[Phranc]

Like many others, I've been lurking and learning from the various discussion threads on promasterforum.com. I'm in the process of converting a 2014 3500 Ext to a camper for my family of four. The details can be found here:

Www.vancave.wordpress.com

I plan to update my vancave site monthly. I'll try to post major advances as they occur on this thread as well.

Also, I'm looking for ideas for a good name for my project and maybe even a vanity license plate... at first, I thought "cRAMper" but it just didn't seem right. My son suggested "KDNPPR" so I had to counsel him on why that may not be well received. A friend suggested "Van Cave" which is better (and was available on Wordpress) but it doesn't feel like the right long-term name. Thoughts?

 

[proeddie]

PhrancenVan

 

[uNik]

I LOVE VAN Cave
and Wellcome to forum

 

[makevx73]

Welcome! Nice work.

Another vote for "Van Cave"

 

[Phranc]

PhrancenVan

Unique... memorable... playful...

 

[Phranc]

I was talking to a friend at work and he said, "That sounds like a real adVANture." which has a nice ring to it.

 

[Phranc]

Not a very productive weekend. Having installed the A/C, ventilation fan, and thru-roof solar wiring, it was time to finish installing the ceiling insulation. After installing the 1" foil faced foam, I used 5" aluminum HVAC tape to seal all of the seams and joints to create my vapor barrier. Here are a couple pictures of the progress


From the sliding door




For the rear doors

 

[RDinNHandAZ]

Great attention to detail, it will pay off forever in that van!

 

[keeponvaning]

I'd say you're off to a good start! Looking excellent!

 

[RDinNHandAZ]

Phranc,
Try opening those pictures in an editor and then saving them to have them right side up. From the phone directly they seem to rotate. I hate to have to hold my computer sideways!
Thanks
RD

 

[Stevenpromasterny]

Vancave is a great blog. Very well done. Bravo ?

 

[stanw909]

Love the blog. I noticed you mention sleeping for four but don't see how it's done. Does one kid sleep across front seats? A floorplan would help us visualize more easily. Vancave is perfect name. My wife would never allow no Windows. You've got great ideas and I don't think actual RV builders go to the trouble of worrying about tanks chafing against straps but the added detail is added insurance against leaks. I noticed you put in the power vent which is great but where does it flow out/in ? Front windows can be opened but might get stuffy in the rear. Thanks for sharing your build with us.

 

[Phranc]

Stan,
The plan includes a 2'x2'x2' ottoman/coffee table that unfolds into two 2'x6' sleeping pads of 4" foam. One will lay down the center hall and the second will lay crossways forward of the bath/kitchenette. Rough layout diagrams are included on the April/May post but those didn't show the sleeping pads.

As far as ventilation goes, front windows will give flow from front while I plan to crack the rear doors to move air from the rear... I'm considering other alternatives to get fresh air in the rear... I'm all ears if you have a good solution. I plan to install "magic screens" in the rear (& sliding) but that won't keep the rain out when ventilating... sliding door will have an awning.

 

[Phranc]

Concur... pics are right side up in all other apps... I'll try re-saving to lock in orientation.

 

[Phranc]

www.vancave.wordpress.com


I posted my November update early since I won't be working on the VanCave over Thanksgiving... effort this month has been mostly on the electrical system and preliminary work on the cabinetry.

 

[stanw909]

Too bad an aftermarket company hasn't made replacement windows for the rear doors that would open with screens.

 

[uNik]

Stan,
The plan includes a 2'x2'x2' ottoman/coffee table that unfolds into two 2'x6' sleeping pads of 4" foam. One will lay down the center hall and the second will lay crossways forward of the bath/kitchenette. Rough layout diagrams are included on the April/May post but those didn't show the sleeping pads.

As far as ventilation goes, front windows will give flow from front while I plan to crack the rear doors to move air from the rear... I'm considering other alternatives to get fresh air in the rear... I'm all ears if you have a good solution. I plan to install "magic screens" in the rear (& sliding) but that won't keep the rain out when ventilating... sliding door will have an awning.

Do you have tank service hatch? Located in betveen driver and passenger seats. For my vent I do use this hatch, it is 7 inches in diameter. I mounted on hole (7") bags-screen, then a box with 12v computer's cooling fan.
This system 7" hole and computer fan I did used for 8 years on my old Sprinter-van. On a Sprinter I did drilled a 7" hole, but on ProMaster hole is ready

 

[Phranc]

Too bad an aftermarket company hasn't made replacement windows for the rear doors that would open with screens.

Concur!

 

[Phranc]

Do you have tank service hatch? Located in betveen driver and passenger seats. For my vent I do use this hatch, it is 7 inches in diameter. I mounted on hole (7") bags-screen, then a box with 12v computer's cooling fan.
This system 7" hole and computer fan I did used for 8 years on my old Sprinter-van. On a Sprinter I did drilled a 7" hole, but on ProMaster hole is ready

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll check to see if I have the access you mention. I may have to get creative as I want to keep the pathway between the driver compartment and the rear of the van clear. As Steve mentioned, I'm looking for a good way to draw air from the rear of the van, but every bit of ventilation will help.
Best,
Phanc

 

[stanw909]

I wouldn't do it but I have seen people put vents in the floor.