I am almost to the build step of my van where I’ll need to run electrical wiring. Typically, the electrical systems for van conversion can be the most expensive and possibly complicated parts of the build. My approach to solving this system is two-fold: 1 - Keep it simple, and 2 - Make it modular.

To solve for simplicity, I am focusing on using pretty basic 12V endpoints. Endpoints are lights, dimmer switches, fans, USB plugs, a cooler, and a water pump. All of this can be powered by a relatively modest battery system that can last for several days.

To make it modular, all I need to do is plan in advance for a few connected systems, which can be added later. For now, I am ruling out adding solar panels to the roof. If I lived in the Western US, I’d have a different opinion. In Michigan, with our league leading system of shade production, solar panels make less sense. Plus, the roof racks for large vans are spendy and lower gas mileage. I will add an alternator charger, so the van can charge the battery while I drive. And I have a shore power connector for use at campgrounds. Two ways to charge the battery feels like enough to start with.

As I add new items, my plan is to test everything at my indoor test stand. With the use of Wago Lever-Nuts for the connections, it is quick and simple to try out the circuits and make sure everything works. Then the move from test stand to van is just a matter of replacing the short connections with longer runs of wire.

I’m using my old Goal Zero battery bank as the power source. Not only is this too small for the van, it is also old enough that the lead battery is almost done. But it works well for 12V testing. I have a 12 circuit fuse panel which all of the endpoints will connect to. I’ll need to map all of the devices to locations in the van and then build a power center box of some sort. I know I will locate it on the driver’s side near the rear wheel-well, but I need to work out the details.