Should I keep stock amenities from 1989 camper van or replace with updated system?

[Sheena]

Hey friends,

I knew I needed to rip out the carpet in order to put down vinyl for the floors. I've got 2 dogs, so no compromise on this. Plus it smelled like cheap carpet cleaner. Gross. I also wanted to update the the floor plan to better fit my needs so the carpet was coming up anyways. It should be noted, I'm still working on floor plan design.

My camper van is a fully outfitted van. It comes with a propane heater, stove, sink, toilet, electric, battery. etc. But the camper is old and most of the items were inconveniently placed taking up most of the storage space under the benches. Basically lots of poor use of space. 

Since this a 1989 Camper-van, I'm on the fence about whether or not replace/update these features or make the old system work. Taking things apart to redo the floors has exposed some small issues like small leaks, I can just fix those up. I'm completely new to this type work (electrical, plumbing), but I'm also handy and fearless with new projects, so I'm not worried about whether it's hard to do so long as I'm not messing anything worth keeping up. Youtube and the community will get me through anything that the guy at HomeDepot can't. 

Do y'all have any thoughts when looking at these items if there are much more efficient means? or are space saving and worth it updating? I'm looking at solar in the future, if that makes any difference to the system.

I'm at the point where I have all the carpet up and next I need to pull up the sub-flooring to redo the insulation. Before I can move forward I need to disconnect or move these items. The only one I'm really not sure about moving is the unit with the red warning sticker on it. It has a copper wire drilled directly in the sub floor. I've no idea what this does and I'm nervous to cut it, but I don't see a way around it. I'll either have to cut the flooring or the wire to get it out in order be able to reuse the subfloor - which is great shape.

Thoughts about any of this?  

 

[GotSmart]

Pictures?

 

[Sheena]

Pictures?

The link is there. Here it is again 

 

 

[wagoneer]

So far I see a heater and a water pump That battery would be a possible upgrade candidate. Also a breaker box with circuit breakers, a handy Item mostly for hooking into 110 volt land power.

 

[highdesertranger]

GotSmart she has a few pics on the link. Sheena if you are financially able to replace, I would replace or eliminate. the forced air heater I would eliminate and use a portable. the convertor I would update the newer ones are much better. the water pump I would use if it still works. not sure what you have for a refer, so really can't comment. btw can you post a pick of that copper ground wire? does it go to that metal box with all the holes? that is your convertor. highdesertranger

 

[B and C]

Disconnect the house battery and unplug from shore power before you do any more demo-electrical work.  You will need to understand what each item does and how it is supposed to be hooked up before you can move or replace it.  You will need to draw a schematic of what is connected to what so you can get the old or new reconnected in the correct place.  Disconnecting wiring is preferable to cutting wire so you know what it was connected to before pulling it out.  Your furnace will need to go back in the same spot as the hole in the side for venting is already there.  The black tank will dictate where the toilet goes.  It all depends on how you are going to use it.  Bucket?  Remove the potty and put the bucket where you want it to go, etc.  The thing with the red sticker is probably the charge controller for the house battery and a converter to make 12v from 110v.  Find out the make and model number to see if it will work for a new house battery.  I replaced the one that came in my Roadtrek with a Progressive Dynamics one as the old Magnatek was only a two stage charger and the 12v circuits were noisy (not filtered).

If the old is working, why replace it before you have to?  If it is just to keep from having to do it later, there are newer direct replacement appliances available.

 

[Sheena]

So far I see a heater and a water pump That battery would be a possible upgrade candidate.

So you're saying of the photos listed (6 Total) that the Heater, water pump, and battery should be upgraded? I would like the water to be hot, so I can hook up a outdoor shower eventually.

 

[highdesertranger]

I didn't see a water heater. highdesertranger

 

[Sheena]

I didn't see a water heater.  highdesertranger

No, sorry. I meant I'd like to eventually add one. If that effects any ideas or suggestions.

 

[highdesertranger]

oh ok, I like hot water so yes I would add one. but that's me. what is your propane source? highdesertranger

 

[Sheena]

"Disconnect the house battery and unplug from shore power before you do any more demo-electrical work." 
"Your furnace will need to go back in the same spot as the hole in the side for venting is already there."
"Remove the potty and put the bucket where you want it to go, etc. "
"charge controller for the house battery and a converter to make 12v from 110v."

If the old is working, why replace it before you have to?  If it is just to keep from having to do it later, there are newer direct replacement appliances available.

Smart ideas here. I definitely already disconnected both batteries before I messed with anything.  I've taken a bunch of picture, but I'll draw them out too. I do want a full understanding before I pull it out, that's why I just worked around it (which was a giant pain in the ass, btw!)

I haven't decided between bucket or black water yet! I really should so I can just cover the hole. I'd hate to put everything down only to not want use the built in toilet. From what I read the compost toilet or bucket is the way to go. Maybe I should just pull that toilet out and ditch it. 

I'm thinking about ditching that external heater like someone mentioned. That thing is huge! It takes up so much space. I wonder how much propane it uses and if it's more or less efficient than a Mr. Heater.  

Yeah I had no idea what that was, but it looked important! That's why I left it connected to that copper wire drilled into the floor.  
The thing is, If I need to remove it, how do I do it without messing it up?

 

[Sheena]

oh ok,  I like hot water so yes I would add one.  but that's me.  what is your propane source?  highdesertranger

The propane tank is under the van behind the duel doors on the passenger side. It's kinda rusty but it connects and works because to stove works. Not sure where I'd put a water heater, but I want to get it now so I can include it in the build. I'm looking to do an outdoor shower. Any brand recommendations?

 

[highdesertranger]

put the water heater where the forced air unit is. highdesertranger

 

[Sheena]

put the water heater where the forced air unit is.  highdesertranger

I'm wondering if it would be smart to put all the systems organized (water heater, water pump, water tank, electric/solar system) in one spot. Maybe on the floor and mounted to some boards in the back of the van. Right now is all over the place. Driving me crazy how its all just drilled into the floor all over the place. I want a command center! All boring crap in one spot.

 

[SoulRaven]

Okay let's start with first things first since we're talking about an Xplorer...

Is it the high top model, or the low top, sunken floor model? Whole exterior & interior pictures would be very helpful, including ones before you demoed it.

I also can't read that red tag or tell for sure what it is by your pictures.

What systems worked or didn't work before your demo?

It would also be helpful if we knew whether or not you are going to be spending any amount of time in below freezing temps, because if you are, any type of plumbing is a poor idea. Unless you're parked somewhere permanently where you can keep your plumbing and water lines above freezing at all times, plumbing becomes unusable in the winter.

 

[SoulRaven]

Are you sure there isn't a water heater there already?

 

[Almost There]

Okay let's start with first things first since we're talking about an Xplorer...

Is it  the high top model, or the low top, sunken floor model?  Whole exterior & interior pictures would be very helpful, including ones before you demoed it.

I also can't read that red tag or tell for sure what it is by your pictures.

What systems worked or didn't work before your demo?

It would also be helpful if we knew whether or not you are going to be spending any amount of time in below freezing temps, because if you are, any type of plumbing is a poor idea.  Unless you're parked somewhere permanently where you can keep your plumbing and water lines above freezing at all times, plumbing becomes unusable in the winter.

+1

This and remember that you paid extra for having all that stuff already installed unless the van came to you either as a gift or you literally stole the thing. OTOH, all the systems are already 26 years old and well past their life expectancy so if they work, it's by the grace of the PTB.

Some systems are more prone to misbehaving than others. Batteries wear out, power converters were notorious for overcharging batteries causing early death.

If you really want hot water, take a look at the Insta Hot style heaters rather than an RV hot water tank. The instahots take up a whole lot less room.

If you've got a 3 way fridge in there, keep in mind that it needs to be run off of propane unless you're hooked up to shore power or on the road when it uses 12V. They suck the life out of house batteries if you try boondocking with them on 12V. Test it with a thermometer for at least 24 hours on each source of power to make sure that it actually cools on all three systems.

 

[Sheena]

Okay let's start with first things first since we're talking about an Xplorer...

Is it  the high top model, or the low top, sunken floor model?  Whole exterior & interior pictures would be very helpful, including ones before you demoed it.

I also can't read that red tag or tell for sure what it is by your pictures.

What systems worked or didn't work before your demo?

It would also be helpful if we knew whether or not you are going to be spending any amount of time in below freezing temps, because if you are, any type of plumbing is a poor idea.  Unless you're parked somewhere permanently where you can keep your plumbing and water lines above freezing at all times, plumbing becomes unusable in the winter.

High-top. Sunken floor down the strip in the middle by the kitchen. Not in the back. Electric was working, propane was working (but not sure about heat) and not sure about plumbing. No water in the tank. But the guy I got it from assured me it did. I trust him alright. I disconnected some plumbing, but nothing I can use some some plumbers tape to re-attach. There was some leaks though, before I mess with it. I'm not planning on being in any real cold weather for any regular amount of time, but I wouldn't say never. I'll be moving to California once the van is set enough to travel. Here are some after and before images. Not great shots, but you'll get an idea. 
[quote pid='168785' dateline='1448848334']

[/quote]

 

[SoulRaven]

Systems are generally separated for a reason, either for efficiency of the individual components, or for safety purposes.

The Xplorer's were top of the line rigs, and known for their quality components and superior designs. Many of today's replacement parts could actually be inferior to the originals.

 

[Sheena]

Are you sure there isn't a water heater there already?

Ha! I'm not sure about anything! According to the manual I have, hot water heaters on the Xplorer and the Xtravan (the one I have) "are not available." Which is tragic, because I hate anything to do with cold, which is why I'm leaving New England.