How to Wire a Camper Van - Budget Build Electrics Ep15

Подписаться 193 тыс.

Просмотров 121 тыс.

50% 1

How to wire your self-build campervan. Installing the first-fix cables.
Choosing the right cables for the 12v DC and 230v Main Electrics.
In this video we are using three different types of cable, these are:-
1. 12v DC Battery Cable www.ebay.co.uk...
2. 2 core 2.5mm H07RN-F Rubber Flexible Cable www.ebay.co.uk...
3. 3 core 2.5mm Arctic Blue Cable www.ebay.co.uk...
25mm Flexible Plastic Conduit black www.ebay.co.uk...
The large crimping tool for fitting battery cable lugs www.ebay.co.uk...
Battery Cable Lugs www.ebay.co.uk...
Blade Fuse Holder www.ebay.co.uk...
Disclosure - As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase using the above affiliate link. Thank you for supporting our channel.
Have a good plan of where to put things in your van so you know where you want to run the cables. Always use multistranded flexible cable, protected by double insulation and flexible plastic conduit, especially when installed in the metal structure of the van where they could be easily damaged.
If you find these videos to be useful please give them a thumbs up and subscribe to this channel so you don't miss out on the next episodes.
If you would like to say thanks with a small donation you can do so via this link www.paypal.me/...
Thank you very much for watching and best wishes
Greg & Lou
#campervanelectrics #selfbuildcamper #vanbuild

Опубликовано:

28 сен 2024

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 542

@davidmuirhead1060 11 месяцев назад

So glad you showed the fuel tank located near the battery box. A strong warning to all that you need to be careful about drilling access holes. Check and double check that you are not going to be close to anything that could be damaged if you drill carelessly. I would agree with you that it is safer to remove items well out of harms way and follow all the rules of safety. Far too many vlogs on RU-vid are just hair breadths away from disaster and injury. Bravo for showing us how to do it and explaining it. A trick to find out where rear cable access might be found is to follow official Tow Bar installation instructions. They will always try and use the Manufacturer's access points to the shell.

@chuckw302 9 месяцев назад

You’re are the best at explaining this van build stuff, thank you for making it understandable for us beginners. Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!

@jimkamperis7907 27 дней назад

Probably the most informative , helpful , easy to follow and actually engaging "how to guide" iv watched. And iv watched more than i care to admit. Good on ya Greg and thanks for helping me on my camper electrical system... Regards Jim

@jmckay188 5 месяцев назад

Bought my first camper, stripped it all down and I'm now on to electrics so this has been a great help, thanks for taking the time to go through it all 👍

@ClaireScarffe 11 месяцев назад

Just bought a MWB boxer and in the early stages of our first conversion. We stumbled across this series wondering what to do next after finishing sorting all the metal work. This series is going to be very helpful, looks like we will be converting along with you. You're officially our van build dad!

@GregVirgoe 11 месяцев назад

Fantastic! I’m pleased to have you on board. Best wishes with your own build. 🤩

@markwhitney8458 9 месяцев назад

Guys I've just brought a fiat Ducato also my first camper build Greg you make it look so easy I've watched all your Ducato videos hopefully follow your build already starting to panic keep up the good work

@rogerstarkey5390 Год назад

I've seen a lot of builds with the cable just sitting in the voids. Apart from the possible short hazard, Conduit also makes it much easier to add new circuits if you have to. Well worth £10-15 up front (and you saved a lot more on the cable!)

@GregVirgoe Год назад

I can't agree more, we have added cables to our Sprinter van over the years and so glad I could use the conduit to pull new ones in.

@andyetheridge Год назад

Just laid a new floor in my van and this video has arrived in perfect time…my next job, running cables!😊

@GregVirgoe Год назад

That is awesome! I Hope this helps you :D

@SloMo-rk5pv 5 месяцев назад

You explain things so well that everything sinks in quickly without confusion. Thank you from downunder! 👍

@mjremy2605 3 месяца назад

You are the absolute best teacher, Greg!!! I love your videos. Thank you for the incredible knowledge you put out to us all the time, for years. I trust you because you are a certified electrical engineer in the UK so you know your codes and safety protocols. Beautiful work. Thank you!

@lindamaree5443 Год назад

Welcome back Greg, thanks for such a clear explanation for the cabling and how to connect the dc2dc (haven't seen that before). I love the idea of two blade connectors.

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Yes, thanks, it makes sense to have them remote to where you need them to cut down on the number of cables in the van.

@SillyMonkeys Год назад

Great work Greg , you are my favourite van builder on RU-vid, Thank you .

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Wow, thanks! Thats nice to hear :D

@karlhorgan4998 Год назад

Hi Greg, I have been watching your vlogs for a while and as everyone says, clear and concise information. I have a Fiat Ducato L3H2 that I plan to convert over the winter and your vlogs will be helping me along the journey as a point of reference. Thank you and keep up the excellent work.....ps great camera work by Mrs.Virgoe

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Glad you like them! Hope all goes well with your build. Don’t tell the misses that she’ll be asking for a raise 🤣👍🏼

@clearprop Год назад

Great to see an update, Greg - loving the new series. 🙂

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Thank you very much

@Flossy_tops Год назад

Good to see you back again! … and I must mention how quick you undo those nuts and bolts😉👍🍻

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Thanks 😂 I’ve been in training while been away. Go Go Gadget hands 👍🏼

@efyscotland 8 месяцев назад

Very helpful video with all the product details in the descriptions. Your videos are there to help others clearly. Thank you!!!

@nickfisher3591 10 месяцев назад

Fantastic clear and concise video explained in layman's terms , massive help ... Thank you

@GregVirgoe 10 месяцев назад

You are most welcome. Thanks for watching 👍🏼😊

@Journeyman76524 Год назад

Entertaining and informative as usual. Only thing I can add is definitely works better to fit two fuse box's one each side of the van. Way less cable runs.

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Yes I have three in our sprinter, one in the garage and one either side in the high level cupboards. 👍🏼🤩

@flashback9966 Год назад

Another super clear video Greg. Just like to highlight how important it is to fit the 40A as close to the battery terminal as possible, just as you have shown. This prevents the cable from burning in case of a short circuit further down the line.

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Thanks, Rob, also applies to the fuse for the blade fuse holder which will be right next to the leisure batteries. Cheers Greg

@junglegoose4648 10 месяцев назад

Would you mind explaining a bit more on what you mean here about putting the blade fuse holder near the leisure batteries, and putting the 40A (fuse?) near to the main battery?

@flashback9966 10 месяцев назад

@@junglegoose4648 Fuses are there to protect the cable from burning, in case of a short. So one side of the cable is protected but the other side is not. So placing the fuse as close as possible to the battery, means the unprotected part of the cable is as short as possible. (less likely to be damaged).

@GregVirgoe 10 месяцев назад

@@junglegoose4648 fuses are to protect the cable from overcurrent situation so the fuses need to be fitted close to the battery as possible then you can run your cable to wherever you want to fit your device.

@matthewgregory7020 8 месяцев назад

Can you put a fuse straight off your battery terminal before you run your wire off it?

@kennelson7591 8 месяцев назад

Thank you for this planning to get a Mercedes Vito Van to convert into a camper soon so invaluable information thank you for sharing clear instructional videos keep up the good work.

@anthonyrmay1502 7 месяцев назад

Thanks Greg. After having my wiring Wolfcraft loom stolen, when my caravan was robbed, I shall wire the campletely gutted T2 with your help (especially sizing cable)

@leebennett6270 4 месяца назад

Great stuff Greg! Very easily explained. Very much appreciated.

@1anonlyedwiltshire Год назад

fantastic vid as always Greg thanks a lot. especially enjoyed 8.50

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Me showing my nutty side 😂😊

@wilbearworks Год назад

Thanks Greg. I have fitted fuse boards to both sides of my conversion in the top cupboards centrally. It's surprising how many cable runs one needs. Keep them coming, please.

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Well done 👍🏼 it really does make more sense to have them mounted local to where they are needed 😃

@markhancock3944 Год назад

Thanks Greg, so helpful as always. Have been waiting for the next vid! Hope you're well 😃

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Sorry I have been away for a while. Thank you for being patient. 🙏🏼

@markhancock3944 Год назад

Worth waiting for!

@tinam7979 Год назад

Missed these Greg, got excited because starting to think about ours now , I got lost 🙈, shortly after the hole in the battery box 😮, I’ll watch it another 100 times 😂 hhhheeeeellllpppp 🤣 x

@GregVirgoe Год назад

You know you can always rely on me to help you guys anytime. Hope you are both well 😊

@tinam7979 Год назад

@@GregVirgoe❤ might message you for some guidance , and if you’re ever in Sutton Coldfield well . . . . 😊 x love to you both x

@GregVirgoe Год назад

@@tinam7979 it would be a pleasure to see you both again. If I can be of any help just ask 👍🏼😊

@tinam7979 Год назад

@@GregVirgoeyou are lovely thanks Greg x

@ChrisYid Год назад

Perfect Greg... absolutely perfect. You've just saved me a few quid on cable. I dont know what I didn't think of locating the fuse box to the middle of the van (mines an L3) makes fishing cables through flexy conduit alot easier too with shorter runs. I'm doing a MEGA order next week to continue the build. That's so tidy aswell routing the DC DC charger cable underneath the van and again if there is any problems makes it accessible. I'll be picking your brains on solar on the solar video if thats ok as I'm still unsure what to order in terms of panels and want to go LITHIUM with my batteries. Thank you once again. Your a top mam and have helped 1000's I'm sure. 🙏🏻💚🙏🏻

@GregVirgoe Год назад

I’m really glad this one helped you. Please do ask away I’ll be happy to help you if I can. Renogy have a fantastic deal on two 100Ah lithiums from their new core range for only £600 that’s amazing value for 200Ah of lithium from a brand leader.

@iainhenderson8751 Год назад

@@GregVirgoe Great video, if you had these batteries would you consider going gas free ?

@GregVirgoe Год назад

@@iainhenderson8751 it would help but it needs more solar. It’s ok having a huge battery bank but you need to be able to recharge it. I wouldn’t go gas free if I had to run my van all the time to recharge the batteries that false economy.

@ChrisYid 11 месяцев назад

Hi Greg, me again, I've come across a potential problem. If I'm running 2 Victron DC-DC 12/30 chargers...am i right in thinking that the voltage drop and amperage pulled (75a) potentially is gonna be too much for the 16mm2 cables running to the back from the starter battery. I've used the volt drop calculator on 12v planet and it says over a 6m run (approximately) the percentage volt drop is 1.13v or 8.9% of 12.6v So would we be better to go for 35mm² or even 50mm² just to account for the bolt drop?

@ChrisYid 11 месяцев назад

Actually volt drop shouldn't come into it the minimum Input voltage for the Victron 12/30 is 10v so even with 25mm² cable the amperage would be fine with 2 running in parallel producing near 75amps. 25mm² cable Nominal Voltage 12.6v Current Draw 75a One way circuit length 8m (airing on the safe side length wise) Voltage drop 7.33% (0.924volts) I love maths 🤦🏻‍♂️.

@johncgrant 11 месяцев назад

Love these videos - Its giving me some good insight to reworking my T5 electrics properly. Thank you Greg!

@BigVanSmallWorld Год назад

Good to see you back buddy 👏👏👏

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Hey, thanks Mel, really apprecited :D

@rogerstarkey5390 Год назад

Looks like you've been back down the Gym Greg! 💪💪 👍

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Yes, I had a few "fat shaming" comments on previous videos so i've been back down the gym 3-4 times a week to get back into shape, to be fair i have missed it so needed the kick up the arse to do something about it. LOL

@rogerstarkey5390 Год назад

@@GregVirgoe Putting us all (OK...me!) to shame! 😁

@Acookinthefield 10 месяцев назад

top video and it answered a question I asked in the off grid video, I'm enjoying this and feeling really confident , thanks .

@GregVirgoe 10 месяцев назад

oh did I miss your question? Do you mind me asking what it was?

@Acookinthefield 10 месяцев назад

I was with regards to taking just one live and earth feed from vehicle main battery.

@GregVirgoe 10 месяцев назад

@@Acookinthefield oh ok I have answer quite a few asking the same question.

@CORRIGEEN71 Год назад

Great detail as always perfect timing I have a 25 ft fiat ducato low loader to convert so looking forward to the rest of your conversion videos , thankyou wondering if you ever did write a book ?

@paulosprague2180 Год назад

As always - simply the best.

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Wow, thanks! :D

Год назад

I enjoy watching your videos, I've already learned a lot. I have a Fiat Ducato. Camper belongs to Fleurette. I installed a Vitron Multiplus myself and routed the power supply that was already present to the multiplus. Has been working for a few months. At one point I was standing at a camper place with electricity, I heard a bang or a lamp burst. After that everything still works. But when the engine is running, no voltage is supplied to the Multiplus. Also have a BMS. But when the engine is running, the refrigerator runs on 12 volts. I saw in this video that you connect the power supply for the camper with a fuse, but not a Cytrix. I've looked several times to see if I saw a link to support your channel, but I don't see it.

@GregVirgoe Год назад

You should find any product links in the video descriptions. Please look at my recent wiring video as that has all the products in the description here is a link for you 12v Electrics for Off-Grid Campervan - Fiat Ducato Budget Build Ep12 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xCw7eARJKOg.html

@TransitC Год назад

Hi Greg, great stuff as usual...You have mentioned that you are going to do the insulation next. Have you considered using a product called Tyvek as a vapour permeable barrier. It is used extensively in the pitched roofing industry it is impervious from one surface but breathable from the other. Keep up the brilliant work. Cheers

@GregVirgoe Год назад

No, because that is not what we need here. The reason building membranes are breathable is because timbers need to be ventilated to stop them rotting. In our van we need a 100% totally impervious barrier in both directions and the only material that will do that is foil. You cannot compare house building techniques with a steel van. Two very different applications 😊👍🏼

@songcui6967 2 месяца назад

Hi Greg, these are really helpful videos, and I'm sure many people enjoy your video just like I did. One question, in the video 8:20' why are we using a 40 amp fuse in a 30amp DC to DC charger? I thought the fuse needed to be smaller so it would blow first. (PS, this might be a silly question as I don't have any background knowledge of electrical ... thanks, looking forward to hearing from you or anyone who could help me understand this.

@ads_213 11 месяцев назад

Great video thanks Gregg

@GregVirgoe 11 месяцев назад

I’m glad you liked it 👍🏼🤩

@dbucka Год назад

Welcome back!

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Thank you 🙏🏼

@NomadesApp 11 месяцев назад

Greetings from Brazil! Your videos are awesome and so inspiring! I built my Iveco Maxi Furgone based on your amazing job! Thank you very much! Watching this video a question come up: Why did you choose pass an entirely new negative cable to connect to the battery, instead of connecting directly into the chassis that is already negative? Thank you so much! My best wishes! Lucas Massena

@johnmitchell3027 Год назад

Hi Greg. Can’t wait for the next video. How do you vapour barrier around the point where the cables that are buried in the insulation come through it? I’ve taken out all the cables in favour of putting them between the ply liner and the already vp’d insulation, but I’d prefer to do it your way.

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Just use foil tape around the conduits or cables to seal any holes it’s really not difficult 😊

@alutious Год назад

Awesome. I am just wiring mine up niw.

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Have fun! Hope all goes well 👍🏼

@alutious Год назад

I like your idea about putting a fuse panel on the passenger side. I am running another line this week for it before i wool it up.@@GregVirgoe

@GregVirgoe Год назад

@@alutious we have three fuse boards in our sprinter van. One in the garage, one above the kitchen and one above the lounge seat. That cuts down internal wiring by more than 3/4 at least.

@pippatij2504 Год назад

Hi Greg, I’m currently working on my van and you’re videos are a great help. I have also run a positive cable to my starter battery underneath the van but have the negative cable attached to the chassis in the rear light pillar. Assuming that this is ok?

@GregVirgoe Год назад

You can use the van body for the negative path but personally I prefer to have my 12v leisure side isolated from the vehicle. To avoid any issues with poor connections and volt drop etc. I also don’t want it to interfere with the vans auto electrical system. 😊

@pippatij2504 Год назад

Thanks Greg for taking the time to explain things to a novice. Luckily I’ve haven’t boarded any of the wiring yet so I can still go back and follow your suggestion 😊

@Boydy750 11 месяцев назад

Hi Gregg. Thanks for your response. Renogy it will be then !!. In your video about running the positive and negative wires from the engine battery and then the same from the leisure battery do they both go to the blade fuse holder ?. Regards Mike.

@GregVirgoe 11 месяцев назад

Hello Mike, those cable go to the dc to dc charger. Please watch this video which explain how the whole system is connected. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xCw7eARJKOg.htmlsi=Hp6AxeZJMmuotP7d

@SteveBadock 8 месяцев назад

Hello Greg We are loving your videos, I am following them for my own MWB van conversion. It might seem dumb but am I right in thinking you use the 2.5 black rubber cable for all your connections from the blade fuse holder to the 12 volt items on your wiring plan marked as 1.5 mm cable? I also noticed that the cables for the bed head lights go back to where the main power cables are coming in and not back to the kitchen blade fuse holder. Is this because your going to have a 2nd blade fuse holder down in the garage space? I am just trying make sure I get it right first time. All the best Steve & Anita Wishing you happy traveling

@mikejarvis4860 7 месяцев назад

just found you on youtube, great videos,

@widearchshark3981 Год назад

Good stuff Greg. I'm still very keen to understand your earthing policy. Will you be directly earthing the DC2DC charger to a nearby bolt? If so, how will that affect the charge information given the shunt does not have this coming in?

@GregVirgoe Год назад

No, I’m not connecting any of my 12v DC leisure side to the chassis of the van. This is an isolated system and 12v DC is inherently safe so does not need an earth at all. I will be earthing my 230v AC side but that is more dangerous system to us.

@widearchshark3981 Год назад

@@GregVirgoe Superb! Thank you. I'm confused here because I do often see people earthing their 12V feeds at various points. The DC2DC charger being a good example. But then how do they get to find out the current coming in if it's not attached to the shunt? It hurts my brain! But Greg you are the legend and I'm going with your advice!

@GregVirgoe Год назад

@@widearchshark3981 firstly it’s not an earth on 12v systems it’s the negative. Often the van chassis is used in non isolated systems as a negative path back to the battery instead of running a negative cable. This negative connection to the vehicle is often called a ground connection but that word is not to be confused with earth, they are not the same thing. An earth in 230v mains wiring is a path of least resistance back to the source in case of a fault in the circuit for safety reasons. So you see one is part of the working circuit and the other is there in case there is a problem. Hope that helps. 👍🏼😊

@markwhitney8458 9 месяцев назад

Hi greg im going to fit a diesel heater to my fiat ducato mwb do you think it will be ok to fit it under the van in a supplied box if not would you consider fitting it under the drivers seat many thanks mark

@CalmTurtle2023 Год назад

Thanks Greg! Glad to see that I've done things right so far! :-) So... what I'm hearing is that, to avoid running long run cables you've centralized your 12v fuse box. Did I hear that correctly? I've noticed that as I am planning the cable runs to various parts of my van, there are some long cable runs. Looking forward to your next video and see how you run your cables to 12v lights, ports and USB ports.

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Yes i'm having one fuse holder in the garage and one inthe kitchen, that will keep the run out cables a lot shorter, think of these as local distribution fuse boards.

@CalmTurtle2023 Год назад

@@GregVirgoe Thank you for the speedy response.

@Mirrorcarp20 9 месяцев назад

Hi Greg I have run 2 x25mm cables into the battey box as your vid.I have the renogy 50amp mppt/b2b. Can you just confirm to me so its crystal clear. You connect the negative wire to the negative of the starter battery and NOT the chassis. I am reading so much conflicting infomation on this and getting myself confused. I have a smart alternator and there is a little box attached to the battery negative which i believe is connected to the alternator, i assume this wont effect anything if i do this. I appreciate the videos you do and the time you dedicate to helping in the comments. Thankyou Greg.

@GregVirgoe 9 месяцев назад

Yes connect your two battery wires direct to the starter battery. If you have the 50amp charger you will need a 75amp fuse on the positive connection and you will also need to pick up an ignition supply to the charger to tell it the van has started because you have a smart alternator. There is a wire with small green plug on it for this purpose. Fuse on the leisure battery positive side is 60Amps.

@Mirrorcarp20 9 месяцев назад

@@GregVirgoe thank you for confirming that for me.

@apvarani 9 месяцев назад

Greg, thank you so much for your videos, always making easier for beginners to understand, with very clear instructions! I've bought a van with a bed frame, all panels and floor already done, but the guy didn't run any cables or conduits through the pillars and the gaps available for this. To avoid opening those access to the pillars, I thought of attaching the conduits on top of the lined carpet. Do you think it can be too warm for keeping them "inside"? Or it's worth opening the area to run the conduits and cables and close it again?

@denkkk Год назад

Another excellent video Greg, thanks. Question, if budget not a concern is it better to have the fuse block close to the power source?

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Good question, I don’t think either location is better from operational point of view if cables are sized correctly. So then the only benefit is the lesser number of cables to install initially. We have 3 blade fuse holders in our Sprinter van. So remote distribution I think is the way forward. 👍🏼😊

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Obviously the supply to the blade fuse holder needs a fuse close to the battery.

@whu58 Год назад

Thanks Greg, to save on purchasing too much cable & conduit, can you give us an idea how much cable you used or will use? and can recommend a cable/fusebox labeling tool?

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Obviously this depends on what you intend to fit in your van, that may be very different to mine and you layout could be quite different too. To help with plannign cable runs I draw a simple pencil sketch of the floor fo the van and mark on it where things are going to go then with a tape measure and my piece of paper decide where the cables are to run and measure each one inthe van and write the lengths on my plan, i add a M to each one for a little bit of spare and add them up to order from there. I often order a bit too much but rather that way than run short.

@tonym2540 9 месяцев назад

Greg, great video again. But, what do you think about running wiring under the flooring? This would really shorten the run of cables needed to get from where the battery is to the other side. Similarly, running water pipes across under the van floor would save a lot of pipe runs. I did my flooring just like you with battens and thermoboard insulation so the wires/pipes would take the space the thermoboard would go. I wouldn't have any sort of connections/junctions under there, just feed lines. I'd need to never screw down into that area, of course, but I'm wondering if there's some other problem with this that I'm missing. Thanks.

@GregVirgoe 9 месяцев назад

I put two 50x25 plastic trunking across in the floor in our sprinter for electric cables. But I would never bury water pipes in any floor or wall because of potential leaks. It actually contravenes current water byelaws if it was a house.

@Andrew-Dixon Год назад

Top job👍

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Cheers Andrew

@thedroniedad5008 Год назад

Great timing, I ordered everything from the previous video on electrics. Quick question... I ordered the 50 mppt as its cheaper on their website currently. Do I need to up the fuse from 40 to 60? I have exactly the setup you are doing.

@GregVirgoe Год назад

There are a few things you need to increase. The fuse to van battery needs to be 75amp and cable needs to be 25mm. The fuse to the leisure battery needs to be 60amp and you will also need to add another battery if you already have Leoch ones or consider buying two Renogy 100Ah lithiums because 50A charge is a lot to put into two AGMs

@thedroniedad5008 Год назад

Thanks@@GregVirgoe I have cancelled my order and re ordered the 30. Look forward to the next video.

@GregVirgoe Год назад

@@thedroniedad5008 I know it doesnt seen like a big difference but it affects a lot of things :D

@geoffreykail9129 Год назад

Are you going to daisy chain the blade fuse holders or individual cables from bat. to each BF holders?

@GregVirgoe Год назад

I’m only having one in the kitchen and one by the batteries so individually cables it will be. Thank you 🙏🏼

@bid84 4 месяца назад

Legend of a man

@anns7858 3 месяца назад

Good evening Greg, I watched one of your videos about attaching insulation to the ceiling and you had some adhesive clips that made life so much easier. Can I ask what they were called please much appreciated

@simonlundgren3470 17 дней назад

Hi greg, how much voltage drop have you calculated for your 10mm2 cable to the blade fuse?we are thinking of placing the blade fuse as you have :)

@hannahbayne5589 4 месяца назад

Good evening. Could I ask a question please? We have a ford minibus transit which has 2 batteries as factory fitted (2006 model). We have 2 leisure batteries and connected a split charge between them (as per your video) The engine vehicle batteries are connected negative- negative, positive to positive and the leisure batteries have been wired the same too. The split charge is wired to the positive on the engine battery to the positive on one of the leisure batteries and the split charge earth cable earthed to the van bare metal. We have 60amp fuses (inline) after the engine batteries and one after the split charge. This evening having driven for around 1hour the first leisure battery connected to the split charge was extremely hot and hissing. I appreciate the difficulty via text but does the above sound like it has been wired correctly? If so, what could be the issue? Maybe the 2 engine batteries? Any help would be appreciated. Many thanks

@dylantucker7951 7 месяцев назад

I had initially planned to do the same with the 16mm cable, but had read that it should be kept as short as possible to help minimise voltage drop. Would you say it was worth drilling underbody before wheel arch if my elecrics are at the wheel arch to save around 2 meters of cable (once it goes to end cent and then loops back to wheel arch), or are the stories of voltage drop over-egged?

@johncampbell6158 6 месяцев назад

Hi Greg can i ask is it needed to run an earth from engine battery to the rear or can i just attach an earth at the rear point on the body Thanks for any help

@AmberStent 3 месяца назад

Will i need to change anything if i chnage this by using s 200ah lithium and a 2000w inverter with 200w solar x 2 (400w total) or all good to go Thanks

@followthefocusofficial 4 месяца назад

So are you using the 2.5mm twin core for all the 12v that are 2.5mm or less?

@kevherman9437 9 месяцев назад

Hi how do you connect your 16mm cable to the tiny terminal on the controller please

@mazloomqom8794 5 месяцев назад

Mate I need to install 240 V Power Outlet in Toyota Hiace LWB 4 x Door van . Would you explain how to reach to battery safely from inside the van ...I will appreciate it.

@denisecafferky2248 11 месяцев назад

Fantastic

@GregVirgoe 11 месяцев назад

Thank you 😊

@mercury2303 11 месяцев назад

Hi Greg, just looking to buy cable lugs, is the copper or silver colour the best or does it not matter, also struggling to pick lug size. I have the same renogy dc to dc controller as you. Could you advise if you get a moment, thanks mate.

@MNLeadTesters Год назад

Wondering why you are running ground cables to your fuse panels instead of grounding each panel to the chassis. This would save a lot of money on wire.

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Because I would much rather install an isolated system than run the risk of bad grounds.

@leokane-p5x 6 месяцев назад

How much would it cost to get wiring into peugeot partner I'm in Ireland cheers

@StephenStephen-h2x 10 месяцев назад

Love your videos. Could I ask what your drawings off the 10mm cable?

@GregVirgoe 10 месяцев назад

I put that in to reduce volt drop and future proof for added equipment.

@zotko_vanie Год назад

Please advise me which battery charging separator between the van battery and the hotel battery shouldit will be good and cheap Thank you

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Please watch this video I made. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xCw7eARJKOg.htmlsi=Zsiy2fg3sHv5ui2n The product links are in the video description 👍🏼😊

@duncanspence668 2 месяца назад

Hi is 16 mm battery cable ok to use from battery to 50amp renogy dcdc charger

@benrowe681 Год назад

Hey Greg both vans are very hard to compare but are there any things you’ve learnt from the sprinter build that you’re going to change in this one I know they are different lay outs lengths and for different usage even from your experience anything you’ve thought about doing differently ?

@GregVirgoe Год назад

I will say that despite my prior thoughts of Ducato, Boxer and Relays being squarer inside, forget that. This interior has more lumps than my mums mash potato. The ply lining is really taking some head scratching 👍🏼😳

@mikedanny1750 6 месяцев назад

Is it necessary to keep running earth's back to the camper battery's? Can it not all just be earthed to the body of the van?

@GregVirgoe 6 месяцев назад

They are not earths, they are negatives. People often confuse that term with the term ground which do not mean the same thing. It’s better to run cables as you get a better connection and less problems in the future.

@wetchels5335 Год назад

Loving the van build videos, so much attention to detail 🙂 Question I was hoping you might be able to help me with, I have 315 watt solar panel running down to my mppt onto my lithium battery on my van and was hoping to some how take a feed off of the wire to be able to charge up my power bank rather than having to carry more portable solar panel's. I have a solar panel off switch that I can isolate my solar from my mppt and was hoping to add something in so I can isolate my panel from the mppt so I can then plug in my power bank into the solar cable - is this something that is possible and if so what would you recommend on how to do it? thanks in advance

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Yes you could use a double pole changeover switch in between your double pole isolator and your MPPT to divert that power source to your power bank, would be very easy to retrofit and this is the device that you would need to install www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184176008043?hash=item2ae1bedb6b:g:gp8AAOSwq4leS~bq&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA0LhRm9GWKKMVFLnCoXdvqd00UvkfkdJGJpqKGBi1Tt6Ycs7nVQJizjULsClje9d1c8k4jNLEtS5MUDXbKg2z6%2BHaOHos14N6foMyHF81wumviDv43ZxBl4Vp%2Fe7DjJdXMe%2B9iD8iWH86jKNspL2VzrhSflZ%2Bpu9X%2B3CyQP0mv%2BDzcu8tnV8%2BrZWiAb8l5O6vtphC184JZ3iJh4RAjgWRMYawJ8Hxl6VidyfwuphRMMXV%2FFyiiBbyXzWg37Qyd1mQa50AHraaRBPjkhxePnjq3do%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-641-zdYg&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&siteid=3&campid=5338027957&toolid=11800&mkevt=1

@wetchels5335 Год назад

amazing thanks for getting back to me 🙂@@GregVirgoe

@adamprice2129 11 месяцев назад

Hi Greg, love the videos, working my way through them all! With shorter runs of cable from a local fusebox, is 2.5mm necessary for 12v appliances? I guess a couple of things may have a bigger draw but would 1.5mm be sufficient? Im thinking of weight and cost aswell as ease of routing. Thanks!

@GregVirgoe 11 месяцев назад

As you say it really depends on the connected load. Some things like lights are fine on 1.5mm, but larger things like cig sockets or fridges need bigger cables. Use this really easy free cable sizing calculator to help you get the right size. www.12voltplanet.co.uk/cable-sizing-selection.html Scroll halfway down the page to find it 👍🏼😃

@adamprice2129 11 месяцев назад

@GregVirgoe thanks Greg! That's where I've been doing my calcs. I'll double check and maybe have a combination of cable sizes based on what I intend to run. Thanks again :)

@fantasticnemo6375 9 месяцев назад

Whats peoples thoughts on chopping up decent quality jump leads, following correct awg/mm2 rated fully copper stranded cables as opposed to automotive wiring

@rudy1569 11 месяцев назад

I’m in the middle of my own van conversion and took my earth/negative straight off the van. There a hole perfect to bolt through below the passenger rear light inside the van. Saves running a cable back to battery.

@GregVirgoe 11 месяцев назад

Did you know that copper is as much as 30x more conductive than steel. I’m running one cable so it’s the same to run the two and I don’t have to worry about poor grounds and fault further down the road when those holes go rusty 😊

@OutAndAbout-UK 8 месяцев назад

What diameter is that conduit Greg? Do you use the same conduit for the 16mm and 10mm cables? Cheers

@joshtye2673 11 месяцев назад

Hi Greg, what size cable are you using for your fridge? Or will that be going in at later date. Cheers

@GregVirgoe 11 месяцев назад

If you have a 12v fridge you need at least 6mm cable to minimise the volt drop.

@paulcornwell8920 5 месяцев назад

Didnt I see you said that you would 2.5mm cable for a fridge and 1.5mm for lights? @@GregVirgoe

@sil8127 10 месяцев назад

Greg all this planning is so not cool. Now if you want to retro fit something later you'll have no problems and it'll be good as new. It should be awful to retrofit something like how I did it............................................ 😄

@GregVirgoe 10 месяцев назад

Wouldn’t it be amazing if we all had hindsight before we build things. Things do change and stuff gets added so trying to plan for that is hard. But as the old saying goes “fail to plan, plan to fail” 😬

@GrahamSmith-i8u Год назад

Hi Greg. Big fan. I've followed your renogy installation to the t. I was wondering if you could help with a problem I'm having with my inverter. It works perfectly with 240v, but off the grid, I'm getting a reverse polarity. Do you have any suggestions. Thanks Graham Keep up the great videos

@GregVirgoe Год назад

First thing to check would be all your 230v wiring to make sure not crossed any connections on your installation

@GrahamSmith-i8u Год назад

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. Yes, the wires are on the opposite side to the charge controller with mppt. Some suggestions are it could be that it's not earthed properly. I've earthed it to the body of my van. Is that correct? Thanks Graham

@GregVirgoe Год назад

@@GrahamSmith-i8u I was referring to your 230v mains cable installation that you would have done. I’m assuming you wired off the inverter to some plug sockets. How and where are you testing for reverse polarity?

@GrahamSmith-i8u Год назад

I plugged a tester straight into the inverter. I wanted to test it before going any further.

@GrahamSmith-i8u Год назад

@GregVirgoe Yes I have a plug socket straight from the consumer unit in which I plugged the inverter into, and that's fine when hooked up.

@remijio303 Год назад

That isn't why multi strand wire is used.

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Go on then, explain. We are all eager to learn why

@CalMUK91 3 месяца назад

Why are you running negative leads? Just esrth all negatives to the van.

@thomaspowell2043 7 месяцев назад

I just can't get my head around electrics and running cables and what's needed and where. I feel overwhelmed just watching you do it, never mind actually doing it myself!

@pinkbsl7972 5 месяцев назад

I used to think that but if you just do a few hours of research a day it can all gradually piece together.

@folkerwulff Год назад

As usual, great instruction and motivation. One suggestion: Add a dead 1.5 mm wire to every length of conduit to use as a pull wire in the future. You never know what you might want to add in years to come. 👍😀

@GregVirgoe Год назад

That or just a draw string. I did use an old cable to pull in two new ones before. 👍🏼😊

@ElliotMelloy 11 месяцев назад

Got me worried now ... What is the reason for running a negative 16mm cable all the way back to the starter battery? I only ran a 16mm positive and was going to use the van body for ground, but haven't tested it or connected any devices yet. One cable seemed logical to me since the Renogy MPPT has all the negatives connected together anyway (the solar panels, leisure batteries and starter battery all share a single common ground terminal).

@GregVirgoe 11 месяцев назад

This is an ISOLATED system, I prefer to use a negative cable for all my leisure side to keep it separated from the Auto electrics. I can also avoid poor ground connections, high resistance and volt drops. Did you know copper is over 30x more conductive than steel 😃👍🏼

@SandraHarvey-pg9cs 4 месяца назад

Hi Greg we are in the first stages of converting a MK7 transit minibus and we have 2 batteries under the drivers seat which one woulkd be the best to use to attach to the leisure battery when we decide which to use (lithium etc),i have been told that one is a starter battery and the other is an auxillary battery ?...Thanks and love the videos as they are brilliant for novices like us.

@bengriffiths400 4 месяца назад

Hi Greg, what size cable did you use for the fridge? Have you got any links cheers Ben

@simonvanwijlen6988 7 дней назад

Hi Greg, what would you recommend for labeling the cables, produce a cable list and perhaps a drawing?

@GregVirgoe 7 дней назад

@@simonvanwijlen6988 I always like to make a schematic drawing of the wiring layout. As for labelling in the van a dymo label maker works well.

@clarkspiemuncher24 9 месяцев назад

where is the finished van Greg? or have you abandoned the project ?

@tonysutton6559 Год назад

Another great video. Thank you (and Lou's hand that made a couple guest appearances). I had half a dozen notifications of videos in my RU-vid subscriptions today and, as always, I went for yours first as you make things so easy to understand with your clear explanations.

@GregVirgoe Год назад

I know it’s a busy day on Sunday for videos because RU-vid tells us that’s when most of our viewers are online. So I thank you for putting me first. That means a lot 😊

@stevebee2146 Год назад

Yet another proper sound video Greg my van build going so much better for watching your channel m8 keep them coming by the way just come off the back of 2 courses to do with work and found myself thinking these would be so much better if Greg was the tutor your are born to teach Greg 😊😊

@GregVirgoe Год назад

Oh thank you 🙏🏼 that’s really nice to hear. I know how you feel with work courses. Many are death by PowerPoint 😳🤣

@theot1248 Год назад

How convenient that you are in the middle of a Ducato build. I've just bought a 2014 L4H3 Boxer last week for a campervan conversion and I will be following every step of your build and will likely copy a lot of your tips and ideas. Thank you for these videos.

@GregVirgoe Год назад

No problem, hope they help you and good luck

@dundoniandownsouth8592 11 месяцев назад

Fantastic series can’t wait for more video’s of the build, just one question this might have been answered already, are you using 2.5mm 2 core for the 12v electric systems, I have watched the sprinter van build and I think you used 1.5mm 2 core in that?, keep up the great work it’s giving confidence to start my own build project👍🏻

@GregVirgoe 11 месяцев назад

I am using the same 1.5mm 2 core for small stuff like led lights etc and the fan. For larger loads like the fridge I size the cable for each item as they don’t like to see any volt drop. Thanks for watching 😊

@dundoniandownsouth8592 11 месяцев назад

@@GregVirgoe thanks for the reply

@rebelmindset6312 7 месяцев назад

I’ve been a HGV mechanic for nearly 17 years. You can always tell a good sparky because they make things look easy. Watching this video is like watching a master at work. The way you routed those wires, especially the ceiling fan. I thought Greg knows what he’s doing. Anyone that has worked on vehicles knows that the “easy or 5 min jobs” take the longest and are the most infuriating. I really liked this video. It’s very informative. You’ve earned a new subscriber.

@GregVirgoe 7 месяцев назад

Thank you very much 👍🏼

@pauldimeloe3978 7 месяцев назад

Hi Greg, hope you're well fella. Haven't seen any more videos since this one. Hope everything is ok 🙏. Really enjoy your in-depth videos.👍👍

@alaricgoldkuhl155 5 месяцев назад

Maybe you can help me with my concern of this setup? If you're going to have a huge battery bank constantly drawing on your alternator, won't it overheat and cut out? Then all of your electrics will drain the starter battery until the alternator cools enough to cut back in. If your starter battery drops too low too often you'll be constantly replacing it, not to mention replacing the alternator sooner as well. I get the advantage of being able to top up batteries on long drives if they're getting low, so maybe shield them and leave them disconnected in the box to connect when needed like during whole weeks of overcast days when the solar hasn't been charging as much?

@ElliotMelloy 11 месяцев назад

Did you manage to find red & black H07RN cable or are you just using blue & brown? I have already used red/black automotive cable internally but I need to find some rubber sheathed cable with good UV resistance, for external spotlight wiring. I know the colour really doesn't matter when there are no regulations for vans, but for some reason I can't convince myself that it's okay to use those colours for DC wiring. But if you use it then I will lol.

@GregVirgoe 10 месяцев назад

The H07RN rubber cable i'm using is brown and blue :D

@scotchegg6422 22 часа назад

Did this budget van build ever get finished? Where are the videos?

@MarkBtech 10 месяцев назад

Hi Greg love the videos, watched all the videos a few years back before the plandemic.Thinging of taking the plunge.Was thinging of converting a Luton box van?For those of use less proficient in carpentery and the like it would seem a better option?Would love to hear your views. Thanks Mark

@GregVirgoe 10 месяцев назад

Absolutely, having flat square sides will definately make it easier to insulate and fit out, much less scribing to do :D

@robkar Год назад

I've been watching your builds for a while and love your simple accurate explanations. Why do you use a negative between the batteries, could you not use the van chassis?