Advancing Alvar

[Davydd]

Originally Posted by pattonsr

Davydd,

I wonder why the A/C unit is not centered on the roof? I am sure there is a good reason.

It probably has something to do with how the inside diffuser unit aligns. Here is Theresa's ARV and if you look close it is not centered either. Note too, the solar panels are rigid and elevated.

[classbbud]

Here's a screen print of Mike Wendlands new Roadtrek with no roof air and lots of solar.

[avanti]

Thanks.

Has anyone figured out exactly what RT installed in this van? I am seriously considering reworking our van to get rid of the roof AC (mostly for noise reasons). I am starting to look carefully at DC-powered split systems with the compressor mounted underneath. It is a difficult space to get one's head around.

[Aeronie]

Honestly if I didn't have the dogs, I would not have the A/C.

[gerrym51]

Originally Posted by avanti

Thanks.

Has anyone figured out exactly what RT installed in this van? I am seriously considering reworking our van to get rid of the roof AC (mostly for noise reasons). I am starting to look carefully at DC-powered split systems with the compressor mounted underneath. It is a difficult space to get one's head around.

if you look at the videos Mike made earlier in it's building there is a device underneath which looks like two compressor fans like in sportmobiles danhard AC.

let's face it there are really only 2 options if not on the roof. the coolcat used at floor level or the undercarriage split. based on one of the videos inside i don't think it's the coolcat

[Davydd]

There has been little disclosed about the experimental off the roof air conditioning system on Wendland and Campskunk's Roadtreks. If you watch his video you will see on the back wall overhead cabinet that there is a vent. Also on that overhead cabinet they featured a storage area that drops down and is shallow. That to me indicates there might be something above (air conditioning?) in that cabinet. Split system, more under the floor? Start investigating DC powered systems as they should be more energy efficient. It is kind of fun sleuthing.

[FredA]

The other think that I don't see on the roof is a black tank vent.

[markopolo]

The black tank vent is probably not visible because of the angle of the shot. We can't see the far rear corner or the space between the awning and the panels. The 190P I owned had a very low profile vent.

[Davydd]

It was a quiet week for us in not hearing much from Advanced RV. We are now 4 weeks away from picking our B up. We did have some discussion about our stowaway table we will use with the two cab chairs upfront. I must be contrary to everyone else. I keep stressing I want a two person B and no more more. Most every B converter thinks people would actually entertain inside their Bs with fancy meals. Even ARV has developed a large 38" table with folding leaves. I stressed I did not want such a large table that spans across the the seating. For one you cannot get up from the driver's seat once the table is in place and set. I hate the idea of being cramped in like that. I also hate the idea as I had to do with our Great West Van to have to slide into the driver's seat from the passenger seat once the table was in place. That was one reason we shortened the width of the wardrobe in order to push it away from the driver's seat.

So, to get across what I wanted, I put two TV trays together, taped down some tracing paper and drew the outline of the table I wanted (26" or 28" wide depending on the clearance between the table and wardrobe). Then I did a typical setting to demonstrate that it is not big but doable. We never eat inside our B unless we have inclement weather and then it would never be as elaborate as we would outside at a picnic table. We have never entertained inside our B. I also stressed I wanted 4" radius corners and not their standard 2". I pointed out that a plate has a 4-5" radius so any extra table at the corner was not needed on such as small table. Lay it out, take a picture, send it.

[bobojay]

Yeah, but that won't hold your pizza you just made along with the 2 separate plates...

[Davydd]

Do you think I am really going to use this as a computer desk? This will hold the pizza nicely.

[Davydd]

I got word last night Alvar might be ready in about two weeks instead of February. We are getting rather anxious.

This is more a symbol than a name...

[Tenbike2]

Exciting times. Do you know if this is the only rv they are delivering this month? I was wondering if it might because of the move to their new facility next door. Perhaps the move went quicker than anticipated. Look forward to seeing all the innovations that you have incorporated into your new rv. Jim

[Davydd]

I was told that when Mikes47's Imagine was ready December 29th that ours was the next in line. So I guess that would mean we are the only one being delivered this month. A lot of extra first time ever design and testing is going into ours. That is one reason for the lengthy time. The tables and wardrobe were just minor items.

[Aeronie]

I was talking to Brittany this morning. Someone from FL picked up a van last week, so that's two this month I'm aware of, if you pick up Alvar in January.

[stanw909]

I can hardly wait. Where is the first trip? Texas coast?

[Davydd]

Originally Posted by stanw909

I can hardly wait. Where is the first trip? Texas coast?

First we have to drive from Willoughby, OH to Minnesota and load up the B, then southwest primarily to Arizona. We might go into southern California. Then east through Texas to northern Florida and up the east coast to Washington, DC. Then home to Minnesota to recoup to head out first to Missouri, then Advanced Fest in Willoughby, OH, then the Indianapolis Grand Prix Race, then the RV.net B Rally in North Carolina, then back to Indianapolis for the Indy 500. We will go through Michigan's Upper Peninsula and home by about June 1. Then we will assess what the heck we just did.

[gerrym51]

Originally Posted by Davydd

First we have to drive from Willoughby, OH to Minnesota and load up the B, then southwest primarily to Arizona. We might go into southern California. Then east through Texas to northern Florida and up the east coast to Washington, DC. Then home to Minnesota to recoup to head out first to Missouri, then Advanced Fest in Willoughby, OH, then the Indianapolis Grand Prix Race, then the RV.net B Rally in North Carolina, then back to Indianapolis for the Indy 500. We will go through Michigan's Upper Peninsula and home by about June 1. Then we will assess what the heck we just did.

sounds like a plan

[stanw909]

Oh yeah. You ought to know if she's working out for you after all that. Will you break a bottle of bubbly over the bumper to christen her before launch ?

[mikes47]

With respect to the move next door for ARV -- I don't think they'll be ready for that until the end of January.