Blog

In-depth articles covering every aspect of campervan electrical systems — from beginner basics to advanced wiring techniques.

Solar Setup

Can Flexible Solar Panels Handle Campervan Roof Curves?

Flexible solar panels for campervans: do they handle roof curves, heat, and vibration? Real-world durability and performance data.

23 Mar 20259 min read
Solar Setup

Peak Sun Hours by Location: UK, Europe & Beyond

Peak sun hours data for UK regions and European destinations. Essential for sizing your campervan solar system accurately.

22 Mar 202510 min read
Campervan Electrical System

Sprinter Van Electrical System: Everything You Need to Know

Complete guide to Mercedes Sprinter campervan electrics. Smart alternator, battery locations, solar setup, and wiring for Sprinter conversions.

22 Mar 202510 min read
Solar Setup

Campervan Solar Panel Mounting: Roof Brackets, Adhesive, or Tilt?

Compare solar panel mounting methods for campervans: Z-brackets, corner brackets, adhesive, and tilt frames. Pros, cons, and installation tips.

21 Mar 20259 min read
Campervan Electrical System

Ford Transit Electrical System: Complete Van Conversion Guide

Ford Transit campervan electrical guide. Smart alternator solutions, battery placement, roof solar, and wiring tips for Transit conversions.

21 Mar 202510 min read
Campervan Electrical System

Budget vs Mid-Range vs Premium Campervan Electrical Systems

Compare budget, mid-range, and premium campervan electrical systems. Real UK prices, component lists, and which tier suits your van life.

20 Mar 202510 min read
Solar Setup

How Much Solar Do I Need in Winter? (UK/Europe Data)

Real UK and European winter solar data for campervans. Monthly yield figures, sizing advice, and strategies to stay powered through winter.

20 Mar 202510 min read
Campervan Electrical System

10 Campervan Electrical Mistakes That Could Burn Your Van Down

Avoid these 10 dangerous campervan electrical mistakes. Real examples, safety advice, and how to fix common wiring errors in UK van conversions.

19 Mar 202511 min read
Solar Setup

Solar Panels in Series vs Parallel for Campervans

Series vs parallel solar wiring for campervans explained. Learn which configuration handles shade better and suits your charge controller.

19 Mar 20259 min read
Inverters & AC Power

Installing 230V Sockets in a Campervan (UK Wiring Guide)

How to install 230V mains sockets in a campervan. Covers BS 1363 options, IP-rated sockets, wiring from the consumer unit, and RCD protection.

18 Mar 202511 min read
Inverters & AC Power

Best Inverters for Van Conversions 2025 (UK Tested)

Tested and compared: the best inverters for UK van conversions in 2025. Victron, Renogy, and budget picks with real efficiency data.

18 Mar 20259 min read
Campervan Electrical System

Campervan Electrical Tools List: Everything You Need

Complete list of tools needed for a campervan electrical installation. From essential basics to professional-grade equipment.

18 Mar 202511 min read
Electrical System

VW Crafter / MAN TGE Electrical System for Van Conversions

VW Crafter and MAN TGE electrical system guide. Alternator specs, smart charging, wiring routes, and solar capacity for conversions.

18 Mar 20253 min read
Electrical System

Fiat Ducato / Peugeot Boxer Electrical System Guide

Complete electrical system guide for Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer van conversions. Alternator specs, wiring routes, and solar capacity.

18 Mar 20255 min read
Inverters & AC Power

Inverter Standby Drain: How Much Battery Does It Waste?

How much battery power does an inverter waste on standby? Learn typical standby drain values, daily Ah costs, and how to minimise wasted energy in your campervan.

18 Mar 202510 min read
Inverters & AC Power

Pure Sine Wave vs Modified Sine Wave Inverter for Campervans

Pure sine wave vs modified sine wave inverters explained. Which campervan appliances need pure sine and why we always recommend it.

18 Mar 20258 min read
Inverters & AC Power

What Size Inverter for a Campervan? (Sizing Guide)

How to calculate the right inverter size for your campervan. Covers wattage calculation, common sizes, and battery cable requirements.

18 Mar 20259 min read
Inverters & AC Power

Victron MultiPlus for Campervans: Is It Worth the Price?

Honest review of the Victron MultiPlus for campervans. Models, features, pros, cons, and whether the price is justified for your build.

18 Mar 20259 min read
Inverters & AC Power

Victron Phoenix Inverter Review: Best Standalone Inverter for Vans?

In-depth review of the Victron Phoenix inverter range for campervans. Covers the 500VA, 800VA, and 1200VA models with real-world pros, cons, and pricing.

18 Mar 202510 min read
Solar Setup

Victron SmartSolar MPPT: Complete Setup Guide for Campervans

Step-by-step Victron SmartSolar MPPT setup for campervans. Wiring, app configuration, and optimal charge settings for LiFePO4.

18 Mar 202510 min read
Campervan Electrical System

12V vs 24V Campervan Systems: Which Should You Choose?

Comparing 12V and 24V campervan electrical systems. Pros, cons, costs, and when each makes sense for UK van conversions.

17 Mar 202510 min read
Wiring & Safety

Anderson Plugs for Campervans: Quick-Connect Your Solar & Battery

Complete guide to Anderson plugs for campervans. Covers sizing, colour codes, wiring, and when to use them for solar panels, batteries, and accessories.

17 Mar 202512 min read
Electrical System

Do I Need an Electrician for My Campervan? (When DIY Isn't Enough)

When you need a qualified electrician for your campervan conversion and when DIY is fine. UK regulations and safety guide.

17 Mar 20253 min read
Electrical System

How Long Does It Take to Install Campervan Electrics?

Realistic timelines for installing a campervan electrical system. From basic weekend setups to full off-grid systems.

17 Mar 20253 min read
Campervan Electrical System

Campervan Electrical System in Winter: Cold Weather Challenges

How cold weather affects your campervan electrics. Battery performance, solar output, and charging strategies for UK winter van life.

17 Mar 202512 min read
Wiring & Safety

Campervan Wiring Colour Codes: UK Standard Guide

Complete guide to campervan wiring colour codes. UK standard colours for 12V DC, 230V AC, and vehicle wiring with labelling best practices.

17 Mar 202511 min read
Solar Setup

MPPT vs PWM Charge Controllers: Which Do You Need?

MPPT vs PWM solar charge controllers compared for campervans. Efficiency, cost, and when each type makes sense for your van build.

17 Mar 20259 min read
Campervan Electrical System

Off-Grid Campervan Electrical System: How to Never Need Hook-Up

Design a fully off-grid campervan electrical system. Solar, battery, and charging strategies to stay self-sufficient anywhere in the UK.

17 Mar 202510 min read
Campervan Electrical System

Part-Time vs Full-Time Van Life: How It Changes Your Electrical System

Weekend warrior or full-time van lifer? Your electrical system needs are completely different. Here's how to size each correctly.

17 Mar 202511 min read
Campervan Electrical System

Portable Power Stations vs Built-In Systems: Pros and Cons

Should you use a portable power station or build a permanent electrical system? Honest comparison of cost, capacity, and convenience.

17 Mar 202512 min read
Wiring & Safety

How to Test Campervan Wiring with a Multimeter

Step-by-step guide to testing campervan wiring with a multimeter. Covers voltage, continuity, resistance, fuse testing, and fault finding.

17 Mar 202515 min read
Wiring & Safety

Voltage Drop in Campervans: How to Calculate and Prevent It

Learn how to calculate voltage drop in your campervan 12V system. Includes the 3% rule, formula, worked examples, and fixes for excessive voltage drop.

17 Mar 202512 min read
Campervan Battery Guide

What Size Leisure Battery Do I Need? (Calculator + Guide)

Work out exactly what size leisure battery you need for your campervan. Step-by-step guide with calculator, real examples, and UK-specific advice.

17 Mar 202512 min read
Batteries

What Battery Size for an Induction Hob in a Campervan?

Calculate the exact battery size needed for an induction hob in a campervan. Covers power draw, battery drain, inverter sizing, and realistic usage scenarios.

16 Mar 202510 min read
Solar Setup

Best Solar Panels for Campervans 2025 (Rigid vs Flexible)

Compare the best rigid and flexible solar panels for campervans in 2025. Efficiency, durability, and value rated for UK van life.

16 Mar 20258 min read
Batteries

Bluetooth Battery Monitors Compared: Victron vs Fogstar vs Renogy

Compare the best Bluetooth battery monitors for campervans: Victron SmartShunt, Fogstar Drift BMS, and Renogy 500A. Price, accuracy, and app quality reviewed.

16 Mar 202511 min read
Batteries

How to Monitor Campervan Battery Health (Prevent Early Failure)

Learn how to monitor your campervan battery health, spot early signs of degradation, and extend battery lifespan with BMS monitoring and proper maintenance.

16 Mar 202511 min read
Wiring & Safety

Campervan Cable Routing: How to Run Wires Neatly and Safely

How to route cables in a campervan safely and neatly. Covers planning, conduit, grommets, cable management, separation rules, and labelling.

16 Mar 202513 min read
Campervan Electrical System

Campervan Electrical System for Beginners: Where to Start

New to campervan electrics? This beginner-friendly guide explains every component in plain English. No jargon, just clear steps.

16 Mar 202512 min read
Wiring & Safety

How to Wire a 12V Fuse Box in a Campervan (Step-by-Step)

Step-by-step guide to wiring a 12V blade fuse box in your campervan. Covers circuit planning, fuse sizing, and grounding.

16 Mar 20257 min read
Electrical System

Campervan Power Audit: Calculate Your Daily Energy Consumption

How to calculate your campervan's daily energy consumption in Wh. Step-by-step power audit guide with real examples.

16 Mar 20253 min read
Wiring & Safety

Campervan Wire Gauge Calculator: Choose the Right Cable Size

How to calculate the correct wire gauge for your campervan. Includes formulas, voltage drop calculations, and a cable size reference table.

16 Mar 20257 min read
Wiring & Safety

Crimping vs Soldering in a Campervan: Which Is Safer?

Why crimping is preferred over soldering in campervans. Covers vibration, heat cycling, crimp types, proper technique, and when soldering is acceptable.

16 Mar 202510 min read
Charging Systems

Euro 5 vs Euro 6 Alternators: What It Means for Campervan Charging

How Euro 6 smart alternators affect campervan battery charging. Why split charge relays fail and DC-DC chargers are essential.

16 Mar 20259 min read
Wiring & Safety

How to Wire LED Lights in a Campervan (12V Wiring Guide)

Step-by-step guide to wiring 12V LED lights in a campervan. Covers light types, wire gauge, switching options, fuse sizing, and parallel vs series wiring.

16 Mar 202513 min read
Solar Setup

200W vs 400W vs 600W Solar: What's Right for Your Van?

Compare 200W, 400W, and 600W solar setups for campervans. Real-world UK output figures, costs, and which size matches your lifestyle.

15 Mar 202511 min read
Charging Systems

Best DC-DC Charger for Campervans 2025 (20A, 30A, 50A)

Best DC-DC chargers for campervans in 2025. Compare Victron Orion XS, Renogy, and Sterling B2B chargers with UK pricing and sizing advice.

15 Mar 20259 min read
Charging Systems

Campervan Battery Charging from All Three Sources: How They Work Together

Learn how solar, alternator, and mains charging work together in a campervan. Practical UK guide to combining all three sources for reliable off-grid power.

15 Mar 202512 min read
Charging Systems

Campervan Consumer Unit Wiring: RCD, MCBs & UK Regulations

How to wire a consumer unit in a campervan. Covers RCD protection, MCB sizing, UK wiring regulations, and step-by-step guidance for a safe 230V installation.

15 Mar 202512 min read
Campervan Electrical System

How Much Does a Campervan Electrical System Cost? Full Breakdown

Complete cost breakdown for campervan electrical systems in 2025. Budget, mid-range, and premium options with real UK prices.

15 Mar 202510 min read
Solar Setup

Campervan Roof Space by Van Model: How Much Solar Fits?

Roof dimensions and maximum solar capacity for popular UK campervan models. Ducato, Sprinter, Transit, Transporter, Crafter, and more.

15 Mar 202512 min read
Charging Systems

Campervan Shore Power Inlet Installation (Step-by-Step)

How to install a shore power inlet on your campervan. Step-by-step guide with cutting template, wiring, and waterproofing for UK van conversions.

15 Mar 202510 min read
Charging Systems

Shore Power for Campervans: Hook-Up Wiring & Safety

Complete guide to campervan shore power wiring. Covers EHU hook-up, consumer units, RCDs, and UK safety regulations for 230V mains in your van.

15 Mar 202510 min read
Charging Systems

Can I Charge My Campervan from My House?

How to charge your campervan leisure battery from a UK household socket. Safe methods, cable requirements, charger options, and what to avoid.

15 Mar 202511 min read
Charging Systems

How Fast Does a DC-DC Charger Charge While Driving?

Find out exactly how fast a DC-DC charger replenishes your campervan leisure battery while driving. Real-world UK charging speeds, tips, and calculations.

15 Mar 202511 min read
Charging Systems

20A vs 30A vs 50A DC-DC Charger: How to Choose

Compare 20A, 30A, and 50A DC-DC chargers for campervans. UK-focused guide covering cost, charging speed, cable sizing, and which size suits your van build.

15 Mar 202511 min read
Charging Systems

DC-DC Charger vs Split Charge Relay: Which Do You Need?

DC-DC charger vs split charge relay for campervans. Learn which alternator charging method suits your van, with UK-focused advice and product picks.

15 Mar 20259 min read
Charging Systems

EHU (Electric Hook-Up) Explained for Campervans

Complete UK guide to electric hook-up for campervans. Learn how EHU works, what you need to install, power limits, and how to wire your van safely.

15 Mar 202511 min read
Solar Setup

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need on My Campervan?

Calculate exactly how many solar panels your campervan needs based on your daily usage, UK sun hours, and battery size.

15 Mar 20259 min read
Solar Setup

Portable Solar Panels for Campervans: When They Make Sense

Explore portable solar panels for campervans. Foldable vs suitcase panels, real-world output, connection methods, and when portable beats roof-mounted.

15 Mar 202512 min read
Solar Setup

Renogy vs Victron Solar Panels: Which Brand for Your Van?

Compare Renogy and Victron solar panels for campervans. UK pricing, real-world performance, warranty, and which brand suits your build and budget.

15 Mar 202511 min read
Charging Systems

What Is a Smart Alternator? (And Why It Kills Your Split Charge)

Smart alternators explained for campervan owners. Learn why modern Euro 6 vans need a DC-DC charger and how to check your vehicle.

15 Mar 202510 min read
Solar Setup

How to Route Solar Cables Through Your Van Roof

Learn how to safely route solar cables through your campervan roof using cable glands. Waterproof entry methods, sealant choices, and step-by-step installation.

15 Mar 202511 min read
Solar Setup

Solar Charge Controller Sizing: How to Get It Right

Learn how to size an MPPT or PWM charge controller for your campervan. Amps, voltage, and wattage calculations with worked examples for common setups.

15 Mar 202512 min read
Solar Setup

Solar Panel Shading: How Much Power Do You Actually Lose?

Understand how shading affects campervan solar output. Partial shade losses, bypass diodes, MPPT vs PWM response, and practical tips to minimise impact.

15 Mar 202512 min read
Charging Systems

Victron Blue Smart IP22 Charger: Setup for Campervans

How to set up the Victron Blue Smart IP22 battery charger for your campervan. Covers installation, profiles, and Bluetooth configuration.

15 Mar 202510 min read
Charging Systems

Victron Orion XS DC-DC Charger: Complete Install Guide

Step-by-step guide to installing the Victron Orion XS DC-DC charger in your campervan. Cable sizes, fuse ratings, and wiring diagram included.

15 Mar 202512 min read
Batteries

100Ah vs 200Ah vs 300Ah: Which Battery Size for Your Van?

100Ah vs 200Ah vs 300Ah LiFePO4 battery comparison for campervans. Real-world sizing advice based on UK usage patterns and budgets.

14 Mar 202510 min read
Batteries

Best Lithium Batteries for Campervans 2025 (UK Tested)

Best LiFePO4 batteries for campervans in 2025. Fogstar Drift, Victron Smart, and budget options compared with UK pricing.

14 Mar 20253 min read
Batteries

Campervan Battery Monitor: Why You Need One & Best Options

Why every campervan needs a battery monitor. Covers shunt-based monitors, Bluetooth options, Victron SmartShunt, and budget alternatives for UK builds.

14 Mar 202510 min read
Batteries

Campervan Battery Placement: Where to Mount Safely

Where to mount your campervan battery safely. Covers under-seat, under-floor, garage box, and bulkhead locations with ventilation and safety advice.

14 Mar 202512 min read
Batteries

Can You Charge Lithium Batteries in Cold Weather?

Can you charge LiFePO4 batteries below 0°C? Cold weather charging risks, BMS protection, and practical solutions for UK campervans.

14 Mar 20259 min read
Batteries

How Long Will My Campervan Battery Last? (Real-World Data)

How long a campervan battery lasts on a single charge with real-world UK data. Covers LiFePO4 and AGM with typical daily usage scenarios.

14 Mar 20259 min read
Batteries

LiFePO4 vs AGM Batteries for Campervans: The Real Comparison

LiFePO4 vs AGM batteries for campervans compared. Weight, cost, lifespan, usable capacity, and which is best for your van conversion.

14 Mar 20254 min read
Batteries

Second-Hand Lithium Batteries for Campervans: Worth the Risk?

Should you buy a second-hand LiFePO4 battery for your campervan? Risks, what to check, fair pricing, and when to buy new instead. UK advice.

14 Mar 202510 min read
Batteries

Victron SmartShunt Setup Guide for Campervans

Complete Victron SmartShunt installation and setup guide for campervans. Wiring, app configuration, and calibration for LiFePO4 and AGM batteries.

14 Mar 202511 min read
Batteries

Victron Smart Lithium vs Fogstar Drift: Head-to-Head Review

Victron Smart LiFePO4 vs Fogstar Drift compared for UK campervans. Price, BMS, Bluetooth, warranty, and real-world performance tested.

14 Mar 20259 min read
Batteries

How to Wire Campervan Batteries in Parallel (Step-by-Step)

Step-by-step guide to wiring campervan batteries in parallel. Covers LiFePO4 and AGM, cable sizing, fusing, and common mistakes to avoid.

14 Mar 202511 min read