Build to Roam Knowledge Base

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Electrical 11 Video tutorial 2 Kitchen 1

A hydraulic crimper being used to crimp a lug onto large gauge wire in a van build

How to Crimp Battery Cable Lugs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn to properly crimp a lug onto large gauge wire for your van build. We cover sizing, stripping, crimping technique, and sealing with heat shrink tubing.

Feb 28, 2026

How to Splice Small Gauge Wires

Learn how to make a reliable butt splice connection on small gauge wire, including selecting the correct splice size, stripping, crimping, and heat shrinking.

Essential electrical tools laid out for a DIY van conversion electrical system installation

Feb 16, 2026

Van Conversion Electrical Tools (2026)

Essential electrical tools for your DIY camper van build. Learn what tools you need to safely install batteries, solar panels, inverters, and wiring systems.

Battery shunt and monitor installation in van electrical system

Dec 22, 2025

How To Monitor Power In Your Van's Auxiliary Battery Bank

Learn how to install and configure battery shunts and monitors in your van's electrical system to track power usage and battery state effectively.

A photo of the the DC to DC charger installation on a bus bar on a Ram Promaster

Nov 22, 2025

Why You'll Need A Bus Bar In Your Van's Electrical System

By the end of this article, you’ll understand the purpose of a bus bar, bus bar options available on the market, and how to ground a bus bar during install.

Oct 26, 2025

DC to DC Charging: How to Set Up a Van Alternator Charging System

By the end of this article, you'll understand how to select, size, and install a DC-DC charger in your DIY van build.

Sep 26, 2025

Coffee Hacks for Van Life

This article provides one van-lifer's hacks for making quality coffee on the road.

Sep 18, 2025

Complete Van Shore Power Guide: How to Add 120V Hookups to Your Camper Van

Install a 15A, 30A, or 50A shore power inlet on your van — learn how to wire it safely and integrate it with your batteries and inverter for reliable campground hookups.

Sep 3, 2025

How to Install a Power Inverter in Your Camper Van (Sizing & Wiring Guide)

Step-by-step inverter installation for your van build — choose the right size, wire it safely to your battery bank, and integrate with shore power for reliable 120V AC off-grid.

Aug 1, 2025

Size Your Van's Solar & Battery System Perfectly the First Time

Learn the exact calculations to size your battery and solar system right the first time—no $2,000 mistakes or dead batteries at 2am.

Jun 19, 2025

Camper Van Solar System Installation: A Beginner's Design Guide

New to van solar? Learn how to design and install a camper van solar system from scratch — panel sizing, charge controllers, wiring, and mounting explained for beginners.

May 1, 2025

How to Size Wire for Your Camper Van Build: AWG Gauge Guide & Chart

Learn how to size wire for your van electrical system — calculate amps, measure wire runs, and find the correct AWG gauge to prevent fires and voltage drop.