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08-28-2012, 05:48 PM
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#41
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida, USA
Posts: 200
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Re: Finished one small step in my van conversion
Another post on wiring of the van. Two heavier wire gauges will support the appliances to be installed on the driver’s side.
Follow my progress at cargovanconversion.com
__________________
My website describes the conversion of my Ford Transit van into a small RV. I deal with a lot of woodworking, but hope to be quite specific on solar as well.
CargoVanConversion.com
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08-28-2012, 07:22 PM
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#42
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
Posts: 8,828
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Re: Finished one small step in my van conversion
Very neat work.
How will you be distributing DC? Are you going to use a DC panel with fuses for each wire run?
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09-04-2012, 03:53 PM
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#43
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida, USA
Posts: 200
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Re: Finished one small step in my van conversion
Having batteries, doesn’t automatically mean access to 12V. Thus, two access points are planned in the van. One 12V socket is located at the solar components (controller, charger, inverter, etc.) compartment, under the bed.
Follow my progress at cargovanconversion.com
__________________
My website describes the conversion of my Ford Transit van into a small RV. I deal with a lot of woodworking, but hope to be quite specific on solar as well.
CargoVanConversion.com
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09-04-2012, 04:06 PM
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#44
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida, USA
Posts: 200
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Re: Finished one small step in my van conversion
Quote:
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Originally Posted by markopolo
Very neat work.
How will you be distributing DC? Are you going to use a DC panel with fuses for each wire run?
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I was thinking of connecting everything directly to power posts close to the batteries, with the appropriate fuses added.
Might be a good idea to add a separate DC fuse panel for all the individual wires.
Van.
__________________
My website describes the conversion of my Ford Transit van into a small RV. I deal with a lot of woodworking, but hope to be quite specific on solar as well.
CargoVanConversion.com
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09-05-2012, 02:48 PM
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#45
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
Posts: 8,828
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Re: Finished one small step in my van conversion
On the (+) positive side a DC fuse panel would keep the wiring organized and easily visible for any future troubleshooting.
On the (-) negative side I used a common buss bar.
That factored in on my decision to get a all-in-one power center. http://www.bestconverter.com/4000-Serie ... c_138.html
I've had a few issues with my particular PD4045 but I still like the small size and all-in-one solution it offers. http://www.classbforum.com/phpBB2/vi...tart=24#p11174
I started adding up what it would cost to buy (separately) an enclosed DC fuse panel and a converter and a AC panel........... 
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09-08-2012, 03:43 PM
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#46
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida, USA
Posts: 200
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Re: Finished one small step in my van conversion
Cargo Van Conversion | Battery Monitor Comparison
We’re now at a point in the cargo van conversion where decisions have to be made about battery monitors and solar controllers. The latter is not urgent, as the solar panels won’t be installed before next year, but they have to be incorporated in the overall decision. This phased-in approach will allow battery monitoring, while charging from an outside source. It allows for short trips with added comfort and a chance to test and evaluate the electrical system.
Follow my progress at cargovanconversion.com
__________________
My website describes the conversion of my Ford Transit van into a small RV. I deal with a lot of woodworking, but hope to be quite specific on solar as well.
CargoVanConversion.com
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09-11-2012, 04:27 PM
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#47
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida, USA
Posts: 200
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Re: Finished one small step in my van conversion
The compartment under the bed that will hold the charger, controller, inverter, etc. is a small enclosure and needs some form of cooling. I choose a 5” computer fan with thermal control, that automatically adjusts its speed as the temperature rises. Other considerations were low noise level (<18dB), high airflow volume (up to 42cfm) and low current (<0.2A).
Follow my progress at cargovanconversion.com
__________________
My website describes the conversion of my Ford Transit van into a small RV. I deal with a lot of woodworking, but hope to be quite specific on solar as well.
CargoVanConversion.com
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09-18-2012, 06:58 PM
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#48
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida, USA
Posts: 200
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Cargo Van Conversion | 110V Power Inlet
The van is internally a 12V system fed by solar panels, with some 110V outlets powered by an inverter. Only the battery charger needs access to an exterior power source. For this, a 15A power inlet is installed next to the rear door, on the passenger side of the van.
Follow my progress at cargovanconversion.com
__________________
My website describes the conversion of my Ford Transit van into a small RV. I deal with a lot of woodworking, but hope to be quite specific on solar as well.
CargoVanConversion.com
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09-18-2012, 07:21 PM
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#49
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
Posts: 8,828
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Re: Finished one small step in my van conversion
Just a note for anyone reading this. RV's typically have a 30 amp or 50 amp inlet for power. Most Class B Vans will have a 30 amp inlet so that you can run a few items or appliances at the same time. cargovanconversion's choice of a 15 amp inlet is adequate for his needs but it is not typical. The fridge, water heater, microwave oven, converter/charger, air conditioner, hair dryers, coffee makers, TV's, computers etc., all run off 110 volt grid power so you need to consider the combined amp draw. 15 amps is 1800 watts maximum. 30 amps would be 3600 watts maximum.
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09-26-2012, 12:24 AM
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#50
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New Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Pamerston Ont Canada
Posts: 19
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Re: Finished one small step in my van conversion
great work! I'm impressed
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10-09-2012, 04:09 PM
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#51
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida, USA
Posts: 200
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Re: Finished one small step in my van conversion
Quote:
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Originally Posted by markopolo
Just a note for anyone reading this. RV's typically have a 30 amp or 50 amp inlet for power. Most Class B Vans will have a 30 amp inlet so that you can run a few items or appliances at the same time. cargovanconversion's choice of a 15 amp inlet is adequate for his needs but it is not typical. The fridge, water heater, microwave oven, converter/charger, air conditioner, hair dryers, coffee makers, TV's, computers etc., all run off 110 volt grid power so you need to consider the combined amp draw. 15 amps is 1800 watts maximum. 30 amps would be 3600 watts maximum.
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In my installation I strictly limit my use of the power inlet to the battery charger, to which it is connected. All other use of 110V will run thru the inverter. Fridge, computer, etc. will all run on 12V and there is no room for water heater or A/C.
I agree with markopolo, that this is a design choice specifically for this small cargo van conversion. Anybody with larger RV's with more appliances (and more comfort) should opt for 30 or 50 amp.
Van.
__________________
My website describes the conversion of my Ford Transit van into a small RV. I deal with a lot of woodworking, but hope to be quite specific on solar as well.
CargoVanConversion.com
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10-09-2012, 04:11 PM
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#52
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida, USA
Posts: 200
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Cargo Van Conversion | Toilet Access Door with Wooden Hinges
The last time I worked on the bed, the pull-out, sliding shelf was installed. Now I’ll continue with a door for the toilet compartment. In deliberating the hinge options, I came across a simple wooden hinge design, that looked appropriate for this application.
Follow my progress at cargovanconversion.com
__________________
My website describes the conversion of my Ford Transit van into a small RV. I deal with a lot of woodworking, but hope to be quite specific on solar as well.
CargoVanConversion.com
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10-16-2012, 06:04 PM
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#53
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida, USA
Posts: 200
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Cargo Van Conversion | 12V Fan Switch
Recently a fan was installed to cool the solar components, like controller, battery charger, etc. As it is not necessary to run the fan continuously, a switch can regulate its use.
Follow my progress at cargovanconversion.com
__________________
My website describes the conversion of my Ford Transit van into a small RV. I deal with a lot of woodworking, but hope to be quite specific on solar as well.
CargoVanConversion.com
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11-13-2012, 04:50 PM
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#54
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida, USA
Posts: 200
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Re: Finished one small step in my van conversion
Before continuing with the other side of the van interior, it’s time to put the wall and window above the bed, back together again.
Two issues remain: the battery cables and the solar controller cable need to be installed. The other is the decision I have to make, whether to go ahead with batting as insulation or choose a foam product.
Follow my progress at cargovanconversion.com
__________________
My website describes the conversion of my Ford Transit van into a small RV. I deal with a lot of woodworking, but hope to be quite specific on solar as well.
CargoVanConversion.com
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11-21-2012, 06:19 PM
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#55
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida, USA
Posts: 200
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Cargo Van Conversion | Monitor Console
Between the window and the side doors is a narrow strip of wall available to house a small console. It is the future location of the battery monitor and a reading light.
Follow the building process picture by picture at cargovanconversion.com
__________________
My website describes the conversion of my Ford Transit van into a small RV. I deal with a lot of woodworking, but hope to be quite specific on solar as well.
CargoVanConversion.com
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04-05-2013, 01:34 AM
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#56
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida, USA
Posts: 200
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Re: Finished one small step in my van conversion
Magazine Rack (1)
Utilizing every available space is a priority; the area to the right of the rear side window is large enough to accommodate a magazine rack and is conveniently close to the bed. This will allow for some late night reading.
Follow the building process picture by picture at http://cargovanconversion.com
__________________
My website describes the conversion of my Ford Transit van into a small RV. I deal with a lot of woodworking, but hope to be quite specific on solar as well.
CargoVanConversion.com
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04-10-2013, 01:54 PM
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#57
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida, USA
Posts: 200
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Magazine Rack (2)
Before continuing with the assembly, the three front pieces that are made out of Tiger Maple, need some ‘popping’, that is, enhancing the visibility of the curl in the wood.
Follow the building process picture by picture at cargovanconversion.com
__________________
My website describes the conversion of my Ford Transit van into a small RV. I deal with a lot of woodworking, but hope to be quite specific on solar as well.
CargoVanConversion.com
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04-11-2013, 01:45 AM
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#58
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
Posts: 8,828
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Re: Finished one small step in my van conversion
Looks like you are back at it. I like the pen/pencil holder idea incorporated in the magazine/book rack. 
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04-16-2013, 11:18 PM
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#59
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida, USA
Posts: 200
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Magazine Rack (3)
All the parts are now ready for assembly.
Follow my progress at cargovanconversion.com
__________________
My website describes the conversion of my Ford Transit van into a small RV. I deal with a lot of woodworking, but hope to be quite specific on solar as well.
CargoVanConversion.com
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04-17-2013, 06:42 PM
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#60
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 792
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Re: Finished one small step in my van conversion
Can you share any pics of your over all progress? Interior shots? Is it livable yet. Are you planning any trips?
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