timsbeast

Thanks for the reply!! 

I did speak with Laharview on the phone a while back, super helpful. Lee the master NV builder sent me his plans in 3 PDF, an amazing gift.

I like the idea of build and test, write up a review, modify, rebuild, post. My build has been done while camping or out in parking lots in the weekend, side road spots that don't bother anyone since now live in Condolandia and people cry if a saw cuts wood any day of the week.

There is no place to really rent to work on a van around here accept one good resource at a college hacker space. https://www.edcc.edu/workforce/entrepreneurship/makerspace/default.html

Now it is raining and getting cold. My next step is to drop coin into an awning and tent.  Check these Thule Quick from Europe. I found one company that will ship them and am getting a price, sure to be over inflated with shipping, may be worth a trip to Europe for a few days to pick one up and put it in luggage. Then I can go camping on weekends in the rain and build with some space outside of the van.

https://www.thule.com/en-gb/gb/motorhome-accessories/tents/thule-quickfit-260-m-medium-_-307056

Here is a resource for batteries https://www.batteryspace.com/LiFePO4-Prismatic-Battery-12.8V-40Ah-512Wh-100A-with-Balancing-PCM.aspx

It is frustrating to be cutting wood and then have to move all of the crap back into the van. But the magic happens as it is getting closer and closer. 

More to come. Thanks, Tim

Hello Everyone,

I am building out my solar + lithium electrical system right now and would love to collaborate on research and development.

-Batteries & Locked bolted down battery box

-Heating and Thermal management

-PureSine Inverter / Charger

-Solar

-Wiring

tim at timreha.com   Love to setup a phone / web call with anyone interested, create a parts list, build, shoot video and share. There seems to be too little knowledge how to set this up right and safely.

https://www.explorist.life/diy-campervan-solar/

http://www.evwest.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=50

https://www.batrium.com/collections/starter-kit

https://evolveelectrics.com/collections/lithium-batteries/products/calb-180ah

http://www.calbusainc.com/calb-buy/

http://playground.arduino.cc/Code/PIDLibrary

https://electrodacus.com/

http://voltronixusa.com/products/

http://en.winston-battery.com/index.php/products/power-battery

https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/electrodacus-lithium-battery-charger.159557/

What is everyone doing for Awnings and Side Door Tents?

This is key for winter camping in the rain and snow in the NW and for dry dusty windy camping in the Summer with forest fire smoke.

Thule makes expensive awnings and these really nice tents that are only available in Europe.

Anyone have one of the Thule Awnings? or Tents? 

How do you get one of these only available in Europe tent models?

Thx, Tim

What is everyone doing for Awnings and Side Door Tents?

This is key for winter camping in the rain and snow in the NW and for dry dusty windy camping in the Summer with forest fire smoke.

Thule makes expensive awnings and these really nice tents that are only available in Europe.

Anyone have one of the Thule Awnings? or Tents? 

How do you get one of these only available in Europe tent models?

Thx, Tim

Yes I have looked at some trailers and like the idea if I had a house. For parking reasons in the city, trailers are a hassle.

Howdy,

Brainstorming Rear Bumper Boxes with Motorcycle Hauler & Trailer Hitch Combo.

The goal is to have a swing away system so you can open the back doors. 

• Motorcycle / Mountain Bike Tailgate carrier
• Rear Aluminum storage boxes
• Trailer Hitch
• Upgrade rear suspension?  Tail lights?

Please drop links and photos below to help with this build. Then I will share results when this is completed. 

My dream setup is to have space for a mountain bike and 250cc Motorcycle or eMoto like these new Sur-Ron X Bikes - https://lunacycle.com/sur-ron-x-bike/

I would like to have boxes and a regular bike rack above the boxes, then motorcycle mount / trailer hitch off the back.

I know Aluminess has some $$ options. I live in Washington State and Oregon NW area, so looking for area vendors.

--Please post links, images, etc.---  Thank you!!  Tim

Thanks - I like the L-Track for mounting. That case works great to keep all of my tools. The shelf works great as well, overall a few more modifications to add accessories to the sides of the Pelican Case and it will be done.

Super cool - there are not many bumper options out there. Is there a master list of front and rear options out there? We should start a list and post photos in a new thread.

Cool love to compare notes!

Same any news on suspension is appreciated

How did you run fuel to the heater?  

Rad build, some good ideas, like the bike tray!!

Will have to get into it again and see what the deal is.. Thanks!

Custom rear door storage locker / camp kitchen using Pelican Case 1650. Fits perfect and door shuts just right.

-Removed stock door plastic shelf

-Fixed hole that is covered by above plastic shelf that leaves a big open air hole next to the license plate

-Added Sound Deadening

-Thinsulate insulation. The rear door is hollow!

-Custom cut birch panel

-RivNuts and L-Track

-Aluminum mount L bracket bolted to L-Track using stud

-Pelican Case 1650 gutted and custom wood panels added with door rope swing stabilizer

I like the setup and that I can lock it. It hides below the rear window nicely.

Next up is a shelf and extra side shelfs that can swing down to make it have more space. Also will add in some LED lights (white and red) in the rear area and custom made awning so it makes more usable space in the NW winter rain season.

I will use it for a tailgate camp kitchen or bike repair station and power tool storage lock case. 

Protip - the rear doors are totally hollow tin cans. Sound deaden and insulate them! More to come :)

I went with the Dometic 50, fits like a glove, froze my chicken eggs!

Anyone remove your stock back of van ceilings lights?

I just un plugged them and now the alarm side and back door pins do not work for the alarm.

Any work arounds to remove the stock interior lighting?

Thanks, Tim

Sweet! Thanks for sharing the news and reviews!

Love to hear more and collaborate.  

Here is what I am researching...

• WIFI Extender / Cellular Bonding
• Battery, lights, 2nd computer monitors
• Seating and workspace

I will post as I get more info.. Tim

Update -  I removed the stock lights and it seems like the back door pin is not working right.  Not sure if the back light needs to be plugged in?  Will test it this week and report.

Thanks! Tim

Anyone out there have a problem with a door open light stuck on in the dashboard.  Seems like it is intermittent, can not find the problem yet.

Thanks! T

I installed a simple custom fan to go in the CR Laurence window vent. These made a huge difference and are powered by a separate electrical system.

Three fans will go in the  rear drivers side window for air flow exhaust and looking to add 3 on the door window for air input or another option.   Still need to add my roof fan.

Parts $50 -- 3 electric fans, 3 fan grills, metal mount for 3 fans, wires, on/off switch. Order parts from https://www.coolerguys.com/

Stay cool.  Tim

I get them quite a lot since adding in the windows and beefy KO2 Tires it changes the entire character of the rig.  "What is that?  I have never seen one of them before"  Red 2012 Nissan NV high top

Yeah, he is a super cool guy, sent me his build PDFs with excellent images, schematics and descriptions of his upgraded build. Saved me about a year and will have to re-do some of my work as i am not like an engineer like he is. Hit him up for them.

He uses Birch to build out custom cabinets.. then sews all custom cloth goods for the van, super clean and smart design.

Best, Tim

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DXAEPS2-Professional-Power-Station/dp/B06XDH6XL3

Has 110V and USB charging, Air, Lights, Battery Jumper. Used it already to jump a car, keep air in tires, light and power for charging phone, etc.

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Also I am building a small medical first responder kit with general bandages, medicines, bug repellant, etc.

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Spare oil and fluids. Working on a general kit for spare motor parts. Thanks for sharing!

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