Campervan CABLE SIZING And FIRST FIX WIRING - DIY Budget Campervan Conversion
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- Опубликовано: 4 сен 2024
- In this video we're sizing cable and running our first fix wiring in our campervan. With no prior knowledge of 12v electrics we've researched the subject as best we can and implemented what we've learned in our electrical cable sizing and first fix wiring install. Fingers crossed we've done this right!
If you've watched the video and read this obviously we've managed to pique your interest! If there's any advice or suggestions you'd like to make regarding our cable sizing or first fix install please drop them down in the comments suggestion below. We'd love to hear from you and obviously won't to make sure everything with out electrics is right!
Below are some of the links* for products we have used in this video.
6 X 12V Recessed Spot Lights Caravan Motorhome Boat WARM WHITE
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So WHO are WE? We’re Scarlett, Craig and Merlin and along with Helsing, form the PILGRIM PODS!
If you enjoy this video why not check out some of our other content? Delve even deeper into our channel; we thought we’d create a series of vlogs chronicling the conversion of our old panel van HELSING (did you see what we did there?) into a weekend warrioring campervan for ADVENTURING and EXPLORING in the UK.
Each vlog will cover a stage or smaller element of our campervan build, showing our ideas put into action and highlighting our SUCCESSES and FAILURES along the way. With no previous experience this may make for an interesting journey! Our plan is to convert a cheap van on a small budget without cutting corners and at the end, have a campervan to be proud of. We’re hoping you’d like to join us for this journey and that you find our uploads ENTERTAINING and even, INFORMATIVE!
Sizing our electrical cable for our campervan and the actual first fix wiring initially was a daunting prospect but now that we've done our research and (kind of) worked our heads around the process it doesn't seem nearly as bad now that we're done. Again, hopefully we've done this right!
Want to see what we’re up to between videos?
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Thanks for checking us out. MUCH LOVE!
Scarlett, Craig and Merlin x
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#pilgrimpods #cablesizing #firstfixwiring #diybudgetcampervanconversion #citroenrelaycampervanconversion #citroenrelaycampervan
Hi Craig,
I'm converting a ford transit mk7 by myself and have zero prior knowledge. Your videos are EXACTLY what I've needed! I've spent hours and hours trawling through forums and watching videos but what you provide here is all that is needed to tie it all together. I'm on a budget, I'm English, I'm not an American who wants all the glitz and glamour that comes at a pretty price, I want simple instructional advice and I want the personal advice and reasoning as to why you didn't pick a typical conversion project. You haven't chosen the fanciest stuff you've chosen the stuff that will work and I love that. Cheers for all the hard work you've put in researching yourself its paying off!!
Hey William, thanks for the really kind message! 🙂🍻 It sounds like you're following the same route as us trying to devour as much information as possible and then working out what works best for yourself. No doubt just like us your plans will constantly change! Six months ago we were adamant we wouldn't get Lithium batteries due to cost but now they're becoming a real consideration due to long term bang for buck, weight saving etc... 🤔😀 We're glad you've found some of our videos to be of help so thanks for checking them out! If you're documenting your own build on Instagram throw us a message so we can follow along! All the best mate with the build and life in general. 🙂👍
Craig, can I make a suggestion? Put in an additional USB port at the foot of the bed. From living in my van, sometimes I have to turn around and sleep the other way when not able to park on somewhere entirely level.
Food for thought. Thanks Bruce I'll take it on board! Hadn't considered the need to sleep the other way around when not level. 🙂👍
I second that - I am amazed how many vans are configured to sleep only one way. If you wild camp, it often happens that the van will lean one way or the other.
I'm really enjoying the style and content of this series. Keep doing what your doing.
Cheers Barry, we really appreciate that. It's nice to know what we're doing is being well received so thank you. 😊 Take care man! 😁🙌
We put reading lights on both sides of the van to allow us to be able to use the bed both ways, often its easier to swap round then trying to get the van level on uneven ground. Might be worth another run of cable now while its all open. Nothing worse then sleeping with feet above your head.
Now that's food for thought... 🤔😊 Our plan was to have a window at the foot of the bed to look out of in the morning and take in the views. And at the other end we were planning on making a nice comfy headboard to sit up against. Hadn't thought about parking on uneven ground... Thanks for the suggestion! 🙂🙌
Good simple approach there and I’m glad you mentioned that the only problem with over specifying your cable is the damage to your wallet. As a professional converter I’ve always said that.....and don’t get me going on grounding 240v devices..
Thanks Steve, appreciate that especially coming from a professional. 🙂
Just about to begin a similar project and seeing from a practical point of view how you have routed the wiring has really helped; thank you. So many others simply glaze over that aspect.
Cheers Jonathan, everything I do in our van I'm trying to think about should I need to access an area will I be able to get at it without ripping the build apart? I don't want to bury everything mindlessly and have issues later on down the line. I'm opting for a simple 12v system so there won't be too much cabling but if there were I'd probably try and hide it inside/behind cupboards if possible for easier access but I think in my application what I've done should be just fine. I'm no expert and am just trying to apply common sense to my build. Good luck with your own project mate. All the best. 🙂👍
Mate what an absolutely, informative and helpful video that was. Thanks for doing it. I can now actually work out my wiring sizes. To many videos skipping that part out, that's the important part in my book. Once again, great video.
love the way you cover every actual stage, helps clarity of mind especial us complete novices
My favourite build is back finally. This is probably the most challenging part of the build if you're on a very tight budget. I was stunned by the price of the electrical setup I originally wanted. Even the wires were more expensive than I was expecting.
Thanks so much Tine! 😊🙌 Once you start adding it all up it does get expensive doesn't it. We were also surprised by how much the cables cost in total! 😄
@@PilgrimPods Can i ask where you purchased your cabling from? Any links appreciated.
@@NipperNeilson hi! We bought ours from eBay as they seemed to have the best prices coupled with delivery times. At the time we just opted to buy from a seller with lots of sales and good feedback.
Great new video fella. This is one of the best descriptions of ‘how to’ around with the added bonus of some thought process as well. Keep it up and really looking forward to the next vid. Take care and stay safe. Mal and Dave in Stoke
Cheers guys! 😊👍 I'm glad it made some sense to you. I've tried to explain 'my' understanding behind what I was doing; it's all new to me and I'm learning as I go. Thanks as always for watching. 🙂
Several comments already! Good tip on two way switches for lights. Check you have left enough cable to trim and fix switches/lights etc, as cutting the wire for the roof lights for example after you have fitted insulation and ceiling finish might leave you short on wire to work with.... don’t ask me how I know 🥴✅
Ha! Thanks for the cable length tip. I must remember to feed a bit more cable through for the ceiling lights... At the time of running them I clearly didn't factor in insulation when leaving myself a bit of play. Thanks for the help Andrew! 😁🙌
Just found your channel, I’m about 4 weeks behind you - just starting out , with the same Van (Boxer) and same layout.
Can’t wait to see your next uploads!
Hey Arno you'll soon be ahead of us in your build! We're hoping to be finished for next March. Best of luck with your own van mate!
Hi I've watched you all the way through your build and it's bloody amazing ,but we have the same size van as you with a fixed bed, the only thing we don't have other swivel seats which will make a massive difference for you ,the only thing I would say is when your sizing your van for cupboards put the whole family in the van at the same time and you will probably find you have nowhere to move, so if you're cooking you need space to move and having children and an adult in the van is really hard we came up with this problem so we have rejigged our van 3 times. hope this is a help for you you're doing a brilliant job x
Thanks for watching guys. 😊 In such a small space we're with you, hopefully those swivel seats will give us more room to play with. Thanks for the advice we'll certainly bear it in mind, it's just a couple of adults and a dog so hopefully the space will work fine for us. Would love to see your van! 😁👍
Greetings from portglasgow Scotland. Thank you for the great videos I like the way you think. 🤔🤓🤓
Hey Matthew and thanks! Great minds think alike eh!? 😁🙌
For the fourth roof light you can't decide I'd suggest put a temporary battery light up, costs pennies, especially to a rich man like you 😉. This way you'll be able to assess does it look right, fit right etc before making a firm commitment either way. If you decide not to you can always then use the battery light as a spare inside a cupboard somewhere so no monies wasted
Don't come around here with all your sense talking... Get out! 😆😁🙌
@@PilgrimPods 40 years you've been waiting for me to give you something sensible 😂
Nice you have broke it all down and it all seems a lot clearer to me now cheers 😶👍👌👏👏
Glad it helped clear things up. Dare I say I watched it back during the edit and it made more sense to me too which is hopefully a good sign. 😆 We learn as we go. 🙂👍
Your quality,
I'm doing my van as we speak and I'm learning as I go. I use my own research and hope what I see from people like yourself that I'm along the correct lines when I'm researching and building.
Thank you so much mate your efforts are really helping me 👍
Cheers Liam! 🙂🍻 Yep, research is key as there's a lot of conflicting information and opinions out there and all we can do is what we think's best for us. Good luck building your own camper mate!
If only I had found your video at the start of my research, Id have saved a lot of time!!! thanks!
You're welcome Katie! Thanks for taking the time to check the video out. 🙂👍
Great to see more content mate
The only thing that maybe worth considering is running two light switches for your main lights I wish I had now I’ve finished mine when I’m in bed looking for things in the van
Just a idea
Keep up the great work mate
Great minds think alike (you and my wife Scarlett that is)! 😁👍 She's mentioned this whilst we were figuring out our layout. The plan as it stands will be to have a switch for the kitchennete/table lights in easy reach from the bed should we need to get up in the night. I'm getting older and find drinking tea past 8pm results in a trip to the loo in the middle of the night now! 😄
@@PilgrimPods that’s cool I’m also thinking of replacing ours with a 12v dimmer switch
Are you going to leave extra room in the van walls for bed space ? We are both 5.9 ft and hurt in the morning sleeping across the van I’m even cutting and boxing out some extra space in our van
I
@@minisurfboardscouk hadn't considered dimmer switches. More food for thought! 😁 I'm hoping with the window at the foot of the bed and 25mm insulation in the panel behind my head we'll just about have enough room to sleep comfortably. I'm 6'2 but Scarley is 5'4 so I'm hoping to sleep diagonally across her space at the bottom of the bed. 😊 Fingers crossed I can get a decent night's sleep or I'll be selling it and getting something longer so I can sleep lengthways! 😄
@@PilgrimPods sounds like a good plan I’m always nicking extra space
Fabulous video. Obviously you’re all done now. But I’ve only just discovered your channel so I’m on catch up 😂
Nice work mate, I'm looking at a very similar van and a very similar layout for mine so I'll be watching how this one comes along 👍🏼
Cheers mate. 😁🍻 Seems a pretty standard layout for the professional L2H2 campervans so if it's not broke why try to fix it? We've just left the tiny shower cubicle they tend to have out to save on space. Porta potty will be tucked inside a cupboard on a slider and if we want a shower a builder's bucket filled with hot water from a kettle with a cheap usb shower head will do us just fine. Good luck with your own van! 😊👍
Watched all videos so far and they very informative Even a numpty like me can understand what is going on, so keep them coming cheers.
Numpty! 😀 When I decided I wanted to document my journey building a campervan right from the start I knew I wanted it to be straightforward, simple and (hopefully) easy to follow because those were the videos I was looking for when I wanted to learn how to tackle something. So basically I've tried to make videos a numpty like me would want to see so I'm glad other numpties out there are finding them useful too! 😀🙌
@@PilgrimPodsNumpty here, I like that your not throwing all kinds money at this project which some other projects do by buying the best of everything and have every tool available in their fully equipped workshop, so I find your vlogs are on the cost level that I could afford to tackle looking forward to the finished van take care you two and Merlin.
@@kbiggs49 would be nice to have a fully kitted out workshop though wouldn't it! Now that I'm 40 though I think I've managed to acquire a decent set of tools over the years for work I've done around the home. I don't think there's anything I've had to buy specifically for the van just yet. You take care too and have a great Christmas and happy new year!
Looks great Craig! Hope you're keeping well. 👍🏻
Hey Robin, thanks! 😊👍 Progress has been slow but I'm not in any rush with the current climate as it is. All is good here mate and I hope you and yours are too! 🙂
Many thanks for your clear and straightforward video, very helpful
Glad you found it of use Mike.
This channels great, man. Its Shame your not around still and uploading.
Thanks bud. Work got in the way.
Hi guys, did you ever make the video of the final hook up? And the fuse board mounted/ 12v and 240 hook up swith etc??
Loved watching all the other vids 😊
this video helped me a lot Thank you
Liked and subscribed, thank you so much for everything you are doing.
Thanks again mate. 😊
Great video, and very helpful in many ways, thanks
Cheers Dean, glad it made some sort of sense to someone! 😊🍻
How did you end up with a 6mm cable for the diesel heater? As far as I know, they draw max 10A - and that is only for a few minutes during startup and shutdown - during normal operation they draw 2A-3A. According to your diagrams and the voltage drop calculator, even a 2.5mm cable should do plenty - being rated at double the amps you need - and the voltage drop at 10A is around 3.5% (for a few minutes during the startup and shutdown) - which seems to be within acceptable limits.
On a different note, in my van, I only ran 2 main cable trunks high up in the corners along the length of the van - and most of the other cables will be hidden inside cupboards. My thinking is that the more cables are in cupboards, the easier it is to get to them, replace them, add to them and troubleshoot problems in the future. Whatever is hidden in the wall, unless you use pretty large size conduit, will be a pain to pull out or add to later. Also, I don't really fancy the idea of having cables in so many places behind the walls later on, when there will be drilling and inserting screws left, right and centre. Just in case I end up going through one of those cables. Well, that's my take on it :-)
Spot on with the diesel heater. I haven't purchased it yet and so based my calculations on a random heater I found online. I may have over egged the cable size but as you touched upon I was aware that on start up that would be when it drew the most power. I'll be purchasing and installing the heater when I have the carcasses for the furniture in so will revise the cable size specifically for the unit I buy. 😁👍
Completely get your point regarding feeding the cables too. Where it makes sense I'll reroute some of the cables once the insulation is in. 🙂
Everything is proving to be fluid with the build. I'm almost finished with the battening but have no doubt extra will be added at a later date to frame windows and support cupboards etc and that's all fine. 😊
I think I would look for a couple of small round lights and fit them at 1 quarter and
Oops, clicked send too fast. The last bit of that idea was 3 quarters behind the fan at equal space between the position of the fan and back doors
Excellent thanks
Glad you found it of use. 🙂
Wonderfully simple video man, thanks!
Glad you liked it!
greetings from Ireland thanks for sharing
Thank you for watching. 😊👍 How's that winter project looking? Drop us a message on Insta if you like. 🙂
Have fun, you've done a cracking job so far 👏
Cheers! 🍻😁 Thanks for watching and the reassuring comment! This whole process is a complete unknown to us and we're learning as we go so to hear we're doing an alright job puts our minds at ease. 😊👍
@@PilgrimPods first timer hear too, the community on Instagram especially is really helpful.I had to consult Spunky on my electrics just to be safe, thankfully I had most of it right. Can't wait to see it all done.
@@smithj2008 I take great inspiration from those I follow on Insta (yourself included!) I just have to keep reminding myself I'm not inventing the wheel, there's always someone who's done what I'm trying to do already, so go and look for them to see how to do it and do it right. I think most of what I've learned stems from the generous folk on the various social media platforms. 😁
You touched on the 1mm2 (lights/usb) and 6mm² (diesel heater), what about this battery to battery cable(engine to leisure)?
I plan on using a 100Ah leisure battery coupled to the Engine/Starter battery through a VSR. But I'm really not sure about the sizing of this specific cable.
Cheers mate.
Your videos help me planning my future build. Should get my Ducato next Thursday .
Hey mate, the B2B cable I'll be using will be 16mm. If you take a look online at complete VSR kits I think you'll find they too come supplied with 16mm cables. Hope that helps.
@@PilgrimPods I was going to opt for 20mm² but good Idea. I'll check on these kits. Another quick question. I'm not relying yet on USB-C to charge tablet/laptop but I intend on installing Cigarette Lighter ports so my install remains versatile. Sounds like a smart idea to you?
Cheers!!!
@@mingueyox I'm doing exactly the same. I'll have a cigarette socket above the dining table as I'm sure one will be needed for some item and at least then we're covered.
For the 4th light get a Maxxshade with LED
Thank you!
Thanks for taking the time to check it out!
nice layout, similar to mine! you've got 2 bedlights, i don't think you need a 4th overhead. the other thought, is how big is the fridge? if it bar fridge size like mine we're going to be bending over all the time, so thats where my battery box is an the fridge is about 10-12" higher so i'm not bending over as far. but thats me. your doin ok m8!
Cheers mate, great minds think alike! 😁🍻 The fourth light has now been dismissed, I'm not sure what i was thinking. I'm pretty sure the fridge we opted for is 50L and will be situated under the bed. It's not an ideal location but it works best in the space and layout we've opted for.
@@PilgrimPods yeh m8, my vans a little different too, even the 2000 are selling for $15000 plus unless, it a mitsubishi or a toyota. they are the van i'm looking at at around $10,000 unless you strike it lucky an pick up a fiat. the renaults are not as popular as the brake master cyl in the gearbox. not alot of the euros are here, or it maybe me, because the ones i seem to have struck are not in english. but keep going! you not only showing what your doing, but explaining why your doing it. not like some people across the pond. not the ditch [channel] :D
Great videos,. Learning alot from you bud.
Appreciate you taking the time to watch them. 🙂
I use mains cable alot of the time well its 240 volt so should be ok with plentry of Amps and MUCH cheaper than Auto cables
Have i missed a bit here? You've run cables to the lights, but have you run the cables for the light switches? Or are you running the switch cable in your 2nd fix? Sorry if i missed it, was making my lunch while watching 🤓
Switches will be added to the cables on the second fix when everything is wired up.
Kool videos lad nice job cheers
Cheers mate, 🍻 appreciate that. 🙂👍
Another great video mate 👍
Cheers Dale. 😁🍻 Thanks for watching! 😊👍
Thank you
You're welcome
This is a campervan mate not a high rise block of flats and on a "DIY Budget". I built mine first and put the electrics in afterwards In about an hour. I have no leisure battery, no split change system, no solar and no mains installation. I have two simple circuits, one a fused feed from the car battery and one fused feed via the ignition for the cold box. All clipped away with fairly easy access.
So what do you really need in a budget camper, a few LED lights and a few USB charging points, with the insulated cold box powered only when the engine is running.
Over 30 years, this is my third build and have owned this one 8 years with no issues. Last year we did a 10,000km trip to Greece/Turkey and reliability is everything, so KISS. (Keep it simple stupid)
I love your videos... 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Cheers mate! 😁🍻
How could I not subscribe
Hey great video.Do you have a link to the doc ref the amps the cable can handle when buried etc. Thanks
Sorry I don't. I did it that long ago I can't recall my reference.
nice one fella what is you van high or med rpff mwb
Hey Robert, it's a MWB with a medium height roof (L2H2). I'm 6'2 and once the floor and ceiling are in I should just about be able to stand straight and that's with 25mm insulation below and above. Thanks for watching mate. 😊👍
Really love your videos! Great build so far! Very nice detail😊 just looking at a 2008 Citroen Relay to convert 👍
Cheers Max! Looking forward to seeing what you do with that van if you decide to get it. 🙂👍
Hey Craig love watching your videos actually I’ve watched this one about 20 times 😂 it’s so daunting I’m doing this alone 🫣 and I can’t move any further until cables are fitted.. how much cable do you think you used? I don’t wanna spend money on cable I won’t use.. just a rough idea would really help.. similar set up to yours.. we are also fellow locals haha I’m the other side of the M6 Stourbridge 🤗
You can do it!
You can do it!
How many amps does your heater pull, 6mm cable seems quite large
Hey Paul I haven't purchased the diesel heater yet but my understanding is they have a draw between 10-15 amps on start up. In my research I found they can be sensitive to voltage drop so to avoid any possibility of that I've opted to use 6mm2 cable. You must remember I'm no auto electrician and have only based my decisions throughout my build on the experience of others for the most part. 🙂👍
@@PilgrimPods Hi, ty for the response. Insulated my Van and need to run wires before cladding, really is the thing I am dreading the most lmao
That software do you use for you videos thanks
I am not sure where you're from, I suppose you don't need an air conditionier?
An air conditioner would be great in the van but the power needs of one would be way too hungry for our little electrical system to handle. 🙂
Why this music is so loud?? Great vid anyway :)
Hi mate I'm in UK no idea of wire size say for led strip and main fuse panel from battery can you help
Apologies for not replying. Been a tad preoccupied.
Where did you get your battery from?
Haven't bought it yet but I'm currently toying with either Roamer or Eco Tree Lithium. Both seem really good bang for buck! Though every now and then Sterling get really good offers on their own website so I'll keep an eye out there too. 🙂