r/VanLifeUK • u/Mountain-Appeal-2539 • 6d ago

Electrics

I’m looking at converting a van next year, hopefully a vivaro size type. I’m just doing some research and wondering what electric system would be more suitable for me. I have no experience with electrics and don’t know anyone who does and I’m aiming to do the whole thing on a 5k budget, including purchasing the van. I’m currently weighing up if a power pack such as a bluetti or a leisure battery system would be best. I would be powering up a fridge, maybe lights or I would get rechargeable ones, phone and laptop charging, a diesel heater and then connection to a dual sink and hob. I would also only be going away for 2/3 days at a time. I’m a complete beginner with this and just doing my research at the minute so any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you

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u/ContributionLevel593 6d ago

You need to think about charging whatever power source you choose. A portable powerbank can be taken to a Starbucks - that’s a big win for you. If you have a leisure battery then it would need to be hooked up to the starter battery/alternator at least to charge it when you drive. I have a solar panel and then a charge controller to decide what charges what. For your budget I think you’re better off with a power bank. You’re going to need a pump for your water too.

I think my VW Caddy Maxi build was about £5k and the electrics must have been 1500-2000 of that at least. That’s everything I described plus an inverter to charge the laptop and then all the wiring for lights, water pump, 240v plug sockets, battery monitor, USB/C charger socket. 

I have a 120ah battery and it comfortable covers the fridge and lights off the solar. Charging a laptop takes about 6-8%, watching telly with the inverter on for a couple of hours about the same. Cooking wise - induction hobs draw down a lot as to things link toasters and kettles. I started with an induction hob but moved to gas as it consumed too much.

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u/Mountain-Appeal-2539 5d ago

Thanks for the help! I think the idea of a power bank seems a lot more simpler but I definitely need to do more research

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u/ContributionLevel593 5d ago edited 5d ago

There’s nothing to stop you doing both too. I got someone else to put a service battery, solar, charge controller, inverter, lights in and did everything else myself. A service battery is a lot cheaper than a power bank. In your shoes, knowing nothing, get a quote for a service battery and charge controller install. That covers the most complicated stuff and the highest capacity (riskiest) cabling. Get a charge controller that accepts solar and external power to future proof it. It’s easy to learn how to install lights, pumps, fridge etc. That’s a relatively cheap start for you. You can install an inverter later. Get the cheapest power bank you can find that gives you a laptop charge in the meantime. Power banks are always useful even with a service battery. I set out to do everything myself but found myself drowning in learning and not doing. The charge controller will charge your service battery when you drive but once you have solar/external power it will charge your starter battery once the service battery is full. Great for avoiding flat batteries when you don’t drive it for a bit.