Dellmassive`s Camper Van Adventure

[Dellmassive]

so, what about the Elephant in the room? - 12v Leisure electrics and Solar.?

Nope, there aint any,

not a sausage,

nothing,

diddley Zip.

++++++++++++++++++++

that means ill have to fit the lot.


well be going with:

DC-DC charger under seat,
Lifepo4 under seat,
MPPT under seat,
Inveter underseat,

USB sockets in reat for bed lights and pgone chargers,

USB sockets for roof mounted tablet - for TV watching.

USB socket for WIFI dongle.

Solar - a panel up on the roof, with the option of adding more solar.

+++++++++++++++++++


im not sure about adding the whole EHU kit. (we prefer off grid camping to EHU pitches)


i think that if my 12v side is strong enough, ie large enough lifepo4 battery, and a good enough inverter 1500-2000w then i can run all the mains stuff i want.

if thats the case, then all i need is a decent 12v charger.


as an example -

i think all i would need is a EHU lead from the EHU post,

to a Victron 25/30A IP65 charger under the bonnet, connected to the starter battery.

that will in tern charge the leisure battery via the DC_DC and run the inverter . . . which will = 240vac in the van.



so im thinking i will save the cost of the whole 240vac install, cabling, consumer unit, breakers, protective earthing measures etc etc .



.

 

[roadtripper]

I'm very much of the same frame of mind, sort out the 12v side and make it bomb proof and support that with a charger/PSU if you need to when EHU available or on drive.

 

[david173]

nice idea.

have you seen any about or know of any?

the Kombi seat sockets are raised off the floor.

so id imagine any false floor would need cut-outs or recesses to accomadate the sockets.

+++

maybe a job for @Eli to CNC me out a false floor out of the same stuff the Ovano is made from?


View attachment 210908


...........



so maybe a CNC Sheet - green,

with recesses for the sockets - red.



View attachment 210909

Yeah thats what I was thinking. Either recessed or some battons attached to bottom that go between the brackets inbetween, judging by the amount they stick up a combo of the two.

Cant claim the idea myself, I remember seing the ideas elsewhere but cant remember where!

Would look great in buffalo board to match.

 

[t6blo]

Congrats Mr @Dellmassive
Looking forward to watching progress.

I use the floor bracket blanks in my van for the ones that are not in use and they are perfect. I have a floor mat covering the ‘living’ space which makes them less visible but as mentioned the mounts are raised so you can feel them and see them through the mat.

 

[dErZ]

nice idea.

have you seen any about or know of any?

the Kombi seat sockets are raised off the floor.

so id imagine any false floor would need cut-outs or recesses to accomadate the sockets.

+++

maybe a job for @Eli to CNC me out a false floor out of the same stuff the Ovano is made from?


View attachment 210908


...........



so maybe a CNC Sheet - green,

with recesses for the sockets - red.



View attachment 210909

What about finding a shuttle carpet that isnt in use as these would have the holes cut, are super comfy and provide sound insulation. They are deep enough to hide the brackets, then you could just throw a rug over the top.

 

[Dellmassive]

What about finding a shuttle carpet that isnt in use as these would have the holes cut, are super comfy and provide sound insulation. They are deep enough to hide the brackets, then you could just throw a rug over the top.

That's worth a look.

 

[Dellmassive]

Small electric heater for the van when on EHU?

Colder months, with EHU.


. Who's using what?

Oil rad? Fan blower style? What wattage?

 

[Pete C]

Fan heaters are noisy. Oil rads are ok, but the small ones struggle to add sufficient heat.
We tend to use our Propex gas heater (also noisy) to get things warmed up then switch to the oil rad.
Don’t forget electric blanket !
Pete

 

[Bav]

Never thought of an electric blanket, but I quite like the idea - we have a blown-air heater in the van, but as you say, it's quite noisy.

 

[Dellmassive]

First weekend out in the van. . . . . . . .

the idea was to take both setups (option#2-railsail and option#3-full awning)

we had both C-rails fitted, so one setup at each side to test what's what . . .

packing worked out well,

we realised that we need to remove all of the second row seats to get enough room to get the gear we needed to site.






on the slider side we had the Vango Rhone drive away - for sale - For Sale - Vango Rhone Air TC - drive away awning bundle







and on the other side we had the railsail, windbreaks, floor matt, camp chairs. . . .




the double setup was pretty awesome tbh . . .

tons of room . . .





...

 

[Dellmassive]

first job once all the gear was out was to fit the drivers swivel plates,

but before that the handbrake lowering kit needed to be done,

seat out with four fixings . . .




Handbrake cowling removed. . . then two fixings. . .



...



.....


things got a bit busy after that pic,

but the operation was the same for the drivers swivel. . . .





++++


the kit went in well,

but the handbrake cables needs more adjustment.

we adjusted the nut up top. . . but there is still too much slop on the cable.

so i might need to go to the second adjuster under the van . . . .

 

[Dellmassive]

Front Windscreen cover. . . .

we bought this one before. . . . .


which worked really well as a blackout blind. . . and used it for the first two nights.

https://amzn.to/3qRWCOj

.







...


then tried this second thermal screen cover that we had the second two nights . . .








the thermal one seemed to keep some more heat inside the van - it seem warmer the following morning,

and there was less condensation on the front screen. . . .


so the trade off is space.


the thermal screen is bulky, but more efficient.


the non thermal less efficient, but folds up very small.



.






.

 

[Dellmassive]

Curtains . . . . part2

after a slight procurement issue by the chief advisor, . . . . . .

we now had the correct drivers side bling from THQ. . . .





...



being a lot more cautious this time with the pre drilled fixing points and screws, we had the second blind in, in no time. . .






they done a fair job, going from this (with a temp measure grey table cloth over the side window rhs)




to this. . .





the curtains still wont slide fully each way. . .

so ill be looking at tacking the screws back out one at a time, and slightly counter sinking the pilot hole to allow the screws to sit lower.

allowing the slide clips more space in the rail. . .






.

 

[Dellmassive]

The Bed . . . . . . . .

this was the setup. . . .

the 40winks mattress, on the Ovano bed board. . . . . .




with a double fleese throw ontop, then a double fitted sheet ontop of that. . .


then one of our double camping sleeping bags opened out spatch-cock chicken style. . .







looks great right. . . .

well the following morning after the first nights kip . . . . we were both busted.

question mark style.

sore neck, aching back the works. . . .

moaning to the wife, she said the same . . . . so i knew it wasnt just me. . .


new bed i thought. . . so lets try again the second night.


well - the following morning, after that sleep the neck and back ache was double bad. . . . .


++++


this was not working. . .

i think what was happening was that we/I was sinking through the foam mattress and lying on the bed board. . . effectivly the mattress was not taking our weights. .


looking at a few options:

replace the 40winks mattress with an air bed, - would make the bed to high

add a yoga mat under 40 winks - not effective enough,

replace 40winks for a thicker mattress - takes too much space in the van traveling.

add a SIM (self inflating matress) under/over the 40winks. . . .


++++

so thats what we done. got a SIM.


lucky for us its bank holiday weekend and GO Outdoors had a 15% off deal.

and previously i had this in my basket as a mattress option - but decided it would be too thin for a full mattress.

Berghaus Air Double Self-Inflating Mat | GO Outdoors

A quality SIM (Self-inflating mat) by Berghaus for quick and easy comfort on your next camping trip or expedition.

www.gooutdoors.co.uk

a quick trip to GO and we was set. . .

third night luck i thought. . . . or were going home. ( im sure we have all been here at some point)


the revised setup was this. . . . the first night we tried the SIM on top.



and the fourth night we tried the SIM on the bottom. . . .



well i have to say this totally changed everything. . .

one (well two now) of the best nights sleep ever. . . .

adding the SIM meant that we was not squashing through to the hard bed board - causing the back ache.


thats us sorted for now.. . .


but i don't know how i feel about it all . . . the 40winks is £240 odd quid - but didnt work for us?

so we had to add a £150 SIM to make it usable. . .

40winks Not fit for purpose? or are we just two chunky monkeys and too heavy for it?

should they state a weight limit for the mattress?

i don't know.


the thing is . . . . if we sent it back - we would still need a second foam something to add to the SIM.?

but that could be a £99 ikea foam thing . . . . Hmm?


++++++++++++


well its worked ok for now,

the 40winks has the carry bag and will be store in the house when not camping.

the Berg` SIM rolls up small to a backpack side bag, so could live in the van for quick over nighters?

++++++++++++



gota say, i loved the view out the back of the van .



.









.

 

[Dellmassive]

Storage Pots and Nets. . . . .

we needed somewhere to place our phones and battery banks etc while snoozing. . .

the wife had these small rectangle container from B&M or HB. . .

which worked well enough - squished in the corners. . .





the next addition was the storage nets. . . . .

we added one each side. . . that worked well some some small bits. . . .


phone, battery bank, bottle water etc etc . . .


similar to these . . . . .

https://amzn.to/3En8Bq2

 

[Ads_Essex]

Great work again, Lee.

First weekend out in the van. . . . . . . .

the idea was to take both setups (option#2-railsail and option#3-full awning)

we had both C-rails fitted, so one setup at each side to test whats what . . .

packing worked out well,

we realised that we need to remove all of the second row seats to get enough room to get the gear we needed to site.



View attachment 211779View attachment 211780


on the slider side we had the Vango Rhone drive away - for sale - For Sale - Vango Rhone Air TC - drive away awning bundle




View attachment 211781


and on the other side we had the railsail, windbreaks, floor matt, camp chairs. . . .


View attachment 211782

the double setup was pretty awesome tbh . . .

tons of room . . .


View attachment 211783

View attachment 211784
...

I’ve been on the fence about a railsail - we’ve got a Vango tailgate air-awning - but your review has convinced me to get that too.

Front Windscreen cover. . . .

we bought this one before. . . . .


which worked really well as a blackout blind. . . and used it for the first two nights.

https://amzn.to/3qRWCOj

View attachment 211807


.


View attachment 211808

View attachment 211809View attachment 211810


...


then tried this second thermal screen cover that we had the second two nights . . .



View attachment 211811




the thermal one seemed to keep some more heat inside the van - it seem warmer the following morning,

and there was less condensation on the front screen. . . .


so the trade off is space.


the thermal screen is bulky, but more efficient.


the non thermal less efficient, but folds up very small.

And the thermal screen has been on my watch list for too long..
One question though: does it fold down much, if at all?

 

[Dellmassive]

Reading & Mood lights in the back.


The fitted roof lights are way to bight for one. . . .

but are also running of the starter battery and connected to the OEM BCM feed, meaning that the come on/off with the van doors opening/closing.

or can be switched to manual, but still time out after 15mins. . . . so not great for being inside at night.

and could end up running the starter battery flat.






the Chief advisor come up with these great little lamps. . . .

++++++++++++++++++++++


four colour temps, USB powered, clamp thingy, bendy arm, and wired remote.


they worked great clamped to the bed board,

and plugged into the USB battery bank with the phone.






++++


check them out:

https://amzn.to/3r0385q

 

[Heath1984]

Storage Pots and Nets. . . . .

we needed somewhere to place our phones and battery banks etc while snoozing. . .

the wife had these small rectangle container from B&M or HB. . .

which worked well enough - squished in the corners. . .

View attachment 211827View attachment 211828



the next addition was the storage nets. . . . .

we added one each side. . . that worked well some some small bits. . . .


phone, battery bank, bottle water etc etc . . .


similar to these . . . . .

https://amzn.to/3En8Bq2

View attachment 211832




View attachment 211829View attachment 211830View attachment 211831

View attachment 211833

Have you tried the mattress on top of the inflatable? We found the panda on top of the Vango sim so much more comfortable.

 

[Dellmassive]

Great work again, Lee.


I’ve been on the fence about a railsail - we’ve got a Vango tailgate air-awning - but your review has convinced me to get that too.

And the thermal screen has been on my watch list for too long..
One question though: does it fold down much, if at all?

the railsail is awesome. . .

I've had my eye on them for ages. . .

@Deaky and @Fish have been rocking them for ages - so I've been watching from afar.

good quality and worth the price.

I've added guy lines as the rail sail comes with nothing.

I've also added 4x king poles.

and i added 4x thin flagpole stakes. - that I've taped the king poles too.


this stops:

1# the wind blowing the sail upwards and the kingpoles falling over . . .

and

2# stops the dog from knocking the king poles flying when the dog lead get wrapped around them.






my shopping list was:

1x railsail (6mm C-Rail / LHS Version) - Kiravans Railsail Awning - The Versatile Multi-pointed, Heavy-duty Campervan Shelter









4x kingpole set from Stitches + Steel - Black Aluminium Extension Awning Pole





alternative: https://amzn.to/3qW6dUc







+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


4x king pole tops - 4x Outdoor Camping Canopy Tent Pole Insulation Caps, Awning Rod Support Bar | eBay




..


6x guy line set: https://amzn.to/45RMHHd









....

4x flagpole stakes - Flag Pole Ground Stake Spike 1M (Support Anchor Post Windsock) 600988510593 | eBay




......

 

[Bav]

The Bed . . . . . . . .

this was the setup. . . .

the 40winks mattress, on the Ovano bed board. . . . . .


View attachment 211820

with a double fleese throw ontop, then a double fitted sheet ontop of that. . .


then one of our double camping sleeping bags opened out spatch-cock chicken style. . .




View attachment 211821


looks great right. . . .

well the following morning after the first nights kip . . . . we were both busted.

question mark style.

sore neck, aching back the works. . . .

moaning to the wife, she said the same . . . . so i knew it wasnt just me. . .


new bed i thought. . . so lets try again the second night.


well - the following morning, after that sleep the neck and back ache was double bad. . . . .


++++


this was not working. . .

i think what was happening was that we/I was sinking through the foam mattress and lying on the bed board. . . effectivly the mattress was not taking our weights. .


looking at a few options:

replace the 40winks mattress with an air bed, - would make the bed to high

add a yoga mat under 40 winks - not effective enough,

replace 40winks for a thicker mattress - takes too much space in the van traveling.

add a SIM (self inflating matress) under/over the 40winks. . . .


++++

so thats what we done. got a SIM.


lucky for us its bank holiday weekend and GO Outdoors had a 15% off deal.

and previously i had this in my basket as a mattress option - but decided it would be too thin for a full mattress.

Berghaus Air Double Self-Inflating Mat | GO Outdoors

A quality SIM (Self-inflating mat) by Berghaus for quick and easy comfort on your next camping trip or expedition.

www.gooutdoors.co.uk

View attachment 211822



a quick trip to GO and we was set. . .

third night luck i thought. . . . or were going home. ( im sure we have all been here at some point)


the revised setup was this. . . . the first night we tried the SIM on top.

View attachment 211823View attachment 211824

and the fourth night we tried the SIM on the bottom. . . .

View attachment 211825

well i have to say this totally changed everything. . .

one (well two now) of the best nights sleep ever. . . .

adding the SIM meant that we was not squashing through to the hard bed board - causing the back ache.


thats us sorted for now.. . .


but i don't know how i feel about it all . . . the 40winks is £240 odd quid - but didnt work for us?

so we had to add a £150 SIM to make it usable. . .

40winks Not fit for purpose? or are we just two chunky monkeys and too heavy for it?

should they state a weight limit for the mattress?

i don't know.


the thing is . . . . if we sent it back - we would still need a second foam something to add to the SIM.?

but that could be a £99 ikea foam thing . . . . Hmm?


++++++++++++


well its worked ok for now,

the 40winks has the carry bag and will be store in the house when not camping.

the Berg` SIM rolls up small to a backpack side bag, so could live in the van for quick over nighters?

++++++++++++



gota say, i loved the view out the back of the van .

View attachment 211826

.









.

Once you've found your comfy setup, don't change it for anything. Your comfort & your back are worth the extra cost, surely?