My present 'Mission Machine'

[Willy]

&nbsp;Well, here's what I've been in for the past year (year before that it was a different camper on the back). 1990 F-250, 302 ci., 5spd, 4x4 w. limited slip. Comes with dual alarm systems, one organic <a href="../file?id=1296220" target="_blank">IMG_0172.JPG</a> &amp; one not. The leafs have been swapped over from an extended cab, as was the full floating rear end, which makes it basically a 1 ton, though without the larger front spindles. The camper is a work in progress and has seen me through a winter of subzero temps. Gonna sell it, most probably, this summer and move up to a Grumman step van or a cube van, since there just isn't enough room.&nbsp; <a href="../file?id=1296212" target="_blank">IMG_0163.JPG&nbsp; </a><a href="../file?id=1296213" target="_blank">IMG_0164.JPG&nbsp; </a><a href="../file?id=1296214" target="_blank">IMG_0165.JPG&nbsp; </a><a href="../file?id=1296215" target="_blank">IMG_0166.JPG&nbsp; </a><a href="../file?id=1296216" target="_blank">IMG_0167.JPG&nbsp;&nbsp; </a><br>&nbsp;Got a Waeco cooler/freezer on a slider &nbsp; <a href="../file?id=1296217" target="_blank">IMG_0169.JPG</a>&nbsp; <a href="../file?id=1296218" target="_blank">IMG_0170.JPG</a> <br>&nbsp;and a slightly disreputable looking owner&nbsp; <a href="../file?id=1296219" target="_blank">IMG_0171.JPG</a><br><a href="../file?id=1296216" target="_blank"></a>

 

[She]

Very cozy. The Waeco fridge/freezer? Thats cool putting it on a slider. Like that idea. I have to say your organic alarm is adorable! <img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif">&nbsp;Although very tight in there you seem to have everything you need. Good luck in finding your new home. Im in the same boat here.&nbsp;

 

[yesican]

<p>I like the slide out for the freezer...gives me ideas!</p>

 

[Willy]

I got the slides for reel cheep at Princess Auto and they work like a charm. There's a home-made spring tab on the bottom that automatically engages when the cooler is pushed in.. don't like manual locking mechanisms cuz they invariably are left unlocked when going over a rough road.. food ALL over the place! The chest style fridge also works better since cold air isn't lost when opening it and it can be removed easily for cleaning or to put into another vehicle. <br>

 

[akrvbob]

Love your set-up! i also have a Waeco Dometic refrigerator and have been very pleased with it. I lived in a box van (12x8 foot box) for 6 years and it was huge. All the room you could need. Most are 14 foot or more now so yours will be even better. I had a 350 in mine and it SUCKED gas. If you can find a step van with a Cummins diesel, your wallet will thank you. <br><br>The slides are a great idea. My fridge is on the floor, but I loose a lot of space above it. I could put slides under it and build a shelf above it to regain some space. I may have to do that! Thanks for the great idea! Bob <br>

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;You're welcome. I actually would have preferred to have the cooler lower down, floor would be great, but there isn't enough room on the floor to have it and still have reasonably spacious living quarters. Would keep cooler down lower, especially during the winter months. Would still use the slides with storage on top though, since space is near always at a premium. Right now I'm soooo ready to get a step/cube van, but wanna hold tight till the right one comes along (cheap &amp; decent that is). Will lose the 4x4 ability but a rear locker will make up for a lot of that. Building myself a recumbent trike to pedal around and will probably add some sort of motor to it. Hell, I've got enuf solar on the roof to keep even an electric trike going during the summer months.<br>

 

[yesican]

<p>I'm liking your ideas more and more Willy.&nbsp; Keep em coming...Rae</p>

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Okay, here's my latching setup for the Waeco. I couldn't get the whole of it, but just imagine going back a foot. There's a bit of spring to it (that's why it's so long) and it presses gently against the moving bottom shelf of the cooler. When the cooler is pushed in far enough, the end springs up over the fron edge, securing it against some really godawful movements (took it up logging roads and backwoods). There's also a pic of my water system (simple is the word here) and another of my alarm system. Notice the fittings I have for the fridge. They're quick connect 50 amp (there's a name for them, but I forgot it) with nice thick cable that I actually have running into the Waeco itself. Less copper losses means more running time and cooler wires.&nbsp;<a href="file?id=1296706" target="_blank"></a>

 

[She]

LOL I'm really loving your alarm system.&nbsp;

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Yup, she's an angel.. though she sure 'nuff turns into a little devil when she catches sight of rodents, cats, deer, bears (bit one once), other female dogs, East Indians....<br>

 

[blars]

Looks like Andersen connectors.<br><br><br>

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Yup, that she be. I just plain suck when it comes to names. There's an electrical shop nearby and the y have em.. even the big honkin' ones. Gonna get myself some more since they're so handy. Thanks.<br>

 

[Seraphim]

I envy you the 4x4 capability. Looks neat.

Another 'bent rider, huh? A friend owns a recumbent shop, and often buys old 'bents. A lot of home builders at www.bentrideronline.com, with links to resources and designs, and a well stocked forum.

Like your organic alarm system.

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Here's my 'bent. Gonna get an add-on trike rear&nbsp;and maybe a bike motor&nbsp; and have an el-cheapo grocery getter or backwoods explorer. http://www.streetlowrider.com/shop/...osCsid=d15ab6f9c680114918008424e9949571&nbsp; http://www.zoombicycles.com/shop/co...=1885444&amp;mode=product&amp;product=8151710 <br>