Getting power to back of Van

[Mjsmke]

Recently picked up a new Berlingo van (2026 model) and looking to get power to the back for various things like a travel fridge, pressure washer, lighting etc. All 12v.

I'm really struggling to find a way to either get a lead from the battery into the cabin, or locate an empty fuse socket from the fusebox under the dashboard on the passenger (left) side. The fuse box is so hard to access and I can only see 2 fuses. There are more but just cant reach them. Is there a trick to accessing this? I've been searching online for days but nothing looks similar to mine.

[PaulC5]

How many amps are you needing, I would imagine a pressure washer is very high ? Have you thought about running a cable from the battery under the car to the back ? Also need to see if it would affect your 3 year warranty.

[Mjsmke]

Ideally from the battery but can't see an easy way through the bulkhead.
Happy to use a fuse tap if theres an easy way to access the fusebox under the dash. The pressure washer only draws about 8 amps; it's a small one for cleaning bikes. Need to avoid drilling or splicing any existing electrics to avoid warranty issues.

[PaulC5]

Have a look in the hand book and see if there is a fuse listed for a towbar. If so there will probably be wiring to the back and the thickest wire may be a suitable supply.

[Mjsmke]

No towbar wiring fitted as far as I can tell.

[PaulC5]

On our C5 I had to remove the boot left side trim panel to find the wiring.

I had a look in a handbook for a 2026 Berlingo van and under fuses it only says fuse replacement should be done by a dealer and does not give a list of them. There is a bit on towing though so there could be some wiring. I could not find anything listing fuses on the internet.

[Mjsmke]

Thanks for the info. I can see some wiring behind the trim but I don't really want to cut into anything incase it affects the warranty. I think finding a way through the firewall and connect direct to the battery might be best, then i can use new fuses and remove it all if nessesary.

Any ideas on how to get a wire through the firewall?

[Mjsmke]

Anyone know of a way through the firewall? Or of the bonnet release grommet will accommodate an additional 5mm cable?

[Mjsmke]

No one is answering which is why i keep making duplicate threads with similar questions.

[myglaren]

Don't lose sight of the fact that in the main we are a bunch of amateurs with coinciding interests and experiences, not a business.
Where a member or members have advice to offer, they will reply. Otherwise it is just guesswork and of limited value.
There may be few members with similar vehicles and even fewer who have carried out similar operations.

[Sloppysod]

If it's anything like my old C5, the bulkhead was twin walled. I even tried using a drag wire pushed through some gromits, without any luck.
Due to possible warranty conflicts, have you thought about a 2nd leisure battery or even a jumper battery, you recharge at home on return.

Also, I would not be confident that any of the wires in the car, that are not used would be live from the factory.

[Tr7v8]

Ideally from the battery but can't see an easy way through the bulkhead.
Happy to use a fuse tap if theres an easy way to access the fusebox under the dash. The pressure washer only draws about 8 amps; it's a small one for cleaning bikes. Need to avoid drilling or splicing any existing electrics to avoid warranty issues.

OK I do lots of auto electrics, tow bar electrics are to charge a battery or run a fridge in a tin tent err caravan on the move, I can't remember the exact power but its not a lot. Also an issue with this may be a voltage drop over the length, even on a short van.
If you want extra taps off of the battery then various sources do Maxi fuse modules, which fit the battery terminal and give multiple fused taps off. But you'll still need to get this power to the back and terminate it, possibly on a Maxi fuse holder or mini bus bar. Not sure of a cable run, but possibly up the nearest door pillar to the battery maybe an option?

[Mjsmke]

Some good ideas, thanks.

I hadn't thought about using a leisure battery and just charging it when needed. Probably the safest option since it wont touch any existing circuits.