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RE: Ever installed propane????
I am curious, as I am in the process of a DIY minimalist B build. Is there any reason not to use a rear hitch cargo carrier to transport a propane bottle and have a line/quick connect like I see for natural gas (like the way I have my BBQ hooked up to city gas at home)? (other than potentially doing a Ford Pinto if you get rear-ended hard enough...) Then just unplug it and remove when not using the vehicle for camping. Are there special rules for the type of propane bottles on travel trailers?
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505live
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08/20/08 11:01am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Alchoholic Beverages on your Class B
If it's got a screw on cap, keep a small role of electrical tape and just put a wrap around the cap/bottle neck if you are concerned. Whenever I buy a growler of beer this is what they do so it isn't an "open" container for the drive home.
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505live
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08/20/08 10:54am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: B warm
It (Airtronic) definitely sounds like the way to go. Just looking on eBay as previously suggested turns up a couple used ones that look interesting. What level do you find the D2 running at most of the time to keep things cozy? I don't know how they operate, so I was wondering if they use a fan that is powered by the expanding exhaust, basically like a turbo, to move the hot air? So, the only current draw is the fuel pump? If that's not how it works, forget I mentioned it, I'm gonna be rich! =)
Interestingly, I found a PDF data file:
http://ovniclub.free.fr/dossiers/chauffage/Chauffage_Eberspacher_Airtronic.pdf
It says that the D2 is not certified for biodiesel, but up to 10% blend is ok. The larger D4 *is* certified for biodiesel.
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505live
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08/04/08 02:30pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: B warm
VernM,
I keep forgetting to mention shower powered vs dry camping, for me it is almost entirely dry camping. Most of the stuff I go to in this thing (triathlons at lakes, mtn bike races, etc) are generally at pretty undeveloped areas, or are sufficiently popular that it would require an act of God / Congress to get a powered site. The only time I got a powered site it was b/c the dry camping sites were full, and I never thought I'd get a powered site so I didn't even have a battery charger with me...
mockturtle,
Thanks for the line on the Olympian Wave!
Pretty much all the major systems--the Prosine inverter, the Engel fridge, the Airtronic, micro, induction burner, even the bench system, were designed to be salvageable for the next diy camper if I don't get ten more years out of this one or the price I'd want "as is" when the time came to sell it. So I could justify using better components since mostly the labor costs would be the only completely lost cost.
That's a very good point, I hadn't really considered it. This vehicle is sort of an experiment for me, seeing what I can do with home produced biodiesel and if a B is really something my wife and would make sufficient use of to justify. I suppose if later we're loving it so much that I upgrade to a new diesel Quigley 4x4 (ha!!) van I could always move the stuff over.
I'd be very curious if the Airtronic would operate on B100 or blends thereof.
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505live
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08/01/08 08:06am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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B warm
Survey:
I'd like to get some heat in my DIY ghetto B without breaking the bank. I have been using a propane catalytic heater (Little Buddy, or as I call it, Little B@stard, scuse me..), but only when up (not run while sleeping). Does ok, but where I go anywhere I want heat is >5000' elevation and the little O2 sensor is soooo sensitive that when I need it most in the morning the darn thing won't lite, or stay lit. If I wasn't apposed to littering the thing would be in the bottom of a lake right now. I'd love an Eberspacher as the vehicle is diesel, but the price is out of the question for this machine.
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505live
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07/31/08 03:50pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Anybody cannibalize a truck camper for a DIY B?
Even better, and the neighbors would probably be able to let their kids go outside... =)
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505live
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07/30/08 02:33pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Anybody cannibalize a truck camper for a DIY B?
Cool, thanks for the link. There's even one here in Albuquerque!
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505live
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07/29/08 08:05am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Anybody cannibalize a truck camper for a DIY B?
Trailer is a good idea too, I just figured truck campers are cheaper (there's one today for $250! Not sure what it has in what condition though..) and the size of the systems is probably appropriate to a B. Based on the overwhelming response, sounds like I could be a trail blazer if I go that way... =)
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505live
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07/25/08 08:18am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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Anybody cannibalize a truck camper for a DIY B?
I'm curious, I frequently see truck bed campers with ostensibly functional heaters/stoves/refrigerators/electical etc going on the local craigslist for <$1000 (even as low as $300-500). I'm wondering if anybody has done this or considered getting one of these to cannibalize the expensive systems and install them in a DIY B?
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505live
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07/24/08 01:10pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Intro and DIY "Wanna-B" Fabrication/Mat'ls Qs
ffjeff -
Thanks for the heads-up! I'll follow up on that. I consulted a local custom van shop before I did mine, but who knows if they know what they're talking about...
Right now the priority is getting it running again, won't start and have two burned out glow plugs. Plus gotta do ball joints and front bearings. Only 194K, guess they don't make them like they used to! =)
interesting, I thought the previous note didn't go through, so I'm repeating myself...
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505live
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07/24/08 01:00pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Intro and DIY "Wanna-B" Fabrication/Mat'ls Qs
ffjeff,
Thanks for heads-up, I will look into that. I had talked to a local van conversion shop, and I actually left one more support than they were proposing. But, who knows if they know their stuff...
Right now the 194K behemoth has bigger fish to fry, as it tried to strand me in Flagstaff Sunday (gotta love starting ether) and is currently down no-starty waiting for a set of glow plugs, then it's front bearings and ball joints... After that then maybe some time/$$ for creature comforts!
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505live
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07/23/08 04:54pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Intro and DIY "Wanna-B" Fabrication/Mat'ls Qs
Bananadanna, thanks for the info, I have been reading many of your posts and Sprinter conversion stuff in the archive. A very good example of the direction I'd probably like to go. I'm particularly jealous of the eberspacher and the engel fridge... I know what you mean about great stuff, I've used some of it already in installing the plywood shelving over the metal roof. I now have a pair of pants dedicated to "great stuff" work.
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505live
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07/18/08 04:47pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Intro and DIY "Wanna-B" Fabrication/Mat'ls Qs
Thanks for all the info!
Thriftydutch, does the newfoam have a finished surface or do you have to apply upholstery over it? I know many of our local walmarts have eliminated the fabric departments, or is this in some other department?
Flyfisherman, what do you use to make the template? I've tried cardboard and a blade without very good results, but perhaps I'm not sufficiently patient.
Out of curiosity, I frequently see functioning slide-in pickup bed campers going on the local craigslist for a few hundred bucks, has anybody considered buying one of these to scavenge the appliances / electrical / plumbing systems? If I can buy one of these with a functioning converter, fridge, stove, sink/plumbing bits for $400-500 it seems worth it..
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505live
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07/18/08 01:12pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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Intro and DIY "Wanna-B" Fabrication/Mat'ls Qs
Howdy,
I've been searching / reading all the outstanding info on DIY B's. I've been researching this and performing some hack-work since acquiring my van last October. The vehicle is a 1993 Ford Clubwagon E-350 with the pre-powerstroke IDI diesel. At a mere 194,000 miles it's practically new by IDI diesel standards.:D
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2417/2276544082_87fee8d54e.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1106/1430090724_c968f5cfa3.jpg?v=0
It was formerly a gov vehicle, and while it had the extended top the roof was uncut and the factory headliner remained. It was apparent that assorted electrical equipment had been housed in the space between the two...
My primary use for the vehicle is as a road-trip / camping vehicle for going to triathlon and cycling events (one major criteria for the conversion is to be able to transport bikes inside the vehicle). I also like being able to have lots of open space for utility. Subsequently, my goal has been a very simple modular conversion that can be emptied out or at least moved out of the way sufficiently to make way for large item transport.
I removed the headliner and cut the roof out from the inside, leaving a large shelf area along the left side, as well as the area over the cab and one rib in the back. Put down some plywood for for a semi-flat surface, and stuck some fabric up w/ adhesive back velcro for curtains. Idea has been get it minimally functional to figure out what works, and what I really want.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2317/2469570202_9068a3a131.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2053/2469572000_1e78b695b5.jpg?v=0
I also installed a used AGM optima yellow top and a few lights.
I'd like to remove the factory interior panels in the back, insulate and install new walls, as well as insulate and panel over much of the rear windows to improve climate privacy. I would like to install headliner material and perhaps cabinets along the top areas. Eventually a small fridge and stove may be in order.
I have been hugely impressed with the DIY B's I've seen assembled here. My biggest question is (since I have no woodworking skills):
1: How do you match all the curves and contours so nicely with your wall panels and cabinets?
And,
2: What are some recommended materials and resources for them? Luaun paneling seems popular (local home improvement?).
Where can I get sufficiently large pieces of foam backed headliner, and is it acceptable to attach it directly to the fiberglass roof with 3M spray adhesive?
What is recommended for insulating materials?
As this is pretty minimal, (and I'm on the cheap) what might be recommended for a (relatively) inexpensive converter/charger?
3: What are some of the minimum "must-do" / "must-haves" in peoples' experience to create a reasonably comfortable B?
Being quite new to this I really appreciate any help!
Nate
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505live
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07/18/08 08:57am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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