If you’ve ever flicked a light switch in your camper and nothing happened, you’ll know the importance of a solid electrical setup. Whether you’re wild camping off-grid or parked up on a tidy pitch with hook-up, getting to grips with your campervan's electrics is the linchpin to comfort, safety and convenience.
There are two main systems working in tandem inside most campervans:
This is where most off-grid magic happens. A leisure battery is separate from your vehicle’s starter battery and is designed to handle slow, repeated discharge. It charges via:
Just imagine this: You’re parked up beside a loch in the Highlands, the sun’s setting, and your leisure battery gives up. No lights. No water pump. No phone charging. A chilly night ahead. This is why battery health matters.
When staying on campsites, you’ll usually have access to a 240V electric hook-up point. You’ll need a proper EHU cable with an RCD (residual current device) for safety. Once plugged in, your system switches to mains, often charging your leisure battery at the same time.
But be warned, hook-up doesn’t magically power every socket. Your van needs a working distribution board and proper wiring. And appliances must be suitable for 240V usage.
Want to use a laptop or hairdryer without hook-up? That’s where an inverter comes in. It converts 12V DC into 240V AC. However, it uses a lot of power, so a decent battery and maybe solar back-up is wise.
Tip: Pure sine wave inverters are better for sensitive electronics than modified ones.
Solar panels can keep your leisure battery topped up for days - great for wild camping. They’re silent, reliable and work even on overcast days (though not as efficiently). Ideal for longer trips or anyone keen to be off-grid for extended periods.
It’s easy to overlook the small bits, but they matter. Your fuse box might protect you from shorts and overloads. A split-charge relay or battery-to-battery charger manages power from your alternator. And your control panel shows your battery level, water tank status and more. All these help keep things ticking without guesswork.
What if you’re parked up in Spain, fridge full of food, and your solar controller decides it’s had enough? That’s the kind of moment that turns a relaxing trip into a scramble for help. Staying ahead of electrical issues can prevent these headaches.
If you're planning longer trips, wild camping, or want modern gadgets to work reliably, upgrades can make a huge difference. Options include:
Whether you’re converting your own van or buying a ready-made model, make sure you understand the electrical system and how to manage it. A reliable setup is the backbone of a stress-free trip.
And if you’re insuring your camper, systems like solar panels, inverters and extra batteries may count as modifications. They can affect your policy; so be sure to mention them.
It pays to get insurance quotes that reflect your van's actual setup. Use a trusted provider that understands campervan electrics and their value. Click below to compare quotes tailored for you.
