Build & Upgrade Guide

Your electrical system should reflect how you use the vehicle. A weekend van that drives every day has different needs from a motorhome parked for several days, a winter touring vehicle or a van charging work equipment. Start with your normal trips and the appliances that matter to you.

Tell us the vehicle make, model and year, whether it is an empty van or an existing conversion, how many people travel, and what you want to improve. Include the length of a typical stay, time spent driving and how often you connect to campsite electricity. A limited roof or compact seat base can influence the equipment as much as the budget.

We can plan a complete installation or appropriate upgrades in stages. Agreeing the eventual goal early helps us leave sensible equipment space and cable routes. It does not mean every component can be expanded indefinitely: a much larger inverter or battery may still need new protection, cables or charging equipment.

Make a list of your fridge, lights, water pump, USB charging, laptops, heater controls and any mains appliances. For each item, record its power rating and approximate time in use. A fridge cycles on and off; use its measured or manufacturer-stated daily consumption where available. Include standby consumption and equipment used at the same time.

Energy and power answer different questions. Watts describe how much power an appliance needs while running. Watt-hours describe how much energy it uses over time: watts multiplied by hours. A 60W device used for two hours consumes roughly 120Wh before losses. A 1,200W appliance used for ten minutes consumes roughly 200Wh, but still needs a system capable of supplying that high load.

Battery amp-hours are meaningful alongside voltage. A nominal 12.8V, 100Ah battery stores approximately 1,280Wh before usable-capacity limits, conversion losses, reserve and operating conditions. That calculation is not a runtime guarantee. An AGM battery of the same amp-hour rating should not automatically be treated as offering the same usable energy as a suitable lithium battery.

We balance daily consumption, usable storage and realistic charging. More battery gives you a larger reserve; it does not create energy. If you use more than you replace, the battery will eventually run down even with a larger system.

A leisure battery supplies the living area or working equipment separately from the starter battery. Capacity, weight, dimensions, mounting position and discharge capability all matter. A large battery that does not fit securely, or cannot supply the proposed inverter’s demand, is not a useful upgrade.

AGM is the starting battery technology in our listed camper packages and can suit a modest system. Lithium iron phosphate, or LiFePO₄, can provide more usable capacity for its size and support higher charging rates where the specific battery permits. The battery-management system, charger settings, temperature limits and installation protection must all work together.

Our optional Fogstar choices include Drift ECO 100, 314, 460 and 628Ah; Drift 105, 230, 280, 300, 460, 560, 608 and 628Ah, plus a 230Ah seat-base option; and Drift PRO Gen 2 230, 280, 300, 460 and 628Ah. We confirm the exact version supplied, including dimensions, discharge rating, Bluetooth, heating and warranty features. These are not identical across every model.

A lithium conversion should include a review of the existing alternator charger, mains charger and solar controller. An old charger’s lithium setting, if present, is only part of that assessment. We also consider current limits, low-temperature charging protection and any interaction with the motorhome’s original control panel.

A seat-base battery can preserve useful living space, but fitment, seat mechanisms, cable access and ventilation still need checking. Adding a second battery also needs a system assessment; do not assume any two different batteries can simply be combined.

A split-charge relay is the basic alternator-charging approach in our Budget package, where appropriate for the vehicle and battery. It is not a universal answer for newer smart-alternator vehicles or a lithium conversion. We check the vehicle before recommending it.

A DC-to-DC charger regulates the energy transferred from the vehicle to the leisure battery. Our Seeker and several other camper packages use a Victron 30A unit, with a 50A upgrade available where suitable. The Voyager motorhome levels use 30A and 50A charging respectively. The exact model is confirmed in the quote.

Higher current can help replace energy during a journey, but the alternator, battery’s permitted charging rate, cables, cooling and control method must support it. The published current rating is not a promise that it will deliver maximum current for an entire drive. Charging slows or changes with conditions and battery state.

Tell us how long your normal journeys are. A short drive after several days parked may not replace the energy you used. For longer stationary stays, solar or mains charging can complement alternator charging.

Solar panels feed a charge controller, which manages charging into the leisure battery. A suitable MPPT controller is selected for the panel arrangement, expected voltage and current, battery and available installation space. The model number on a controller is not enough on its own to decide whether an array is compatible.

Our solar starting points are 100–150W for lighter use, 200–300W for touring, and 400–600W or more where roof space and the electrical design allow. We can discuss fixed or portable arrangements, additions to existing systems, and integration with lithium, MultiPlus and optional monitoring.

Rooflights, vents, aerials, racks and shading affect what can be installed and how it performs. Solar output changes with time of day, weather, season and location. Winter touring and shaded parking can mean much less charging than a summer trip in clear sunshine. A larger panel does not remove the need to plan battery capacity and other charging sources.

For an existing motorhome, we check the panel and controller specification, cable route and battery settings before retaining or expanding the installation. Tell us about future roof equipment so it can be allowed for.

Electric hook-up connects the vehicle to a suitable external mains supply. The installation normally includes an inlet, appropriately protected distribution and the agreed sockets. A mains charger converts that supply into charging for the leisure battery. Our Wayfarer and Outrider packages include mains charging and hook-up equipment; Pioneer uses a separate mains charger alongside its inverter.

Hook-up sockets do not automatically work when you unplug. Off-grid 230V power needs a suitable inverter and an installation designed to supply the intended circuits. Conversely, an inverter on its own does not mean a campsite supply will charge the battery.

The available campsite supply and the equipment running at once matter. Heating water, cooking and charging can add up quickly. We explain the supply limit and controls for the equipment fitted, including any relevant MultiPlus input-current setting.

Existing motorhomes may combine charging and distribution in a manufacturer-specific unit. Replacing or bypassing equipment needs a planned approach so necessary functions are retained and the new battery is charged correctly.

An inverter converts battery DC power to mains AC for compatible equipment. The Workman package starts with a 500VA inverter; optional alternatives include 800, 1200, 1600, 2000 and 3000VA, subject to the whole system. Pioneer starts with a separate 2000VA inverter and mains charger, with a 3kVA inverter option.

A MultiPlus combines an inverter with mains charging and changeover functions. Explorer starts with a 2000VA MultiPlus, with 3kVA and 5kVA options where the battery, cabling, protection and installation can support them. Nomad motorhome packages use the integrated inverter/charger approach; Trailer Blazer uses a separate inverter.

VA and watts are not interchangeable guarantees of appliance output. We check continuous power, short start-up surges, operating temperature, efficiency and the exact equipment rating. Send the model and rating of coffee machines, microwaves, air fryers, kettles and tool chargers rather than assuming a package name proves compatibility.

High inverter power means substantial demand from the battery. A large inverter connected to a small base battery does not give unlimited usable power. We assess battery capacity and discharge current, charging recovery and expected runtime, and specify any necessary upgrades before confirming the quote.

The layout also matters: equipment requires appropriate mounting, ventilation and access. We agree which sockets operate from the inverter, which functions depend on hook-up, and how to operate and isolate the finished system.

Think about how you will use the van: a light beside the bed, charging at the seating area, a socket near a work surface and a pump switch within reach. Planning the positions before furniture and lining go in usually gives more options and avoids unnecessary visible cable routes.

Our camper options include Berker single and double switches, single and double mains sockets, USB/USB-C outlets and 12V sockets with frames. The listed extra item prices are shown on the package page. Additional cable and labour depend on the build, so the total is confirmed in the installation quote.

Every circuit needs the appropriate cable, routing, protection and switching for its load. Battery isolators and distribution should remain accessible. A socket’s shape alone does not tell you what it can safely run; we confirm the circuit’s purpose and limitations at handover.

Interior and exterior lights, water pumps, tanks and hot-water equipment can be planned alongside the electrics. Include these early so the battery and charging system reflect the complete build.

A charger’s Bluetooth screen tells you about that charger; it is not automatically a complete picture of battery use. A correctly installed and configured battery monitor measures energy going into and out of the battery and helps estimate state of charge.

We offer Victron SmartShunt options in 300A, 500A and 1000A sizes, and BMV-700 or BMV-712 monitor options with a dedicated display. The correct rating and installation are selected for the system. Settings and a suitable full-charge reference are important to the usefulness of the readings.

Cerbo GX brings compatible devices into a common view, with 5-inch or 7-inch screen options. Remote viewing through Victron’s online services requires a working internet connection and supported connected equipment. Optional 4G connectivity can be discussed; the data connection and running costs are considered separately.

BatteryProtect options of 65A, 100A and 220A are listed for appropriate circuits. They do not replace the battery-management system, correct fuses or the requirements of an inverter installation. We choose protection by its intended job rather than by the largest number.

We supply and fit Autoterm 2kW and 4kW diesel air heaters, with internal and external installation options. Many smaller campers suit 2kW, while a larger vehicle may need 4kW; insulation and layout are important as well as overall size.

An internal installation places the heater in the vehicle with its exhaust routed beneath it. An external arrangement can save interior space where a suitable protected mounting position is available. Fuel supply, intake, exhaust, ducting and electrical power are planned together.

The Simple Controller is included in our listed packages. A Comfort Controller upgrade costs an additional £125 including VAT and adds thermostat temperature control and timer settings. The supplied-and-fitted Autoterm installations carry a three-year parts and labour warranty.

Diesel heating still needs electricity for starting, controls and the fan, so it belongs on the power-use list. It is different from running a mains electric fan heater through an inverter, which can place a very large continuous demand on a leisure battery.

We can also discuss Truma diesel and electric heating or hot-water systems, water boilers, underbody tanks and pumps. The best arrangement depends on the facilities wanted, available space and the electrical and fuel systems.

We also offer suitable windows, roof vents and fans, insulation, carpet lining and ply lining. Electrical equipment, roof panels, ventilation and furniture should be planned together. A roof fan or rooflight takes space that might otherwise hold a panel; a seat-base battery or inverter needs suitable access and clearance.

For a self-build, contact us before closing wall cavities or installing furniture around proposed equipment. We can discuss the installation stage, wiring access and positions for controls, outlets and service access. Tell us which work you are doing yourself and what you want us to complete.

For an existing conversion, access can change the amount of labour required. We assess the current installation and explain any removal or adaptation needed before confirming the job.

The eight camper packages are starting specifications, with the full equipment, photographs and optional extra prices shown on their package page. Prices include supply and fitting into an empty van. A furnished conversion, different cable routes or changed equipment can alter the final price.

Budget and Seeker focus on basic 12V power and driving charge. Pathfinder adds solar. Wayfarer combines driving, solar and hook-up; Outrider keeps the mains and driving approach without solar. Workman introduces a small inverter. Pioneer uses separate inverter and mains-charger equipment, while Explorer uses an integrated MultiPlus.

For an existing motorhome, Voyager focuses on battery and charging: Level 1 starts at £999 with a 100Ah Fogstar Drift ECO, 30A DC-DC and 15A mains charger; Level 2 starts at £1,659 with a 314Ah Drift ECO, 50A DC-DC and 30A mains charger. Trailer Blazer has four separate-inverter upgrade levels and Nomad has five MultiPlus levels, all priced by tailored quote.

Choose a package as the beginning of the discussion. We confirm the exact equipment, compatibility, intended loads, access and full fitting price before booking.

We plan and install Victron equipment in line with the applicable Victron installation guidance and the manual for the particular model fitted, alongside the requirements of the battery and other equipment manufacturers. The complete system matters: fitting a blue charger alone does not make every connected component suitable.

That means selecting battery capacity and current capability for the intended loads; choosing appropriate cable sizes, fuse protection and isolation; providing sound terminations, secure routing and strain relief; and allowing the equipment’s required cooling and service access. Charge profiles and current limits are set for the battery and system.

For installations with mains power, we plan the AC supply, protective devices, earthing arrangements and changeover behaviour for the equipment and vehicle. Hook-up and inverter operation need to work correctly together. The specific design and checks depend on the equipment fitted; there is no single generic fuse, cable size or charger setting for every van.

Before handover, the fitted functions and charging sources are checked, and we explain the relevant controls, isolation points and monitoring. Keep the equipment manuals and your confirmed specification with the vehicle. If equipment is added later, the existing settings and protection may need reviewing.

Start with your vehicle and how you want to use it. Send your registration, build stage, current equipment where relevant and the appliance list. For an existing conversion, we may follow up for equipment photographs or an assessment rather than ask you to identify every technical part yourself.

We agree the proposed equipment, optional upgrades, installation scope and fitting quote before booking. Check what is included, which existing equipment will remain, the expected fitting time and whether access or other work is needed first. Availability and times depend on the job; agree collection and travel arrangements with us.

At handover, we explain the equipment fitted: how to use hook-up and inverter power where provided, how to view charging and battery information, and where to find the relevant isolation and controls. Keep the quotation, model details and manuals together, and contact us if your usage changes substantially.

Our SDVI installation labour is covered by a five-year warranty. Equipment warranties are separate and depend on the manufacturer and model. Your written quotation confirms the cover and terms. Supplied-and-fitted Autoterm diesel-heater installations carry a three-year parts and labour warranty.

For aftercare, send the vehicle, installation date, equipment model and a description of the problem, including any displayed fault code. Let us know whether it happens on hook-up, while driving or while parked. Avoid changing unfamiliar charger settings while trying to diagnose the issue.

South Devon Vehicle Installations is at Warehouse 2, the farm buildings, Seale Hayne, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 6NQ. Visits are by appointment. Confirm the arrival time and drop-off arrangements; for a large motorhome or commercial vehicle, tell us its dimensions so access can be discussed.

This is separate from Motorquip’s town-centre premises. We confirm the workshop location for your booking. Contact info@motorquip.co.uk or call 01626 363311 to start planning.