Any chance you could modify a spare tire mount into something that could hold your mountain bike vertically and allow you to lock it securely, but still able to swing it away easily when you need to pull the motorcycle out?
Any chance you could modify a spare tire mount into something that could hold your mountain bike vertically and allow you to lock it securely, but still able to swing it away easily when you need to pull the motorcycle out?
eastsidemav wrote: Any chance you could modify a spare tire mount into something that could hold your mountain bike vertically and allow you to lock it securely, but still able to swing it away easily when you need to pull the motorcycle out?
Well, not really. The way my doors had been modified, they eliminated the top latch, and added extra weight and leverage so they're pretty floppy. I looked into this when I was replacing the under body spare mount since it was missing.
The big thing for me, and it may not be a big deal for others, but I got the van so I could have everything kept inside the van so it's clean and secure. Now, the dirtbike is going to get dirty. It would be easier to wash off if it was outside the van. I don't really like the idea of putting that much weight, that far behind the axle though.
https://www.zoro.com/jobox-truckvan-door-storage-tray-50-in-d-1402980/i/G0392603/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw0MW9BRDxtYTn2_S699MBEiQAw33y46eV2qVfvLaDPG4pjgrdbxKtRfRzYOTp4cHOPj54qi8aAjac8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds
Is there a cheaper way to get one of these job box type things? I'd put this in the floor space to the right of the black and yellow box stack, and put the fridge on top of it.
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I found a washer/dryer pedestal this is pretty much the correct size to fit under my fridge that has the strength needed. This should work out well and save the foot space with the passenger seat swivels backwards. It's only $30 on Craigslist too. I'm thinking I'll use it as a food pantry.
In reply to Ian F:
Yes, it kicks out heat into the passenger compartment, but not that much. I needed a portable fridge for multiple configurations so a permanently installed 3 way wasn't an option. Also, the portable 12 volt units are way more efficient with electricity than a three way, and plumbing propane wasn't really an option either. With a box van, this might be a possibility. I'd highly recommend a box van to anyone considering a home built camper van unless you're dead set on the camper van image.
In reply to Petrolburner:
i opened this thread for the first time about 2 hours ago and just read it from start to finish. i raise my imaginary glass to you (I'm still at work), for living a full and interesting life.
AngryCorvair wrote: In reply to Petrolburner: i opened this thread for the first time about 2 hours ago and just read it from start to finish. i raise my imaginary glass to you (I'm still at work), for living a full and interesting life.
Thanks AC, sorry all the links to the pictures were probably broken. I've got my Flickr account going now and I might migrate all the pictures over and repost a few.
I decided to get a portable solar panel setup from Overland Solar. He cut me a great deal on a 150W setup because he had some extra stock and an Airtanker recently saved his off grid cabin from burning. His product came highly recommended from a friend of mine that does a lot of off grid camping and needed to keep his beer cold. It's a tri fold panel, plug and play, with a really nice padded carrying case. It's all top quality stuff. I don't want to mount panels to my roof because I don't want to have to park in the sun. The panels are best utilized when pointed towards the sun, so moving them once or twice a day will help you get the best output. I took some measurements and it should fit in my windshield, and the glass won't impact the output. If the antenna or windshield wipers create a shadow, output drops to basically nothing. The best thing to do is use a cable to lock them up. I'm out fighting fire, but the panels are at my house so I'll get to see them when I go home for my two days off this Friday/Saturday.
Very cool, Solar panels are coming along well in price dropping and output getting way better.
Are you fighting fire in WA?
java230 wrote: Very cool, Solar panels are coming along well in price dropping and output getting way better. Are you fighting fire in WA?
Mostly Oregon this past week, today I'm in La Grande. I actually had a mandatory day off yesterday because I flew more than 36 hours in six days.
Ordered a used frame rail battery box and Centramatic wheel balancers today. I will have to check, but I think I'll only be able to mount one box because of interference with my Kwikee electric step.
This is my favotite build on GRM. Love the van and what you are using it for. Can't wait to see the solar panel setup, that has my interest
Petrolburner wrote: In reply to java230: I just filled out the paperwork to take the month of November and December off this year and I intend to be in Baja that whole time if I'm allowed to. I'd consider changing the layout to be more of a camper for that length of time.
We went last year and had a blast. Camping in the desert give such perspective when the race is going on. Best damn tacos in Ensenada at Tacos Fenix cart - Dos Cameron tacos, Uno Pescado, por favor.
Bah, this is an awesome build, if only these things could tow a race car on a trailer id be all over them.
In reply to Gaunt596:
The listed towing capacity for a 2000 e350 is 10,000 lbs, now what? 
Gaunt596 wrote: Bah, this is an awesome build, if only these things could tow a race car on a trailer id be all over them.
They could if you got one with the V10 or the Powerstroke diesel. Even my little 5.4 liter V8 could, but I wouldn't.
The Craigslist person with the washer dryer pedestal vanished. Back to the drawing board. I might just make a shelf for the fridge that's tall enough that I can bolt down one of my latest Motovan goodies. It's really heavy and needs to be anchored well.
I've also been looking at filing cabinets on Craigslist to get me some storage that's more easily accessible than a stack of the black and yellow totes. With the lock and key I can keep the drawers from opening while driving too.
I'm interested to hear how you like the Centramatics.
My v10 (12k lb RV) tows fine, but really likes to spin to do it.
Any ideas on how to get one of the steel sliding drawer things for less money? Anyone? Do I have to build my own?
I used this:
on this
to put it here so I could finally spool the line on my winch and have it useable again.
I was also happy to see that the rubber stopper thing I have keeps the big hook from banging around against the bumper.
I've mentioned before that I'd like to go to a 255/85R16 tire for a little more sidewall squish and overall better dirt manners. I stopped by my local father/son tire shop to check prices. $960 out the door for 4 Cooper ST MAXX. I asked about what I could do if they didn't fit, as I've asked around and no one is running that size on the vans with my suspension setup. He said he would check the tire pile out back and see if he had one that size. He did, so I dropped my spare tire and had it mounted to that wheel.
Mounted
Unfortunately, it rubs the support bar for my bumper really badly on compression.
Weldtec offered to mod the bumper for me, but since they're in SoCal and I'm in Central Oregon...eh. It made me reconsider the overall cost of making the change. $1000 in tires, changing the ring and pinion, recalibrate the speedometer, lose even more MPG due to the weight of the taller tires, have a spare tire that is slightly smaller than the other 4 etc...
I've decided to stick with my 245/75 R16 tires. Afterall, people are driving VWs all over on tires much smaller, and a Sprinter needs a couple inches of lift to fit the size tires I have already. I'll just be content with what I have. For the most part, it's the potholes at highway pressure that are the real shocks to the chassis. That's not really going to change much with an extra 2" of diameter. The money has plenty of other places it can be spent instead.
I went to return the tire to the shop and they wouldn't even let me pay them for their effort. I even tried to give the kid that did the work $10 cash and he wouldn't take it. Great tire shop. C&M Custom tire in Redmond. http://www.cmautoandtire.com/index.html
Petrolburner wrote: Any ideas on how to get one of the steel sliding drawer things for less money? Anyone? Do I have to build my own?
Build your own. I looked at a Delta (IIRC) one, and they were pretty E36 M3 build quality anyway. I made one from plywood for my truck. About to make a V2 also. Its lasted 130k miles with no issues.
That is a great sounding shop, if only there were more like that!
In reply to Petrolburner:
And your test tire looks like it was a bit worn. A new tire would be a tad larger in diameter and the rubbing would be worse.
In reply to Ian F:
Yeah that one only measured a little over 32" tall.
Petrolburner wrote: Any ideas on how to get one of the steel sliding drawer things for less money? Anyone? Do I have to build my own?
There is a large truck dealer locally that deals in used cargo vans,( got mine there) their yard is full of junk cable installer vans. Many of them have those drawers in them, some are still full of cable connectors etc. Not sure if you could find a similar dealer in your area. Search medium duty trucks and used construction equipment?????Digging the van, wish I could use mine half of what you do.
In reply to beanco:
Offroading through the empty fields of IL just isn't quite as cool, is it?
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