Intro and Our Mercedes Vario Home -Gen rack pg.5. Ideas on uprating rear suspension?

[micky23finn]

Hi Andylod,
I have just bought this vehicle when it was re listed. Why did you not complete the original sale?

[micky23finn]

Hi Ifandor,
I have just bought this vehicle when it was re listed. Why did you not complete the original sale? Just curious to know.
I will be using it as intended, because I work within that type of industry. Might modify it a bit.

[andylod]

Hi Micky
I went to look at it out of curiosity. I already have my van but as the 4 x 4 ones dont come up very often it was a good opportunity. I hope you have fun with it as it is a great vehicle.

[Anton2k3]

andy,

Any updates on diff lock yet?

THere will be another update in this thread first week in september (when im back from Romania), with the build and installation of a swingout rack on the back of the van for the 3kw electric start generator I have bought for it. Were off on honeymoon for 3 weeks end of Sept, with the dog, so need the gen to run aircon. More soon!

[andylod]

Anton

Latest Diff Lock news is that i have finally figured out the last piece of the jigsaw and have ordered the part. I expect it will take a couple of weeks for it to arrive from the factory. As soon as it does i'll post some pics of the bits and let you know how i get on with the required machining etc....
Is the Romania trip in the van ?? and are you going to the overland show http://www.adventureoverlandshow.com/ . We are staying over friday night but coming back Sat afternoon to fullfill another appointment :-( ... Want to fit a winch to the van so might wait and pick one up from the show. Had our annual family camping trip to Devon with the van recently and finally managed to run the batteries down, it was on the very last night (6 days with no recharge. Good to know the capacity).
Cheers

[Anton2k3]

I've never dared run the batteries right down...I always have the urge to start the engine for a bit! The generator should give us peace of mind. I came home this weekend so started the install, new bumper built with new lights. I'm going to attach it to the step for now, but ultimately to the chassis. I saw the generator for the first time this weekend...and it is MASSIVE! Damn me and my impulse purchases! Oh well, i'll have to make it work. Means building new bumper etc out of 5mm wall box, so its all pretty heavy.

Great news on the Diff lock. Your still keeping me guessing on approximate costs for this, but i'm thinking its a lot! I've been looking into winches recently...there is an eBay special priced at £370, 17000lb so with a snatch block plenty for a vario, 24v. Also has remote control for safe operation. I think its a bargain, and worth a punt for that price. I was considering making a receiver to fit the front tow pin point, and one on the new rear bumper. Removable winch stored in garage. It would be pretty heavy, but maybe with a nylon rope it would be manageable. I like the idea of being able to use it at either end....less noticeable too, stealth is the way forward!

Unfortunately not in Romania in camper, extended work visit for 3 months. Back in two weeks though, can't wait.

We're moving to Singapore for a couple of years in Oct, my start date is the 8th, so not going to be able to make the show, gutted! Not sure how i'm going to cope over there with not workshop and no camper!

[Anton2k3]

Forgot to include eBay link:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1305636694...ht_6206wt_1107

[Anton2k3]

Quick update. I've started the new generator rack, got a couple of pics. These are not the most up to date, but I sent it of for galvanising today so will take some more on wednesday. Essentially its all built, the generator box has a frame inside which is hinged of the bumper post with 3 rose joint hinges. I've trialed it, and it takes the weight fine, only a tiny bit of flex in the post (as to be expected with 100kg on it). Two jerry cans are also being mounted on top of the generator box. Anyway, enough chat, i'll get some pics of it assembled when i have it back.

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[Anton2k3]

More pics from last night. Still not got the bumper back from galvanising, but should be back by tonight. I fitted the jerry can racks to the box last night and started on the support system for the door. The runners will be extended to sit on the door when its open so that the generator can be pulled out for re-fuelling. Door will be supported by wire rope. Can see the frame in the box, this is what takes all of the weight. The rose joint hinges are inserted into the post of this frame to hang off the up-right on the bumper. Also had to add a light cluster to the box as the one on the bumper will not be visible with the box in place. Similarly, there is also a number plate and associated light on the back of the box. More pics tomorrow when i'll hopefully have it all mounted.

Pics:

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[Anton2k3]

Well, just back from a few weeks in Europe, so thought id finally pop some finished pics up. I didn't quite work as intended, I wanted to run it in the box, however it gets too hot. I tried fitting a couple of bathroom extractor fans, but it destroyed those within half an hour. I will get it to run in box, need some high temperature fans and straight exhaust out the side (had it pointing down before). Once I have this working, I'll extend key start wiring into living space for remote start.

Anyway here are the pics:




Ta

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