Club 80-90 Forums

Hi all. I'm in the process of converting a panel van into a high top camper.

I'm not sure which unit to use for the electrics. I want 240v hook up but also 12v for some wild camping.

There seems to be lots of different units. I've been thinking zig and in particular the cf8.

Would this be a good option and what did the original campets have in.

I'm no electrician but will give it a go.

Personally I would not bother with a Zig unit. (there was a similar thread recently and most folk agreed).

Just fit :-

Split charge relay with Fridge take off terminal.

Accessory fuse box, with as many fuses as you think you need (then add 2 more ) Fit it near the leisure battery.

Mains input socket feeding an RCD (safety device) and a couple of 13A sockets (or just a good quality extension lead)

Intelligent charger (say ~10 Amp). This can be hard wired onto the leisure battery and the output of the 240V RCD. It will then automatically charge when on mains hook up.

The above is :-

Simpler than fitting a Zig.
Cheaper.
Easier to understand.
Easier to alter later.
Easier to fault find.
Takes up less space (no big "control panel")
Is "automatic" requiring no switch flicking.

Oh, and seriously consider fitting one of THESE to protect your leisure battery and lengthen it's life considerably.

WHS ^^^^

/\/\/\ Thats how ours is set up as well although I don't have a charger wired in. In fact I don't remember the last time I had an electrical hook up connected. With a liesure battery and driving somewhere most some days the alternator seems to keep mine topped up.

Personally, I think interior electrics are best set up for wild camping, using/buying items that are low-consumption. That way you can charge up when hooked up (or at home) and you should be good for a few days off the grid with heating and lighting although these days I use portable LED lanterns and rechargeable batteries for them.

Cheers all. I think there may have been something like this rigged up before I took the engine out. It looked like a right cowboy job though with wires all over t' place. I'll post a pic tomorrow.

This is what was jammed in a Tupperware box behind leasure battery. Not the most professional looking job