Vincent, my Van that Goghs... in progress

[myvangoghs]

Thank you for the thoughtful reply, gp.&nbsp; I'm tempted to go the Honda generator route even though they are expensive because in time I want to buy land and build a small house (inspired by Jay Schafer) or live in an Airstream until I can afford to build something.&nbsp; A generator would still be quite useful then also.&nbsp; I have seen them on ebay from $500 on up, I don't mind waiting until I can find one at a good deal.&nbsp; I would want to know that it was safe to run it inside the van while I'm in there with it.&nbsp; They are supposed to be quiet, but I wouldn't know if it was quiet enough until I tried it.<br><br>Still, it never hurts to have some lanterns and a fan that run from battery power to start out with.&nbsp; Those will be useful in all sorts of situations.&nbsp; <br><br>Thank you for the thoughtful reply.<br><br>

 

[VanTramp]

I have a few thoughts about some of the replies in this thread. On the tinting, Seraphim of course is right but I want to add that you can usually have all the windows behind the driver's door covered as long as both side mirrors are in place. That includes the back windows. You can always get a back up camera to monitor what is happening back there or to aid in backing up. We have one and it works very well. All of Taj's back windows are tinted(from the factory) and covered and we have never had a problem in any state, but then we do just look like harmless tourists anyway. &nbsp;The driver's and passenger's door windows are slightly tinted by a previous owner, but not enough to be against our state laws and pretty much almost impossible to tell from outside. Just more info to give you some options.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>On the electric stuff. Number one, before you add any form of generator, or heater that operates via any fuel, make real sure you put a good CO detector in your van. They are cheap and extremely important. If you get one that has a display on it (ours ran about $23 I think), you can tell if there are any perceptible sources of CO and adjust your venting accordingly. Kris, a friend of ours who was parked at my Dad's place in her RT has been saved a few times by hers. The way she had her vents/windows open was drawing a neighbors generator exhaust insider her van at one park she stayed at and the alarm woke her up(she had a serious headache going and wasn't feeling very well from it), could have been pretty bad.</div><div>Anyway, it is cheap insurance and we don't want to lose you! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></div><div><br></div><div>On the battery comment about 1100 amps and only needing 650 to start the van, that actually is a mistake by your mechanic. It doesn't work that way. That is the CCA rating (Cold Cranking Amps) and is not how much energy is available in terms of storage which is referred to as AH or Amp Hours. You really don't want to use your starting battery as a source for your coach needs. I know there are some people that do it, even some that are pretty considered as pretty knowledgeable that recommend it. I believe it is a big mistake and highly suggest getting a separate coach battery, that is specifically deep cycle (not marine which is hybrid). Locating it and mounting it safely can all be done fairly easy. I know you can do it after seeing your rust repair work <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> &nbsp;If you want to wait a while before dealing with that, the next best move IMHO is to use one of the higher capacity(ah) portable jump boxes. They can handle light loads, often have built in gauges that will help monitor how much energy is still available, can be charged from either your cig lighter while driving or a 110v source if you have one available during the day at work maybe. If you need a small inverter like 200 watt or so, it could be run from the jump box or the van's lighter socket(while running preferred). To get you going on a small scale to start quickly, that would work well. When you have spent a little time living in your rig, you will have a lot better idea of what you want/need and your friends here can help you design a good system to fit the bill perfectly <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Another quick thought too, which may be obvious(sorry), things like that jump box or anything else with some weight yet portable should be secured so it doesn't take you out if you need to slam the brakes or get in even a tiny accident. Another van friend figured that one out the hard way recently. We are pretty careful about it and even with our minor deer impact last week(and brake slam) we didn't have anything flying around.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Keep asking questions! You are really doing a great job on the van so far and have a lot of exciting stuff in your future! I love watching it all unfold <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></div><div>&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>

 

[VanTramp]

Wow I use a lot of smileys! Never realize it when they are just keystrokes, but after seeing all the little yellow faces on my post, I think I should cut back!!! (just a little)<div><br></div><div>That and I wanted to make adjust that post above where I mentioned the CCA vs Ah stuff. I realize now, that seemed like I was talking to the OP when I meant that particular stuff for GP since it was their mechanic who said it. Sorry if I sounded really confused about that. I had it all straight in my head anyway&nbsp;<img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/tongue.gif"></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>

 

[myvangoghs]

Another day with Vinny and I have photos!&nbsp; First I built a box for the "luggable loo" because I wanted it always available but I also wanted it out of sight.&nbsp; I intended the box to fit the loo, TP, a box of trash bags and a bag of kitty litter.&nbsp; I don't think I made it quite big enough for all that, but we will see.&nbsp; It will get a hinged lid eventually.<br><br>I finished the bed-frame build and added more foam insulation and plywood skin.&nbsp; There is lots of great storage underneath accessible from the back doors.&nbsp; I had some white wainscoting so I cut that to fit the wheel wells and the front of the luggable loo.&nbsp; I will get more wainscoting to finish off the loo and whatever else needs some dressing up.&nbsp; <br><br>I also have trim pieces but I'll wait until I have the cork on the floor to finish that.&nbsp; <br><br><a target="_blank" href="http://myvangoghs.blogspot.com/2011/11/another-day-of-great-progress-on.html">Photos on my blog</a> and I'll also add a few here.&nbsp; <br><br>

 

[myvangoghs]

VanTramp, thank you for your thoughts.&nbsp; <br><br>I will cover the windows but I like the idea of perching Vincent in a secluded spot with a great view and not bothering to cover the windows, so I will try to keep the window treatments pretty versatile.&nbsp; (I haven't figured that part out yet.)<br><br>I bought a combination Carbon Dioxide detector/smoke alarm.&nbsp; I will put it in Vincent and pray that I never have to be awakened by the thing!<br><br>I will also check out the electrical stuff you have recommended.&nbsp; I'm also watching some Honda generators on eBay in cause I can snap up something cheap.&nbsp; Lil bugga's are pricey but pretty cool!<br><br>And thanks for the warning about having everything well secured.&nbsp; I don't want to be anyone's cautionary tale!<br><br>A quick question.&nbsp; My five clients are three in one office complex and two in a building one mile away and I could park at either place overnight.&nbsp; If get sick of feeding cash to Vincent's gas tank (12 miles a gallon!) I really don't need to go far at all.&nbsp; (plus I still have my car.)&nbsp; That makes me wonder if I'll be able to recharge batteries.&nbsp; Or perhaps I just need to plan to drive up to the mountains at least once a week to give everything a chance to recharge.&nbsp; How long does it take to recharge a portable jump box or a pair of deep cycle batteries with an inverter?<br><br>Thanks everyone, I really appreciate your thoughts, comments and support.&nbsp; <br><br>What an adventure!<br><br>&nbsp; <br><br><br>PS... a smile <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> never goes out of style!&nbsp; <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br>

 

[Seraphim]

Window treatments. We used sheet ABS plastic cut to shape, larger than the glass, and they Velcro in place. They easily slide behind cabinets or under a mattress for storage, and they go in place very quickly. Versatile. The white plastic also reflects interior light to brighten it up with fewer lights.

Interior photos on blog in signature.

 

[Wild_E]

I use refletix on some of the windows, and of course the shiny side is in, and reflects the light back inside.<div><br></div><div>In the windows, I also put large bubble wrap, folded up bubble to bubble, taped the edges and put that between the glass and the bug screen. What a difference, if you needed more stealth, then put some dark plastic on one side and refletix on the other. My refletix is velcroed on .</div>

 

[Wild_E]

I use refletix on some of the windows, and of course the shiny side is in, and reflects the light back inside.<div><br></div><div>In the windows, I also put large bubble wrap, folded up bubble to bubble, taped the edges and put that between the glass and the bug screen. What a difference, if you needed more stealth, then put some dark plastic on one side and refletix on the other. My refletix is velcroed on .</div><div><br></div><div>edit&nbsp;</div><div>actually now I think of it, the material is not Refletix I was experimenting with &nbsp;using the sunshades you buy at the dollar store. They worked great and are of course very cheap</div>

 

[VanTramp]

You could always try using past date election yard signs too. They are usually made out of a fairly decent vinyl type rigid material that is corrugated like cardboard so it is pretty strong. I think it would work really well for window shields especially if they were covered with something decent to look at instead of "vote for" type wording...<div><br></div><div>The battery charging is going to depend on how big the battery is, how far down it is discharged and what you are charging it with. An inverter isn't designed to charge batteries specifically. It is designed to create an AC waveform out of DC current so you can run 110v appliances within it's rated capacity, on a typical automotive DC system. The inverter can run a small charger to replenish things like your laptop battery, but it isn't involved in the charging of your house battery system. The vehicles alternator can do that. Many of the jump boxes are able to be charged from a specific cord to the cig lighter socket while the vehicle is running. Best would be if you could charge it from a plug in at your work say in an office or break room you have access to.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Keep in mind about the honda genny, you will have to run it somewhere that won't allow the fumes to come back into your van. Definitely has to be out of the van while running and of course, should be secured so no one steals it. Those reasons and the associated noise have kept me from every going that route.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Hope that helps. &nbsp;</div>

 

[Seraphim]

We don't use a genny either, for the reasons Mike mentioned, but I've considered having one for emergencies. Would also extend our boondocking capabilities. Could be a life saver.

 

[VanFan]

I hate microwaves and would prefer my toaster oven... and maybe a small heater for cold winter nights.

<br>Sadly, I don't believe you'll be able to run a microwave or toaster oven for more than a short time on any battery bank you could reasonably expect to carry.&nbsp; Ditto for an electric heater.&nbsp; Personally, the only things I can think of that I might really like a house battery for are perhaps a fridge or maybe an efficient 12 volt mattress pad.&nbsp; If a super-efficient 12 volt air conditioner ever arrives on the scene, I'm in!<br>Vickie<br><br>

 

[VanFan]

The way she had her vents/windows open was drawing a neighbors generator exhaust insider her van at one park she stayed at...

<br>That is precisely why I have an alarm in Moby!<br>Vickie<br>

 

[VanFan]

If you want to wait a while before dealing with that, the next best move IMHO is to use one of the higher capacity(ah) portable jump boxes. They can handle light loads, often have built in gauges that will help monitor how much energy is still available, can be charged from either your cig lighter while driving or a 110v source if you have one available during the day at work maybe. If you need a small inverter like 200 watt or so, it could be run from the jump box or the van's lighter socket(while running preferred). <br><div><br></div><div>Another quick thought too, which may be obvious(sorry), things like that jump box or anything else with some weight yet portable should be secured so it doesn't take you out if you need to slam the brakes or get in even a tiny accident.

</div>We carry a jump box and although we don't use it in the van itself very often, have found it helpful on occasion.&nbsp; At well under $100, the power pack has earned it's keep, although you can get a lot more capacity in a deep cycle battery for less money.<br><br>The battery doesn't last long when using the inverter, because it is not very efficient.&nbsp; Ours includes a compressor for adding air to tires if needed, and a trouble light that is more trouble to aim than it's worth.<br><br>We use a double-male adapter to plug into the vehicles upfitted electrical system and backfeed power to it for lights, radio, power seats, etc. so we can use those items without running the starter battery down.&nbsp; I do not recommend you do this, however, because it could cause problems with your vehicle's computer.&nbsp; (Moby just isn't that sophisticated.)&nbsp; Also, if I accidentally turn the key to the wrong position and activate various relays, it blows the in-line fuse in the adapter (which is why it's there!).<br> <br>One very nice thing is that you can carry the pack to a picnic table to run a fan and help keep flying insects away.&nbsp; Best of all:&nbsp; it provides the power for my beloved 12 volt shower!<br>&nbsp; <br>The unit charges much more rapidly from DC (cigarette lighter) than from AC (house current).&nbsp; An overnight charge is needed on AC if it's run half way down.&nbsp; For longevity, it is best to keep it topped off and not let it go below about half capacity.<br><br><br><br><br>

 

[VanTramp]

I hate microwaves and would prefer my toaster oven... and maybe a small heater for cold winter nights.

<br>Sadly, I don't believe you'll be able to run a microwave or toaster oven for more than a short time on any battery bank you could reasonably expect to carry.&nbsp; Ditto for an electric heater.&nbsp; Personally, the only things I can think of that I might really like a house battery for are perhaps a fridge or maybe an efficient 12 volt mattress pad.&nbsp; If a super-efficient 12 volt air conditioner ever arrives on the scene, I'm in!<br>Vickie<br><br>

<div><br></div><div>Hey sweet Vickie, you are absolutely right on the electric heater for the most part though I have recently seen a few that might work in some very specific cases.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The microwave and toaster oven though are very possible on a decent sized battery bank with an inverter. We use both of ours often. The Microwave(800Watt) doesn't usually get run long enough or often enough to make much of a dent in our coach battery bank between charging. We use the oven(1850 Watt max) to do stuff like bake fish or bread, chicken, porkchops, toast etc. It works fine for the two of us to make a meal and still leave us adequate battery for our other typical uses in a full day. Never seems to require more than 20-30 minutes of runtime and isn't always in a heating cycle during that time. The only time it becomes an issue is if we aren't able to charge/replenish the batteries again within another day or so. Otherwise we are able to stay within our 50% DOD just fine.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Typical use as I refer to it above means a few lights, a few movies on the flatscreen/dvd/TV water pump as needed, my seat heaters often for many hours(they don't draw much and are wired to the coach battery bank too) and usually typical laptop use.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>We have 220ah of total coach battery and a 2500 watt Prosine inverter that I only turn on as needed with a remote.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>I personally love having a microwave in the van. Saves a lot of LP use.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Hope that helps <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> &nbsp;</div>

 

[VanFan]

[/quote]The microwave and toaster oven though are very possible on a decent sized battery bank with an inverter. We use both of ours often. The Microwave(800Watt) doesn't usually get run long enough or often enough to make much of a dent in our coach battery bank between charging. We use the oven(1850 Watt max) to do stuff like bake fish or bread, chicken, porkchops, toast etc. It works fine for the two of us to make a meal and still leave us adequate battery for our other typical uses in a full day. <br>[/quote]<br>Dude!&nbsp; Maybe I <i>do</i> need a house battery set up!&nbsp; I would love to be able to use a toaster oven (or even the little Nesco Roaster?) without hookups!!&nbsp; Wow.&nbsp; Do you think my hot pot might work, too?&nbsp; I hadn't considered the short cycle time for these gizmos.<br><br>Vickie<br><br>

 

[myvangoghs]

I've been thinking about taking out my headliner to see what is up there, make sure it is well insulated and then cover it back up again.&nbsp; Anyone have experience with this?&nbsp; Advice?<br>

 

[sl1966]

Do it! I don't have any advice or ever did it, but extra insulation in cold weather areas never hurts as far as I can tell.<div><br></div>

 

[myvangoghs]

Ug!&nbsp; I've been working such long hours that I have made no progress on Vincent.&nbsp; I'm getting antsy!&nbsp; I hope to have something to report soon.<br><br>Peace.<br><br>

 

[myvangoghs]

Some photos are up on my blog of Vincent's new <a target="_blank" href="http://myvangoghs.blogspot.com/2011/12/vincent-gets-some-body-modification.html">body modification</a>.&nbsp; After measuring, I realized my bed wouldn't fit in Vinny unless I got rid of the bracket for the spare tire.&nbsp; Back when I first bought the van, I had my mechanic put the spare on a bracket on the back door, so I would have extra room inside.&nbsp; So I got some help from my friend who removed that pesky bar that was in the way and now I believe the bed should fit.&nbsp; <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br>

 

[myvangoghs]

Vinny had some leaks after a week of rain.&nbsp; My manfriend discovered that the seals on some of the the windows had been installed backwards (probably when the van was repainted from blue to white.)&nbsp; It was surprisingly simple to take them off and put them back on the right way.&nbsp; And now the windows don't rattle in their frames anymore, and hopefully... no more leaking!<br><br>I was REALLY grateful that I didn't have all my stuff in there with those leaks, that would have been a MESS!<br><br>so... hopefully <a target="_blank" href="http://myvangoghs.blogspot.com/2011/12/high-and-dry.html">high and dry</a> from here on out.&nbsp; <br>