Complete Guide to Your Van Electrical Scheme | Explained!

by Satefa f. Ncious - Get Everything You Need to Know

A van's electrical scheme is essential for powering a variety of components and accessories. Without a reliable electrical system, a van cannot operate properly or safely. Understanding the components of the Impianto Elettrico Camper is important in order to maintain it properly and identify any issues that may arise. This article provides an overview of the van’s electrical scheme, including its main power loads and battery system and how they interact with each other.

Types of Power Loads

Now that we’ve covered the power input, let’s talk about the output. The two main types are 12V DC and 120V AC-powered appliances. While your camper’s native electrical scheme is likely to be 12V, you’ll need some modifications to be able to use AC devices.

12V DC Loads

A DC Fuse Panel serves as the distribution point for all of your DC appliances. Appliances like roof fans, lights, fridge, heater, etc. Basically, all the van life essentials ensure a comfortable life on the road. A good way to think about DC devices is they don’t get plugged into an outlet. In addition to the wide availability of 12V devices, a 12-volt system is also easy to install. Your campervan is likely to have a native 12-volt system onboard. This means that you’ll need relatively few modifications to power all your 12-volt appliances.

120V AC Loads

If you plan to charge laptops, power a blender, or run any other standard household device, it’s necessary to install an inverter. It will convert the 12V from your batteries to a usable 120V for AC-powered devices. The two types of inverters are True Sine Wave (TSW) and Modified Sine Wave (MSW). TSW is often the better choice, as it delivers a more consistent signal when compared to the choppier modified sine wave signal. The three most common inverter sizes are 1000, 2000, and 3000 watts. To determine which size is best for you, use the calculations we did previously to find the maximum current you will be drawing from your van at any one time.

Batteries

The batteries are the “heart” of your camper van’s electrical scheme. They supply the power required to keep all your devices running. These devices include your lights, fan, smartphone, laptop, and more. Therefore, if you want to build a robust electrical syscheme tem that adequately meets your power demands, deciding the right type and size of batteries is an essential first step. Keep reading to learn how to select the best batteries for your camper van.

Battery Options

Since you know your battery capacity, let’s figure out which batteries to buy. There are two main types: Lithium and AGM. The decision is often brought down to two main points: budget and battery life. AGM batteries are cheaper, heavier, and can only be discharged to half capacity before sustaining damage. Lithium batteries are lighter, more expensive, and can be depleted nearly 100% of capacity safely.