Hello fellow travellers!

[Anans1]

My wife and I have been living in my e250 for almost a year now so I figure it's about time I showed up here

I know a picture is worth a thousand words, but I might have to update later to show off. Van isn't clean and she won't have me posting pictures of a messy van XD. Setup right now: 500W solar installation feeding a 500ah battery bank, powers a mini fridge, slow cooker, tv, and my gaming rig (though not for very long, still need more power for that beast). Water is supplied by a flojet pump from a 35 gallon reservoir, which is basically a wooden box with one of those emergency bathtub water bladders inside it. Shower, toilet, and a small bar sink for dishes, etc. Fresh air is provided by a camco vent cover with a bathroom vent fan blowing in. I plan to actually put together a formal guide at some point, but I figure I should get a little more experience first... And probably insulation too.

 

[WriterMs]

Interesting that you are using a water bob for your fresh water needs. I've seen those only as 100 gallon size for a regular bathtub, so are you only partially filling it? No problems with bacteria growth or such?

 

[Anans1]

It is a 100gal and it just gets partially filled. I have a copper stem for the pickup and a filtration system so my water always tastes better than bottled water, I did replace it about 6 months ago but since putting in this copper it hasn't smelled funky yet even in summer

 

[Queen]

Welcome! Sounds like a great set up, can't wait to see some pics.

 

[wagoneer]

hello and welcome

 

[ramblingvanman]

Nice setup. I can't wait to learn more.

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Anans1! A water bladder sounds like a good idea as it will fit into any available space. Do you think that it will hold up to the constant friction and jostling that come from traveling? Please post pictures of your setup when you get the okay from your wife.

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[Anans1]

The space efficiency is exactly why I did it, it resides in an oddly shaped frame behind the driver's seat. Originally when I installed it I was a little concerned about it popping so I made sure to sand down any rough edges inside the frame and lined it with a thick tablecloth I had laying around. I'm pretty sure the tablecloth is now completely under the bladder, but it survived a 2200mi drive from Wisconsin to California and puttering around here since then. I did have to replace it about 6 months ago because it was smelling bad, but since then I started using the copper pickup and neither smell nor wear have been an issue. Friction isn't much of an issue really, if it's full in the frame the weight and pressure of the water inside hold it in place, and when it's empty there isn't enough force to really abrade anything. I'd be more concerned about some sharp point puncturing it than friction

 

[Anans1]

Updated, with photos as promised

 

[Anans1]

Apparently I can have only 5 images per post...

 

[NeedAnEscape]

How much power does the gaming system use and how long can you run it off your batteries? Mine uses just under 300w at full load.

 

[akrvbob]

It looks like a great little home that serves you and your wife really well! That's quite an elaborate water system! Puts my quart spray bottle to shame!
Bob

 

[Anans1]

Hah yeah it took a little engineering. With that setup I can connect to a hose bib or I can pump water from 5 gallon jugs into the reservoir. There's a grocery store near my work that sells 5 gallon refills for $1.75 so that's how we get water.

My rig pulls about 400w fully loaded and I've been able to run it for about an hour but I'm using the onboard graphics lately to save power and I can play like 3 hours after the sun goes down. My batteries are completely shot though, when I first moved down here I had full new batteries and I ran the fridge for like a week before it ran out.
Speaking of which, if they sat completely drained for 6 months is there any way to bring some of that life back? They still run me for a day no prob but... A week. I'd like to not have to buy new batteries already.

 

[SternWake]

If you have a hydrometer, and a charging source which can bring the batteries to 16 volts for a period of time, individually, there is a chance you can restore some usable capacity.

But 6 months sitting fully drained? My expectation is they are simply core charges and not worth the effort or the electricity one would run through them.

 

[SoulRaven]

Slightly off topic ... but have you had any issues with your Bike carrier? Mounting one on my van to carry a BMW 650, 400 pounds.

Thanks

 

[Anans1]

Nope. You're going to need locking carabiners at the very least with all the bouncing around and you might have trouble finding a big enough one, but mine's rated for 400 lbs and that cbr600 weighs about that. I haven't had any issues though you might want air springs. I know I do, the back end is heavy enough without the bike on it lol