We installed seats with air suspension and swivels. That combination made the seats too high for the van. So we swapped out the seat bases for lower versions.
Hot water tank safety switch and LED indicator
It’s important to know when the hot water tank is on, because it draws a lot of power. We added a tiny LED and a safety catch to the on/off switch.
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Lithium versus Lead Acid batteries
We chose to use a lithium battery in the van. It was the right choice for us and our power and space requirements. Other people choose lead-acid batteries either for the lower cost or just because they are more traditional. Here’s how to work out which is right for you… Continue reading “Lithium versus Lead Acid batteries”
Calculating battery size
How much battery power you need depends on the number of things you want to power, and how often you need to use them. It’s pretty easy to calculate the load you’ll put on the battery, and from that how much power storage you’ll need.
Lithium battery safety
The idea of using Lithium batteries often scares people, thanks to some bad press caused by the Boeing Dreamliner and “hoverboards” that unexpectedly burst in to flames. Different types of lithium battery behave in different ways. The ones most people use in van conversions are much less volatile, and may even be safer than using lead acid batteries.
Espar/Airtronic altitude sensor
We often camp at altitude. The Espar/Eberspacher Airtronic diesel heater is designed to work at sea level and soots up if the air gets too thin. Altitude adjustment kit to the rescue!
Electric step to climb into the van
It’s a long way up into the van. We added a handle in the sliding door area, but we were fed up with using a folding step stool to help us get in and out. We installed an electric step that is activated when the door opens.
Truckfridge 130 – cavernous and cool
The Truckfridge range of 12/120v fridges uses the same compressor as the more expensive Norcold/Vitifrigo/Isotherm units with a slightly lower build quality. The TF130 is their largest option, and it’s got more than enough space for a Sprinter build.
Mounting a microwave oven
The microwave is great – prepare food in advance, then just nuke it to reheat on the road. But it needs to be secure in the van. Here’s how we did it.
Ceiling coving and lights
LED spot lights, LED light strips and “party lights” all contained in corner-mounted coving panels.