Motorhome electrics introduction

[Deleted member 84566]

Sounds odd but there is too much info on the web about motorhome/camper electrics and this afternoon I have been finding it difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff. I am not a complete novice when it comes to understanding voltage, amps etc but would still appreciate a push in the right direction for some accurate 'introduction to motorhome electrics' type articles as these will include batteries and integrated PV systems etc in which I am a beginner. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Nabsim]

If you do a search I am sure someone did a guide and posted it on this forum last year. Can’t remember who it was though

 

[edina]

There is a good guide by Victron in the resource section of our sister site motorhomebuilder.com

edit - you can join for free, just use the same email address and user name as here

 

[r4dent]

If you do a search I am sure someone did a guide and posted it on this forum last year. Can’t remember who it was though

Modesty forbids and all that https://wildcamping.co.uk/threads/electricity-in-your-motor-home-for-dummies.74748/#post-1000246

 

[SquirrellCook]

Forget electrics as such. Make a list of what you want to do. Electric powered that is.
Then make a list of how you expect that to happen.

So for example, you can't leave home without an electric toaster. Put that at the top of your list.
So how is it going to happen. With a battery!
This is where it gets tougher, as yes it can be done. The toaster is going to want a lot of watts to power. It's 240 volts so now you need an inverter too. And of course it needs to be up to the job.

I know it might seem a childish approach, but it helps to avoid embarrassment. Just keep asking how am I going to make this work. Make a note of the answer.

 

[Admin]

Forget electrics as such. Make a list of what you want to do. Electric powered that is.
Then make a list of how you expect that to happen.

So for example, you can't leave home without an electric toaster. Put that at the top of your list.
So how is it going to happen. With a battery!
This is where it gets tougher, as yes it can be done. The toaster is going to want a lot of watts to power. It's 240 volts so now you need an inverter too. And of course it needs to be up to the job.

I know it might seem a childish approach, but it helps to avoid embarrassment. Just keep asking how am I going to make this work. Make a note of the answer.

I agree, decide on the destination then reverse engineer the journey.

 

[Deleted member 84566]

I agree, decide on the destination then reverse engineer the journey.

I don't disagree with your logic if this was a self build, but I feel that the first stage has to be for me to be able to identify and understand all the components that are in situ already. For example I know that I have one circuit that will only work on a hook up but want to be able to identify whether this is a single radial or integrated to all circuits, I feel questions like this will be easier to answer if I understand 'traditional' motorhome wiring rather than doing yoga moves to try and trace wiring. Modifying to our needs can happen over the coming year.

 

[Admin]

I don't disagree with your logic if this was a self build, but I feel that the first stage has to be for me to be able to identify and understand all the components that are in situ already. For example I know that I have one circuit that will only work on a hook up but want to be able to identify whether this is a single radial or integrated to all circuits, I feel questions like this will be easier to answer if I understand 'traditional' motorhome wiring rather than doing yoga moves to try and trace wiring. Modifying to our needs can happen over the coming year.

I see, sorry, you did not give the full picture

 

[Deleted member 84566]

There is a good guide by Victron in the resource section of our sister site motorhomebuilder.com

edit - you can join for free, just use the same email address and user name as here

Will do, ta. Is that site a bit more techy than here?

 

[edina]

Will do, ta. Is that site a bit more techy than here?

It is mainly for self build, but a lot of the information and discussions are useful to anyone interested in how their van systems work.
To get the Victron Wiring Unlimited booklet, go to resources to find it and then just hit the 'Download' button.
Be interested to know if you find it useful?

 

[trevskoda]

Not much i can say except keep things sep units & not a all sing & dance one box thing.
Find out first where you want things in the van,ie lights, switches,usb charging sockets,solar regulator and battery charger, power for flush loo if using one, not forgetting the fuse box.
Go over this about two three times, and then the floor plan.
Once this is sorted post a picy of plan and then some of use may be able to sort a few things out or point you in the direction of build/wiring,good luck.

 

[landoboguy]

may help

Battery layouts for numpty's

Obsessing over battery's at the moment and found this site which is great for a numpty like me. https://batteryguy.com/kb/knowledge-base/building-a-battery-bank-with-amp-hours-batteries/ Yeah, I know, it's basic but not to everyone, it's only easy when you know how.

wildcamping.co.uk