Just finished a 350 mile road trip with the van. The seats are very comfortable and the arm rests make a huge difference!
I have made this same trip once before in the van and managed 10.0 mpg. I finally got around to checking the tire pressures prior to making the trip this time and found all 6 tires to be 12 to 14 lbs low. I pumped them all up and managed 10.6 mpg this time. I was a little surprised how much this small improvement in the mpg made in the cost of the trip. $10, on this one fill up alone, based on the same price per gallon. I did a quick search online for an aftermarket auto-stop kit to improve the city mpg with no success. I did find multiple ways to disable auto-stop! Has anyone come up with diy auto-stop for a modern gasoline engine? I am not used to the $100 plus fill ups.
Bed frame is out for wall/ceiling paint. Custom mattress ready for pickup on Monday.
12v and 120v electrical going in. The 12v panel includes a voltmeter, two usb, and one "lighter" outlet.
Seat cushions for the sofa came in. They are a perfect fit! The plan is to have the bed frame pull the sofa cushions in (via ties) when the bed is opened/moved into the horizontal position which will stow the cushions in a void under the bed frame. The cushions will be pushed outward into proper position when the bed is lifted/stowed. I still need to attach a hinged 1x8 at the front edge of the sofa frame work. This framework extension will be typically be extended into the horizontal position to support the leading edge of the seat cushions. It will be easily lowered to provide a floor cargo area equal in width to the rear door opening.
I got a great deal on a granite counter top. 1/2 thickness, so not so heavy. I am going to secure it with adhesive as well as 8 stainless button head bolts.
i love it when a Ben_Modified thread is on Page 1
In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :
Thank you so much!
The toilet exhaust fan is in. After I install the fan in the shower, I plan to coat the roof in some sort of waterproofer prior to installing the solar panels. Does anyone out there have some experience with a particular product that they would recommend?
This rectangular aluminum tubing will part of the solar panel mounting system. More to come on that.
Playing around with a cardboard template for an a/c vent.
The final version will have a joint/seal at the inside of the door.
I was able to try out the A/C today. The temporary vent moves air all the way to the back of the van with ease. Also, even on High, the A/C is very quiet. The exhaust vent in the bathroom moves enough air to remove all of the hot air from the exhaust side of the A/C and still enough to move air across the back of the refrigerator components!
Most recent highway mpg - 11.2, up from 10.6. Cruising 60-65mph with a/c on.
Earlier today, I was making good progress installing the grey water tank for the shower and washing machine when...
These arrived, woohoo!
Lithium house batteries. 270 ah, 80 lbs each. Built in Battery Management System. Very simple, excellent reputation!
This morning, I unlocked the cabinet from its position and slid it out into the hallway to access the electrical/solar components.
Then slid the batteries into their predetermined space. They fit well. Almost like I planned it that way....how unusual!
With the cabinet back in place. Just enough room. There is an air inlet opening at the floor near the batteries which draws in air from the Cab. Most of the heat produced will be pulled into the A/C intake, so high temps in this space should not be a problem. The bulk of the heat will come from the Inverter which is mostly used to power the A/C. Photo is shot from above via the top, open back, cabinet. Still need to build a removable bracket to hold the batteries in place. Temporarily stuffed the open space around the (unconnected) batteries with cardboard.
This is turning out great!
In reply to Pete Gossett (Forum Supporter) :
Thanks Pete!
1. i love the integration and heat management. you're a better planner than me.
2. i don't know of any aftermarket auto start-stop. liability of shutting off at the wrong time, or not restarting when the train is approaching, probably make that a DIY proposition.
3. from 10.0 to 11.6 mpg is a stellar improvement.
4. Toyman! can probably help with info on RV Roof paint.
In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :
Thanks!
What is the roof material? I may have missed that earlier.
Aluminum? TPO? Rubberized?
Look in to Hengs alkyd fibered roof coating.
The aluminum floor above the cat gets extremely hot. I picked up a 6 ft heat shield from the pick-a-part for $35. With a small bit of re-shaping the heat shield fit really well.
