Everything else I’d do differently:
The AC was the big one — everything else feels like an optimization. Here’s what’s top of mind:
- I’d get a 50 gallon fuel tank. There were
so many times I was exiting or entering California where gas was $1 or more cheaper per gallon on the other side of the state line, and I wished I could fill up on the cheaper fuel. I’d love to know of any recommendations anyone has for a good high quality tank - the bigger, the better. (Also I have no idea if a larger tank messes w/ the onboard computer; LMK if anyone has any experience w/ that)
- I insulated the van with Havelock wool. It seemed to work well. But: I’d find wisps of wool here & there on a regular basis. That’s probably because I didn’t completely close off some of the insulated areas; if you did, you likely wouldn’t have this problem. I’ll probably just do Thinsulate this time around. No huge opinions here so I’d love to hear from those who do have opinions.
@asimba2 you recommended this link
https://ourkaravan.com/insulation/ in a post, which has some intriguing ideas (like ceramic spray insulation.)
- I ordered a pricey DragonFly Tarp, which I loved. It’s got a huge surface area and is very configurable based on where the sun is. But it takes maybe 10 minutes to set up, and there were many times that I longed for the simplicity and ease of an electric awning, which I would’ve put out more often. I’m conflicted on this one; I’ll probably try the awning approach for this van. LMK if anyone’s got a favorite brand.
- I covered the SmartFloor with Lonseal commercial grade flooring, which I had hoped would be bulletproof. It was OK, but I had to take much more care of it than I expected to. Basically, if I wasn’t careful, I could scratch the floor by pulling a heavy object over it. That was unexpected. I’m definitely on the lookout for some other flooring material that’s more bulletproof. Anyone have suggestions?
- I only installed one MaxxFan. With this build, I’m going to go for both an input and output air source, because the MaxxFan would complain if I didn’t keep the windows cracked. Adding an AC unit would solve this issue; I’m thinking maybe the Dometic above the table sitting area + a MaxxFan in the back.
- I didn’t get the electronic parking brake. It’s such a small thing but it was really a pain to have to hunt for the manual parking brake with all the other stuff I had in the center console. This new van has the electronic brake.
- I used VHB tape to install my solar panels — and then one flew off in the high wind conditions of I-10 between CA & AZ. After that I riveted them down, and I’ll definitely do that again next time!
- I’ll probably get the same Aluminess roof rack again, since I love having the low profile front LED light bar, but I’d love to know if anyone’s got a good cheaper alternative to achieve the same effect. I’d thought that maybe the solid aluminum component roof rack would keep the van’s roof cooler, but I don’t think it really mattered.
- I wish I’d installed rear stereo speakers before I did the buildout. The kids were always asking for music.
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@TransitVansit I didn’t go with the full interior AdvWagon kit; just got the Moab bed & mule bags from them. I built out my own interior using a cloth hook & loop Velcro fabric, which I’d hoped would let me attach things to the walls. It worked out OK but the material wasn’t as durable as I’d expected it to be. If I were to try that again, I’d have the harder “hook” side be the walls vs the softer “loop” side. But I don’t know anyone that sells the “hook” side as fabric rolls. LMK if anyone does!
Here are a few pics of the DragonFly Tarp from my last build:
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