Future Projects & Brainstorming Ideas

[Davydd]

Originally Posted by gordonhks

I have always wanted a ladder on the back door. I would have no reason to use it, but they sure do look cool

Here ya' go. It's yours for $169.

http://www.eurocampers.com/2007--2014-S ... p_221.html

[mlts22]

Interesting site, especially with the Dodge stuff in already. Here in TX, the airvent window inserts would be useful.

For Sprinters, I like the rear continental tire mount that actually mounts on the door itself, not on a hinged insert welded to the tow hitch. However, I don't know how "Mercedes Authorized" that is, or how well that will hold, especially on a 3500 model.

[gordonhks]

@Davydd, How do you mount the darn things? I could not bring myself to put holes in the sheet metal...

[Davydd]

I have no idea. I would assume it would be a bolt through attachment. It looks like the top is a hook over the top lip design to give it added support rather than hanging off bolts.

[mlts22]

I wonder if one would have to take off the inside panel, perhaps attach a plate to the inside. That way, the reinforced metal plate, not the thin metal skin, would handle the weight of the ladder, the weight that the top lip doesn't support.

Then, there is the issue of added weight to the door and hinges. I like the idea, but with how paper-thin the sheet metal is on most vehicles, I'd rather see someone else run with a setup like that in frequent use for 100,000 miles before I tried.

[accrete]

Originally Posted by mlts22

I wonder if one would have to take off the inside panel, perhaps attach a plate to the inside. That way, the reinforced metal plate, not the thin metal skin, would handle the weight of the ladder, the weight that the top lip doesn't support...

Just an FYI on the above idea...this is exactly how our FIAMA F45 10' awning is attached to our fiberglass roof. At three attachment points on the FIAMA there is a 5" x 7" x 3/4" marine ply backing plate that is epoxied to the inside of the fiberglass roof. Then the insulation/hull liner is attached and hides the plates/mounting.

I've seen DIY builders on the sportsmobile and expeditionportal forums do similar attachments for ladders, folding cook shelves and similar.

Cheers,
Thom

[stanw909]

Thom you probably noticed Markopolo's post about a teardrop trailer and later the Scamp. How about showing off your trailer a little? Maybe in it's own thread.

[accrete]

Originally Posted by stanw909

Thom you probably noticed Markopolo's post about a teardrop trailer and later the Scamp. How about showing off your trailer a little? Maybe in it's own thread.

Hi Stan (& All),
THX for the comment. I will go ahead and make mention of it in the thread that Mark opened up about my AWD Van Build.
Cheers,
Thom

[wabbit]

I have 8 blank switch spots on the dash of my Sprinter (RT Agile). I've been trying to figure out what switches I'm going to install in those spots. The one I have already decided is to switch the in-dash stereo system between the Sprinter battery and the coach batteries, so I can use it without a key in the ignition. The in-dash unit has a remote control and can play mp3 DVDs, USB sticks, and movie DVDs. The functionality is duplicated by the Sony system in the rear, but I can foresee times when I am up front with a laptop and would like the sound.

Ideas for the other switch blanks?

[mlts22]

I'd consider using one of the switch blanks as a momentary switch for an ammeter. That way, the house battery's current isn't running through the ammeter's shunt, but when it is needed, one can get the value of amps/watts used.

[avanti]

Originally Posted by wabbit

Ideas for the other switch blanks?

--Turn on the backup camera
--Close the Fantastic Vent
--Override the battery combiner/isolator for emergency "jump" from the coach battery

[wabbit]

Good ideas!

[mlts22]

The combiner/isolator might be best off as a momentary switch.

Another idea might be a switch/relay combo to turn power off to the chassis batteries. This would be useful for storage, and it might help for security because a thief would have to find what switch and energize it before driving off.

[wabbit]

Two of the switches will be momentary switches for next track and previous track signals to the in-dash stereo. Those should be easy.

One will be to trigger a little circuit to flash a small LED every few seconds at some conspicuous point on the dash trim, simulating an alarm system.

The momentary switch for the backup camera should be pretty easy, since I just have to tell the wiring harness to the in-dash that I have shifted into reverse. I've got the wiring harness diagrams for it.

Some of the other ideas will have to wait for the appropriate time in the warranty cycle.

[avanti]

Originally Posted by wabbit

The momentary switch for the backup camera should be pretty easy, since I just have to tell the wiring harness to the in-dash that I have shifted into reverse. I've got the wiring harness diagrams for it.

You may need a diode or two to keep the backup lights off or the otherwise prevent confusing the Sprinter.

[wabbit]

Originally Posted by avanti

You may need a diode or two to keep the backup lights off or the otherwise prevent confusing the Sprinter.

Hmmm. You might be right. I'll have to see how it is wired to the Sprinter. I'm sure that the nav system will be a little confused, since it tries to measure my speed by sat positioning. Note to self: find the menu to turn off the speed nag voice.

[markopolo]

Just bumping this old topic up.

I'm running out of things to do to this van but probably still have enough projects to keep me busy over the next year or two.

Current to do list:

- New shower curtain - DW will sew on zippers.
- Make bed cushion covers a bit tighter to make handling them easier. We have started converting the bed to dinette daily and find handling the over-sized, over-stuffed cushions to be a bit of a chore.
- Reduce the depth of one of the top cupboards. I've mentioned this before but really must get this done. It's in the way over the sink and I've bumped my head more than enough - maybe that's why I keep forgetting to do the job!

After those:
- Re-paint the running boards. Mike did a great job on his and inspired me to DIY this. I might as well re-paint the front bumper at the same time.
- Re-do the solar wiring. I picked up plenty of 10 gauge at a great sale price.
- Re-caulk around the roof mounted Fantastic fan and, if possible, squeeze in modified fan vent cover. There isn't enough space between the solar panels and the fan for a vent cover now.

[wincrasher]

After my latest trip, I've come up with two lists - a definite & a maybe:

Here's my definite:
Replace the front grill
Install MCD shades rear windows
Install hard-wired Progressive Dynamics surge suppressor
Change out some gear to more compact versions/reorganize storage
Install cab curtain
Hard wire chassis battery tender
Install 12v plug for cigarette style adapters
Install storage pockets

Here's my maybe:
Install an inverter (with charger)
Change out AGM batteries for lithium batteries
Install seat covers
Install LED light bar or driving lights

I've ordered all the parts on my definite list, plus the seat covers on my maybe list. Guess that one moves over to the other list.

[Davydd]

Right now I have just one scheduled project and I have to wait for warm weather to use the epoxy glue. I am installing an intermediate stop for the sliding door so I don't have to open it all the way.

[jcostick]

I have a 2004 Roadtrek 190 Versitile. The sleeping arrangements are cosy for the wife and I, but it is manageable. The two convertible (Passenger) seats in the front are not adequate for adults.
I needed a different arrangement for when my buddy and I go off fishing so I built a temporary bed frame that bridges the area between the passenger seats.

It utilizes 4 pins, one in each corner to assemble it. Remove these pins, and it collapses for easy storage.