Today I put together the rough draft of my control panel. A lot of wires were needed behind this board to make it all happen!
What is the purpose of a camper van control panel?
1. Most van builds have a lot of these items, but they likely create some confusion by "hiding" their switches and controls all over the van. I felt it will be easier to teach people how to operate the camper if you have these controls all in one place.
2. It is important to minimize the number of LED lights that glow at night in a camper! I selected USB plugs that do not have LED. The only item that might glow at night is the Inverter/Charger remote. This item will be usually turned off, but if it is running, I have a cover for the display.
3. Since this panel is close to the electrical system, it helps to shorten the length of the wire runs. Shorter 12 volt wire runs are an important design goal.
4. This panel is located just above the left side of the kitchen counter. This location will be ideal for placing cell phones and other items that need to be plugged in, especially at night.
5. It has 2 x dual USB plugs and 2 x 12 volt “cigarette lighter” plugs. This is a helpful number of plugs.
6. The 120 volt outlet is one of two in the van build. Some people install AC outlets throughout the van. In general, this isn’t necessary, but two is about right.
7. The three items on the left are the ones likely to be needed at night, since it is adjacent to the bed: ceiling lights, wall lamp and heater thermostat.
8. There is a switch for the refrigerator. This is to turn off the fridge (if needed) when most of the 12-volt system is powered up.
9. It is important to know the state of charge of the house battery. The battery monitor shows this at a quick glance.
10. In addition to this physical panel, you can get more details from the Bluetooth apps for the battery monitor, solar charging, alternator charging and the propane tank level.
![Gas Electricity Electrical wiring Machine Electrical supply]()
What is the purpose of a camper van control panel?
1. Most van builds have a lot of these items, but they likely create some confusion by "hiding" their switches and controls all over the van. I felt it will be easier to teach people how to operate the camper if you have these controls all in one place.
2. It is important to minimize the number of LED lights that glow at night in a camper! I selected USB plugs that do not have LED. The only item that might glow at night is the Inverter/Charger remote. This item will be usually turned off, but if it is running, I have a cover for the display.
3. Since this panel is close to the electrical system, it helps to shorten the length of the wire runs. Shorter 12 volt wire runs are an important design goal.
4. This panel is located just above the left side of the kitchen counter. This location will be ideal for placing cell phones and other items that need to be plugged in, especially at night.
5. It has 2 x dual USB plugs and 2 x 12 volt “cigarette lighter” plugs. This is a helpful number of plugs.
6. The 120 volt outlet is one of two in the van build. Some people install AC outlets throughout the van. In general, this isn’t necessary, but two is about right.
7. The three items on the left are the ones likely to be needed at night, since it is adjacent to the bed: ceiling lights, wall lamp and heater thermostat.
8. There is a switch for the refrigerator. This is to turn off the fridge (if needed) when most of the 12-volt system is powered up.
9. It is important to know the state of charge of the house battery. The battery monitor shows this at a quick glance.
10. In addition to this physical panel, you can get more details from the Bluetooth apps for the battery monitor, solar charging, alternator charging and the propane tank level.
