AlwaysFree
New member
So I bought my conversion van (Ford Econline, high top) and took it to the dealer right away. Had it inspected and the basic & preventive maintenance done.
I found it most important to have all the fluids changes (all!), the wheel bearings repacked, and to make sure the parking brake and spare tire work as designed.. Also had a steering damper/stabilizer installed (what a difference!), wheels balanced and alignment done.
So mechanically I should be good to go.
On the way back home (3 day trip) I had to say in there. I was not sure how to handle the cold, I had plenty of blankets and a good sleeping bag with me. However, one night it got really cold (around 12 degree).
So I thought: I have dual A/C which gives me a rear fan and air outlets, why not start the van and turn on the heat, the rear blower will distribute the warm air all over the van.
It worked flawless! I had it running for a few hours and did not even have to set the fan control on high.
Granted this is not a good solution. Not so much about the fuel burned (they say idling burns around 1/2 gallon per hour), but certainly bad for the environment. Did not feel too bad though, considering all the cars sitting around idling because they want them to warm up. That reminds me to get a carbon monoxide detector, just in case. And a fire extinguisher of course!
But this experience gave me a hint that, if in extreme hot temperature and A/C is needed, I could just do that for temporary relief.
My next steps now are to remove the center captain chairs and have the rear bench seat installed sideways. This will give me space, I can walk up all the way to the rear door, when sleeping I can fold it down and have all the space I need.
I want to have a secondary battery installed so I can power a 12V refrigerator. I guess I will have to look at some kind of solar panel sooner or later so that the battery gets recharged. Driving around would probably take too long.
Water I am using the portable way right now, and am looking at what kind of toilet to get. I guess at this point it is all about size to me, so I do not know whether to get a regular camping toilet, or a composting one.
Lots of thoughts, I have to research any stated experiences from others with toilets.
See ya!
I found it most important to have all the fluids changes (all!), the wheel bearings repacked, and to make sure the parking brake and spare tire work as designed.. Also had a steering damper/stabilizer installed (what a difference!), wheels balanced and alignment done.
So mechanically I should be good to go.
On the way back home (3 day trip) I had to say in there. I was not sure how to handle the cold, I had plenty of blankets and a good sleeping bag with me. However, one night it got really cold (around 12 degree).
So I thought: I have dual A/C which gives me a rear fan and air outlets, why not start the van and turn on the heat, the rear blower will distribute the warm air all over the van.
It worked flawless! I had it running for a few hours and did not even have to set the fan control on high.
Granted this is not a good solution. Not so much about the fuel burned (they say idling burns around 1/2 gallon per hour), but certainly bad for the environment. Did not feel too bad though, considering all the cars sitting around idling because they want them to warm up. That reminds me to get a carbon monoxide detector, just in case. And a fire extinguisher of course!
But this experience gave me a hint that, if in extreme hot temperature and A/C is needed, I could just do that for temporary relief.
My next steps now are to remove the center captain chairs and have the rear bench seat installed sideways. This will give me space, I can walk up all the way to the rear door, when sleeping I can fold it down and have all the space I need.
I want to have a secondary battery installed so I can power a 12V refrigerator. I guess I will have to look at some kind of solar panel sooner or later so that the battery gets recharged. Driving around would probably take too long.
Water I am using the portable way right now, and am looking at what kind of toilet to get. I guess at this point it is all about size to me, so I do not know whether to get a regular camping toilet, or a composting one.
Lots of thoughts, I have to research any stated experiences from others with toilets.
See ya!
