Van Newbie - T6.1 Day Van Build

[AlexT6.1]

Hi All,

So I've recently just made my first van purchase (and I'm buzzing!) - a 2021 T6.1 which I plan on converting into a day van with a few "extras". Jobs nipped so far:

-Bulkhead and old ply removed followed by thorough clean!)
-Safari windows and tailgate window installed (thanks to some much appreciated guidance from a local windscreen technician)
-Back of van sound deadened and first layer of insulation in (will put fleece liner in later once pop top is in)

I've been trying to figure out what electric setup would be best suited. . . Leisure battery vs Ecosystem Delta 2 with alternator charger. I''ve opted to go for a U-shape step with pullout coolbox instead of fridge, so the only accessories I'll need to power are internal and external lights, StarLink for off grid wifi, and basic charging of devices such as laptop, phone, drone and iPad. I do also want the option to use camp site power hook up if it's ever available to me at location.

My questions are:

1) Can anyone offer any pros/cons, personal experience and/or advice regarding the EcoFlow WITH alternator charger with my type of setup?
2) Can anyone recommend a reliable LED strip lighting system as I want two strips running the length of the ceiling instead of spotlights?
3) Would you recommend I run the cables for a leisure battery setup anyway incase situation changes down the line?
4) Any other general tips / tricks ref my first van are welcome!

Thanks all!

 

[nthnmunky]

I can't help just yet, but have opted for the same U shape layout and have already bought myself a Delta 2 Max to power it all. I'm currently waiting for the furniture to be built and installed but I'm going to try this without worrying about a leisure battery set-up and the expense/time etc. There's only me and the other half so not expecting to struggle for power with the Ecoflow for weekends which will be our limit anyway for now. I'll report back if/when we get some real experience with it all.

 

[AlexT6.1]

I can't help just yet, but have opted for the same U shape layout and have already bought myself a Delta 2 Max to power it all. I'm currently waiting for the furniture to be built and installed but I'm going to try this without worrying about a leisure battery set-up and the expense/time etc. There's only me and the other half so not expecting to struggle for power with the Ecoflow for weekends which will be our limit anyway for now. I'll report back if/when we get some real experience with it all.

Be great to hear how you get on mate - keep me posted and best of luck!

 

[T6VanLife]

My van is along similar lines, for nearly 2 years we have been using the Bluetti system (same as the Ecoflow your proposing) powering a coolbox, LED lights, diesel heater & water pump, but with a 200w solar panel on the roof. the system has been working great for us as the solar panel is more than capable of keeping up with demand. but during the winter trips/overcast days it became apparent that with the limited sun our battery reserve was always running low.
I have just installed a Bluetti alternator charger and I am hoping its going to cure the problem of requiring to top up the battery in a hurry when we are in the middle of nowhere.
We haven't used it yet as I have only just installed it but we are away on a trip at the end of the month so will test it thoroughly then and report back.

if you want a simple/temporary EHU without butchering your van we have been using one of these Vango Voltaic its really handy if you just want to make a pit stop at a campsite and have a shower, refill with water and charge everything.

 

[AlexT6.1]

My van is along similar lines, for nearly 2 years we have been using the Bluetti system (same as the Ecoflow your proposing) powering a coolbox, LED lights, diesel heater & water pump, but with a 200w solar panel on the roof. the system has been working great for us as the solar panel is more than capable of keeping up with demand. but during the winter trips/overcast days it became apparent that with the limited sun our battery reserve was always running low.
I have just installed a Bluetti alternator charger and I am hoping its going to cure the problem of requiring to top up the battery in a hurry when we are in the middle of nowhere.
We haven't used it yet as I have only just installed it but we are away on a trip at the end of the month so will test it thoroughly then and report back.

if you want a simple/temporary EHU without butchering your van we have been using one of these Vango Voltaic its really handy if you just want to make a pit stop at a campsite and have a shower, refill with water and charge everything.

Well that also answers my question on a solar panel which I was sat on the fence with! Really appreciate the steer on the Vango Voltaic . . . purchased! Be great to hear how you get on. Thanks for the help so far and hope your trip goes well.

 

[T6VanLife]

Everyone's power requirements are different depending on how you kit out your van, we ain't huge power users mostly the fridge & diesel heater. we normally spend 2-4 days off grid touring depending on the weather, then spend a night at a campsite to get a wash, take on water and charge everything fully with EHU.
But having tested the Alternator Charger at the weekend I was really surprised to see that it charged my AC70 PowerStation from 23% to 100% in about 25 mins ! how it performs while touring has yet to be seen, but if tests at the weekend are anything to go by we might not need EHU again !
The Vango Voltaic is a cheap solution to getting EHU without going down the permeant install route and its suited us fine for the last couple of years.
Good luck with setting up and kitting out your T6 ! things can get out of hand really quickly !

 

[AlexT6.1]

Everyone's power requirements are different depending on how you kit out your van, we ain't huge power users mostly the fridge & diesel heater. we normally spend 2-4 days off grid touring depending on the weather, then spend a night at a campsite to get a wash, take on water and charge everything fully with EHU.
But having tested the Alternator Charger at the weekend I was really surprised to see that it charged my AC70 PowerStation from 23% to 100% in about 25 mins ! how it performs while touring has yet to be seen, but if tests at the weekend are anything to go by we might not need EHU again !
The Vango Voltaic is a cheap solution to getting EHU without going down the permeant install route and its suited us fine for the last couple of years.
Good luck with setting up and kitting out your T6 ! things can get out of hand really quickly !

Thanks for the comments @T6VanLife. What diesel heater did you go for that is compatible with your AC70?

 

[T6VanLife]

It's at this point things get a little more complicated when you need to power a diesel heater with a PowerStation, basically the vast majority of PowerStation's don't have enough 12v grunt (126w max) to power a diesel heater on its short power up & shut down cycles (roughly 160w) with 10-40w when running low to high heat settings.
Have a look at this thread to see my workaround, which works great with the 2 diesel heaters I have tested it with (Autoterm & cheap Chinese) and it should pretty much power anything else you can attach to the 12v fuse box.

Thread 'Bluetti AC240 / AC200L + D40 question'

26 Feb 2025

Evening Everyone.

I’m after a little advice if anyone can help.

It’s highly likely that I’m going to use a Bluetti to power my van, it’s mainly on a EHU with the odd days off grid.

My question is The AC240 has a 30amp output that I could wire into a fuse board and has enough power for my 12v fridge, LED’s and diesel heater etc.

The AC200L does not have the 30amp socket but you can buy a DC battery charger that I believe will allow my to connect everything in a similar way to the AC240. The AC200L has more storage.

Can anyone advise which is the better of the two?

The AC240 is...

• Whittle1000
• Replies: 22
• Forum: Electrics, Lighting, ICE, Security

 

[AlexT6.1]

It's at this point things get a little more complicated when you need to power a diesel heater with a PowerStation, basically the vast majority of PowerStation's don't have enough 12v grunt (126w max) to power a diesel heater on its short power up & shut down cycles (roughly 160w) with 10-40w when running low to high heat settings.
Have a look at this thread to see my workaround, which works great with the 2 diesel heaters I have tested it with (Autoterm & cheap Chinese) and it should pretty much power anything else you can attach to the 12v fuse box.

Thread 'Bluetti AC240 / AC200L + D40 question'

26 Feb 2025

Evening Everyone.

I’m after a little advice if anyone can help.

It’s highly likely that I’m going to use a Bluetti to power my van, it’s mainly on a EHU with the odd days off grid.

My question is The AC240 has a 30amp output that I could wire into a fuse board and has enough power for my 12v fridge, LED’s and diesel heater etc.

The AC200L does not have the 30amp socket but you can buy a DC battery charger that I believe will allow my to connect everything in a similar way to the AC240. The AC200L has more storage.

Can anyone advise which is the better of the two?

The AC240 is...

• Whittle1000
• Replies: 22
• Forum: Electrics, Lighting, ICE, Security

Great tip! Thank you!

 

[AlexT6.1]

Hi All,

In the market for a single passenger captains seat (with base) for a 2021 T6.1 . . . . Can anyone recommend any trusted sources please other than Flea Bay?

 

[T6VanLife]

Well I have the Kiravans swivels, really good and about as low profile as you can get, on special offer at the moment too and that includes the Handbrake kit !

VW Transporter T5 to T6.1 (2003-2024) Kiravans 'No-Squeaks, No-Rattles' Single Seat Swivel

We've tried every single seat swivel on the market. Over the years we've sold thousands of RIB, Aguti & Sportscraft swivels. ... and we've experienced every single squeak, rattle & difficulty of fitting these things! So we set out to resolve each of them. Meet the all NEW Kiravans Ultimate Seat...

www.kiravans.co.uk