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How To Install A Power Inverter In A Camper Van (With Diagrams)

Looking to wire an inverter in your own camper? We'll discuss everything you need to know to get 120v AC power flowing through your van. Keep reading below!

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Looking for information on how to wire and install an inverter in a camper van? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we will show you how to connect an inverter to your leisure batteries so that you can start charging your laptops and powering blenders, espresso machines, and many other normal 110V (or 220V) household appliances.

This post is a step-by-step tutorial that includes helpful inverter wiring diagrams and we will detail all the little products and components you will need to complete this installation process.

Specifically, this post will teach you how to connect an inverter to:

  • Leisure batteries
  • Power outlets
  • Shore power
  • A ground point

We’re also show you what wire sizes and breaker sizes you’ll need to ensure you have a system that is safe from overheating.

Free Wiring Diagram PDFs
For offline reading, download ourelectrical wiring ebook.They’re completely free to download with no email signups.

Lastly, for other information, visit our solar, DC charger, and inverter guides.

So if you’re ready, let’s dive into it.

Step 0:

Inverter Wiring Overview

In this post, we’re going to show you how to build the exact same diagram you see below. With all the different components involved it can feel daunting at first, but if you take a slow, methodical approach, we promise you can build this system.

Throughout this guide, we’ll introduce each of these components to you and explain their function.

Wiring leisure batteries to the inverter
Complete inverter wiring diagram

If you’ve already read through our 12V install guide, the lower half of this diagram should already be familiar to you.

Step 1:

Anatomy Of An Inverter

Before beginning the installation process, it’s important to know all the connection points into and out of an inverter. You’ll need to become familiar with each of these points on your own inverter because you will be connecting wires to each of them.

Different inverters will look slightly different when you check their connection points. But no matter what, the vast majority of inverters have the following three (and sometimes four) connection points.

  1. Battery Connection: So that the inverter draws power from the batteries.
  2. AC Out: Supplies 110V (or 220V) power to AC devices.
  3. Ground point: Wire this point to your vehicle’s chassis.
  4. AC In*: For “inverter/chargers”, connect this point to shore power to charge the batteries.

*What Is An “Inverter/Charger”?
A standard inverter only takes 12V DC power from the batteries and converts it to 110V AC power. An inverter/charger does the same thing but ALSO takes 110V AC shore power and charges your 12V batteries. Inverter/chargers tend to be more expensive, however.

Let’s look at two popular examples and locate these four connection points.

Example 1: Victron Multiplus

We use a Victron 2000VA Multiplus inverter/charger. Below you can see the four connection areas.

Victron Inverter Installation Image
Victron Inverter/Charger

Example 2: AIMS Inverter/Charger

The AIMS inverter/charger [Amazon] is another popular inverter model for camper vans & RVs. Although they look slightly different from the Victron unit, you can see that the AIMS inverter also has the same four connection points. The concept remains the same.

AIMS Inverter Installation Image
AIMS inverter/charger

Now, let’s wire the whole inverter system together.

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Step 2:

Choose Your Inverter

If you haven’t already done so, the next step is to choose which inverter to get for your camper van. There are two factors that determine the size and type of inverter you need.

  • Wattage Rating: The more AC power you require, the larger the inverter you need.
  • Need Charging? If you like to charge your battery from shore power, you’ll need the inverter/charger.

Inverter Size Calculator

Below is a simple calculator to help you determine what inverter size & type you need. Just answer a few questions and the calculator will return a recommended inverter with several budget alternatives.

Inverter Size Recommendation

Low: Up to 600W of AC usage. Just to charge a couple laptops, a camera, or power a small blender.

Medium: Up to 1200W of AC usage. Includes powering an espresso machine, hair dryer, Instant Pot, or rice cooker.

High: Up to 2400W of AC usage. Includes powering an electric hot water heater, microwave, or air conditioner.

Recommended Alternatives

None

What We Have: We use a 2000W inverter/charger and it’s been perfect for our needs. It powers everything we use, including a hair dryer and Instant Pot. It wasn’t large enough for our hot water tank, but we ended up not really missing it.

Step 3:

Connect Inverter To Bus Bars

The first step when installing an inverter in a camper van is to connect the inverter to the bus bars. Technically, we won’t be wiring the inverter directly to the batteries. Instead, we will be connecting to bus bars, which will then be wired to the batteries.

If you haven’t already…
…pick up a pair of bus bars. They make your wiring simpler, easier, and cleaner. You’ll also use these to connect to your solar panels, DC charger, and 12V system.

Top Recommendation
Bus Bars (3/8" Posts)
$34.99 ($17.50 / Count)

Bus bars are power distribution centers that collect and distribute electricity to/from multiple sources. They simplify the wiring process and help keep electric wiring clean and orderly. Connects to batteries, solar charger, inverter, and DC-DC charger.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/15/2023 09:43 pm GMT

* Read our bus bar page for more product information and installation guidance.

Wiring Diagram: Inverter To Bus Bars

In the wiring diagram below, you can see how the inverter is connected to the bus bars. And the bus bars and then connected to the 12V leisure batteries.

Wiring diagram connecting the inverter to the bus bars

2/0 AWG Wire

Connects inverter to bus bars.

 

-> Buy On Amazon

 

-> More Information

1 of 6

Bus Bars

Distributes 12V power to inverter and other electrical devices

 

-> Buy On Amazon

 

-> More Information

2 of 6

Lugs (5/16″ x 2/0 AWG)

Connects 2/0 wires to terminal posts on inverter.

 

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3 of 6

Fuse (300A)

Protects 2/0 wire from overheating.

 

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4 of 6

Lugs (3/8″ x 2/0 AWG)

Connects 2/0 wires to bus bars.

 

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5 of 6

Power Inverter (110V & 220V)

Converters 12V from batteries to 110V/220V power for traditional household devices

 

-> Buy On Amazon

 

-> More Information

6 of 6
Wiring diagram connecting the inverter to the bus bars
Wiring inverter to the bus bars

Materials You'll Need

To complete this wiring step, you will need the following materials. You can locate each of the materials listed below in the above diagram.

  • Description:

    Protects 2/0 AWG wire from overheating and potentially catching on fire. Accepts 5/16" lug terminals.

Description:

Recommended wire size for up to 2000W inverter. Use 4/0 for 3000A inverter. Watch our product review on YouTube

Description:

Connects 2/0 wire to inverter and 300A fuse.

Description:

Protects 2/0 AWG wire from overheating and potentially catching on fire. Accepts 5/16" lug terminals.

Description:

Connects 2/0 wire to bus bars.

Description:

Distributes and collects DC power to/from leisure batteries.

Tools You'll Need

Below are the tools you’ll need to complete the wiring process. These are common tools that you’ll need to install your entire van’s electrical system.

  • Description:

    Strips away wire insulation jacket to expose metal conductors.

  • Description:

    Activates heat shrink over lug and wire.

Description:

Cuts thick electrical wire (up to 2/0 AWG) to the length you need.

Description:

Strips away wire insulation jacket to expose metal conductors.

Description:

Crimps lugs on to electrical wire. Better than a hammer crimper. (Learn more)

Description:

Activates heat shrink over lug and wire.

How To Crimp Lugs Onto Electrical Wire

Our video below teaches you, step by step, how to crimp a copper lug terminal onto thick 2/0 wire.

Step 4:

Connect Bus Bars To Leisure Batteries

We also cover this step in our 12V install guide, but will repeat the step here as well.

Wiring diagram connecting 12V leisure batteries to bus bars

Battery Monitor

Displays battery state of charge

 

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-> More Information

1 of 8

2/0 AWG Wire

Connects batteries to bus bars

 

-> Buy On Amazon

 

-> More Information

2 of 8

Battery Switch

Disconnects batteries during maintenance & storage

 

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-> More Information

3 of 8

Bus Bars

Distributes 12V power to and from batteries

 

-> Buy On Amazon

 

-> More Information

4 of 8

Leisure Batteries

Provides power to all electrical devices

 

-> Buy On Amazon

 

-> More Information

5 of 8

300A Fuse

Protects 2/0 AWG wire from overheating

 

-> Buy On Amazon

 

-> More Information

6 of 8

3/8″ Copper Lugs

Crimps onto 2/0 AWG wire and attaches to corresponding device

 

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7 of 8

5/16″ Copper Lugs

Crimps onto 2/0 AWG wire and attaches to corresponding device

 

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8 of 8
Wiring diagram connecting 12V leisure batteries to bus bars
Wiring 12V batteries to bus bars

Unsure which batteries to get? Read our Li Time vs. Redodo lithium battery review to see which budget-friendly battery we recommend and why.

Step 5:

Wiring Inverter To Shore Power

In this section, we show about how to connect an inverter to shore power. This is only required if you specifically purchased an ‘inverter/charger’ model that is capable of charging batteries from an outside power source. Below are three inverter/charger models that we recommend.

Recommended Inverter/Chargers

Note: If you opted for a non-Inverter/Charger model, you can skip this step and go straight to step 3.

Wiring Diagram: Inverter To Shore Power

In the wiring diagram below, you can see how the inverter is connected to a power inlet plug. You can then connect the power inlet to a shore power socket with an extension cord.

Wiring diagram connecting inverter to shore power in a camper van

10/3 AWG Wire (AC In)

Recommended wire size for AC In wiring (when plugging into 15A shore power)

 

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-> More Information

1 of 3

Power Inlet (15A)

Power inlet socket that connects to a 15A shore power socket

 

-> Buy On Amazon

2 of 3

Extension Cord (Superior Quality 12AWG)

High quality extension cord. Recommend 12AWG cord to safely transmit 15A shore power to inverter

 

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3 of 3
Wiring diagram connecting inverter to shore power in a camper van

Materials & Tools List

To see the required materials and tools list, select your inverter/charger’s wattage rating. The recommended parts are tailored to the size of the inverter.

Inverter Install Post (Shore Power Materials List)
  • AC In Wire: We recommend using 12 AWG size wires. This wire can handle up to 20A of current, which is perfect for a 1000W & 2000W inverter.
  • Power Inlet - Wires directly to an inverter/charger and can accept an extension cord that is plugged into shore power. This 15A inlet is sufficient for this inverter.
  • Extension Cord: Make sure to get a high-quality 12-gauge cord so that it can handle the appropriate current (amps).
  • Wire Stripper: This tools helps to cut and strip the 12 AWG wire.
  • AC In Wire: We recommend using 10 AWG size wires. This wire can handle up to 30A of current, which is perfect for a 3000W inverter.
  • Power Inlet - Wires directly to an inverter/charger and can accept an extension cord that is plugged into shore power. This 30A inlet is perfect for this larger inverter.
  • Extension Cord: Make sure to get a high-quality 10-gauge cord so that it can handle the appropriate current (amps).
  • Wire Stripper: This tools helps to cut and strip the 10 AWG wire.

Installation Instructions

Following the above process, your inverter/charger should now ready to connect to shore power to charge your house batteries.

Good To Know!
Get a high-quality 12AWG extension cord [Amazon]. Cheap cords come with thinner wire strands, which may not be safe to support large wattages for long periods of time.

Step 6:

Wiring Inverter To Power Outlets

In this section, we show you how to connect your inverter to power outlets so that you can plug in and run your 110v devices.

Good To Know!
Our tutorial shows how to wire an inverter to standard household wall sockets. But many inverters, like AIMS model, already have built-in sockets, which is much simpler, DIY-friendly, and cost-effective.

Wiring Diagram: Inverter To Power Outlets

In the wiring diagram below, you can see how the inverter is connected to a 15A circuit breaker and then to the power outlet.

Wiring diagram connecting the inverter to the power outlets

10/3 AWG Wire (AC Out)

Recommended wire size for connecting inverter to breaker box.

 

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1 of 4

12/3 AWG Wire (AC Out)

Recommended wire size for AC Out wiring to power outlets

 

-> Buy On Amazon

 

-> More Information

2 of 4

Circuit Breaker Box

Houses the 15A circuit breaker

 

-> Buy On Amazon

3 of 4

15A Circuit Breaker

Protects the 12/3 wire from overheating. Need one breaker per 12AWG circuit.

 

-> Buy On Amazon

4 of 4
Wiring diagram connecting the inverter to the power outlets

Materials & Tools List

To complete this step, you will need the following materials. You can locate each of the below listed materials in the above wiring diagram.

  • AC Out wire: We recommend using 12/3 AWG wire, which will safely carry the current (amps) required to power all standard 110V devices.
  • Circuit breaker box: This will house the 15-Amp circuit breaker.
  • 15-Amp circuit breaker: This breaker ensures your 12/3 wire and all downstream devices stay safe during over-current situations.
  • Electrical socket
Our Recommendation
Ancor 12/3 AWG Triplex Wire
$46.15

Perfect for all 110V wiring. This 'marine grade' wire is perfect for all AC Out connections from the inverter to standard 15A outlets. The tough outer jacket resists cuts & abrasions and like that the copper wires are tinned to resist corrosion.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/16/2023 08:15 pm GMT
Description:

Holds the 15A circuit breaker for 110V circuits.

Description:

Sized to protect the 12 AWG wires in 110V circuits from over-current situations.

Description:

One of many standard wall socket designs you can choose from.

Description:

Narrow profile gang box for installing household-style switches and outlets.

Installation Instructions

Download our electrical eBook (with diagrams) to learn how to wire an electrical system in a camper van.

Step 5:

Wiring The Inverter To A Ground Point

In the final step, we connect the inverter to a ground point. But because we are installing this power inverter system in a camper van, we don’t have the same traditional ‘ground’ point as in a house. Instead, we can attach the ground wire to a designated point on our vehicle’s chassis.

We explain how to find these ground points further below in this section. But first, we will explain how to do the wiring, as shown in the wiring diagram below.

Step 4 Wiring Diagram: Inverter To Ground Point

Wiring inverter to ground point on vehicle chassis
Wiring inverter to ground

Materials List

To complete this step, you will need the following materials. You can locate each of the below listed materials in the above wiring diagram.

  • Description:

    Save money with this convenient lug terminal set. Includes 12 different lug sizes from 2-8 AWG wires with heat shrink. (Useful for other electrical sections)

Description:

Recommended wire size to connect inverter to ground. What our 4 AWG wire review on YouTube.

Description:

Save money with this convenient lug terminal set. Includes 12 different lug sizes from 2-8 AWG wires with heat shrink. (Useful for other electrical sections)

Installation Instructions

How To Locate Your Vehicle's Ground Points

You can locate your vehicle’s designated ground points either in the van’s handbook or by doing a quick search online. Below is an image we found online with all the designated ground points for our Ford Transit van. We grounded our inverter by connecting to point #31 in the diagram below.

Ford Transit ground points on the chassis

Were Our Inverter Diagrams Useful? There are more electrical diagrams in our eBook.

Alternatives To Heavy-Duty Inverters

Installing a large inverter in your camper is a big decision. Inverters aren’t cheap, they take up valuable space in your van, and they can take time to wire everything correctly.

If your only reason for installing an inverter in your camper is to simply power a laptop or other similarly low-wattage devices, getting a heavy-duty inverter may not be the right decision for you.

If that’s the case, there are several great, portable alternatives available on the market. Below are three portable inverter recommendations. They’re easy to set up, take up minimal space, and can be stored away when not needed.

Simple Inverter Pick
BESTEK 300W Pure Sine Wave Inverter (With USB)
$57.74

This 300W portable inverter is the perfect solution for those who require only minimal 110V power and prefer not to hard wire a larger inverter in their vans. No additional wiring required.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/16/2023 11:26 am GMT

What We Like

  1. No wiring needed: Simply plug in or clamp to your batteries and it’s good to go.
  2. Portability: Simply pack the inverter away when you’re not using it. No wires, no fuss.
  3. Price point: Significantly less expensive than a larger inverter.
  4. Pure sine technology: Safe for your more expensive devices, like laptops & cameras.

What We Don't Like

  1. Cannot charge batteries: Meaning you cannot connect these inverters to shore power to charge your 12v batteries.
  2. Power limitation: Not suitable for anything above 1000-1200W.

Was This Article Helpful? We have more useful articles to help you build your van Electrical System!

Conclusion: Installing An Inverter Is Just One Piece Of The Electrical Puzzle

If you’ve gotten this far then congratulations on successfully installing an inverter in your camper van!

If you did it while also installing sockets into your van walls then that’s a fantastic achievement. The whole inverter installation process took us more than a week to complete and wasn’t easy!

But setting up the inverter is just one piece of the puzzle when putting together your camper van electrical system. For more, check out our other posts below.

Happy building!

Thank You For Reading!

We’re Yuko and Eric! We both grew up in Asia ( Japan & Hong Kong ), we left our jobs and homes in 2018 and started traveling full time from Canada to Argentina in our self-converted camper van since end of May 2019. “Asobo” means “Let’s play” in Japanese. We named our site “Asobolife” because the life is always uncertain and we live only once so it’s important to always keep positive, playful mind and enjoy the moment you are in the present. We also want to use this website to share our road trip and van building experiences to inspire our readers. We hope you enjoy!

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