Choosing the right wiring solution for your campervan conversion is a critical step that can impact your use of your camper, are you going to be able to spend the time off-grid you want? Are you going to be able to adapt the system as your needs change? Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or new to van conversions, selecting between basic wiring kits, custom full wiring kits, and pre-wired power boards can be a challenging decision. Each option offers unique benefits, and understanding their differences will help you make the best choice for your project.

Basic Wiring Kits: Simplicity and Modular Purchasing

Basic wiring kits are ideal for those who want a straightforward, one-piece-at-a-time solution for specific parts of their campervan’s electrical system. These kits come with pre-cut and terminated (except mains hook-up) wiring designed to handle individual installations, such as split charge systems or mains hook-up setups.

Advantages of Basic Wiring Kits:

1. Modular Approach: They allow you to tackle one part of your electrical system at a time, giving you the flexibility to build your setup gradually.
2. DIY Flexibility: These kits are perfect for DIY enthusiasts who enjoy piecing together their electrical system and customizing it to fit their specific needs.

Considerations:

• Compatibility Challenges: Ensuring that all components work together seamlessly is your responsibility, which can be tricky, especially if you're not familiar with electrical systems.
• Multiple Instructions: Each basic kit typically comes with its own set of instructions, requiring you to juggle different manuals, which can complicate the installation process.

Custom Full Wiring Kits: Comprehensive and Tailored

Custom full-wiring kits provide an all-encompassing solution tailored specifically to your campervan. These kits include everything you need for your entire electrical system, with a significant portion of the wiring pre-terminated, labelled, and ready to install.

Advantages of Custom Full Wiring Kits:

1. All-In-One Solution: Custom kits can cover every aspect of your camper’s electrical system, ensuring full compatibility and a seamless installation process.
2. Simplified Installation: With pre-cut and labelled cables, and a single fitting walkthrough, custom kits eliminate much of the guesswork and complexity of electrical installations.
3. Tailored to Your Van: These kits are bespoke, designed to fit your campervan’s specific layout and requirements, reducing the chances of errors and ensuring a reliable, safe setup.

Considerations:

• Higher Investment: The comprehensive nature of custom kits means they require more upfront cost then only buying a few parts of the system in basic kit form. 
• Upfront planning: As you’re purchasing the whole system up front and pre-cut cables are being made to fit this, the layout for the van needs to be planned and pretty fixed before the order is placed. 

Pre-Wired Power Boards: Modular and Versatile

Pre-wired power boards offer a versatile, modular solution that can handle a mix of mains, 12V, and solar setups. These boards come pre-wired with perfectly sized cables and pre-determined mounting sizes, providing a balanced blend of convenience and flexibility.

Advantages of Pre-Wired Power Boards:

1. Versatility: Pre-wired power boards can be configured to handle different combinations of electrical systems, making them a great option for those who need both mains and 12V setups.
2. Perfect Cable Lengths: The cables on these boards are pre-cut to the perfect length, ensuring a neat and tidy installation without the need for additional adjustments.
3. Quick Installation: With pre-wired components, these boards are easy to install, significantly reducing the time required to set up your campervan’s electrical system.

Considerations:

• Fixed Mounting Sizes: While they are modular, the mounting sizes of pre-wired power boards are predetermined, which might limit flexibility in tight or unconventional spaces.
• Less choice: Although they cover a wide range of options, they’re not as customisable as our custom full wiring kits in terms of the combinations of components. 

Which Option is Right for You?

If you're looking for a bitesize, solution that allows you to build your system step by step, basic wiring kits might be the best fit. If you prefer a comprehensive, tailor-made solution that simplifies design and installation, a custom full wiring kit is the way to go. However, if you need a versatile, modular option that balances ease of installation with flexibility, pre-wired power boards offer a great alternative.