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

[Sheena]

+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.

I practically stole it at $1000. I think I'll go with updating the converter (first learning how) and the battery, because it looks like it's been put to bed whiskey drunk and hung up hungover. I do have 3 way fridge, which I'm not touching. Nor the sink. All looks good there. To your point, I paid for something. Good tip on the thermometer. I'll pick one up. I haven't actually hooked up at a camp, I called around but they want $60 just for me to park it for a day to test things out! I know I need to do it, but I hate to just toss money like that around when I could be putting that towards known need improvements first. Do you think solar will be enough to keep the fridge running along with my modern needs (computer, cell phone). I could always use it for fry storage and veggies.

 

[Sheena]

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.

Interesting. I did think about the safety of separating the items. But I also think utilizing vertical space is smart for the electrical. Right now it is all attached to the floor everywhere. I don't mind moving stuff around. I know what I'm getting into by messing with this stuff. But that carpet had to go, might as well update everything that need updating while I've got myself into this.

 

[Almost There]

Most of the systems can be tested in your own driveway.

Oh wait, you're in New England and it's November... It's a little late in the year for working in the driveway and ripping things apart.

IIWM, I'd be hightailing it out of there and heading to AZ. You might be roughing it a little bit while you get across the country but still.

Once you're out of the upcoming cold weather and with all of us at Q, the systems can be tested and parts replaced with a few expert supervisors watching carefully to make sure you're doing it right....  

Q also has the big RV markets where you can pick up most of the parts needed at probably much lower prices than you'll find at your nearest RV dealer or they can be ordered in from Amazon etc.

As to the fridge, it's always going to need to run on propane if you're not on shore power. None of the 3 way fridges were ever designed to run on 12V except as a temporary measure while driving down the highway so no, solar for the 3 way fridge isn't likely to work well.

 

[Sheena]

Most of the systems can be tested in your own driveway.

Oh wait, you're in New England and it's November... It's a little late in the year for working in the driveway and ripping things apart.

IIWM, I'd be hightailing it out of there and heading to AZ. You might be roughing it a little bit while you get across the country but still.

Once you're out of the upcoming cold weather and with all of us at Q, the systems can be tested and parts replaced with a few expert supervisors watching carefully to make sure you're doing it right....  

Q also has the big RV markets where you can pick up most of the parts needed at probably much lower prices than you'll find at your nearest RV dealer or they can be ordered in from Amazon etc.

As to the fridge, it's always going to need to run on propane if you're not on shore power. None of the 3 way fridges were ever designed to run on 12V except as a temporary measure while driving down the highway so no, solar for the 3 way fridge isn't likely to work well.

New England - Tell me about it! It's killing me. I'm only doing this here because I've got a design project to wrap and access to tools. 

What is Q? 

Good to know about the refrigerator only running on propane when not on shore. I've no experience with RV amenities, electrical work, or plumbing.  I guess when this is done, I'll know a lot more.

 

[SoulRaven]

Q = Quartzsite, Arizona

 

[Sheena]

Well if anyone knows how to disconnect the copper wire attached to the bottom of this mechanism. I'd love to know how. Until then I'm at an impasse for moving forward. I don't want to damage any major system to the point where it will make updating over-complicated. 

Here is a picture of the wire that is screwed in to floor shown under the system. 

 

[highdesertranger]

you can't run a three way refer off of solar. highdesertranger

 

[SoulRaven]

That appears to be a ground wire of some sort, but I am completely unfamiliar with that exact system...

 

[debit.servus]

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?

     If you have an income of less than $10,000 a year, I advise against replacing, removing, or ripping out components you don't know 100% what they area, what they connect with, or how to put the componet back in and have it work it nothing ever happened to it. Or if it's a component or system like propane or A/C stuff that is designed to not be user servicable.

     Now if one defines "major purchases" to have four or more digits on the left side of the decimal point ($xxxx.yy or more) to them, and have the means to match. Aka can afford to fix said mistake, then one does not to think so long and hard about the advice in the previous paragraph.

     I ripped out the rear A/C and cut one of it's refigerant hoses since I couldn't unscrew the fitiing, thinking the unit was just a fan. I put it back in after realizing what it was. Living on $7600 a year, It took a long time to get back the point where I had functional A/C built into the van. I made the bad decision so you don't have to!

 

[Sheena]

if it's a component or system like propane or A/C stuff that is designed to not be user servicable.

     I ripped out the rear A/C and cut one of it's refigerant hoses since I couldn't unscrew the fitiing, thinking the unit was just a fan. I put it back in after realizing what it was. Living on $7600 a year, It took a long time to get back the point where I had functional A/C built into the van. I made the bad decision so you don't have to!

VERY good to know about the AC. I think our vans are similar and I' looking at ripping that AC out and replacing it before summer comes around. I've got dogs and the current system definitely has a leak. I need to look into how much energy it pulls and whether its worth having at all, or maybe a fan will suffice for the dogs. I do want them comfortable though.

 

[B and C]

Well if anyone knows how to disconnect the copper wire attached to the bottom of this mechanism. I'd love to know how. Until then I'm at an impasse for moving forward. I don't want to damage any major system to the point where it will make updating over-complicated. 

Here is a picture of the wire that is screwed in to floor shown under the system. 

If you are talking about the bare copper wire, that is a ground wire.  If it is bolted to the body, you can just remove the bolt.  The picture doesn't show any connections.  Any unused holes in the floor should be sealed.  Ground wires are safety wires to keep you from getting electrocuted or burning down the place.  That is one of several reasons to have any power source disconnected.  If you are not handy with electricity, I would recommend getting someone involved who is.  You don't want to burn down your new house when you hook it back up.

 

[wagoneer]

ditto to any bare wire is usually a ground wire and this looks stock. I am guessing to the chassis, perhaps under the vehicle. If you cut this and pull the appliance get some green tape and mark it and move on although it is common knowledge bare wires are ground. Just don't be afraid it's the re-connect that is more important.

 

[B and C]

Any wire you cut may end up being too short for the reinstall.  Splices in the middle of a wire run are a pain down the road.

 

[Sheena]

Q = Quartzsite, Arizona

I just looked this Quartzsite up. That is insane. Like Burning Man insane.

 

[GotSmart]

I just looked this Quartzsite up. That is insane. Like Burning Man insane.

Not Burning Man insane, 50,000 senior citizens at a giant flea market insane.     Much cleaner and quieter,  

 

[Sheena]

Not Burning Man insane, 50,000 senior citizens at a giant flea market insane.     Much cleaner and quieter,  

I'm the type of person that would hangout in either of those situations and have the best time.

 

[wagoneer]

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.

No I am saying if it is working keep it, the battery is the only for sure .

 

[GotSmart]

No I am saying if it is working keep it, the battery is the only for sure .

X2  

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!