'Stealth' Mains Hook Up

[MattyBigNose]

Completed my own mains install at the weekend and took photos to post in the hope it may help others.

I was inspired by a T4 featured in VW Camper and Bus where the mains hook up was mounted behind the rear fog light as I am keen to keep my side panels free of holes/flaps etc. Mine is a Caravelle with 'minimalist' interior - i.e. a full width RnR bed and not much else.

Anyway, I will describe as best I can:

I used:
- A 20m pre-wired hook up / extension lead with integral RCB - available from caravan/camping shops £45
- A male plug end £2.50
- A female plug end £2.50

Hook Up 1.jpg

- Some extra 1.5mm twin and earth, approx 3m
- A polyurethane grommet to prevent cable chafing on single drilled hole

After some head scratching I decided to mount my sockets and RCB on the rear seat kick board. I'll be installing a new board soon so for now have left the extn lead box loose.

I then ran approx 3m of cable from this up behind the drivers side interior panel below the level of the rear seat (careful not to foul the RnR bed mechanism). There is then loads of room to run the cable up and along behind the boot side panel under the rear washer reservior.

Hook Up 2.jpg

From here I drilled through the most rearward vertical panel section (as low down as possible, avoiding welds) which leads through to the aperture behind the rear light cluster. By removing the rear light cluster I was able to pull the cable through and round to the engine bay.

Hook Up 3.jpg

I need to obtain a suitably sturdy clip/bracket to secure the (female) end socket within the engine bay so for now have stored this end behind the rear light. I was surprised how much space there is in this area and don't think I've fouled anything important by using it in this way (water cooled engine).

I then wired the new male plug to the end of the original extension cable to give me 20m of reach when plugged in.

For what it's worth the extension lead that I used came pre-wired with 1.5mm twin and earth and I used the same for the wiring within the van.

[quagmire]

nice one mate.hope you get the pics sorted.the t4 you saw belongs to 3rustateers (members on here),they are a nice couple but tend to drink a bit too much

[PEET]

I also have a hidden leccy hook up point also - bit less fussy tho as its hidden rear number plate flap, pull down there it is!

[Mr Bean]

I thought you were talking about donning your wellies and chucking a couple of wires over the local power lines or sumat! Frightened me for a moment.
Cheers
Wolfie

[quagmire]

I thought you were talking about donning your wellies and chucking a couple of wires over the local power lines or sumat! Frightened me for a moment.
Cheers
Wolfie