One small step in my van conversion

cargovanconversion · Jul 6, 2012

Now that the different parts of the electrical system have been established, the first thing to do is calculate the number of batteries needed to support the daily energy use. Here a lot of time goes into researching all appliances that will ultimately be installed. Adding up their amperage use, will yield our daily ?electric bill?.

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cargovanconversion · Jul 10, 2012

After upgrading to off-grid power and power storage, this post elaborates on the available power generating tools for a small RV. The electrical calculations are comprised into a detailed schematic overview, that serves as the basis for the installation.

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cargovanconversion · Jul 24, 2012

The introduction to off-grid power (upgrading to off-grid power, power storage and power generation) is concluded with a post about monitoring and maintenance. With all this knowledge we can finally begin with the wiring.

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Hanr3 · Jul 24, 2012

Great work. I subscribed to follow your progress.

cargovanconversion · Aug 16, 2012

While working on the multi-use cabinet, I started with some of the wiring. Before I can continue building new cabinets, the majority of the electrical wiring has to be installed.

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cargovanconversion · Aug 21, 2012

Continuing with the wiring of the van, gives me the opportunity to search for and order some of the materials, needed in the coming weeks. My list currently consists of wire connectors, heat shrink, 12V outlets and power inlet. I still haven?t found decent and affordable 12V LED light fixtures either.

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cargovanconversion · Aug 28, 2012

Another post on wiring of the van. Two heavier wire gauges will support the appliances to be installed on the driver?s side.

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cargovanconversion · Sep 4, 2012

Having batteries, doesn?t automatically mean access to 12V. Thus, two access points are planned in the van. One 12V socket is located at the solar components (controller, charger, inverter, etc.) compartment, under the bed.

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cargovanconversion · Sep 11, 2012

The compartment under the bed that will hold the charger, controller, inverter, etc. is a small enclosure and needs some form of cooling. I choose a 5? computer fan with thermal control, that automatically adjusts its speed as the temperature rises. Other considerations were low noise level (<18dB), high airflow volume (up to 42cfm) and low current (<0.2A).

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cargovanconversion · Sep 18, 2012

The van is internally a 12V system fed by solar panels, with some 110V outlets powered by an inverter. Only the battery charger needs access to an exterior power source. For this, a 15A power inlet is installed next to the rear door, on the passenger side of the van.

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cargovanconversion · Oct 9, 2012

The last time I worked on the bed, the pull-out, sliding shelf was installed. Now I?ll continue with a door for the toilet compartment. In deliberating the hinge options, I came across a simple wooden hinge design, that looked appropriate for this application.

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cargovanconversion · Oct 16, 2012

Recently a fan was installed to cool the solar components, like controller, battery charger, etc. As it is not necessary to run the fan continuously, a switch can regulate its use.

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cargovanconversion · Nov 13, 2012

Before continuing with the other side of the van interior, it?s time to put the wall and window above the bed, back together again.
Two issues remain: the battery cables and the solar controller cable need to be installed. The other is the decision I have to make, whether to go ahead with batting as insulation or choose a foam product.

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cargovanconversion · Nov 21, 2012

Between the window and the side doors is a narrow strip of wall available to house a small console. It is the future location of the battery monitor and a reading light.

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cargovanconversion · Apr 4, 2013

Utilizing every available space is a priority; the area to the right of the rear side window is large enough to accommodate a magazine rack and is conveniently close to the bed. This will allow for some late night reading.

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jagnweiner · Apr 4, 2013

Hey, I'd been wondering what you were up to. I've never seen a finer looking magazine rack.

cargovanconversion · Apr 4, 2013

jagnweiner said:
Hey, I'd been wondering what you were up to. I've never seen a finer looking magazine rack.

I just woke up from my winter sleeping period.

And I'll add two more postings shortly with more of this magazine rack. It'll get even nicer!

Van.

Ernie Ekberg · Apr 4, 2013

You, Sir, are a craftsman, and a visionary. Bravo!

cargovanconversion · Apr 10, 2013

Before continuing with the assembly, the three front pieces that are made out of Tiger Maple, need some ?popping?, that is, enhancing the visibility of the curl in the wood.

Follow the building process picture by picture at (link in signature).

cargovanconversion · Apr 16, 2013

All the parts are now ready for assembly.

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One small step in my van conversion

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