In this video, I walk you through how to build a safe, reliable 12V electrical system for a campervan, from laying out the components through to the first power-up and system test.

Rather than simply explaining a wiring diagram, I show you how the system is physically connected, which order to wire everything in, and how to avoid some of the most common mistakes made by first-time van builders.

You’ll also see my temporary electrical board method, which allows you to assemble and bench test the complete system before permanently installing it inside the van.

In this 12V electrical walkthrough, I cover:

• How a combined DC-DC and solar charger works

• How to arrange your electrical components

• Where circuit protection should be installed

• How to select the correct fuse or circuit breaker

• How to calculate cable size using a 3% voltage-drop chart

• Why automotive and marine-grade cable should be used

• How to make secure large-cable crimp connections

• The safest order for connecting the system

• How to complete the first power-up and bench test

This type of system can power the essential appliances found in most small campervans, including a fridge, lights, water pump, roof fan, wall fan and USB outlets. It can also be designed to support an inverter later if your power requirements increase.

If you’re building your first van and feel confident reading a diagram but unsure about the actual wiring process, this walkthrough will help turn the theory into a practical system you can understand.

👉 Use the accompanying 12V wiring diagram and cable-size chart while following the video, and visit the full product list to see the components used throughout my builds.

Important Safety Note

I’m not a licensed electrician. This video is intended to help you understand the principles behind a campervan 12V electrical system. Always confirm cable ratings, fuse sizes, equipment instructions and installation requirements for your specific system.

This video documents the complete transformation of a Toyota HiAce work van into a fully off-grid campervan, condensed into a satisfying, no-talking timelapse.

Over four months, my friend Mel and I converted an empty work van into a comfortable tiny home designed for full-time travel around Australia. Every major stage of the build is captured—from the initial strip-out and rust repairs through to the finished interior reveal.

Whether you're planning your first van conversion, searching for Toyota HiAce layout ideas, or simply enjoy watching ambitious DIY projects come to life, this build shows exactly what's involved in creating a professional-quality campervan from scratch.

In this full van build timelapse, you'll see:

• Stripping out and preparing the van

• Rust treatment and body preparation

• Roof fan, windows and solar installation

• Insulation, framing and cable rough-in

• Wall, ceiling and flooring installation

• Complete 12V electrical and plumbing systems

• Custom kitchen, cabinetry and storage

• Slide-out bed and multi-purpose living space

• The finished campervan reveal

This is the complete build that many of my step-by-step tutorials are based on. If you'd like to build something similar yourself, you'll find detailed guides, parts lists and beginner-friendly resources throughout the website.

👉 Ready to start your own build? Check out my Van Conversion Guide, where I break every stage of this conversion down into clear, step-by-step tutorials.

In this video, I take you through a complete, in-depth tour of Hildi — the Toyota HiAce campervan I built with Mel from the ground up.

This isn’t just a highlight reel. I walk you through the entire layout, explain the design decisions behind each feature, and break down what worked, what we’d do differently, and why this setup makes such a practical, comfortable home on wheels.

Inside this campervan tour, you’ll see:

• Smart HiAce layout design for everyday living

• A clean, functional off-grid 12V electrical system

• Kitchen, bed and storage solutions that actually get used

• Space-saving ideas for small vans

• Finishes and materials chosen for durability and simplicity

Whether you’re planning your first van conversion, deep into a build right now, or just looking for real-world campervan inspiration — this tour will give you a clear picture of what’s possible in a HiAce when things are done properly.

👉 If you’re building your own van, make sure you check out my step-by-step Van Conversion Guide, where I break this entire process down into simple, beginner-friendly stages.