[Dennis CampMaker]

This week I almost finished the process of installing panels covered with fabric. It can be tedious, but I feel good about how it's come together. I have progressed in my expertise with spraying contact cement.

 

[RV8R]

Looks Great @Dennis CampMaker 😁👍

 

[Dennis CampMaker]

Looks Great @Dennis CampMaker 😁👍

Thank you! I'm excited to move on to building the final two areas: kitchen/galley and bed/garage storage area. Then we can begin using the camper!

 

[Dennis CampMaker]

Here is my first attempt to use trunk carpet on the main frames. This is without using any glue since I'll need access for any repairs because I have wires inside.

 

[Dennis CampMaker]

I applied 4 inch peel and stick baseboard. I’m pleased how it worked out.

 

[Dennis CampMaker]

I think this is one of the best ways to finish off the area above the back doors. This is accessible since I have many wires inside.

 

[Dennis CampMaker]

My current van project is made for dispersed camping. I live in western Oregon, where there are not a lot of dispersed options. I spend a lot of time in eastern Oregon where dispersed camping is everywhere. It's also a lot colder and hotter than the western side of the state. I've spent a lot of time working on the van insulation. The window area is always hard to insulate, so I created solid window covers using 1/4 plywood, 1/8 foam and 1/2 polyiso foam, all covered by fabric. I'm kind of excited to see how it does in eastern Oregon. So far my coldest night was 7 degrees. I think these window covers will work well.

 

[MaggieMarty]

Dennis, I’m wondering why you didn’t put a single large piece of plywood (or 2) over the entire slider, but left several metal surfaces exposed?
Inquiring mind wants to know…

 

[Dennis CampMaker]

Dennis, I’m wondering why you didn’t put a single large piece of plywood (or 2) over the entire slider, but left several metal surfaces exposed?
Inquiring mind wants to know…

That would have been an option. I was mainly following the existing patterns on the door. The amount of exposed metal isn't huge, in terms of insulation loss.

 

[Dennis CampMaker]

This afternoon I finished the area above the slider door. I'm becoming a fan of the 4 way stretch "trunk" fabric. It only took about 45 minutes. I'm fairly pleased with how it turned out. It isn't glued in place. It's just held in place by the adjacent panels, the two D ring anchors and the extra fold from the weather stripping.

 

[83Grumman]

This afternoon I finished the area above the slider door. I'm becoming a fan of the 4 way stretch "trunk" fabric. It only took about 45 minutes. I'm fairly pleased with how it turned out. It isn't glued in place. It's just held in place by the adjacent panels, the two D ring anchors and the extra fold from the weather stripping.

Waht did you cover the open areas with?

 

[Dennis CampMaker]

Waht did you cover the open areas with?

I had some fabric from a few years ago, but this is a link to similar material. HOMCHEK 40" × 78" Grey Speaker Box Carpet Resists Stains Non-Woven Fabric Cover | eBay

 

[Dennis CampMaker]

I think this is one of the best ways to finish off the area above the back doors. This is accessible since I have many wires inside. View attachment 86429
View attachment 86428
View attachment 86427

I decided to cover the facia board with fabric to match the ceiling.

 

[Dennis CampMaker]

The next phase is the water system. I'm using this 22 gallon over the wheel well tank with this submersible pump and this faucet. When you turn on the faucet it activates power to the pump. The photo below shows my simple tank mounting. It will be secure, but easy to remove for cleaning.

 

[RV8R]

The next phase is the water system. I'm using this 22 gallon over the wheel well tank with this submersible pump and this faucet. When you turn on the faucet it activates power to the pump. The photo below shows my simple tank mounting. It will be secure, but easy to remove for cleaning. View attachment 86651

Coincidentally, I was just at the shop today who fabricates those tanks for Curious Campers as I was ordering a fresh water tank for my cabin (240 Litre).

So far we really like the Curious Camper Wheel Well tanks.

 

[watercamper]

Hey, if you want an easier to use and less intrusive type of strap, try something like theses cooler straps: 8′ Length – Cam Loop Strap – Cascade River Gear. We use them to hold coolers and dryboxes to the whitewater raft frame. Super strong and easy to use. Or make. I've been making my own for decades.

 

[Dennis CampMaker]

Hey, if you want an easier to use and less intrusive type of strap, try something like theses cooler straps: 8′ Length – Cam Loop Strap – Cascade River Gear. We use them to hold coolers and dryboxes to the whitewater raft frame. Super strong and easy to use. Or make. I've been making my own for decades.

Thanks for your suggestion. I am using cam loop straps in other areas of this van project. I like having the ratchet action to tighten the straps around the water tank, but it might work well to have a combination of ratchet and cam loop straps.

 

[Dennis CampMaker]

This week I was mounting the propane vault. I anchored it with 1/2 bolts through the base of the vault and van floor. It takes a 4 inch bolt to reach all the way. This is the final arrangement for the propane lines which is different than the youtube video I did earlier.

 

[RV8R]

This week I was mounting the propane vault. I anchored it with 1/2 bolts through the base of the vault and van floor. It takes a 4 inch bolt to reach all the way. This is the final arrangement for the propane lines which is different than the youtube video I did earlier. View attachment 86949
View attachment 86950
View attachment 86948
View attachment 86951

Looks Good 👍

Propane allows us to utilize our van with a minimal 12v energy draw. I think we could sit for up to 3 days (average estimated time to about 20% SOC) without charging our 250Ahr AGMs. How many days really depends upon the environmental conditions (weather).

I am currently looking for a propane HWT solution without cutting a 12” x 12” hole in the side of the van wall. I prefer an under chassis intake / exhaust for the combustible gasses.

 

[MsNomer]

Propane allows us to utilize our van with a minimal 12v energy draw. I think we could sit for up to 3 days (average estimated time to about 20% SOC) without charging our 250Ahr AGMs. How many days really depends upon the environmental conditions (weather).

Comparing to our use, it appears you are approximately trading solar for propane.