Ford Cargo Van Conversion

[harryn]

Neat project. If you start getting close on weight, you can shave a few hundred lbs using LiFe batteries instead of lead based ones.

Also, decent quality plywood is often lighter and stronger than OSB.

Of course none of those options help with cost.

[guestPacer]

Thanks for the input, well you gave me something to think about and read upon! about the LiFi batteries and what I found out wasn't much other then rc's and smart phone tech. Didn't come across (limited research time)much on the larger storage banks.
The OSB I used on the rear wall was rems. from the sub floor but under metal siding with barrier it'll work great.
project took side chair to late summer playing.
I believe I'll be ok with weight but, just because I have a set of AirLift bags on the shelf I plan on installing before hitting the road next summer.

[guestPacer]

Have a few new pics

[guestPacer]

Since I've ben away/other things here a couples up dates: underneath and to the right is Battery Bank shelf. Took advantage of Windshield replacement special. (blue tape)


Ended up with man door entry off lift up deck (coming soon) hardware hinges in place. A little bit of Val. caulking
Yes that is a long first step.
Walls insulated with 1" ridged / 11/16 dead space with foiled bubble insulation inside wall panels (pictures tomorrow)

[guestPacer]

Well today I set out to fab and install a 32 gallon abs gray water holding (24x63x7). The inside support rails were 3” bar stock mounted off center by 3/8 Ready Rod run through ¾ brass tubing used as standoffs. On the out board mounting rail I used .125 Aluminum J railing (modified) mounted with 1/4x20 thread inserts. In the end I’ll use stove head bolt not the hex heads you see.

[guestPacer]

Here's a couple more The tank is for two sink Kitchen and water closet and shower

[guestPacer]

Lots of room for plumbing. There will be a couple stops to limit upward movement.

[Dtwallace]

Are you planning any cold weather camping? Now would be a great time to wrap the tanks.

Love the project

Dtw

[guestPacer]

Dtw, yes I have given some thought on the matter. One idea I had was doing something like a cradle wrap blanket on the under side by taping into the hangers which I can take on and off when needed.
Also there will be a mud flap/ deflector in front of tank to help slow down those slow motion bouncing golf ball size rocks.

[guestPacer]

Well thing have been a little quit or slow but I have manage to install my Fan-tastic vent and was planning on installing their ultra-breeze vent cover but ran into a sizing issue( yes I was outside their "fits most 14x14 roof vent" when you look at the outside picture you will see the sides where the vent lide seals my OEM model has a step out in it where models or newer models don't. I'm calling CS in the morning after I do a few arsons. Tried having the clips longer not sure what I was thinking must of been the heat.

My other task was to install a DirectVent for my instant on propane hot water heater in water closet using the factory wall thimble for 2x4 walls and then mounting a metal (steel) vent over the thimble. Where my clamps are hanging is the framing for a Pocket door for water closet.
The mess you see passed the water heater is my insulation attempt on the over cab storage area using spray on adhesive. It got hot and just dropped off. Going back to the paint on commerical type I know it'll up until I get it covered with a liner.
The wall insulation is taped in place same as the ceiling insulation will be. Which is next along with the wiring.
Along with this I need to get the trailer loaded up for some short trips
Talk to you soon. Happy Trails

[guestPacer]

Ok mystery solved on roof vent. It's a European model and will not except Ultra Breeze vent cover. The exterior is larger but works in a 14x14 opening.
Is that why it's called a Caravan

[guestPacer]

Hi just a little update on my motor home conversion project. Just completed foil taping and adding .75 lath on the roof trusses (bows) for the ceiling material install. I went with the 2 inch R Max ridged insulation again for the 13.1 R value with the walls using a combination of 1 inch /.75 air space with Reflectix reflective insulation on the inside of the paneling equaling 9 R. I the cab storage area I had some surplus 1/2" R Tech insulation that I doubled up and will finish off with some UrtraTouch denim insulation matting(planning to)
I also rough in my 12 volt main feeder lines. Went with 12/3 extension cord that I had no use for ..Well that not true. I’ll be feeding off these for lighting and charging (USB and cig lighter plug) needs and separate circuits for the water pump and one for the vent fan with cab over storage area lights that will be coming up through the chassis. Still haven’t decided on how I will vent hot moist air from shower other than relying on Fantasic vent fan to draw it out. Just don’t want to burn my bridges when I seal it up
I going to use Hakwood 5/16 x 3 11/16 x 8’ knotty pine beaded planking from HD. I decided to have it delivered to the store to insure no freight shipping damage.

[guestPacer]

Bead Board Ceiling
Just wanted to do a quick shout out that I got the ceiling material in a couple days ago. (Knotty Pine Bead board) I got started this afternoon putting the starter row and a few more. Thought I'd share a peek
Using brads, criss cross for better hold but some of you have worked with kiln dried materials that being said the tongue is fragile if wood could be. Found if I move a little bit up on the bead next to the tongue works a lot better.
The manufacture put in some relief grooves on the back side I'm sure to try and keep it flat.
The plan is still just put a coat of statin Polyurethane..

[guestPacer]

Hi moving forward just wanted to share my interior ceiling done in tongue and grove Knotty pine planking. Took some time to catch up on some property chores but still trying to move forward on conversion. It's not coated in vthane yet but Saturday looks like a good day for that and hopefully I'll have the second coat on before noon.
Sorry for the clarity but after I coat it I'll take another.