Powering up Campervans, Boats & Motorhomes since 2020
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Campervan & Motorhome Knowledge Base
The Van Junkies Knowledge Base is where we write up what we learn building and
rewiring campervans, motorhomes and boats at our workshop in Gosport, Hampshire.
It covers lithium leisure batteries, solar panels and MPPT controllers, DC-DC
alternator charging, inverters and complete 12V and 230V electrical systems, along
with case studies of real installations we have carried out. Every guide is written
by the people who fit this equipment for a living, with UK conditions in mind.
Use the topics below to narrow it down, or call us on
023 935 52732 if you would rather just ask.
A 2021 Iveco Daily XLWB given a complete Victron off-grid system with 628Ah of Fogstar lithium, plus Dometic air conditioning, Truma diesel heating, roof ventilation and four professionally fitted windows.
Hobby 700 Motorhome: Complete Electrical Rewire and 628Ah Victron Off-Grid Power System When a motorhome stops being a holiday vehicle and becomes somebody's home, the electrical system has to change...
How to Heat a Campervan in Winter: A Complete UK Guide If you want to keep using your van after the clocks go back, whether that means frosty surf mornings...
Choosing the correct blade fuse is essential for protecting your campervan wiring and equipment. Learn exactly what fuse size you need for 12V fridges, diesel heaters, lights, and water pumps.
Wiring a Campervan Rotary Changeover Switch: Safe AC Off-Grid Power Managing 230V alternating current within the metallic confines of a leisure vehicle presents serious engineering challenges. Unlike static domestic electrical...
The Weekender Campervan Power Kits: The Ultimate Off-Grid Setup for Short Trips If you use your van primarily for quick weekend surf trips, festival weekends, or short 1-to-3 day escapes,...
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Campervan Off-Grid Power System Kit When diving into camper van conversions or upgrading a factory motorhome, designing the electrical system is often the most...
How to Size Cable Heat Shrink Correctly When installing or upgrading electrical systems, choosing the correct heat shrink sleeving is just as important as selecting the right cable. Whether you're...
How much does it cost to put a Power System in a campervan in the UK? Embarking on a van conversion is a journey of creativity and freedom. But before...
Switching to Lithium: A Guide to Powering Your Adventures in Motorhomes, Campervans, and Boats Alright, let's talk power. If you've spent any real time off-grid in your motorhome, campervan, or...
In campervans and motorhomes, an inverter is essential for converting the 12 volts (V) DC power from your battery into 240V AC power for running household appliances
This table rounds the mm² values to commonly available wire sizes in the UK, making it more relevant for selecting wires based on available standards in the UK market. AWG...
One of the most common challenges faced by campervan, RV, and motorhome owners is keeping both their leisure battery and starter battery charged, especially when relying on solar power. While...
The Victron MultiPlus range encompasses a versatile lineup of inverter/chargers designed to meet a wide array of power requirements, from small-scale residential setups to more demanding commercial applications. A critical aspect of installing a Victron MultiPlus system is selecting the appropriate DC cable size to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability. The recommended DC cable size varies significantly across the MultiPlus range, influenced by factors such as the inverter's power capacity, maximum current draw, and the length and conditions of the cable run.
Solar panels are an increasingly popular and practical option for powering your home or business. When it comes to choosing the right solar panel, there are two main types to...
The power rating of any inverter should be chosen based on the total power consumption of your load. The following table contains the typical power consumption of some standard household appliances and the recommended inverter rating. Equipment Power consumption Continuous power rating of inverter 300W 600W 1000W 1500W
One of the main advantages of lithium batteries is their high energy density. This means that they can store a large amount of energy in a relatively small and lightweight package. This makes them ideal for use where weight and size are important factors.
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are both types of photovoltaic (PV) panels, which are used to convert sunlight into electricity. The main difference between the two is the way the solar cells are made. Monocrystalline solar cells are made from a single, continuous crystal of silicon, while polycrystalline solar cells are made from multiple, smaller crystals of silicon
To properly size a fuse or circuit breaker, you'll need to consider the electrical load that will be placed on the circuit. The size of the fuse or breaker should be matched to the electrical load in terms of amperage. A fuse or breaker that is too small will be overloaded and trip frequently, while a fuse or breaker that is too large will not provide adequate protection for the circuit.
Changing Victron MPPT Battery Settings via Bluetooth A couple of useful videos around changing the default settings on the Victron SmartSolar MPPT solar charge controllers.
Fitting and Installing a Victron Energy SmartShunt The SmartShunt is an all in one battery monitor, only without a display. Your phone acts as the display.
Victron BlueSolar MPPT - Changing the Settings Changing the settings on the Victron BlueSolar MPPT Solar Charge Controller via the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle.
Useful hints and tips on installing a solar panel to a motorhome or campervan can be found in the video below. Don't forget the staff at Van Junkies are always here for expert support and assistance.
Fitting Solar Panel Mounting Kits to a Van Roof Fitting solar panel corner mounting brackets is a straightforward job and this video is super helpful. Van Junkies always recommend that you screw or bolt your panels to the roof as well as using Sikaflex Adhesive
Solar panels are wired in series when you connect the positive terminal of one panel to the negative terminal of another. When solar panels are wired in series, the voltage of the panels adds together, but the amperage remains the same.
Battery to Battery ( DC to DC ) Split Charging with Wiring Diagram Battery-To-Battery chargers (also commonly known as DC-DC chargers) allow you to charge a leisure battery from your...
Need help or advise with Solar Panels for your Caravan? Check out the options below: Caravan Solar Panels. Flexible Solar Panels Flexible panels - Thin, flexible panels are robust, light...
Van Junkies are pleased to recommend and supply equipment to Vans 2 Homes. Matt Thompson and the team offer bespoke conversions for a range of vehicles including campervans, Food trucks, horse...
Bodhi - A Bespoke ‘Mobile Office’ fully Off Grid LWB Sprinter Camper Conversion with 700W Solar Power system. Brand new MOT with only 79000 miles Exterior: 16" Anthracite...
We went a little overboard and fitted 700w of solar on one of our Sprinters, check out the video below to see how. We chose the fantastic 175w Victron Poly...