Finished one small step in my van conversion

[cargovanconversion]

<img src="http://cargovanconversion.com/wp-content/gallery/solar/img_3920.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br />The compartment under the bed that will hold the charger, controller, inverter, etc. is a small enclosure and needs some form of cooling. I choose a 5&rdquo; computer fan with thermal control, that automatically adjusts its speed as the temperature rises. Other considerations were low noise level (&lt;18dB), high airflow volume (up to 42cfm) and low current (&lt;0.2A).<br /><br />Follow my progress at <a href="http://cargovanconversion.com/">cargovanconversion.com</a>

 

[Seraphim]

You're doing a really nice job on it. Keep up the good work.

 

[She]

Wow looks good!! How are you&nbsp;running&nbsp;that fan?

 

[cargovanconversion]

Wow looks good!! How are you&nbsp;running&nbsp;that fan?

<br /><br />Right now it's doing nothing. No batteries installed yet.&nbsp;<br /><br />The fan will be connected, thru a separate on/off switch, to the 12V socket, just above it, which will be 'directly' wired to the batteries.<br /><br />Van.

 

[She]

AH I like the fan. I might use that one to cool the van off a bit when Im not in it. It uses very little power I assume?&nbsp;What&nbsp;size solar panel do you think I could use for that if I wanted it&nbsp;separate from the battery?

 

[cargovanconversion]

AH I like the fan. I might use that one to cool the van off a bit when Im not in it. It uses very little power I assume?&nbsp;What&nbsp;size solar panel do you think I could use for that if I wanted it&nbsp;separate from the battery?

<br /><br /><br />At its maximum speed it uses less than 0.2Amps. I assume that even the smallest of solar panels can handle that. Personally, I would never connect anything directly to a panel, but use a battery instead.<br />Remember, it's just a computer fan; I don't think it is sufficient to cool a van off a bit.<br /><br />Van.

 

[cargovanconversion]

<img src="http://cargovanconversion.com/wp-content/gallery/cache/507__320x240_img_3955.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br />The van is internally a 12V system fed by solar panels, with some 110V outlets powered by an inverter. Only the battery charger needs access to an exterior power source. For this, a 15A power inlet is installed next to the rear door, on the passenger side of the van.<br /><br />Follow my progress at <a href="http://cargovanconversion.com">cargovanconversion.com</a><br /><br />

 

[cargovanconversion]

<img src="http://cargovanconversion.com/wp-content/gallery/bed/img_4112.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br />The last time I worked on the bed, the pull-out, sliding shelf was installed. Now I&rsquo;ll continue with a door for the toilet compartment. In deliberating the hinge options, I came across a simple wooden hinge design, that looked appropriate for this application.<br /><br />Follow my progress at <a href="http://cargovanconversion.com">cargovanconversion.com</a>

 

[cargovanconversion]

<img src="http://cargovanconversion.com/wp-content/gallery/cache/604__320x240_img_4154.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br />Recently a fan was installed to cool the solar components, like controller, battery charger, etc. As it is not necessary to run the fan continuously, a switch can regulate its use.<br /><br />Follow my progress at <a href="http://cargovanconversion.com">cargovanconversion.com</a>

 

[cargovanconversion]

<img rel="lightbox" src="http://cargovanconversion.com/wp-content/gallery/cache/650__320x240_img_4277.jpg" class="bbc_img" /><br /><br />Before continuing with the other side of the van interior, it&rsquo;s time to put the wall and window above the bed, back together again.<br /> Two issues remain: the battery cables and the solar controller cable need to be installed. The other is the decision I have to make, whether to go ahead with batting as insulation or choose a foam product.<br /><br />Follow my progress at cargovanconversion.com<br /><br />

 

[cyndi]

Love your website, CVC!

 

[cargovanconversion]

Love your website, CVC!

<br /><br />Thanks for visiting, Van.<br /><br />By the way, I love your location. Please visit Angel's Landing for me in Zion NP.

 

[cargovanconversion]

<img rel="lightbox" src="http://cargovanconversion.com/wp-content/gallery/cache/664__320x240_img_4334.jpg" class="bbc_img" /><br /><br />Between the window and the side doors is a narrow strip of wall available to house a small console. It is the future location of the battery monitor and a reading light.<br /><br />Follow my progress at cargovanconversion.com<br /><br /><br />

 

[cargovanconversion]

<img rel="lightbox" src="http://cargovanconversion.com/wp-content/gallery/woodworking/img_4283.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br><br>Magazine Rack (1)<br>Utilizing every available space is a priority; the area to the right of the rear side window is large enough to accommodate a magazine rack and is conveniently close to the bed. This will allow for some late night reading.<br><br>Follow my progress at cargovanconversion.com

 

[Wild_E]

Very nice workmanship and thought process here, very nice.&nbsp;

 

[rokguy]

<STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888"><EM>Cargo,</EM></SPAN></STRONG><BR><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888"><EM>Just checked out your website and love your work. Very very nice. Great information there.</EM></SPAN></STRONG><BR><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888"><EM>Thanks Geoff</EM></SPAN></STRONG>

 

[cargovanconversion]

WildernessReturn &amp; rokguy:<br><br>Thanks for your nice remarks!<br><br>Van.

 

[cargovanconversion]

<img rel="lightbox" src="http://cargovanconversion.com/wp-content/gallery/woodworking/img_4409.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br><br>Magazine Rack (2)<br><br>Before continuing with the assembly, the three front pieces that are made out of Tiger Maple, need some ‘popping’, that is, enhancing the visibility of the curl in the wood.<br><br>Follow my progress at cargovanconversion.com

 

[cargovanconversion]

<img rel="lightbox" src="http://cargovanconversion.com/wp-content/gallery/woodworking/img_4528.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br>Magazine Rack (3)<br><br>All the parts are now ready for assembly.<br><br>Follow my progress at <a href="http://cargovanconversion.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cargovanconversion.com</a>

 

[highdesertranger]

beautiful work.&nbsp; highdesertranger