Pre-Wiring 12v DC & 120v AC | Ram ProMaster Van Build Series | Van Life | Solo Female Traveler
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- Опубликовано: 14 июл 2024
- In this video I share how to prewire your 12 volt direct current and 120 volt alternating current wires throughout your van. These wires will carry current from the distribution panel to my appliances, lights, outlets and switches. Also, I provide install tips and details on how to choose the proper wire types and wire gauges for your application.
Tune in to my next video where I'll be wiring my ENTIRE electrical system, start to finish.
Until then, subscribe to my channel and turn on notifications so you don't miss a beat!
ABYC Wire Gauge Chart: www.bluesea.com/resources/1437
FarOutRide Wire Gauge Calculator: faroutride.com/wire-calc/
Explorist.Life Wire Gauge Calculator: www.explorist.life/wire-sizin...
For more frequent van life updates, connect and interact with me on Instagram and Tik Tok @LaurenLawliss.
Instagram: / laurenlawliss
Tik Tok: / laurenlawliss
Thank you for your support - Venmo: www.venmo.com/u/LaurenLawliss
What do you plan on powering in your van?
Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for being here :)
Affiliate Links for Products and Tools
Ancor Marine Grade Wire: amzn.to/3G6g25F
Ancor Marine Grade Duplex & Triplex Wire: amzn.to/3GuQUXx
Wire Cutter: amzn.to/3G48r7G
Rubber Grommets: amzn.to/3WP4Tg6
Split Loom: amzn.to/3jDGRq7
Mesh Split Loom: amzn.to/3Q7olTq
Electrical Tape: amzn.to/3i0nKGg
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
1:26 - Determine what you plan to power in your van
1:38 - DC vs AC
3:20 - Choosing the correct type of wire
5:36 - Choosing the proper wire gauge
10:33 - Calculating the wire gauge needed
11:44 - My pre-wiring plan
13:05 - Applying rubber grommets
14:41 - Running my pre-wires along with tips
19:36 - Wire management with split loom and zip ties
21:31 - Closing
Disclaimer: I am not a professional. This information is what I have gathered from my own research on the topic and is only intended for reference. Further research should be conducted for your specific project based on your needs. Please note, not everything you see online is the correct nor the only way to do something. Contact a professional if in doubt as following an incorrect procedure could lead to a dangerous and ineffective result.
This is the best video I've seen describing how to understand electrical in a van! Thank you!
Thank you! Hopefully it makes this step a little less daunting to do😝
Wow! I have watched 1000’s of van build videos, and you young lady, are AMAZING! Thank you for all the hard work you put into this.
Thank you sooo much💖
Rhett
Totally agree with Bonnie!! Absolutely LOVE Lauren and refer to her as my "friend" 🤣
Bravo! I am 74 and I never saw someone explaine so clearly all that stuff. I am curently using my Santa Fe to go on wild camping trip and although I dont need to convert it anymore I will look at all your videos just for the fun of it! Take care and happy travelleing!
Thank you for watching and commenting! Enjoy your travels.
You should be a teacher , I enjoy watching your videos, another 5 stars great job
Haha, thanks! Glad you enjoy the videos🤩
Hey, Lauren, I must tell you, I have been watching lots of video for my project and yours is the BEST one I have ever seen. You make it look so simple and very detailed oriented and classy build out. Thank you. Thank you for sharing the brands and make of all the equipment needed.
Thank you for the kind words. I’m so glad you found the video helpful. Best of luck on your build ☺️
Thank you so much! You’re just about the only channel that has broken down everything in a way that I can understand 😅 Subbed! I will be following your instruction for my van build.
Thank you for watching! I’m glad you find them helpful☺️
very very proud becauseof minded girl
Thanks!
Very Good Video Lauren. I have watched dozens of Van electrical videos and this is the first I have seen the string method used for determining run length. Great Idea! Keep the videos coming and don’t get discouraged with your build. Oh and BTW, I agree with others who say you should be a teacher! All of your videos have been very clear and concise. Thank you for recording these!
Thank you for the kind words!! Im glad to hear the videos are coming across as clear and concise as that is my goal every time😊
Thank you for taking the time to explain much of the basics that most newbies to electrical wiring would not know. While I have learned most of this from previous jobs, this is not something that is taught in normal schools. So, most people do not know these basics. And, most technicians will not spare the time to give this instruction and information.
Thank you for the kind words! I am glad you found it helpful.
absolutely amazing! Ive watched countless electrical videos and this one by far is the best. thank you for creating this
Thank you, Denelle! Glad you found it helpful. Good luck with your build!
You're amazing, but I'm just going to wire some mood lights and use my jackery as my hub
I've been watching and learning a lot from you.
That’ll be a great setup, too! Glad you are finding my videos helpful ☺️
Best wiring video I've seen so far.Great job.
Wow, thank you so much! Means a lot🥰
Great info as always.
Glad you liked it!
You do an amazing job explaining everything you are doing and why. I love your posts!!
Thank you! I love knowing the why behind things so I try to share that with you all too😃
Cleanest, tightest build I've seen and electrical explanation helpful!
Thanks, Jeny! Appreciate it😁
You so perfectly explained all the van life electrical concept.....Best video on YT
Thank you 🙏🏻 I appreciate the feedback💖
Super Impressive Lauren. Well thought out plan. Humble Road would be proud. Can't wait for your next video.
Thank you! Appreciate you watching☺️
how does @@LaurenLawliss Humble Road do wiring process?
Very helpful!
Glad to hear it!
Lauren!!! I have been watching electrical videos for three years and have felt disheartened. This morning I couldn’t have come across a better video to watch with my coffee. You are such an amazing teacher. I now feel inspired to try and tackle this. You are an amazing woman! 🙏 thank you!
Hi Brenda! Thank you so much for the kind words. I am glad you found it helpful. I know you can do it! Best of luck and let me know if you have any questions!!
Excellent. 🙂
Thank you!!
This video just made you gain a new subscriber!
Wahoo! Welcome😄
Omg I'm so glad I found your video!!! Lol. Thank you for explaining everything!!!! - Coni
Hi Coni and Aidan! I’m glad you found my channel too. Best of luck with your van build🥰
Awesome 👌
Thank you!
this is super helpful 😄
Glad you like it!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, So many, if not all, of the "Pre-wire" videos talk about what they are going to do, then fast forward to the end!!! TaDa...there you go...what? You really did a great job on this. I was a College Professor for many years. Your video Prep work is very commendable. Most people don't realize how many hours it takes to prep for one of your 20-minute presentations. GREAT JOB! I have been planning for a couple years. I live in Indonesia and go home to Oregon about every other year for 3-5 months. I have an old class C motorhome parked there but it always takes me a week to prep it. I am Buying a Promaster to build out. Your build series is the best. Again, Thank you.
Thank you for the comment and kind words! I am glad you found the video helpful. Yes, there are many many many hours that go into planning for these videos, recording and editing. I am always happy when I hear others found it valuable. Gives me motivation to keep creating. Best of luck with your van build, you got this🙌🏼🤩
Lauren, that's a very good and detailed video ! 😊
I am an electrical engineer, a home remodeler, and starting out to convert vans to RVs. I must say I'm impressed with all the steps and details you have laid out in this video and know it will help tons of people to wire their rigs correctly. Planning is key.
Couple of helpful hints
A: when you're doing separate black and red
Every so often wrap the pair one or two times with the electrical tape just to hold them neatly together.
2: you don't have to use tape to mark your ends for the 10-3 or 12-2 .. etc. Get a sharpie or a Milwaukee marker from home Depot for about $1 you can write directly onto the wire jacket.
C: you can look at some of your ac appliances and if they have a AC to DC brick adapter.. such as a laptop you may be able to not use the adapter and go directly to the 12v DC
Using the correct size round plug termination off your wire . Or buy a very small dc to DC converter to step up the voltage to say 20v or whatever is needed.
This would keep you even more energy efficient .
And it seems if there is a 12v DC version, I see many tvs, fridges.etc available .. they may be a higher purchase price though.
4: definitely use a USB socket that wires up to your 12v for charging your phone.. they are available on Amazon and in the electrical section in any auto parts store.. again more efficient not having to use inverter to step up to 120ac.
Also some come with a Voltage meter display built in.
Also may think of putting in a socket similar to the old style cigarette lighter plug for accessories like air pump, fan, etc there are so many 12v accessories that use that plug available.
I'll be watching your videos for some ideas for my own builds, thanks 😊
well done!
Thanks!
Agree with everyone else! Electrics are so daunting and you've made it seem not quite as daunting a task now! Great video Lauren 😊
Wahoo, glad I could help. Just take it one step at a time and you’ll get there 😄
This is the best wire running video I've seen on RUclips for van builds and, in my case, a ctc your explanation of what wire size and construction is spot on. I hope you all the best in your adventures and dreams .
Appreciate it! Good luck on your build.
I was looking forward to watching this post Lauren, and I must say it was worth the wait. I'm not an electrician so I actually learned a lot by watching this. I would have never guessed there were so many gauges of wire. Thanks for the lesson, anticipating the next one on connecting the entire electrical system.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for being patient with the inconsistent timing of my videos. I can’t wait to share my next video with you all😬
Lauren you make an EXCELLENT TEACHER 👏🏾 you've got my subscription 👏🏾 and I will follow your lead bless you and thank you 😊
Thank you so much! Welcome to the channel☺️
I have been researching for years, waiting to retire to do my van build. I can’t tell you how happy I am to find your videos. You ideas are exactly what I have been picturing for my own van. Your thoughts are the same as what I have been thinking as well. Thx kiddo for making it so much easier for a retiree to do. As well as the confidence of accomplishing such a task!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are the bomb!
I’m so glad you are finding my videos helpful!!! Your kind words means so much to me. Best of luck on your build when the time comes, you got this🙌🏻
Subscribed!
Welcome!
Holy cow. What a find! Great video. Comprehensive. Easy to understand and follow. Be warned, people will knight you as the van electrical system expert. Thank you so much for putting out this video.
Hahaha thank you for the kind words! I’m glad it was easy to follow😁
Wow! You did a great job on this video. So informative and clear. Thank you.
Thank you. Glad you found it helpful!
Awesome girl, your really intelligent 🧠
Thank you!
@@LaurenLawliss your oh so welcome, I'm getting pretty old now but a broken neck Messed me up pretty ugly like 7 years ago now and I really wish there were somone out there that would take a modest payment to help me get out on the road, I just refuse to roll over and die
Sorry to hear that. I will be offering consultation calls starting in June when my website launches if you’re interested.
@@LaurenLawliss yes indeed I'm interested, how can I get you my # without blasting it out there to anyone on here?
I’ll announce when the site launches and you can schedule a call there 😄
You are AMAZING!
Thank you for the comment🥰🥰
You are amazing and have a heart of gold to do this for all to learn, thank you!
Thanks, Wayne😄❤️
Best video I've seen on explaining everything. Thank you.
Thank you!!!😇
Awesome video, you're a great teacher
Thank you!!
nice job
Thank you☺️
Thanks for sharing. Keep up making videos like this. 👍👍👍👍
Thanks for watching and commenting☺️
Best wiring video. Perfect. Thank you!
I appreciate it! Thank you.
Well done.
Thanks😄
Greetings beckoning you from Uganda 🇺🇬 🇺🇬 🇺🇬 🇺🇬 Uganda East Africa 🌍
Welcome!
Looking more and more like a PRO!!!
Thank you☺️☺️
I have to say I have watched a lot of videos on building vans yours are one of the best I have seen good job I'm a fan.
Thank you for the comment and kind words. It truly means so much. Welcome to my journey🥰
You are incredible! I never saw nobody explain and show every moment like you do!. I have a motor home from factory but if I ever build one myself your videos would help so much!.
Thanks for the comment, means a lot!
Wow! Thank you!! Hero 😅🎉
Haha you’re welcome. Thanks for watching!
The american system for measuring wires is soo complex! I sugest metric system, is quite simple.. Thanks for all !!!
So I’ve heard
Lauren you are so smart 🤎🤙 You would make a great teacher 😛🥰
Awh thank you!
Hi. Really love your build videos so far. You are a ln excellent teacher. One comment. Could you please rename the videos with preceding numbers? (e.g. 1-, 2-, etc). They are not sorting for me and I’m finding that sometimes it confusing to watch out of order). Other than that, absolutely love it. You’re the first video series to give me confidence that “Maybe I can do this.”
Thanks for watching and commenting! I will look into adding numbers for ease of following along.
I've watched every van electrical installation video under the sun. I am watching 3 that were just uploaded right now as I type this. There are other dimension where van installation videos are a thing, and I have watched their videos too. THIS video. Laurel, this video -- magnificent
Thank you sooooo much! I am glad you find it helpful🥰🫶🏻
@@LaurenLawliss 🫶🏿
yes Laurel is awesome. who else is good?
I personally refer to many van build videos but here are some of my favorites:
Linnea and Akela
Mathers on the Map
Humble Roads
Sara and Alex James
EXPLORIST.Life
I just love your videos. The fact that your doing it all yourself and that you have researched in deeps and are able to explain it is amazing. As a electronic tech and electrician I paid close attention to this clip especially the ac/dc and current and wire gauges parts just to check for errors . Congradulations all info is accurate except for a few irrelevant details. Your wire size calculations are correct for DC but for ac there is no need to go to 10 gauges . Your max current is determined by your inverter. for a 2k watt inverter 12 is sufficient but , yes a 10 will give you the option to upgrade to a 3k inverter in the future
Thanks for watching and commenting. I have a 3k inverter and wanted to be on the safe side so I went with larger wire😄
A Brother P-touch label maker or similar may be helpful vs. using painter's tape for labels depending on how neat your handwriting is. There are fancier label makers specifically made for labelling cables but the basic P-touch will do the job. Search "best label maker for cables" or such.
Yes, label makers are awesome! I used one for the distribution panels once the wires were connected. You could also write on the wire with permanent marker. Whatever is preferred😄
Great vid in regards to the DC 12v parts, always over estimate wire gauge sizing, also make sure the the wire used in 12 volt applications are rated as 12 /24 voltage, not al wires are suitable for 12 voltages.
Absolutely! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Great video, as usual, Lauren. I'm starting to convert my own van and you're my greatest inspiration. I was wondering what made you choose an electric heater. They're not very popular in van life because of the power they require, I asume. Thank you!
Thank you! Personally I choose an electric heater because it is safer than a propane heater option (chance of fumes in the air, chance of explosion, yes, you can install it safely but I still didn’t want to risk it), it doesn’t take up much space (can fit under a seat), it will work at high altitudes etc. Yes, it can require a lot of power, so I made sure my electrical system was large enough to power it. Also, from what I have heard for others with electric heaters, it heats the van up fairly quickly and you don’t necessarily need to run it all day or all night, at least I don’t plan on it to save some power. When I’m in colder temperatures I’ll wear layers and use window covers to help stay warm. Also, although the heater does need electricity to start it up and run, it will be taped into my vans gas tank so it isn’t 100% powered by electricity, if that makes sense? Hope this helps! Thanks for the question☺️
I love your videos, they are clear and instructive. Quick question : how many AC circuits do you have in your van? Thanks!
Thank you so much! I have 8 AC circuits. The breaker box only has a spot for 4 breakers so I bought tandem D hom breakers which have two circuits per breaker, giving me a total of 8. All my AC circuits are for outlets, which means I have A LOT of outlets and probably went overboard but that is one thing I usually hear people say they wish they had more of. So I really took the time to think about what each outlet could be used for and the most optimal location for that use. Hope this helps😆
I bet you got all a-pluses in school too!
Sure did😅😅
Nice video. Very clear. Wanted to add one thing. AWG is not a word, it's an acronym. It stands for American Wire Gauge. So, there's no need to pronounce it, lol. It's not a big deal, just a little thing I noticed
Hi Dave! Thanks for watching and sharing that piece of information. Good to know☺️
Lauren this is an incredible video. I have learnt a lot from your step by step guide.
May i please consult you as i am about to engage in a camper conversion of my own.
I shall appreciate if you say yes.
Thank you
Hi Dan! I am so glad you found this video helpful. At this time I am not doing consultations - but hope to in the future. If you have any questions along the way feel free to ask here and I’ll do my best to assist. Best of luck with your build😁
I love you with all my heart.shamim🧡💏🧑🍼🌟
Hey, Laurel, I think I watched all your videos today, only one left now. Just a quick hint: it seems your music volume is much higher than your voice, whenever music starts I find myself lowering the volume just to bring it back up when your voice is highlighted. Either way, thank you for the great content!
Hey Marco! I appreciate the feedback soooo much. I’ll see what I can do to make sound more consistent. Thanks for watching😄
@@LaurenLawliss Thank you :)
Anytime🥰
Is that all the insulation you are putting in? You clearly have learned alot and is very impressive and informative but I’m curious if you’ve thought about on It a vapor barrier as to not allow moisture in your van?
I decided not to add a vapor barrier because moisture is inevitable. There is no way to 100% prevent moisture in the van and I didn’t want to trap that moisture as a result.
Lauren you had red devil's eyes 🤣😂
Hahaha yeah that was a little scary lol
Hi Lauren - we've decided to use 10/3 Marine Grade wire for 120V AC, just as you used. Did you purchase this wire on Amazon or somewhere else. There seems to be many choices and I want to be sure I choose the best/right 10/3 Marine grade wire.
Hey there! Great choice. I purchased ALL my wires on Amazon. I have them linked in the description box of this video for you to use🥰
Would I be correct in assuming you used 14 gauge for all the DC appliances, 10-2 for the outlets that manage high heat cooking and hair straightening appliances and 12-2 for everything else? Great video, as usual. :)
Thanks for the comment! As I shared in the video, I used 10-3 wire for outlets (which is slight overkill, 12-3 would have been fine) and then a combination of 10-2, 12-2 and 14-2 for DC appliances based on the power load. Hope this helps! Best of luck with your install, you got this🤩
@@LaurenLawliss Ahh, okay. If I'd watched it twice like I've done with the other videos, I would have caught that. Thanks for answering.
@@deirdre444 Happy to help!😄
So u put your ceilings at the end? After the electrical
Yes, I personally put up my ceiling after my electrical system so I could run wires where needed and confirm my lights worked properly before finishing the ceiling. BUT there is no set steps to building a van. You can do it in many different variations. Just do what’s best for you😊
Great video!! Do you spell out somewhere which wire gauge you use for the different items? You mention choosing 10/2, 12/2, and 14/2 for your DC needs. I'm curious which items got which wire size. Thanks! You really are doing a FANTASTIC job with your videos!
Hi Phylana! Thanks for your comment. The reason I didn’t specify what gauge wire I used for each connection is because it will vary build by build. Different wheel bases means different lengths of wire runs. Different brands of appliances may mean different amps needed. But here is an idea of what I did: 10-2 (refrigerator, water pump, and heater), 12-2 (roof fans) and 14-2 (all puck lights). Hope this helps🥰
@@LaurenLawliss , thanks! You pretty much match what I am planning. Are your fans on the same circuit, or did you split them into their own circuits? I haven't decided yet on that. Thank you so much for sharing what you've done! You're da bomb!
@@BTNomad I put the fans on their own separate circuits. The max amps each pulls is around 5. Doing them on separate circuits meant less wire so less weight and money spent. Hope this helps! I appreciate you kind words and am so glad you are here🥰
@LaurenLawliss , excellent points. You are definitely on your way to becoming one of RUclips's finest educators.
@@BTNomad I appreciate that☺️ I’m happy I’m able to help others achieve this dream which is something I’m passionate about🙏🏻
Question do you do water system how to vids too?
Hey! Yes, I converted the van 100% by myself and recorded everything. I hope to edit the plumbing video soon😆
@@LaurenLawliss That one I will watch too. I've seen recirculating water systems with filters.
Hi Lauren - I just finished watching and taking notes on your pre-wiring video. I have a question on your All Electrical slide - I am wondering what the numbers within your puck lights stand for. Some are 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 can you help me understand this. Also the double dimmer light switch's are numbered D34, D16, and D52 - what do these numbers indicate? BTW your videos are great and super helpful to me and my husband. We are getting ready to pre-wire out 1st van build :)
Hey there! Thanks for watching and commenting.
Good question. The numbers on the puck lights and dimmer indicate which switch is going to control which set of lights. For example, D16 shows the dimmer switch closest to the bed will power the two puck lights labeled with a one over the passenger bed area.
Hopefully this helps.
Best of luck with your van build and have a fun time!!!
wow thanks for that quick response. I am just about fully understanding this now. I just don't know what the "6" indicates in the D16.
@@LaurenLawliss
The 6 in D16 represents the switch for the toe kick lights under my cabinetry☺️
oh yes - I see that now! how about the Switch (indicated by blue box with SS) does this control all lights?@@LaurenLawliss
Those are for switches for things like my water pump, water heater etc. That diagram is outdated in a sense that I relocated a few things but still covers the gist of everything😄
hey lauren - its me again. We've been doing our calculations to DC 12 V wiring using the wire calculator. Most of our calculations are coming out to be 16 AWG which seems small compared to the wires you used in your build. You mentioned you used 10/2 for your refrigerator which makes me question my calculations. We have the Dometic CRX 110S refrigerator with an amperage of 6.2 and wire length of 10 ft. - 16 AWG seems a bit small. We are thinking of using 14 AWG. Based on the wire you used for your refrigerator were you running more amps and longer wire length?
Hey there! Is 10 feet the roundtrip length? I could have gotten away with 12-2 wire for my fridge easily but I like to give myself a buffer to be sure. 14-2 could work, but reminder i am not a professional and would encourage you to get a second opinion if in doubt😁
If You are doing the correct calculations,
You will be fine.
Lauren seems to have bumped up a size in wire just to provide herself with peace of mind that she will never have a problem ..
But yours seems fine and will not have problems if you use the calculator correctly.
I'm an electrical engineer and I would not bump up my wire gauge .. it's not needed. 😊 you can also use one gauge larger wire for each run . won't hurt at all and you can also have peace of mind for no issues down the road.. 😊
the wires I purchased have a temperature rating of up to 158 farenheight, do you think this is still okay? ive already started pre-wiring and would hate to take it all down!
Thanks for the comment! I am not an electrician and do not want to give advice on something I am not 100% confident on. I would assume it would be fine but I don’t have all the specifics to draw that as a final conclusion.
@@LaurenLawliss yeah I completely understand that. Thank you!
Do you have a shower? If so, Is it indoor or outdoor. Do you actually ever use it?
I have a shower out the back doors and a setup inside that I rarely use. Honestly, so far in my travels, I go to Plante Fitness 99% of the time.
👍thx
How do you keep the loom from sliding down the wires from vibration during van use?
Great question! Honestly, they stay well on their own - just resting in the metal rib of the van in my experience. The holes in the ribs are just big enough for the split loom so they are a little snug to prevent movement. You could use electrical tape to overlap on the wires and split loom at the top and bottom if you’re concerned. However, if you do this then you won’t be able to pull the wires one way or the other easily if you need to adjust them later - so maybe just tape the loom to the van rib? Or you can put split loom around the wire above and below the metal holes of the rib just incase there is movement, but I don’t think you have to worry. Hope this helps!
Thank you for the reply. Now when are you going to post your ceiling install video ;-)? I really like the way you explain things step by step.@@LaurenLawliss
@@user-ob2iy1hq5l Awh, thank you! I am slowly picking away at the ceiling video. Sorry for the delay😇
Sevgili Lauren, ansiklopedi gibisin gerçekten, fakat bu kadar çok anlatırsan işler ilerlemez. :)) Türkçe yazıyorum, sen çevirtirsin Google amcaya. Hoşça kal. Sevgi ve Selam ile.
Thank you for watching and commenting! I am glad you found it helpful🥰