We started out w/ a '90 Syncro Westfalia, which we bought in 97, and kept for 5 years. After an engine swap, and many other upgrades and breakdowns, Stephanie finally decided that she didn't want to deal w/ any more breakdowns on the road, and it was time to upgrade. We sold it for a bit more than we paid for it (not counting new engine and upgrades), and got a 4X4 diesel Ford Sportsmobile. We loved that, and had it for 10 years. Last winter, we spent 3 months touring New Zealand in a series of Sprinter vans, and loved them. Fortunately for us, a local fellow was interested in our Sportsmobile, AND, he happened to be the Freightliner dealer.
We got our '14 2500 170, 4 cylinder, pebble gray (actually more like a cafe-au-lait color) the week before Christmas. After the hubbub of the holidays, I began the sound/heat insulation process. I started w/ Second Skin Audio's Spectrum sound deadening paint- several coats over the entire van, floor, walls, ceiling. I had some leftover Brown Bread (an older version of B-quiet), which I put on the wheel wells. Then 3/8" closed cell foam in the floor corrugations, covered by 1/2 horse stall mats. Then I replaced the original floor. Eventually we'll put an engineered wood floor over this. I then put up a layer of Low-E aluma-foam insulation (same as EZ Kool, but I got it locally), on the walls and ceiling. The van is noticeably quieter, now the engine noise is prominent. I also just finished putting the Sportscraft seat swivel on the passneger side. (Question: does anyone have experience w/ Swivel'sRUs swivel for the driver's side, and is it lower thatn Sportscraft and as safe?)
Next steps will be to Thinsulate (thanks Hein!) the interior. I am having full windows put in (CR Laurence, w/ awnings at the rear). I'm having 2 second row seats put in, w/ swivels.
The general plan is for a table between the 2 rows of seats, so that we will use the front as our living/dining area. Galley and storage behind- 4.6 cu ft frig (either Isotherm or Truckfridge);water system using removable plastic jerry cans, with a sink and sprayer long enough to spritz off bodies if need be- also a rear shower; Heat and hot water from an Espar MCS-5 system from Rixens; at least one maxxfan- perhaps another cieling vent/van;
It'll be all electric- I was able to get 390 amphours of LiFePo04 batteries for $1600- a screaming deal (http://electriccarpartscompany.com). I have the factory auxilliary battery and the 250 amp alternator. I'm planning on starting with the Sterling 400 amp alternator to battery charger, and probably their 2500 watt inverter/charger as well. No solar at first- our camping habits are such that I think we'll be fine w/ charging primarily form the alternator. At least one induction burner, and probably a microwave. If need be, we'll use our 2 burner propane stove, which we'll carry anyway for cooking outside- our preference anyways.
Comments, thoughts, feedback, suggestions always welcome!!
I'll try to keep updating as I go. Photos as I am able to figure out how to get them uploaded from phone to computer to forum!
John
Salt Lake City
We got our '14 2500 170, 4 cylinder, pebble gray (actually more like a cafe-au-lait color) the week before Christmas. After the hubbub of the holidays, I began the sound/heat insulation process. I started w/ Second Skin Audio's Spectrum sound deadening paint- several coats over the entire van, floor, walls, ceiling. I had some leftover Brown Bread (an older version of B-quiet), which I put on the wheel wells. Then 3/8" closed cell foam in the floor corrugations, covered by 1/2 horse stall mats. Then I replaced the original floor. Eventually we'll put an engineered wood floor over this. I then put up a layer of Low-E aluma-foam insulation (same as EZ Kool, but I got it locally), on the walls and ceiling. The van is noticeably quieter, now the engine noise is prominent. I also just finished putting the Sportscraft seat swivel on the passneger side. (Question: does anyone have experience w/ Swivel'sRUs swivel for the driver's side, and is it lower thatn Sportscraft and as safe?)
Next steps will be to Thinsulate (thanks Hein!) the interior. I am having full windows put in (CR Laurence, w/ awnings at the rear). I'm having 2 second row seats put in, w/ swivels.
The general plan is for a table between the 2 rows of seats, so that we will use the front as our living/dining area. Galley and storage behind- 4.6 cu ft frig (either Isotherm or Truckfridge);water system using removable plastic jerry cans, with a sink and sprayer long enough to spritz off bodies if need be- also a rear shower; Heat and hot water from an Espar MCS-5 system from Rixens; at least one maxxfan- perhaps another cieling vent/van;
It'll be all electric- I was able to get 390 amphours of LiFePo04 batteries for $1600- a screaming deal (http://electriccarpartscompany.com). I have the factory auxilliary battery and the 250 amp alternator. I'm planning on starting with the Sterling 400 amp alternator to battery charger, and probably their 2500 watt inverter/charger as well. No solar at first- our camping habits are such that I think we'll be fine w/ charging primarily form the alternator. At least one induction burner, and probably a microwave. If need be, we'll use our 2 burner propane stove, which we'll carry anyway for cooking outside- our preference anyways.
Comments, thoughts, feedback, suggestions always welcome!!
I'll try to keep updating as I go. Photos as I am able to figure out how to get them uploaded from phone to computer to forum!
John
Salt Lake City