User Tag List

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 06-07-2020, 06:40 PM #1
MStudt's Avatar
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
MStudt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
2013 Chevy Express 3500 Cutaway Expo Build

After a couple years without much to do except fix a constantly broken Land Rover, I decided it was time for a new project. I've been looking for a certain van for well over a year now, and every time I find one it never works out. Either they want way to much money for it, it doesn't have the doors that I want, or there's some underlying issue that I don't want to deal with. Then I came across a van located a couple hours from me, and made the purchase. This is a 2013 Chevy Express 3500 cutaway van with a Spartan truck body on it. It has 113,xxx miles on it, double rear doors, and a fiber panel box rather than metal. This is also a 10' box that's a swr with the 6.0 Vortex engine.

This should be a slow build since we have a lot to do. I usually jump into builds without a lot a planning, and really wish I'd taken a step back to fully understand how I want the finished to product to look. On this build I'm going to remove the bulk head to allow for us to access the box from the cab, and that's the first thing to happen. We also plan on adding a couple windows to the driver side, a window & door on the passenger side, and possibly a small window to each of the back doors. The roof is going to have 2 MaxxFan Deluxe fans with a couple solar panels for the minimal electrical that we'll have. The interior will have a raise platform bed with storage underneath, small cooking/kitchen area, and possibly a toilet that can be relocated to outside when we're stationary. Still trying to decide on carrying a water tank, 12 volt pump, and lighting. This will also be converted to 4x4 at some point, but that'll most likely be the last thing we do.

Now we'll see how accurate the above statement is when I'm done building it.

__________________
MStudt is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 06-07-2020, 06:40 PM #2
MStudt's Avatar
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
MStudt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
Saved for future use.
__________________
MStudt is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 06-07-2020, 06:41 PM #3
MStudt's Avatar
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
MStudt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
A little forward progress was made today. I was able to remove the bulk head from the van, and got everything cleaned up a little. I have replacement encapsulated t-nuts coming from Supreme Truck Bodies to replace the huck bolts that I had to drill out in order to remove the bulk head. Those will be in on Wednesday, and that'll close up all the holes left behind. They'll also make perfect anchor points for the build out.

I'm hoping to have parts starting to show up next week, and then the fun will begin. I'm going to be installing 12"W x 22"H windows in each of the back doors. I also have a couple 10"H x 33"W bunk windows to install around head height on the driver side at the foot end of the sleeping area and also the kitchen area. Up front near the passenger seat will be a 24"W x 68"H radius entry door with screen door. In the first picture below you can see some of the existing ceiling fan, and it leaks in a few spots when it rains. I'm going to remove that, and install a clear skylight in it's place to help give a little more light inside.



__________________

Last edited by MStudt; 06-07-2020 at 08:42 PM.
MStudt is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 06-08-2020, 09:05 AM #4
Thai's Avatar
Thai Thai is offline
Elite Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Eastern USA
Posts: 18,770
Thai is a splendid one to behold Thai is a splendid one to behold Thai is a splendid one to behold Thai is a splendid one to behold Thai is a splendid one to behold Thai is a splendid one to behold Thai is a splendid one to behold
Thai Thai is offline
Elite Member
Thai's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Eastern USA
Posts: 18,770
Thai is a splendid one to behold Thai is a splendid one to behold Thai is a splendid one to behold Thai is a splendid one to behold Thai is a splendid one to behold Thai is a splendid one to behold Thai is a splendid one to behold
Is it 4wd? Low range?
__________________
My 2019 Land Cruiser
My 2023 Ford F150 Platinum FX4 Powerboost with 7.2 kW ProPower Onboard
2023 Lexus GX
2024 Subaru Impreza RS
Lets Go Brandon!
Thai is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 06-08-2020, 10:38 AM #5
MStudt's Avatar
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
MStudt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
Quote:
Originally Posted by Thai View Post
Is it 4wd? Low range?
At the moment it's 2wd, but that'll change. I plan on converting this to 4wd, but that's going to be the last thing that I do. I need to have this completely built so I can get a accurate vehicle weight so I can order rear leaf springs.

Mike
__________________
MStudt is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-17-2020, 08:34 PM #6
MStudt's Avatar
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
MStudt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
I was able to get a few things finished on the van today. I trimmed the panel above the cab, and that'll allow for additional storage once the van is ready. Next up was installing the sky light where the old fan was, and installing the 2 MaxxFan's that were purchased. Once the flanges were installed Dicor Lap Sealant was used to cover the screw heads, and to coat the flange to prevent any water from leaking inside. It's very common that this sealant looks like crap, and there's no getting around that. But, it's not something that I plan on looking at very much.



__________________
MStudt is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-18-2020, 10:16 PM #7
MStudt's Avatar
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
MStudt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
Today was the day that I've been dreading for a long time. I have a long history of messing up cut, and most if the time it doesn't matter. However, today was the today that I could make a mistake. So, I measured everything about 10 times before cutting, and had my wife verify everything.

After that I started cutting, and everything worked out how it should have.




__________________
MStudt is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-20-2020, 08:34 PM #8
Bumbo's Avatar
Bumbo Bumbo is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,529
Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of
Bumbo Bumbo is offline
Senior Member
Bumbo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,529
Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of
Fun build... if you need some help with any DC power systems stuff just let me know.
Bumbo is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-21-2020, 09:44 AM #9
MStudt's Avatar
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
MStudt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bumbo View Post
Fun build... if you need some help with any DC power systems stuff just let me know.
I may reach out on that topic since I'm not very familiar. I do have a 200 watt solar kit on order with Monocrystalline panels, and an MPPT controller. I still need look into an inverter, and batteries.

Mike
__________________
MStudt is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-21-2020, 11:31 AM #10
Bumbo's Avatar
Bumbo Bumbo is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,529
Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of
Bumbo Bumbo is offline
Senior Member
Bumbo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,529
Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of
Quote:
Originally Posted by MStudt View Post
I may reach out on that topic since I'm not very familiar. I do have a 200 watt solar kit on order with Monocrystalline panels, and an MPPT controller. I still need look into an inverter, and batteries.

Mike
Let me know what you bought... sometimes those packages are not as good as a value as you might think.

I figure I throw out my 2 cents now before you go too far down the rabbit hole.

I would give some serious consideration to the Victron MPPT controllers... super efficient, does a better job over PWM in poor conditions like cloud cover, and it's got a programming / management interface via bluetooth so you can actually see what's going on. You don't need anything other than a phone to work with it.

Controller is about $100 depending on the model, but its well worth the coin for what you get. It's small and its quality. It's also got a load output which you can use to control a relay to shut off things to protect the battery better.



Bumbo is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-21-2020, 11:48 AM #11
MStudt's Avatar
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
MStudt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bumbo View Post
Let me know what you bought... sometimes those packages are not as good as a value as you might think.

I figure I throw out my 2 cents now before you go too far down the rabbit hole.

I would give some serious consideration to the Victron MPPT controllers... super efficient, does a better job over PWM in poor conditions like cloud cover, and it's got a programming / management interface via bluetooth so you can actually see what's going on. You don't need anything other than a phone to work with it.

Controller is about $100 depending on the model, but its well worth the coin for what you get. It's small and its quality. It's also got a load output which you can use to control a relay to shut off things to protect the battery better.
This is what I got. My order hasn't shipped yet, and I can cancel it is this isn't a good option.

I'm open to recommendations on this. I had been thinking about picking up the panels from Renogy, and buying a Blue Sky SB3000I controller, but decided to just get the kit.

Mike
__________________

Last edited by MStudt; 07-21-2020 at 12:01 PM.
MStudt is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-21-2020, 12:07 PM #12
Bumbo's Avatar
Bumbo Bumbo is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,529
Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of
Bumbo Bumbo is offline
Senior Member
Bumbo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,529
Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of
Quote:
Originally Posted by MStudt View Post
This is what I got. My order hasn't shipped yet, and I can cancel it is this isn't a good option.

Mike
Renogy Monocrystalline panels are great, I like them too, but their PWM controller leaves a lot to be desired.

To be honest I have not used the MPPT units, but Victron has such a strong product and a lot of community support. Plus it's a brand known for quality. I use their gear often and have a high confidence level with it.

If you have the chance to cancel it, might be worth your while.

I would piece together you own, but doesn't seem like this might be too far off the mark either. Totally your call, controller + Bluetooth module look to be on par with price.

Last edited by Bumbo; 07-21-2020 at 12:10 PM.
Bumbo is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-21-2020, 12:10 PM #13
MStudt's Avatar
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
MStudt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bumbo View Post
Renogy Monocrystalline panels are great, I like them too, but their PWM controller leaves a lot to be desired.

To be honest I have not used the MPPT units, but Victron has such a strong product and a lot of community support. Plus it's a brand known for quality. I use their gear often and have a high confidence level with it.

If you have the chance to cancel it, might be worth your while.

I would piece together you own, but doesn't seem like this might be too far off the mark either.
So you would stick with their panels, and go with a Victron controller? Any certain controller you would recommend?

Or I just keep the kit I ordered, and get a new controller for it. I just received tracking, and think it might be shipped today or had just shipped.

Mike
__________________

Last edited by MStudt; 07-21-2020 at 12:12 PM.
MStudt is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-21-2020, 12:19 PM #14
Bumbo's Avatar
Bumbo Bumbo is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,529
Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of
Bumbo Bumbo is offline
Senior Member
Bumbo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,529
Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of
Quote:
Originally Posted by MStudt View Post
So you would stick with their panels, and go with a Victron controller? Any certain controller you would recommend?

Or I just keep the kit I ordered, and get a new controller for it. I just received tracking, and think it might be shipped today or had just shipped.

Mike
For 200 watts of panel I would consider the 75/15 SmartSolar (Smart units have bluetooth built in, does not require external dongle)

SmartSolar MPPT 75/10, 75/15, 100/15 & 100/20 - Victron Energy

Datasheet
https://www.victronenergy.com/upload...-20_48V-EN.pdf

Even if you leave your order alone... you should check out their inverters. They are probably one of the top brands for RV and coach builders.

Just as an example, here is a small sprinter van build with a Tesla model S battery module... which stores about 5kWh of power.
Hello from Los Angeles - DIY powerwall for my camper van

Last edited by Bumbo; 07-21-2020 at 12:30 PM.
Bumbo is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-21-2020, 12:32 PM #15
MStudt's Avatar
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
MStudt MStudt is offline
official vendor
MStudt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 5,305
Real Name: Mike
MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all MStudt is a name known to all
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bumbo View Post
For 200 watts of panel I would consider the 75/15 SmartSolar (Smart units have bluetooth built in, does not require external dongle)

SmartSolar MPPT 75/10, 75/15, 100/15 & 100/20 - Victron Energy

Datasheet
https://www.victronenergy.com/upload...-20_48V-EN.pdf

Even if you leave your order alone... you should check out their inverters. They are probably one of the top brands for RV and coach builders.

Just as an example, here is a small sprinter van build with a Tesla model S battery module... which stores about 5kWh of power.
Hello from Los Angeles - DIY powerwall for my camper van
I think I'm going to pick up a control since they aren't that expensive, and look into the inverters some more.

Thanks for your help on this, and I'm sure I'll reach out again for more help.

Mike
__________________
MStudt is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Reply

Tags
box , build , couple , doors , van

Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Dinardy Expo Build Dinardy 3rd gen T4Rs 7 05-27-2015 05:52 PM
2013 Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo Broker So Cal 20 10-07-2013 01:10 AM
Overland Expo, Flagstaff, AZ May 17-19, 2013 phillyd2 5th gen T4Rs 44 05-19-2013 05:41 PM
Overland Expo 2013 Stockwell45 Off Topic 2 05-07-2013 11:18 PM
2013 Chevy Trailblazer Bigmikelakers All Other Vehicles 5 11-15-2011 12:37 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.2

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:19 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
***This site is an unofficial Toyota site, and is not officially endorsed, supported, authorized by or affiliated with Toyota. All company, product, or service names references in this web site are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. The Toyota name, marks, designs and logos, as well as Toyota model names, are registered trademarks of Toyota Motor Corporation***Ad Management plugin by RedTyger
 
Copyright © 2020