atb

[@juliansydenham9371]

Mans on fire!

[@RS.Outdoors]

Looking good Paul. Atb

[@dickymapster5741]

Great vid. Can you link those isolate switches you used? Thanks.

[@ourvanviv8858]

Enjoying your van build, just like myself, on the front road outside your house, no big barn or unit, love it guys.

[@krisreynolds9101]

Really enjoying this camper build Paul the smile when you switch your lights on says everything 😃

[@richardhiggins1926]

Great job. Good luck with the diesel heater!! You need to slow down. You'll be finished before me!! 😉

[@WABISTIX]

Was that a whole vid without squarespace lol?

[@ACE19688]

Im impressed Paul I would probably blow the van up

[@peterhuggins9267]

This is so exciting. I never thought I could do something like this van conversion (and camping and trekking etc) and you have shown that it is something we can all do.

[@justhilly4252]

Doin a great job.

[@stevenjake]

Cracking job mate 👌 nicely done

[@bazm9213]

Great vid, looks good

[@Stucrompton1]

Brilliant video Paul cheers

[@robertgullickson8758]

Looking good! Beware of wire size/amperage draw balance. Nice explanation very clean installation.

[@DesGreene]

Cracking job Paul! Bet you had more than your fingers crossed firing up the van again for the first time 😁 All the best👍

[@thedailyshaver1171]

Solar panels are much better on a van

[@GreeklishOutdoors]

Interesting video! Vans looking great already!

[@edwardbroomhead4463]

Smashing job !! ATB see you in the next one !!!

[@philipbrowne7620]

Incredible. This is a great series. Another channel ‘Camper Van Builder’ on the way?! ;)

[@BulldogBadger]

Looked awesome, nice and straight forward 🤘😎

[@stepheneverett6131]

If I get a van I’ll be giving you a call Paul ,you make it look so easy with your calm approach,have you done with the wild camping ?

[@exillionXLR]

Really enjoying these Paul. Looking forward to your trips in the van. Any chance of you visiting Jurassic Park?

[@grahamharkness5744]

great clip, very informative.

[@benriley324]

Another great video Paul its really coming on now. Do you have anyway to monitor the charge in your leisure batteries?

[@gtdiecast485]

Skills thanks man appreciate that awesome work 👌🏻

[@jeffreyalmond7376]

It’s coming on Paul, looking good. Do you do quotes?

[@Alsnafi_uk]

Remember to label each wire with the name of the suppliance

[@smittylite02]

Exactly. I was going to suggest a small plate next to fusebox labeling each connection.

[@Sir_Chuckmyster]

Excellent video. And you are learning so much about the electrics. Do yourself a favor and install an LCD Voltmeter somewhere so that you can always see the volts on your batteries at any given time. I installed a dual voltmeter up at the driving seat position so that I can monitor my car's battery voltage and my 2nd camping battery while Im driving. Cheers

[@stevelewis7077]

I'm struggling waiting for the next video this has turned into a great little series.

[@apollo12329]

Brilliant Paul, great series to follow for anyone to take up. Very informative and explained to great detail that's easy to follow, looking forward to the next one buddy.

[@raymondlogister6828]

Good video and good work. when you need more power. Buy the smartpas 120 and connect this to D250se. Then you have 150 Ampere charging power, it is much faster then what you have now with only D250se . But you need then thicker cables. ATB Raymond

[@BM_PAZ]

This is brilliant, really enjoying this series.

[@baldvale5418]

Very interesting vlog and you have explained it so clear that it looks quite easy to do.

[@markatchison9974]

'Kin 'ell Paul. Ya lost me after 2 minutes. Top job. :)

[@mustang774]

The electrical system looks very neat and organized. It did look pretty straight forward to install. You must have been quite happy when the lights lit up ......Take care, Bluefin.

[@smithywick]

Great video and another success Paul well done mate nicely nicely you progress 👊🚚👊

[@Amack1966]

Loving your project ....... more bottle than me mate

[@oldbloke204]

Choice of AGM due to the cost of lithium or were there other factors? Build is looking great.

[@jorvikoutdoors]

There great them battery to battery chargers keep my Batteries top up even on a relatively short journey, its looking great mate, atb Lee

[@h.bsfaithfulservant4136]

I reckon you should turn your hand to outdoor equipment design after this Paul ✌️!

[@iantomac]

That’s a great little system - job’s a good ‘un!

[@Just4FunRC]

this is blody brilliant sir! :D just what i was looking for.. how would you hook up a mx10 charger/supply for it? for example use on a campsite.

[@frogmoonwildcampsandwander9354]

Fair play to you mez atb

[@mccandless1]

Jeez, you know your stuff man.

[@R0han-579]

Great job Paul , really loving the van series,keep up the great work.

[@milcotto4153]

That was easy peasy. Very well explained and filmed. I guess you will be adding a voltmeter and some USB sockets at some point too. CTEK is a good brand. I have several of their AC to DC battery chargers, both new one's and old one's. The only problem I have had is that one of the plastic handles just broke off of the 25A charger (the outer protection of the clamp that goes on the battery). I would most likely have chosen a CTEK DC to DC charger too if I were to install a solar setup in my van. Then it would be nice to have the alternator charging option too.