wollip

Welcome to the forum - hope the group can be of service and we also look forward to learning from you. Which model are you driving and what do you see as pros and cons after your first year?

Well done - extremely well done!

I agree that an extra 2 to 3 feet would be nice but that defeats our mandate of being able to use a standard parking space. So, we continue to refine, streamline, and utilize our space to the fullest. We're 64 years old and just finished a 21 day / 2700 mile trip and every night was spent in our high roof conversion. Our previous best was 10 days. Our next trip will likely be 30 days and we are looking forward to it. We went to Disneyworld last year like a couple of kids. But we stayed in one of their economy rooms - much cheaper than their campground - we like to think we're not total idiots. :-) Discussing needs and suitability reminds me of the back and forth about mpg - entirely too many variables. For example, we have no pets and also do not cook in our conversion. While this works for us, we know that many enjoy traveling with their pets and that cooking while on the road is part of the experience for many others. We wouldn't boondock unless forced into the situation (mainly because we need the restroom/showers that a campground provides) but sometimes envy the stories of those that stretch a piece of plastic and solar heat some shower water. Would we ever go "full-time" in an NV conversion? No way - no how! Not even with 2 or 3 extra feet of length. But one person could probably make it work. As for Mahu, they seem young enough to make it work for the long haul and will do well. As the saying goes, what doesn't kill them will make them stronger.

Just wanted to state that my previous rant was in no way meant to diminish or disparage the quality of Axulsuv's post which was obvious to anyone that can read the spot on answer.

OMG - is this brand new? Has the forum moderator kicked it up a notch? Are we seriously going to be "graded" on our replies by an unknown entity? Well, not exactly graded since according to someone one reply "wins" and the rest shouldn't have bothered. Someone explain to me how this is a good thing and that I'm just taking it wrong.

You're going to love it. Best creature comfort addition we made was running boards. Best safety feature we added was glass in the slider.

I've got the V8 and love it. Never have to dope slap myself and say "Man, I could have had a V8." :-)

Axulsuv - Will the mpg gain with premium non ethanol justify the cost difference over regular non ethanol? Or is it a personal choice regardless of price? I also avoid ethanol whenever possible but sometimes find it hard to obtain non ethanol when running the interstates.

I used knifeless vinyl cutting tape - worked like a charm and keeps you from having to drag a blade across your paint. If you haven't used this stuff before, it's hard to believe it would work as well as it does. Watch a couple of YouTube videos and you're good to go.

Was it anyone from the forum towing a white camping trailer today (1/25/16) headed South on I-95 just below Jacksonville, Fl about 1:00pm? Just got a passing glance since we were headed North, but it looked good going down the road. First time for us to see an NV towing a camping trailer.

Very nice additions to your ride. Keep us posted as you do more projects.

Thanks for sharing the installation details and size of the awning. It looks great and should be very sturdy. I'd like to do something similar but always figured I would utilize the mounting points built into the roof. What are your thoughts - pros and cons - of top mounted vs side mounted for the awning brackets?

That's why I did it - makes a noticeable difference.

Rad, I can see why they went for it. AC (as you said), utilizing the seat brackets to secure his equipment boxes, and it's completely finished inside - top to bottom. A smart move if you don't need the high roof.

Did mine using the same material nearly 3 years ago and it still looks good - despite it sitting out in the weather all the time - (high roof).

The ladder available from globalindustrial.com does not fit - it is too long and the top hangers do not align properly. I think it would fit a Sprinter just fine. The quality is okay but I couldn't modify it enough to be happy with it. Most other rv type chrome ladders (available from a variety of sources) are made by Surco. I have one of these installed and it fits perfectly - no issues. Surco does make a black version. I was worried that the over the lip hangers would interfere with the weather seals but actually haven't had a problem through several downpours. I think, if I had it to do over, I'd make my own with 80/20 components - but then I'd be looking at drilling more holes in the door. I did make my roof rack out of 80/20 (inspired by Lee Blake / YouTube / Lee's Van Tour ). It cost about $800 total but I already had the taps, bits, guides, ball-head wrenches, etc. I really like the results and it creates no discernible roof noise. I'll post a pic once the weather clears.

KMG - I clicked the arrow but no response from you. So I'm guessing it doesn't send a "liked the post " message. Can't find this documented - maybe the moderator will enlighten us.

I nearly always access this forum on my phone. When using the mobile version, each post shows a check mark in the upper right hand corner. If I click that check mark, am I saying that I like that post or just that I have read that post?

If using a hole saw of this diameter is new to you, realize that it may try to slightly drift even with the center pilot bit helping out. It shouldn't be excessive - just enough to make you think it could have gone better. Using a slower speed might also work against you since it will tend to cut and stall - then jump or jerk slightly when you restart the bore. I would drill from the top down (mainly to avoid the shower of metal particles that are going to rain down). But drilling top down also allows for wedging a length of 2x4 directly beneath the area (floor to ceiling). Let the pilot bit drill into this brace. If the wood is dense enough, it will pull the pilot bit down as the bore starts and help to stabilize the cut once the large diameter bit makes contact. You have the right idea - practice first. A salvage yard might have a junker they'd let you use - if they like the box of donuts you show up with when asking.

Search for - Heng's® Mini Roof Vent . But it is just a passive vent. If you also want a built-in fan, I think 14x14 is the industry standard.

If I'm understanding correctly what you are needing, I'd say start with pviramps.com They make a quality product that I have used before. They may send you to a supplier for the actual purchase. If so, try scooterville.com

Has anyone installed the Slick Lock system (slicklock.com)? If so, I sure would appreciate a few words about your experience with them. Thanks!

I went through the balance and symmetry issue before going with one long/one short. But I have a white high roof converted for travel. While I am pleased with the look, with an NVP I might have gone for symmetry. Consider using the search function on the site to quickly gather some ideas - the subject has been pretty well covered in the past. There are also some photos in the gallery. Traffic has been so slow during the holidays that it might take awhile to get enough responses to represent what is available. The main thing is, as you already know, you need a set!

Received my yellow postcard today - 11/28/15 .

RandomJoe - You're correct / these are either/or units. Many different companies (National Luna and Engel come to mind) make units that will do both. But these are generally larger units that will not fit between the front seats of an NV. But you could secure one of them behind the seats and still run the 12v cord up front. I can set the Indel B unit I have to barely freeze (not deep freeze) and the smaller compartment above the compressor will not freeze at that setting. But that is a much smaller area and may not be adequate for your needs.