Van Conversion Details: Solar, Power, and Lighting
Solar and Power System
- Victron Energy EasySolar: This device combines a solar charge controller, an inverter/charger, and AC distribution in one. It helps manage the power from the sun.
- Victron Energy Battery Monitor: This tool monitors a single battery, keeping track of its health and charge.
- Victron Energy Color Control: This screen shows you how much battery you have left, how much power you’re using, and how much power you’re getting from the solar panel. You can also control it from your devices.
Solar Panel
- 340W LG Solar Panel: This is a large black solar panel that helps convert sunlight into electricity.
Battery Storage
- Battery Bank: We have three batteries that together can store up to 303 amp-hours of energy. You can use up to half of this power before needing to recharge.
Charging While Driving
- Voltage Sensitive Relay (VSR): This relay helps charge the battery bank from the engine’s battery while you are driving.
Connectivity
- AC Hook Up: Includes a 30-meter cable for connecting to external power.
- Power Points: There are two 240-volt sockets and two 12-volt sockets, all with switches.
Lighting
- Different areas have their own lights, all controlled by separate switches:
- Bed area: Two LED downlights and one LED strip in the bedside cupboard.
- Kitchen area: One LED strip under the cabinet.
- Living area: Two LED downlights and one LED strip above the sliding door.
- Bathroom: One LED downlight.
- Garage area: One LED strip.
Sound System
- Speakers: Includes a 100-watt Bluetooth amplifier and two speakers mounted in the doors. This system works separately from the car’s sound system and has its own switch.
Appliances
Cooking
- Oven: The Spinflo Caprice MK3 is a combination of a stove, oven, and grill that uses LPG gas.
- Fridge: The Dometic RM 4181M fridge can run on 12 volts when driving, 240 volts when connected to power, or LPG gas when you are off-grid.
External Components
Wheels and Tires
- Wheels: Brand new 17-inch Black Rhino Stadium alloys.
- Tires: Radar AT5 all-terrain tires, size 245/65/r17.
Extras
- Awning: A 4.5-meter Fiamma wind-out awning with straps to secure it.
- Ladder: An 8-step Rhino ladder.
- Roof Vents: Two Fiamma roof vents with nets to keep bugs out.
- Windows: Two tinted side windows; one opens and one is fixed.
- Roof Bars: Two roof bars for carrying light items like a surfboard.
The Build
Overview: This van was crafted by a skilled cabinetmaker from Sussex. It’s a brand new, one-of-a-kind vehicle, made with a lot of care. Joe used lightweight materials like poplar plywood and oak veneers to create a sharp, upscale look while keeping the van light.
Off-grid and Campsite Ready: The van is perfect for off-grid adventures with its 340W solar panel, a large battery, and water tanks. It’s also great for staying at campsites, thanks to its neat exterior and power connections. You’ll find more details about the van’s features listed at the end.
Exterior Features: It comes with a ladder, roof bars, an awning, and new Black Rhino wheels with all-terrain tires for rough paths.
Interior Design: The cabinets inside have oak finishes and are painted in shades called ‘Borough Market Green’ and ‘Indian White.’ They feature easy-to-close doors with strong magnets to keep them shut.
Kitchen: The kitchen has wall cabinets, a slim oak countertop, a combination stove and oven, a sink with a built-in faucet, and more. There’s also a special fridge and a cupboard for water and heating controls.
Sleeping Area: The bed area has a step-up to a bed that can also be a couch. It folds up with a motor and has a custom memory foam mattress.
There’s a wardrobe, shelves for books, a spot to charge your gadgets, a reading light, and a shelf with a plug for a laptop. There’s also a hidden space to keep valuable things safe.
Seating and Dining: At the front, the passenger seat can spin around because of a special swivel base. There’s also a double bench that, together with the passenger seat, provides enough room for four people to sit comfortably.
The dining table is stored under the bed and can be set up on a pole that fits into the floor.
Storage: Above the front seats, there’s a storage locker for bedding. It’s carpeted to match the rest of the van’s interior.
Windows and Controls: The side windows are made of tinted glass for privacy and have oak frames. Roller blinds will be added next week, as they’re currently delayed.
Seating and Storage: Under the bench seat and next to the window, there’s a battery bank. Right next to the seat, you’ll find two doors. These doors give you access to the electrical controls, including fuses for 12 volts and 240 volts, and the Victron Energy EasySolar system.
This system controls our solar power, charging, and power distribution. There’s also a switchboard for lights and other 12-volt accessories. Above this area, there’s a small cupboard that shows how much battery, water, and gas you have left.
Bathroom: The bathroom is designed to drain directly through the floor, making it easy to keep clean. It includes a ventilated mushroom vent on the roof that you can open and close.
Flooring: The living area has a durable engineered oak floor treated with a special oil for a tough finish. The back area, under the bed, is painted grey and has a strong rubber floor that’s designed to handle heavy use.
This area stores the diesel heater, water heater, a waste water container, an awning pole, and a 25-liter jerrycan.
The Van
- Model: 2015 VW Crafter CR35 TDI
- Engine: 1968 cc, 134 horsepower
- Weight: Maximum of 3500kg
- Features: 6-speed gearbox, 78,000 miles traveled, MOT valid until February 2022, electric windows, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control.
- Maintenance: The cam belt was changed 6,000 miles ago.
- Condition: The van is very clean, especially the engine area.
- Wheels: Brand new 17-inch Black Rhino Stadium alloys with Radar All-Terrain Tires.
Price: The van was sold for £46,500.
