1995 Ford E250 Extended Conversion

[bbradley21]

I purchased this van from a salvage yard for $749.&nbsp; I saw the ad, called them and said it had a knock in the engine. Reality, it didn't.&nbsp; So I bought it. I did replace the starter, had to obtain a salvage title and pass smog in CA. It passed smog without a hitch. The engine is strong. So I'm very happy with my new home to be. I plan on retiring in a few months and will travel, stealthly and cheaply.&nbsp; <br /><br />My first project was to clean it. It was used by an electrical company and I doubt they ever cleaned it. Kept it mechanically sound but dirty lol. <br /><br />I just finished insulating the floor and laying OSB for the sub floor. I plan to put a laminate flooring on it. I've insulated the sides. Insualation is a moisture barrier as well.&nbsp; <br /><br />This weekend I begin the electrical parts.&nbsp; I'm putting a battery bank of 2 12volt 125ah each, maintenance free lead acid.&nbsp; I'll connect them parallel. <br /><br />I'm installing 2 charging sources, solar panels and a continuous duty solenoid. When I drill the roof for the solar panel wires, I'll be making it large enough to run an exhaust outlet for the hyrdrogen from the batteries. I'll be placing them in vented containers, then placing those eventually in a wooden cabinet to hide. <br /><br />I have a 2000/4000 watt inverter.&nbsp; <br /><br />I'm hoping to have the whole project completed by Oct 31. I then plan to move out of my apt and stash some cash for when I retire next May.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />Anybody that's done something very similar, point me to your links and it would be greatly appreciated!

 

[thinker]

pics please.<br />when you can.

 

[Les H]

Sounds like you have a great start on a low budget build. Keep us posted and pics would be great! Welcome to the forum, and let us know if we can help you out with anything.

 

[bbradley21]

Thanks very much!&nbsp; I started researching van dwelling several months before I made the decision to give it a try. I have an adventurous streak plus it makes for a great project.&nbsp; Trying to do it on the cheap is even more challenging.<br /><br />I'll post up some pics this weekend.&nbsp;

 

[She]

Wow great price! Pics PLEASE!!! Oh and welcome to the tribe.&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />

 

[bbradley21]

Thank you She!&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />I installed the solar panels on Sunday.&nbsp; So far I'm pleased with the results, but more testing this weekend.&nbsp; I'm getting around 30 volts combined on the 6 15 watt panels.&nbsp; I'll eventually replace those with higher output solar panels.&nbsp; <br /><br />I purchased 2 deep cycle 125 a/h 12v. These are maintenance free lead acid. I also purchased 2 vented battery containers.&nbsp; I bought some 1/2" tubing last night to connect to the vents on the battery containers to run outside the van. I'll get a louvre vent to cover them to keep the rain from entering the tubes. <br /><br />That's my project for tonight <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">.&nbsp; I plan on charging the batteries for 2-3 days before actually hooking up the inverter.&nbsp; <br /><br />I'll try and get some pics up tonight.&nbsp; <br /><br />I'm hoping to take it out for a test run Saturday night...

 

[barkingwaters]

Wow!!! What a good buy!

Can you give more info on what/how you did to the floor. The floor is my next phase but would like to hear what underlayment you used.

Thanks
Donna