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Messages - scottdimelow

#1
Common Room / Re: Noob here (Starting in a car!)
January 07, 2016, 08:33:09 PM
There are a couple of facebook groups that may offer help too. A lot more people use them, so if you have any questions you'll get a quick reply usually. They're called 'fulltime vehicle dwellers' and 'self build camper vans'.

The key for keeping away condensation is insulation and ventilation.

Good luck
#2
Van Conversion / Re: adding solar
November 23, 2015, 08:07:22 PM
Do you plan to have electric heaters? I wouldn't bother if you're using batteries, electric heaters sap power.

I'd use gas or wood for heat, leave the batteries for lights and electronics etc.
#3
I bought a couple of caravan windows for £70. They're second hand but in great condition, easy to fit too. It's worth looking for a local caravan breakers.
#4
You can always add 1 or 2 windows, even if they're small. I wouldn't like the idea of having no windows. If you indoors due to bad weather or just chillin out, it's nice to watch the world go by.

I'd definitely get a normal van and add your own windows, minibuses in my opinion must be a nightmare. They have too many windows which makes them harder to insulate etc.
#5
Van Conversion / Re: Insulation
November 14, 2015, 01:33:51 PM
Hi Deborah, in your case I'd be more worried about keeping out the heat. I think I'd try and  add some insulation, it has to help.

Maybe use reflective film on the windows to minimise the greenhouse effect?


#6
Common Room / Re: French guy moving to New Zealand
November 12, 2015, 06:41:45 PM
A lot of travellers do that, not sure if the Kiwis do. I met a lot of backpackers which did the same thing.

I bought a car when I was there as my friend and I were hostelling. We sold it for pretty much what we paid for it, and only spent a little bit on repairs. It's great over there as insurance isn't compulsory, which is great because you don't have to buy it, but if you do it's really cheap.

It's a great place, I hope to return one day :)
#7
Absolutely, I've scoured youtube but there's nothing how I'd like mine to be. I'm just sticking to the basic principles of a rocket stove and hoping for the best :)
#8
Maybe some photos would help Ceris :)
#9
An electric heater would drain your batteries to quickly, they are extremely power hungry.

If you had a 1000w heater, and a 250w solar panel. You'd need 4 hours worth of sunlight to run the heater for 1 hour. And that doesn't take into account losses from the efficiency of batteries, solar panel and inverter.

They're just not a viable option for solar, you could use one if you went on campsites and had a hook up.

A tiny rocket stove is what I plan to install. I'm going to make it, rocket stoves are highly efficient and can be made to be self-feeding. All I intend to use as fuel is scavenged twigs, logs etc.
#10
Van Conversion / Re: Hob insulation?
November 06, 2015, 07:54:06 PM
I wouldn't think it would heat up the stainless parts. I too have the same type and haven't bothered with any heatproofing.

Heat moves upwards so I think you'll be fine :)
#11
Common Room / Re: French guy moving to New Zealand
November 05, 2015, 07:23:37 PM
Sounds like a great plan. I was in NZ for a year a few years ago. Beautiful country to explore in a van.

You'll love it, really hospitable people.
#12
Common Room / Re: Rookie(?)
November 05, 2015, 07:22:04 PM
Well I'm yet to set off, I have however started my conversion. My girlfriend and I are heading to Europe from England next summer.

The reason for the life change is simple, to enjoy life whilst we're young. I've known too many people work hard all their lives, and then croak it before retirement. I don't think working to retire is a good way to spend your life, it may be a morbid way of thinking but you could get hit by the proverbial bus tomorrow!

Carpe diem, lets have an adventure :)

If you need some more inspiration on the build side, I've started blogging my build www.myhousecanmove.com
#13
Van Conversion / Re: Sofa Bed plans
November 05, 2015, 06:52:37 PM
Hi Quentin, this design seems quite common in the camper conversion world. I recently watched this series on youtube, he uses the same method and and shows it working.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXeGNS1Gugo

Hope this helps

Scott
#14
No probs, didn't manage to add any more stuff over the weekend unfortunately. I was the same with my homework!

I'll try and add to it tomorrow.

Just to give you an idea of cost, mine was £2,700 with abouk 80k on the clock. You could probably get one cheaper to be honest, I just rushed in because I wanted to get started.
#15
I'd thoroughly recommend a luton. Their squareness makes it really easy to work on.

Have a look at my blog, I've just started it. I should be adding some interior stuff over the weekend too.

www.myhousecanmove.com