[RV8R]

Hello DIYer Gang;

So I have been working on a plan for a new build🙀

Unlike my 2018/2019 build, I have actually successfully joint this Forum as a Member (as of June 2019) after my initial attempt in the fall of 2018. I was basically too excited to read the instructions of "How to Join the Forum" ,,, Whaaaaattt

Anyway; So I get to do a "Do Over". After building Van #1; I am starting the design process of Van #2 & I will document the process thru this thread. Hopefully it is of some help to other DIYers so see at least my process of Design & Build.

So here is where I am at today with my Floor Plan Design so far;

Here are the things we have committed to;
2021 3500 EXT with factory swivel seats (white)
CRL Slider Window "fixed" part number FW385R (same as before)
Maxxair Roof Fan - 0007000K all white with black remote (same roof location as before)
Curious Campervans; 22 USG PM Wheel Well Tanks (drivers & passengers 44 USG total)
Queen width bed (60" wide) same as before

Items I am sorting out in my mind "Design";
Fridge - TF130
Batteries - AGM - Placement & 12vdc distribution
Heater - Propex HS2800 with "Digistat"
Bed Design - under bed "roll top" access from living area side
Propane Lockers - currently behind the fresh water wheel well tanks "P"
Upper Cabinet Design
Lower Cabinet Design
Colours & Surfaces "aesthetics"

There are other items I am thinking of that are on the peripheral, but not very high resolution at this time.

I truly welcome all, opinions, ideas, & critiques - as all of these can assist me at this point. I find it easier to build within my mind or on paper, as it is much easier to alter the paper floor plan than the actual build.

TIA

 

[MsNomer]

Curious as to what your major changes will be and why.

 

[RV8R]

Curious as to what your major changes will be and why.

Well as I am in the design process (incomplete right now) those major changes are yet to be determined.

That being said; the 1st major change is the 2 wheel well fresh water tanks (44 USG vs the 30 USG single).

My tanks arrived yesterday - Thanks @Curious Campervans 😁

Ram Promaster Wheel Well Freshwater Tank (22 Gallon)

Save valuable space with our Ram Promaster Wheel Well Freshwater Tank. Extra storage is key when it comes to life on the road, and that is where this nifty freshwater tank comes in. Designed exclusively with efficiency in mind, these water tanks utilize that awkward area around your wheel well...

curiouscampervans.com

Another change (since my water tanks will be around the wheel wells) is access to the storage from under the bed from the living space (Van #1 has equipment and a water tank up against the bed gable of that area). This will allow us to access a large storage volume from inside the van rather than from outside the van.

Factory Swivel Seats; utilizing what already comes with the PM Van.

I am leaning towards a TF130 - still accessible from the sliding door & inside the van (we mostly cook outside).

Mostly it is similar in layout from our Van #1, but hopefully with better space efficiency. I floundered somewhat with Van #1 with the goal of wanting to build a van fully dependant on electricity and nothing else - I failed miserably at that. This time around I will be planning for propane from the get go !!

Your Build @MsNomer utilizes under bed access from inside the van & I think you were a smart cookie to utilize the space that way. You know the value of "space" & "open space". You know that during the design process a designer is fighting for inches if not fractions of inches to maximize space efficiency. At the end of the day I prefer DIY over factory build for two reasons; The Cost of Factory & I do not like Factory Designs as much as creating my own "Custom" to fit our needs/wants. I find Factory "spaces" non-ergonomic for our use. Your build is Very Ergonomic.

My 2018 van was purchased off the dealer's lot & it was like ok "GO" get built. My 2021 will be arriving sometime in the future (I hope) 🙄 So I got time on my side to figure it out. and this time around all of you here to help me 😁

 

[SteveSS]

They say second time's a charm Less ready, fire, aim this time Have fun!

 

[Juve]

Best of luck, I'll be doing round 2 camper boogaloo myself as soon as this weather turns.

 

[MsNomer]

I appreciate the compliment.

I often contemplate what I would do differently in a second one or in a 159. The main change would be in the electrical system. That's where we made the most changes over the years—it’s easier when you know what the end result will be.

The funniest thing is that if I had the extra space of the 159, I can’t figure what I would do with it. I guess the bed would just be farther back and I’d have a longer counter, probably a bigger fridge.

 

[fishfund]

Looking forward to this one!

 

[supermoocow]

The funniest thing is that if I had the extra space of the 159, I can’t figure what I would do with it. I guess the bed would just be farther back and I’d have a longer counter, probably a bigger fridge.

If we changed to a 159 from a 136 we would put small bench seats on both sides (between the bed and the counter) and have a slide out table from under the bed between the drawers. For eating inside during poor weather, and maybe make it convertible into a child-size bed. But being as almost no progress has been made on on the van since the baby came, I don't think starting a new build anytime soon is a good idea.

 

[bcblues]

There are two things I would do differently with a 159 EXT rather than our current 159:

1) A floorpan for a wet bathroom area. It would serve as a permanent location for the porta potty, and would allow an indoor shower.

2) A propane locker to fuel a heater and hot water heater.

 

[Motor7]

Are you going to fill those two water tanks from inside or out? I do love the design of them....seriously thinking about springing for two of them.

 

[RV8R]

Hi @Motor7

We will be filling them from the inside (so just open up the doors and fill with a hose - no additional hole in the outside walls of the van - KIS).

@Curious Campervans were just excellent to deal with. We ordered 4 tanks as my Buddy @CDN_PM has a 2021 PM on order (he is probably watching the Mexican Port Internet Cameras as I am typing this reply to you), and they were at my door 3 business days later.

I believe it is good efficient use of the volume around the wheel wells. Everything adds up for the build costs, but for me it is worth having wheel well tanks.

Here are some photos for you;

 

[RV8R]

Best of luck, I'll be doing round 2 camper boogaloo myself as soon as this weather turns.

Thanks @Juve

Good Luck to you for "Boogaloo"

 

[Motor7]

RV8R.......ok, I'm convinced. Now, I am thinking one tank for the shower and one for the sink. Are you going to run 2 pumps, or tie them together as one? Then both drain into the same grey tank...or as I ponder some type of sprinkler system

 

[Motor7]

One other thing, I am confused by Sportmobile's van length description.

Extended body OAL is 19'.8'
Long body OAL is 20'.10"

Both are 159WB...do they not have those backwards( thought the EXT was the longest from the factory)? The reason I am asking is there is a big difference in the coveted 3" grid they laid out.

 

[RV8R]

RV8R.......ok, I'm convinced. Now, I am thinking one tank for the shower and one for the sink. Are you going to run 2 pumps, or tie them together as one? Then both drain into the same grey tank...or as I ponder some type of sprinkler system

We currently have 1 30 USG tank in our 2018 PM. On this build I am keeping my options open as long as possible (1 or 2 pumps not yet decided). We will only be having 1 sink. The Van Design for me is resisting painting myself into a corner - so my possibly 2 pumps?

I may want an Isotherm HWT. We drink from our fresh water tanks. If we do go the Isotherm hot water system, I am paranoid of getting poisoned so a drinking and washing tank can be designated. So I will probably run 2 - 1/2" PEX lines to under the sink area and thus "the ability" to have a 2 pump system (drinking & sink) - even if we only start with 1 pump it will be setup for easy convertibility.

Hope that makes sense?

 

[RV8R]

One other thing, I am confused by Sportmobile's van length description.

Extended body OAL is 19'.8'
Long body OAL is 20'.10"

Both are 159WB...do they not have those backwards( thought the EXT was the longest from the factory)? The reason I am asking is there is a big difference in the coveted 3" grid they laid out.

I have a 2021 3500 EXT on order; The Sportmobile graph is out a little bit here and there - but I understand the actual dimensions of an EXT or a 2018 in the very least. My drawing is based upon an EXT & where I know the wheel wells, slider, etc are on an EXT. Since this is my 2nd Rodeo, I also have an idea where I can gain some inches here and there (reference - shifting a "queen width" bed 1" or 2" aft towards the rear doors from my original starting point of the full width of the rear pillars).

The EXT is 20' 10" overall length (the longest on the Sportmobile). The EXT is 160" on the floor from the rear door to the forward most cab step down.

If it helps here is my 1st build floor plan;

 

[Motor7]

Ok, got it. Not going to to muddy up your thread but start my own. But my layout will be different because of the amazon gene. My wife is 5'11 and I'm 6'4 so separate bunks are needed. Thanks for the head start!

 

[Sather]

Awesome. Looking forward to your build. I have always suspected subsequent builds improve on the originals.

 

[MsNomer]

I have always suspected subsequent builds improve on the originals.

In addition to knowing what could be better, you also know what you can get away with.

 

[RV8R]

Awesome. Looking forward to your build. I have always suspected subsequent builds improve on the originals.

Thanks @Sather 😁

Well you know, I need something to do while waiting for the Covid to get vaccinated away. I'm pretty excited about dreaming up an improved design on what we have now, as it is kind of like figuring out a puzzle. The strange thing is I really thought the research would be next to nothing on Van #2, but that really has not been the case. At least this time I am not rushed as I do not expect to get my 2021 PM for a few months. I have noticed substantial increases in the cost of products from a few short years ago, but I have some time to shop around a bit.

I am looking forward to the process & will attempt to keep this thread current(ish), for others to see my DIY Design/Build process - FWIW.