How to Wire A Van Conversion | Beginners Guide to Running Electrical Wiring for a Van
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- Опубліковано 31 лип 2024
- Beginners Guide to Wiring a Van Conversion
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Welcome back to the channel ya kooks!
Today we are going to give you a beginner's guide to wiring a van conversion. This is a very straightforward task. Here is a list of items you will need.
Tools
Wire Strippers - amzn.to/38SHIyp
Wire Cutters - amzn.to/3lZebFV
Plastic Conduit 3/8” - amzn.to/3GQj1iF
Plastic Conduit 1/2” - amzn.to/3m1hYTq
Heat Gun - amzn.to/3N8p44n
Wire Connectors - amzn.to/3PTlAUT
12V Wiring
12 Gauge Stranded Wire - amzn.to/3NlRxE1
14 Gauge Stranded Wire - amzn.to/3N8nIGP
16 Gauge Stranded Wire - amzn.to/3lWWRBD
120V AC Wiring
Marine Cable (12 Gauge Stranded) - amzn.to/3LYqE7q
Jacketed Cable (12 Gauge Stranded) - amzn.to/3wWchet
..::CHAPTERS::..
00:00 - Welcome Back to the Channel
00:25 - Van Conversion Wiring Module
02:32 - Wiring Lights in a Van Conversion
04:46 - Wiring a Fridge in a Van Conversion
06:16 - Wiring a Fan in a Van Conversion
07:45 - Upper Cabinet Wiring
08:04 - Wiring a Switch
10:31 - Wiring LED Lighting
12:35 - Wiring 120 Volt AC Outlets in a Van
13:31 - How to Split a Wire Into Two
19:27 - How to Daisy Chain Ceiling Lights
20:55 - Wiring a Roof Fan in A Van Conversion
22:20 - Cleaning Up the WIres With Conduit
We will be running 12/14/16 gauge wires for all the 12-volt accessories and 12 gauge stranded wire for all our 120-volt AC outlets. This is a very straightforward process. You will need to have a diagram and a layout in place before you start wiring. You will need to know where all your accessories (fridge, lights, outlets, and switches) and where your battery bank and 12-volt fuse panel as well as your power inverter will be.
You will want to start wiring all your lower draw accessories first running your 16 gauge wire to all the areas where you will be power lights, led lights, and any other low draw accessories, Next, you will want to wire all your 14 gauge accessories this will be things like your roof fan and your USB outlets and anything that will need a little bit more amperage than the 16 gauge wire accessories will need. Then you will want to go through and run wire to where all your 12 gauge accessories will be these will be things like your fridge, 12-volt heaters, 12v water heaters, sink pump, and anything else that requires more amperage.
You will want to be sure to mark each wire for what accessory it goes with. Use tape and a marker and mark what each wire corresponds to on both ends. This will make your life so much easier when you are hooking up your 12 Volt fuse panel. as well as once walls get installed so you will know what each wire goes to.
After you will want to run your wire for all your 120 Volt AC outlets. You will want these to start at where your power inverter will be and end where you will have wall outlets to power 12 Volts AC units like laptops/blenders/and cooking appliances. Also, make sure you are marking with the sharpie and tape which each wire corresponds to so when you are hooking up your inverter you will know what cable corresponds to which outlet. This will help because some outlets will require larger breakers. I like to write mine out as follows (15 Amp Kitchen Outlet)
Once all the wires are run it’s time to clean up the mess. I like to use a 3/8” and 1/2” plastic conduit and clean up the rat's nest of wires. This will make your life so much easier when it comes time to slap on your walls. I will also note that before you put your walls on it helps to draw out a diagram of where all your wires run behind the wall. I will draw a diagram and also make each wall with tape and measurements of where the wires are being the studs. You do not want to put a nail or screw through your wires as this will cause a short and blow a fuse or will render your wire useless.
I hope this beginner's guide to 12-volt wiring is helpful to you kookz. We are going to have more videos for beginners on how to convert your van conversion easily and professionally with the kookz.
Check back for more DIY van conversion videos.
Lots of Love to You Kookz!
Happy Building! - Навчання та стиль
Wow! You explained the process slowly and clearly. I’ve done renovations in my homes, but never dealt with the electrical wiring. Im 70 years old and you made it so simple to understand, step by step that now, I’m not afraid to tackle this. I already have some wires!
If you thought this was helpful the masterclass is a real gem! www.vankookz.com
I have spent the past 2 weeks watching as many YT videos on van life as I could, and this channel seems to be the best for building. I was starting to think I could never do my own van conversion at age 60 because of the electrical but now I'm thinking different. I am subscribed and will be doing a deep dive into the channel this weekend. Thank you for all do.
Absolutely thanks for the feedback! We also just released a comprehensive van conversion masterclass that goes into much more details and take you through step by step each phase. With monthly support Q&A calls as well.
This video was incredibly helpful! Thank you for being so thorough in describing everything!
wow you guys are a wonderful find! Tanks for the Van info.
bro! this is the best damn wiring video ive seen and ive been watching dozens and dozens on end. appreciate the in depth breakdown and whys and why nots. killin it man!
Thanks appreciate that! 🙏 there a lot more DIY videos on the channel and website www.vankookz.com
Thank you so much. We can do anything with the right teacher. You're the best.
Thanks! We have an entire van build masterclass about to drop. You can sign up at vankookz.com
this is so helpful! i’m a complete newbie with electrical and it’s been hard to find a walk through video that shows step by step. this video answered everything i needed to know!
Awesome glad we could help we just put out an entire series start to finish van project.
Thank you so much for this video. I was so afraid of doing the wiring, You did a great joy explaining it.
Thanks! I just put out a pretty extensive DIY Van Conversion Electrical EBook with tons of diagrams and other info. www.vankookz.com/shop
This video just took a lot of my anxiety away. I'm so scared of dealing with electrical but I don' have the budget to hire someone to build out my van so I'm planning to do as much of the labor myself as possible. thanks for sharing
You got this
You’re a bloody Legend! Thank goodness someone has Finally made it simple and clear for me where electrics has always eluded my tiny brain 😂🎉👍
Awesome stoked you like it.
Wow that reflectix sure looks perfect the way you did it. Will keep this in mind for my next build (if ever).
Yeah once we started doing it that way we never looked back…
Thanks for the wire Guage details. Most videos don't mention guage. I am wiring to my lights etc right now. Cheers.
Yeah glad we could help
Thank you for this video.
😊
This was so freaking helpful. Made me actually feel like I can do this part of the van build instead of finding someone to help out. My only real question is: if you can *under*estimate the gauge, but you can't *over*estimate the gauge, why wouldn't you use one large gauge for everything? Is it a cost thing? Might be a silly question, idk.
Cost.... 12 gauge will be more expensive per foot.
@@Vankookz makes sense. Thanks for the clarity (and the great vid)
Amazing video for someone that has no clue about electricity!!!!! WONDERFUL VIDEO for someone who doesn’t know what they are doing 😅
You got this! We also have a great 12 Volt Masterclass on our website. www.vankookz.com
Guys out here making it looking easy 💯 👏 electricians y todo Mira 👀! HGTV needs to pick you up for a pilot for real. Congrats 🍾
Bro we do it all. Vanlife experts. Congrats to you too! You have come so far dude! Keep doing what you do and love ❤. PS I talked to Josh and he confirmed the Commanche connection way back when. So we officially go waaaaay back!
Well done!
Thanks! 😊
great video , subbed
Awesome welcome to the Vankookz channel!
Nice!
Thank you, good info
Glad it was helpful!
Nice job, Kevin
Thanks dude.I'm trying to start with the basics and not go in too deep here with these videos.
Thanks! I learned a lot about fuses, breakers and the need for proper wire gauge and amp size on all the fuses, from UA-cam videos. It's especially important for a person is living right next their wiring. Of course, smoke detector and CO detectors are important and I personally would consider 2 of each just in case. Slightly paranoid I guess.
Glad it helped
Good info! Thanks for sharing!
Yeah we have tons more in our masterclass at www.vankookz.com
@@Vankookz I ain’t gonna lie, I have been considering a van build, but all that stuff seems a little intimidating since I am inexperienced. But, after checking out your clearly explained videos, I am thinking about going for it.
Thank you .. this's helpfull
Awesome! Thanks for the feedback. We are going to have a lot of DIY videos coming out here in the next few weeks.
I also want to say I like very much how the insulation is done and how I will do it when I do it, which will be far in the future when I retire or go part time. You don't mess with stuffing it in places, although yes it will save some space which is a consideration. I think full coverage is nice but some say gas heaters even on low are far too much heat.
I thought of a way that heat could be handled without a thermostat: Two hot hair output hoses, one going the outside through a vent. This, while not perfect, won't require more advanced changes. The hose staying inside can have an adjustable vent that can slow or increase intake to the best flow. I plan on having floor vents anyway, at this time. Could change my mind. I'd want to run a ceiling fan (probably low), too, even in winter, if the heater can handle it which is a strong possibility.
Yes the diesel heaters work amazing! Almost too amazing it can get toasty. Sounds like you are almost ready to make it happen!
Thank you!
Happy to help
I'm going to staple mine parallel instead of using zipties. That way you know for a fact the top wire is X, next wire is X, etc.
Yeah that’s a viable option just be Careful the staple doesn’t penetrate the wire insulation, maybe protect the wire with a lil extra somthin’ somthin’
Great video! Why wire the 2 fans separately instead of together into one on the panel? Just curious as ive seen it done that way. Thanks!
You can do it either way
Would it be ok to just use 16 awg for all my lights, USB outlets and cigarette lighter outlets?
Heya What do you do with the existing van wiring in the panel if you want to put insulation through yet access the cables later if there's any issues?
You can use a PVC conduit and have access to all the wires that way otherwise. It's kinda like a house you would just have to cut out the walls and troubleshoot.
Can this also apply to converting a box truck? Great vid thank you!!
Yes, absolutely
Do you have a video on your panel box and how to plug into 30 amp shore power?
AC Power Outlets in a Van | How to Wire an Inverter to a Breaker Box
ua-cam.com/video/97uc0iYpuC0/v-deo.html
So for ease of use could you just use 12awg marine grade for everything. My Ac is separate connection by itself.
Other items are: wall lights (include 110v outlets and USB), refrigerator (DC and shore power), microwave incidentals overhead lights, water heater and water pump. Aldi a few convenience outlets (inside and outside).
Do the AC Lights need three wire for ground?
Using Craft Auto wiring box.
12 Gauge will be fine. Stick to 12v for your lights.
I guess u Can wire all with the tick wire only.
Just like a house. You can run all in 2-12 20 am wires. Does run power faster ?
It’s cheaper 12 is a bit over kill for all these low draw 12 volt accessories.
Is that van for chasing tornadoes because you sound like that guy in the movie twister
I have done totally wireless van build! Jackery 2000 watt solar generator (have not added solar panels yet?) I use usb rechargeable lights a magnets, can move around attach to any metal surface. No wiring. The jackery has 3 AC, 4 USB and a 12v plug. 2000 watt built in inverters 3000 watt Surge can power almost Any house product including 700 watt microwave. ICECO 45qt on 12v from Jackery. It can be recharges while driving or from AC. Will add solar eventually? Keeping my van build simple and functional.
Nice that’s awesome!
What if i use 12 or even 10 gauge wire for everything? Instead of 3 different gauge wires use same gauge for everything? Thank you
That will work.
Is there a reason other than cost (smaller gauge is cheaper) that you install different wire gauges depending on the load? Most important any safety issues with using 12 gauge throughout?
No 12 throughout is fine. It’s just cost. Most of these 12 bold loads don’t need much like lights, fridge, and chargers. If you are wiring AC loads you will want to use 12 gauge marine wire.
Are you going to do 120v lighting and appliances too?
It’s all 12v we do run some wires for 120v for some outlets.
How come you went with copper clad aluminum wires?
I pulled it out of an old RV so I reused it. Wire is so expensive right now.
Do u like that word module
Do you like it?
Do you really need to run black to negative on the battery? Can't you just connect it to a closer grounding point in the body?
Yes you can. That is a bit more advanced way to wire as this is just a beginners guide.
which wire is the neutral wire(white) with the connect black and red wires??
Test on your 12v battery or a 9v. Sometimes they are reverse polarity so either will work.
@@Vankookz thanks man been saving lots of your vids online you sure put vanlife on my bucket list Im going into a hvac career so I know basics jus struggling with the cabinet blueprints van searching
Can use wago’s makes you’re life so much easier than crimping
Also there is safe zones for wiring so you don’t hit the cables
wago's look pretty legit! Thanks!
Lmao @19:35
I didn't catch it....
@@Vankookz Chaining two blacks together
Stupid question: why not use battery operated “tap lights”?
You can it's just not very sustainable in the long run.
Hey guys. I really enjoy your step by step instructions. If I can quibble at all…😅 please stop raising the pitch in your voice on the very last word in your sentences. I know it’s picky but it drives me nuts. Thanks again for the information.
Haha! Sorry it’s just hope I talk only on film!
Why in van conversion there suddenly is no need anymore for proper pvc pipe to run the wires through?
It's all janky as hell with all the loose wires behind the wall.
One of the reasons I'll never buy a diy converted camper van. They are all held together bij best intentions.
I put them all in plastic conduit later in on the video. You can run any type of conduit you want anywhere.