2014 Chevy Express 2500 Van Build: Luisafernandes

[Luisafernandes]

Did a few improvements for comfort today, nothing special.
Bought a non-stick ceramic skillet so I can whip up some pancakes without the added smell of cooking oil. Better and healthier than Teflon, I believe, as I never used one myself.

I've been interested in getting a weather station for the van for sometime now. I tried a cheap one a while back. It had a cord connected to the outside sensor, but never worked right.
This new one I got is wireless from Acu-Rite and bought it at Lowes today. I first tried to install it under the van but the sensor wouldn't register in the main unit. After an early dinner with the family I came back determined to find a place for it.
I think I found the right location on the driver side door (the passenger door would've been fine also, but on this side I can keep an eye on it). I have full reception bars on the main unit[emoji687][emoji106]
Here's the outside sensor installed with heavy duty Velcro to the driver side door;

Here's a view farther away. The [emoji653]️points to the spot where it's located;

Here's the main unit attached with Velcro to the cabinet;

As you can tell by the numbers, it's nice and toasty in here[emoji295]️ Not so much outside[emoji300]️
Here's the box in case someone out there is interested;

Was [emoji765]39.99[emoji389] at Lowes. We'll see how good it works.

 

[Luisafernandes]

Had my buddy Heater going from 4:30 to 7:17, then turn it off. The temperatures climbed up to 88 degrees, even with the two front windows cracked about an inch and a half, but with the door dividing the living room to the cab closed. Did have the roof vent open a little. At 9:18 the temperature was down to 62. Lost 26 degrees in two hours, but outside has been at about 34.

It's now 9:38 and still holding at 62.
Well, at least now I know exactly how hot or cold the inside, and outside is[emoji295]️[emoji300]️

 

[akrvbob]

Very cool!
Bob

 

[Luisafernandes]

Now this is interesting: in 42 minutes I've only lost 1 degree inside.

From 88 to 62 I lost about 13 degrees per hour, but now I lost only 1 in 42 minutes. Maybe my body heat is helping? Maybe the insulation? Or both? Don't know. If I'm up I'll check back at 11pm.

 

[Luisafernandes]

One hour later, still 56 [emoji106][emoji1][emoji91]

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[akrvbob]

It's the insulation. My trailer is usually 20 degrees above outside temps in the morning and it looks like that is just about what you will get also.

I'm traveling in my van in New Mexico right now and it has NO insulation. I have the heat on and it is barely keeping up with heat loss. As soon as I turn the heat off for bed it will be outside temperature within 1/2 an hour.

Insulation pays off in the cold winters.
Bob

 

[Luisafernandes]

It's the insulation. My trailer is usually 20 degrees above outside temps in the morning and it looks like that is just about what you will get also.

I'm traveling in my van in New Mexico right now and it has NO insulation. I have the heat on and it is barely keeping up with heat loss. As soon as I turn the heat off for bed it will be outside temperature within 1/2 an hour.

Insulation pays off in the cold winters.
Bob

Yeah, it's 55 right now (11:29) according to the display (if accurate or not don't know without another reference).
Isn't New Mexico supposed to be warm(er)? Or is that the desert effect at night?
Here's some fire to help you stay warm[emoji91][emoji91][emoji91][emoji91][emoji91][emoji91][emoji91][emoji91][emoji91][emoji91]hope it helps[emoji56]

 

[Luisafernandes]

1am and its 53 inside[emoji106]. Only lost 2 degrees in 1 1/2 hours. Pretty cool-I mean warm[emoji91]

 

[Luisafernandes]

6:50am, temperature holding at 47 degrees, 15 degrees warmer than outside[emoji91][emoji106]

 

[Luisafernandes]

33 degrees and raining outside, a toasty 73 inside where I just tried out my new ceramic skillet for the first time.
First I made hot raspberry Zimger tea with organic honey. I used Bisquick shake 'n pour for the easy of convenience and to see how it works, before I go out and buy a bigger container.
Have my fan going at 10% to eliminate odors and water vapor. Poured myself a cup of orange juice, and had I nice breakfast. [emoji106]

 

[KayakGirl]

I think you will love that ceramic pan! Thanks for sharing your temperature observations; nice to know.

 

[Luisafernandes]

I think you will love that ceramic pan! Thanks for sharing your temperature observations; nice to know.

Glad I could be of help [emoji106][emoji5]️[emoji106]

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Already love the pan[emoji779]️No sticky food, easy clean up[emoji779]️[emoji106]

 

[highdesertranger]

nice weather station. now you got hard numbers to work with. my buddy has one in his tiger mh, I am always asking him the temp. I think I need one. real maple syrup, mmmm. I mail order mine strait from Vermont. can't beat the real stuff. highdesertranger

 

[Luisafernandes]

nice weather station. now you got hard numbers to work with. my buddy has one in his tiger mh, I am always asking him the temp. I think I need one. real maple syrup, mmmm. I mail order mine strait from Vermont. can't beat the real stuff. highdesertranger

Now I know what the temperature is when I feel cold. Maybe it's only 45 and I don't need to turn on the heater, or its 30 even though it feels warmer.
There's nothing like real maple syrup, everything else falls short by a long shot[emoji736]

 

[Bdog1]

Remember camping in a truck topper years ago and freezing well after sun-up, finally opened the door to find it 20* warmer outside! Good times.

 

[akrvbob]

Looks delicious!

No, most of New Mexico is at higher elevation so it has cold winters. Some of it very high elevation so it has nice summers as well, but a lot of it is high desert so it's real hot in the summer. Worst of both worlds.
Bob

 

[Luisafernandes]

With the front windows cracked about an inch, the door to the living space closed, and the roof vent open just a little, and not having ran the Heater last night, my van was 20 degrees warmer than the outside[emoji91][emoji106]

 

[Luisafernandes]

Very cold outside, 27 without the wind (blowing at 25 mph) factor, and cosy inside cooking dinner. Pancakes with blueberries and raspberries.

It bring me to say this; at times I wish I had a hightop van. It would be nice to stand up to cook and do other things. [emoji26]

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But I still love my van[emoji779]️[emoji4][emoji604]

 

[highdesertranger]

dang luis every time I read your posts I get hungry. highdesertranger

 

[Luisafernandes]

Buddy, come and join me;

Blueberry/raspberry pancakes, heated boiled eggs, orange juice, and Lemmon zinger tea.