Here goes! My build thread to sleep a family of 9 (!!!) in a 2020 170" 4x4

[drodio]

The “CabBunk” arrived and looks line it’ll work well for the two younger kids’ sleeping accommodations.

 

[drodio]

The theme of my build is modularity, with as few things permanently installed as possible. This is a good example:

Got the DragonFly awning set up. instead of permanently attaching it to the side of the van, I riveted the black track to an aluminum L angle, which I attached to the roof rack. this makes it removable and usable in other areas. Really happy with the way it turned out in the awning is absolutely incredible. Very high material quality.

 

[chipsterguy]

Wow. Like the Cabbunk! Check out this video...

 

[drodio]

Got the middle panel up today, with double Havlock insulation.

I’m using a special Velcro fabric to be able to Velcro things to the interior.

 

[Glenn233]

Thanks Daniel. I’m happy with how it all turned out. For the record, those pics were pics I took before it was all properly mounted and properly wired in; I was just sending some progress shots and I guess I didn’t send a final. Anyhow, the S2 fits nicely allowing another battery in there and for the battery and/or heater to be easily removed if needed.

For folks at home, there was a potential alternative mounting option allowing the OEM battery holder to remain in place instead of using other mounting solutions, such as removing the holder and using ratchet straps as I did. Hypothetically the mounting plate which comes with many of the kits could have been cut a bit and then mounted on the battery holder from the factory. Then of course 2x holes for the exhaust and intake in the floor.. I/we didn’t go this route because the idea was a bit half baked in my head around how to keep debris such as paper or whatever from entering into the area around the exhaust creating a potential fire hazard. Understood the risk is very low of a fire occurring in that manner but I just wasn’t going to risk it nor was it in scope to run around to find insulators for the exhaust pipe or build something around it. ..Thought I’d let the community know of an alternative mounting method allowing the factory mounting bracket to remain in place.

should also be noted I think only the S2 can be used with a battery under the pass seat as the old d2, definitely Webasto, Planar, and Chinese units are too large.

I have a 2020 with the factory aux battery under the seat. So all I realy have to do is move the factory battery to the side ,secure it and I will have enough room for the espar D2 and battery under the seat,correct?

 

[vanski]

I have a 2020 with the factory aux battery under the seat. So all I realy have to do is move the factory battery to the side ,secure it and I will have enough room for the espar D2 and battery under the seat,correct?

New smaller s2 d2, yes... old larger d2, I don’t think so.

 

[drodio]

12v panel for the fridge is wired up. Went with the Aplicool CF55 fridge. It’s the second one I’ve owned and I’ve been quite happy with it. It’s also a great size because it’s tall and fairly skinny which means it fits perfectly between the driver and passenger front seats.

Also making the wiring modular with Anderson style connectors so I can take the entire panel out of the van.

attached some 12v LED light strips to the L track flanges — thanks for that tip! Just using inexpensive Amazon LED strips for now but would love to know what kind of LED strip / lighting upgrade people recommend that might be more durable. Do people recommend the firefly system? Or others?

 

[drodio]

First test run night in Vader! Two kids in the CabBunk & one on an inflatable L mattress on a row of seats, with me in the back.

 

[drodio]

Here’s some pics of the seat config. Set up to seat 10.

 

[DefyInertia]

Awesome build! Very ambitious.

I’ve got four kids and do the modular thing with Motos etc, but not at your level.

what is the general pricing and lead time one can expect for those smart floors?

 

[TransitVansit]

Awesome build! Very ambitious.

I’ve got four kids and do the modular thing with Motos etc, but not at your level.

what is the general pricing and lead time one can expect for those smart floors?

Pricing generally depends on the number of rails you get. I’m getting one done now on my extended length Transit with 5 rails and it’s about $6k with a 4 week lead time. Installer is here in CO.

 

[drodio]

By the way, for anybody who is following this thread and wants a brand new unused power station, I’m selling the Ecoflow I just bought: https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/93804/

 

[drodio]

Really liking these “bind rivets” from McMaster Carr. They open in a butterfly effect on the back.

 

[drodio]

Woot! Got the panels up.

 

[drodio]

Amazing work by Dave and his crew from Campfyre vans in Reno to get the Amp Research PowerSteps installled on my van. I used the upfit kit from Sprinter Store for the 2019+ mod.

Dave and crew did in four hours what would’ve taken me four days to do on my own! Really quality work.

 

[220629]

Wow. Quite the project.

It appears you've already managed to have more family fun than most Sprinter owners and you're not even done yet.

vic

 

[drodio]

@Aqua Puttana speaking of fun... upgraded the lights! Wasn’t happy with the individual diode LEDs; wanted a smooth light. Found these silicone LEDs on Amazon. We’ll see how durable they are, but they look great.

These pulse to the beat of the music which apparently qualifies as hours of fun for six and seven year olds.

 

[hilld]

@Aqua Puttana speaking of fun... upgraded the lights! Wasn’t happy with the individual diode LEDs; wanted a smooth light. Found these silicone LEDs on Amazon. We’ll see how durable they are, but they look great.

These pulse to the beat of the music which apparently qualifies as hours of fun for six and seven year olds.

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Got a link. I need some disco as well.

 

[drodio]

ahaha yep, @hilld , here you go: Lamomo Smart WiFi RGB LED Light Strips, Color Changing 16.4ft Strip Lights Phone App Control Works with Alexa, Silicone IP23 Waterproof Rope Lights with Remote Music Sync for Bedroom Outdoor Party ... the big question for me will be how durable they are (or aren't). I'll report back as I find out.

Also, while I'm grabbing links -- a few people have asked what the headrests are in my photos: Yoocaa Car Headrest Pillow, Road Pal Headrest, Adjustable Car Seat Head Neck Support, U Shaped Car Sleeping Pillow for Kids & Adults ... these are great! One thing we did to make them fit well w/ the AMF Bruns SmartSeats was to unscrew the headrest paddle connectors and flip the piece around; this makes the bar connecting the two paddles sit behind the headrest instead of in front of it, so it's fully out of the way of our kids' heads

 

[drodio]

MOAB top bed is in!