Hello

[Black Vulture]

Hello, I've been surfing around this forum for a few weeks now and thought I would finally introduce myself.

My name is Jeff and I recently bought a 2012 Chevy Express cargo van and am super excited to start my build!

I just purchased from Amazon the Renogy 100 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline starter kit. I know I still have to purchase an inverter 2 battries and a fuse box.
Im new at all of this and could really use some advice.

As far as my electricity needs, they will be, A small Dometic fridge, laptop, LED lights cell phone.
It seems most people go with 200 watts. I'm going to get 1 100 watt solar panel with my recent purchase and will add another one when i get the funds.

I have a question about insulation. I dont think I like the idea of gluing the poly...(whatever its called...lol) to the inside of the van in case of mold and wanting to do a rebuild in the future. I cant imagine  its easy to get that stuff off after gluing it to the walls.  
Has anyone used magnets to put the insulation on? Then paneling over top? That way it would be easy to replace in the future if need be?

I also have a question about the floor. Does the floor really need to be insulated? I want to put 1/2 inch plywood down.
I'm gonna use a cardboard template, use 2 pieces of plywood and join them together in the middle like I've seen in some You Tube videos, but I don't know how to join them in the middle. Could someone let me know how?

Also, I was wondering if there is anybody near me who could possibly help with my build? I live in the Philly suburbs. North Wales PA

I like Adventure Van Mans set up and like what he did recently by putting the bed on the drivers side wall instead of in the back.

I am a backpacker and have a few long distance treks under my belt AT 09' LT 05' 1000 miles of the PCT in 2012 and am super excited about van dwelling but I have to admit I'm not the most handy guy and need help!....lol :blush:

 

[AbuelaLoca]

Welcome Jeff! Most folks say insulation is not necessarily needed for the floor, however, if you're staying in the Philly area for the winters, you might want something that will keep your feetsies warm?

The magnet idea for the foam board is interesting and I'd love to know if it's feasible! I'm sure those with greater knowledge will chime in and I will be watching too! As far as removing the insulation, there is 3M adhesive remover on the market so not sure it would be all that tough?

Enjoy your build and give us pics!!

 

[XFILE36]

Welcome Jeff. Have you watched Bob's videos on youtube? https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAj7O3LCDbkIR54hAn6Zz7A BTW, Check out cycle cruisers video idea on a folding bed. I want to try it.

 

[Black Vulture]

I have seen Bob's videos. I like his new series on Dispersed camping.

Thanks for the folding bed vid, I'll give that some thought.

 

[cyndi]

Jeff! Welcome to the CRVL forums! Just a thought. You may want to let people know if you have anything to offer while they help. A driveway? Acres of fields or forest? Hookups (electricity and/or water) showers? Meals? Cash money?

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.

 

[hangtownmatt]

Jeff,

I recently came across this persons perspective on the whole camper van build issue.  He makes some points counter to popular belief but I see some logic in his analysis:

http://slabcity.net/members/camper_dan

I'd be curious what others think.  I don't yet have any personal experience myself, but it's hard to argue with keeping things simple.

Matt

 

[jonyjoe303]

When I remove the carpet on my van I decided to put foam insulation on the floor. I didnt even glue it on there. I was noticing the floor was getting hot, thats why I put some on there.

As far as installing your foam, myself I just use hotglue. No fumes and drys in minutes. Also not that hard to remove and won't leave a big mess. The hotglue works great, in three years since I installed the roof insulation it's still on there tight. 

The only thing is you have to cut the foam in smaller sizes like 1x2 feet apply the glue then install on your van,  like a jigsaw puzzle. This is because the glue drys quickly, if your foam is too large it'll start to dry before you install it. 

If you go the magnet route, you can hotglue the magnets to the foam. Hotglue sticks to everything.


hotgluegun I use, bought at harborfreight for 20 dollars, 3 years later still working strong.

 

[Black Vulture]

Thanks so much for suggesting the hot glue gun.
   I used it on the walls of my van today and it worked great!

   I tried spray glue but the fumes were terrible and it diddnt really hold the polyisolate foam on there to well.