Adding "Shore Power" to a VW Camper Van

My project before we go on an extended trip was to add 110 "shore power" to our 2002 VW Westphalia Weekender. I've always been jealous of my neighbor's older Westy with original equipment shore power, so I figured it was time to get my own.

DISCLAIMER: Working with electricity is DANGEROUS. If you don't know how to work with 110 electricity, don't try to learn with this project. Also, please refer to a guidebook to check any of the things I say in the post.

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Step 1: Parts

1 - MarineCo power inlet
1 - Grey 15a power outlet
1 - Grey 15a GFCI outlet
1 - Grey outlet wall plate
1 - "old work" 2-gang box
15 ft Marine grade Romex

kiefer23 says: Aug 14, 2012. 7:47 AM

This was briefly mentioned by the author, so I just thought I should put more emphasis on the type of wire used in this project. Make sure you do not use regular household wiring, extension cords, or anything not specifically designed for this application! Chances are you do not have the proper wire already available at home. If you use the wrong wire, you run a major risk of causing a fire, shock, etc. Make sure you use the "marine grade" wire or an equivalent; "direct burial" cable might be suitable too. Remember this wire will be subjected to big temperature changes, humidity, possibly ultraviolet exposure, and serious vibrations that regular wiring is never expected to see.

Also I would strongly advise not to modify any electrical boxes. If you cannot find a box that fits your space, go to a proper electrical supply store and talk to them. They will be happy to help you find a specialty box, likely for less money than would be spent modifying your own. This could mean the difference between a small electrical fault, and a major fire.

crackHacker says: Apr 11, 2012. 11:03 AM

i would have to suggest an inline fuse. or circuit breaker incase a major surge happens and doesnt catch your van on fire. of course that is the very worse case that could happen but as the saying goes better safe than turned into charcole in the middle of the night!

abadfart in reply to crackHackerApr 25, 2012. 2:08 PM

he used a ground fault plug which will work a a surge protector

kiefer23 in reply to abadfartAug 14, 2012. 7:37 AM

The ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is designed only to protect against leaks to ground, such as when someone is getting a shock and/or if water gets into an outlet or device. This is very different from a fuse or breaker which provides overload and surge protection, like if you plug a hair dryer and a microwave into the same outlet. Without a fuse/breaker, you risk overloading the wiring which could melt and cause a fire. Both the GFCI and the fuse/breaker do different things, and I feel that it is very important that a breaker or fuse be installed in addition to the GFCI.

Jerry_Scott (author) in reply to crackHackerApr 12, 2012. 2:52 PM

Thanks for the question. The outlet box comes with tabs that rotate and tighten up against the back of the door panel my turning a screw. That is the feature of "old work" outlet boxes - they slip right in the hole and then snap into place. You can see the mounting tab on the top right corner of the box in this picture: http://bit.ly/IA0pAZ

jarikcbol in reply to Jerry_ScottMay 22, 2012. 6:32 PM

That box is also referred to as a 'Remodel Box' in some areas. Ask for that if the guy at the hardware store looks at you funny when you ask for an 'Old Work' outlet box.