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Post by atefooterz on May 22, 2015 11:29:00 GMT 10
I guess it's a bit early to say but I have added extra insulation around the unit to assist with temp control. I have heard they can be hungry if it's hot weather. I hope my solar setup will be enough to cover it. A white box owner with a similar fridge uses those 3m wall stretchy tabs to hold a cut to shape/ size piece of shead foam (12mm from memory) over the front door. I was curious about solar requirements when he started talking about just running stuff in isolation to see how his set up worked and this fridge was red flagged, he uses ithis foam cover on cloudy days and hot ones then decided it helps protect the face against bumps also when left on anyway lolz. |
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Post by supreme78 on May 22, 2015 19:52:22 GMT 10
I did read that this fridge hasn't got a lot of insulation in the door. Some people have opened them up and added more to the door.
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Post by supreme78 on Jun 22, 2015 23:33:48 GMT 10
Oh all a bit of an update in my van build.
After much deliberation I have decided to pack up my van and do a lap of Oz. I have just finished a rear bar and spare wheel holder. The van is almost ready. I have added a grey water tank to the van and plumbed in the shower and the kitchen sink. This will allow me to free camp in areas where self containment is required. The new wheels and tyres are fitted. The inside is pretty much complete. I just need an awning, solar panel on the roof and a tool box on the draw bar.
My tow car is also mostly ready. I have to add another fuel filter that incorporates a water separator. I also have to replace a couple tie rod ends in the front end.
I hope to be on the road by the end of July 2015. So I am running out of time. 4 to 5 weeks. I have to clean u and get out of the house and get rid of some furniture and white goods. I will be keeping you all advised where I am along the way.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 23, 2015 7:28:05 GMT 10
That's great news, will look forwards to reading your adventures, Enjoy
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Post by Mustang on Jun 26, 2015 18:41:32 GMT 10
Have a good trip, keep us renovators posted  |
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Post by supreme78 on Jul 11, 2015 16:03:54 GMT 10
 Well it's been a busy few months with so much being done to ready the van for the road trip of a lifetime. I built a tool box and added jerry cans to that also. The cans will rarely be filled to keep the weight to a min. I now have 2 solar panels one 200w on the roof and a 140w portable folding solar panel this as well as 220ah worth of batteries I think that should almost be enough to suit my needs. Worst case scenario I can charge it from my car alternator if i run low. I also added a rear bumper with spare wheel carrier.  i have put new brakes and wheels and tyres . |
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Post by supreme78 on Jul 11, 2015 16:34:54 GMT 10
 I also remove the original couch area for a couple of reasons. Firstly the were so uncomfortable and took up so much room. I a fitting a couple of chairs to the spot instead. This allows me to use the chairs outside as needed and I can stack them together if I need the space if someone needs to camp inside with me.  The dog is very happy with her chair so that all that matters. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2015 16:40:44 GMT 10
You sure this is a caravan it has better furniture then some motels I've stayed in....  |
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Post by supreme78 on Jul 11, 2015 16:56:09 GMT 10
It's spending 2 years on the road so it needs to be comfy. The dog also approves the seats and has taken one for herself.
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Post by bogwot on Jul 13, 2015 13:04:56 GMT 10
You have done a fantastc job on the van. Good luck with your travels
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Post by supreme78 on Aug 5, 2015 13:13:36 GMT 10
Hi All
i have been on the road for almost two weeks and is been full of surprises.
the biggest one was the axle let go when on my way down a hill out of tenterfield nsw and so i needed to get it towed to town and get another axle made up. then repair the damage to the van as a result. the poor old girl was looking sad for a few days and after looking at the axle it was evident it was a crappy old round axle with welded on ends and it was seriously under engineered. its all good now as i have a 45mm solid overlay axle under the old girl. very strong and i am now confident it will do the job for me. i will however get some springs for the van to upgrade the warring capacity a little. i am going from 1500kg to 1750kg springs as its carrying 1650kg all up.
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Post by Mustang on Aug 5, 2015 16:23:06 GMT 10
Good luck, lucky you were not at highway speeds.
The suspension is the only job I havn't renewed, as it looks OK, guess looks don't tell the full story.
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Post by supreme78 on Aug 20, 2015 16:31:25 GMT 10
I have been a busy beaver the past few weeks with traveling and fixing things on my van. I got some 2000kg Alko springs for the van and the guy where I am staying was nice enough to weld them in for me. They are outback springs so can handle anything I will throw at the old girl. I think in time I will add a 2000kg axle then when I am full of water I will still be legal. This will include 12" brakes and landcruiser stud patern. I will get some wheels and tyres from the wreckers from a ute or tray with the required tyres.
I have been working on my mates 1988 Roma caravan. Wooden frame yuk. It's onsite full time and it's falling to peices due to water damage and his inability to do any repairs for himself. The whole front frame was rotten and was replaced. The door won't shut properly as a result and the roof hatches were leaking like little waterfalls. I have removed the hatches and filled the hole with alloy sheet and await some new fiamma hatches to come as he is on the pension and money is tight.
Those 4 seasons hatches must have wrecked so many vans with their leaks. I so dislike them and how unreliable and stupid they are to use.
He won't mis them that's for sure. I hope to head for casino and Warick after his hatches are in. And then keep working my way to Rockhampton to see some of my kids.
Stay safe.
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Post by supreme78 on Oct 5, 2015 9:52:46 GMT 10
Well i am still in the same place and now busy fixing farm machinery. Yamba is a lovely little place. very friendly and good shops and beach to relax. i have not done much a to the van but its working well. the 12v fridge was the best thing i ever put into my van. its quiet runs on solar and is a great little unit.
The solar works well and saves me money. i hardly ever need to stay at a van park or recharge my batteries. even with part shade it can charge 2X120AH batteries quickly.
A member has been nice enough to offer me a spot on his property to stay a couple of days and compare our caravans. i hope to take them up on there offer some time soon. its a nice offer and much appreciated.
Happy restoring
Paul
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Post by supreme78 on Feb 14, 2016 15:18:50 GMT 10
I am back in Victoria for a couple months and its time for some upgrades. New axle is ordered. Bigger wheels and tyres also. Its not cheep but it can handle 2 ton so i should handle the extras i have added to the old girl. i can now safely carry 2 ton as thats the original weight i registered the van at. I will feel comfortable knowing the axle is bullet proof.
I hope to give the old girl a coat of paint. not sure what colour to go with yes as i want it to look modern but retain its classic style. i was thinking modern light grey with black around the windows and door. i will look into the colours and decide when it comes closer.
I have added a portable air conditioner and it works great. so nice to have a cool van in the hot weather.
I will also be painting the inside to neaten it up. I did paint some of it in Capuchino colour so might keep going with that colour.
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Post by supreme78 on Mar 7, 2016 19:51:22 GMT 10
Well I am in NSW again the new axle is great. The whole van is so much more stable and still raised enough so it doesn't scrub on everything. I didn't get to do any painting on the old girl but will do some once I get back to the farm I am working at. Spent a week on the river near Cowra and it was great.
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Post by Bon on Mar 25, 2016 8:22:04 GMT 10
Hi Supreme,
We are looking at upgrading the axle, wheels and brakes on our 1975 viscount ambassador. Could I ask, how much the axle and wheel upgrade cost you? And who did you order the axle through?
You have done a lot of work on that van, hope your travels are going well.
Cheers,
Bon
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Post by supreme78 on Mar 30, 2016 18:45:53 GMT 10
Hi Bon
I have an axle thats new and 1500kg capacity and includes new rims and tyres as well. over $1000 worth for just $500.
regards
Paul
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