Understanding campervan electrics, gas & water systems

Understanding campervan electrics, gas & water systems

There is a moment, usually somewhere between choosing upholstery and debating cushion fabric, when the conversation turns practical. How will the lights stay on? Where does the water come from? And what, exactly, is happening behind the scenes? Electrics, gas and water systems are the unseen architecture of a campervan. When designed well, they disappear entirely, allowing life on the road to unfold with ease. When poorly considered, they can limit where you travel - or how comfortably you live once you set off on your adventures. This is not a guide to becoming an expert. It is a guide to knowing what matters.

Electrics: the systems that powers everything

A campervan’s electrical system is its nervous system. When done well, it’s invisible. When done badly, it’s the thing you’ll curse at 11pm in a lay-by. Most campervans operate on two electrical systems: a leisure system for living, and the vehicle’s own system for driving. A well-designed conversion keeps these separate yet harmonious. At its simplest, the leisure system powers lighting, charging points, refrigeration and heating controls. More advanced setups support induction hobs, remote working, or weeks spent off-grid. When discussing electrics with a converter, focus on how the van will be used. Occasional weekends require a very different setup to long-distance travel or winter touring. Ask how power is generated - whether through solar panels, engine charging or mains hook-up - and how it is stored. Battery choice, capacity and longevity will quietly shape your experience on the road. The goal is not abundance, but reliability. What to look for as a buyer: Start with the batteries. Lithium is the gold standard - lighter, faster charging, longer-lasting - but AGM batteries can still be perfectly adequate for weekend roamers. What matters most is capacity: does the system realistically support how you plan to roam? If you’re dreaming of wild camping with laptops, fridge, coffee machine and fairy lights glowing into the night - solar panels and a battery-to-battery charger are essential. For campsite stays, a hook-up system may be enough. A quality conversion will also include: A clear, labelled fuse board Properly sized cables (no spaghetti wiring) A monitoring system so you can see battery levels at a glance If a seller can’t explain how the electrics work in plain language, that’s your cue to pause.

Gas systems: discreet, powerful, but not always essential

Despite the rise of induction hobs and all-electric builds, gas remains common - but not essential - in campervans. It’s efficient and reliable for heating and cooking off-grid. But gas demands respect. What to look for as a buyer: A safe gas system should include Properly installed bottles (often propane) A gas locker that vents externally A regulator and shut-off valve you can access easily Ask whether the system has been Installed by a qualified professional Pressure-tested Certified (especially important for insurance or finance) Many modern conversions now offer diesel heaters instead of gas for heating and hot water - drawing fuel from the van’s main tank. These are efficient, popular for winter travel, and reduce reliance on gas entirely. There’s no “better” choice here - only what suits your style of travel. The key is knowing which system you’re buying, and why it was chosen.

Water: the luxury you’ll miss first

Water systems in campervans are elegantly simple when done well. Fresh water is stored in a tank, pumped to sinks and showers, then collected as grey water for disposal. What matters most is capacity and access. How much water is carried? How easy is it to refill? And where can waste water be emptied responsibly? If you plan to travel in colder climates, ask about insulation and frost protection. Frozen pipes are an inconvenience at best, and costly at worst. Hot water systems also vary widely. Some rely on gas, others on electricity or engine heat. The right choice depends entirely on how and where you intend to roam. What to look for as a buyer: Tank size matters. Ask where the tanks are located - internal tanks are better for winter travel, as external ones can freeze. Check Is the water pump quiet and consistent? Is there an easy way to drain the system? Are pipes accessible for maintenance? For hot water, systems range from simple kettle-based solutions to integrated boilers running on gas, diesel or electricity. Again, it’s not about luxury - it’s about alignment with how you travel. A thoughtfully designed water system feels effortless. You turn the tap, and it simply works.

The quiet importance of installation quality

More than the individual components, it is the quality of installation that defines a good system. Cables should be neatly routed and protected. Pipes should be accessible, not hidden beyond reach. Shut-off points should be easy to find. Ask how future maintenance is handled and whether diagrams or manuals are provided at handover. Thoughtful converters design not just for the build, but for the years that follow.

Compliance, certification and peace of mind

Electrics, gas and water systems should meet recognised safety standards. This is not an area for improvisation. Ask what certifications are provided and whether the conversion can be insured without difficulty. Experienced converters understand these requirements instinctively and build accordingly. Compliance is not a constraint on creativity; it is what allows you to roam without second-guessing every switch you touch.

Designing for the life you want to live

The best campervan systems are rarely the most complex. They are the ones that support your mornings, your meals, your workdays and your rest without demanding attention. A good converter will ask as many questions as they answer. Where do you plan to go? How long will you stay? What does comfort mean to you? When electrics, gas and water are designed around real use rather than aspiration, the result is effortless. And that, ultimately, is the luxury.

Information in this article is provided for general guidance only and is based on publicly available sources and industry best practice at the time of writing. Built to Roam does not accept responsibility for decisions made based on this content and recommends readers undertake their own due diligence with campervan converters and relevant authorities before committing to a purchase.