Mark, JK's Mechanic, shows us how to fit a leisure battery into a VW T6 - T6.1 Transporter.

How to Fit a Leisure Battery System to Your Camper

Here’s another handy guide from Just Kampers, showing you how to instal a leisure battery system to your campervan. 

If you’re looking to upgrade your camper's electrical with a secondary circuit and leisure batter, then this guide will show you how quick and easy it can be. We'll walk you through the process of fitting a leisure battery and a 12-volt system in your campervan, ensuring a safe and efficient setup for all your adventures.

Step 1: Choosing the right location

The first decision you'll need to make is where to install your leisure battery. T

Typically, campervans offer two main locations: underneath the passenger seat, or under the driver's seat. 

You can fit your leisure battery almost anywhere that has the space, but make sure that you don’t instal it anywhere that it might be knocked or bumped, which can cause damage to the battery and the wiring and cause real issues. 

Consider things like available space, ease of access, and any modifications you've made to your seats or other areas of your campervan. 

In the case of our project, we opted for fitting the leisure battery under the driver's seat, since we had a swivel base installed on the passenger side.

Step 2: Preparation and placement

Once you know where you’ll be placing your leisure battery, it's time to prepare the area. 

You’ll need a stable platform, such as a wooden plinth, to support the battery and ensure it's securely positioned. Take measurements to ensure the terminals remain below the seat base to prevent any short circuits.

Step 3: Wiring and connection

Now comes the crucial step of wiring your leisure battery to the vehicle's electrical system. 

Begin by running the main feed cable from the van battery to the leisure battery. Carefully route the cable through existing grommets and channels to maintain a tidy and waterproof connection.

Step 4: Safety measures

When working with electrical components, safety should always be a top priority. Take precautions such as disconnecting the negative side of the battery before handling any live wires to prevent accidents or short circuits. Secure all connections and use appropriate fuses to protect against overloads.

If you’re in doubt about anything you need to do at any stage, it’s best to check with a certified electrical specialist to make sure that everything is done correctly and safely. 

Step 5: Integration and testing

With the wiring complete, it's time to integrate additional components like a split charge relay and fuse box for the 12-volt system. 

These components will help make sure that the leisure battery is charged correctly and safely, while preventing drain on the vehicle's battery when not in use. 

Test the system to verify proper functionality, including lights, USB ports, and any other accessories.

Step 6: Final checks and adjustments

Before wrapping up the installation, perform a final inspection to ensure everything is securely in place. 

Strap down the leisure battery and any additional components to prevent movement during travel. 

Double-check all connections and tidy up any loose wiring for a professional finish.

Step 7: Enjoy! 

With your camper's electrical system now successfully upgraded, it's time to hit the road and enjoy all the comforts of home on your next adventure!

Whether you're camping off-grid or road-tripping to your favorite destinations, you can now rely on your leisure battery to keep your essentials powered wherever you go.

Products Seen in This Video

Did you know that our colleagues at Just Kampers Insurance have been offering specialist vehicle insurance since 1998?You can get a great deal on insurance for a huge range of vehicles, from daily drivers to treasured campervans, and everything in between. Just Kampers Insurance works with a huge network of insurers to find you the best deals, and they're so confident that they'll send you a £50 Just Kampers gift voucher if they can't beat your like-for-like quote!

Insuring your vehicle with Just Kampers Insurance also gets you a 10% discount on orders here at Just Kampers, which could save you even more money!