Skots 7.3L E350 home built camper van

[skot433]

That bed looks pretty sweet! Since you are handy with the metal fab, may I suggest some drawers below the bed platform? Maybe 8 inches deep so they don't block the heater vents.


p.s. What made you change your mind about the location of the bed? Just noticed the taped outline in an earlier photo, and the final location.

I was thinking about adding drawers, Blocking the heater vents isnt an issue, they are just for looks, I noticed when taking the panels off that the vents arent used any more due to the rear climate control unit, which has its own air ducts the two vents just above the bed rail and also several vents located in the raised top.

I decided to mount the bed in its current location for a few reasons:

~I plan to have a small bar sink, (and later on a stove) to simplifly the plumbing for the sink i decided to locate the sink in the back of the van due to there already being a nice hole in the floor that the ac and heating lines run through for the rear ac unit
~I'm also designing a removeable top bunk, for my son or brother to sleep on when I happen to have one of them along for the trip. moving the bed forward located the top bunk forward of the driver side rear pillar which houses the ac and heating vents and inconvinently sticks out about 3" at the top window line.


as far as the 4x4 goes... the more I see the builds done on here........ The more I want one.... They are awesome. Truly amazing machines.

[scoutkid]

Way smart using the existing tracking!

[skot433]

Way smart using the existing tracking!

Thanks man, I try and do things intelegently. Or as we say in my trade 'do it work ways'

I gotta tell ya, I knew I wanted a van before I came across your thread, after seeing your build I knew I couldn't live with out one...!

I've been spending my days working on my rig and spending nights figuring out what I'll be working on tomorrow.
I spent several hours today on wiring and electrical. I got a few pics to post in little while, maybe you can help me identify a few relays and wiring...

[skot433]

Anyone know what this relay is for..?

IMG_2619.jpg


or this one...?
(pics are rotated 90 left for some reason)
IMG_2622.jpg

IMG_2623.jpg

[bknudtsen]

IF they are aftermarket, then it's anyone's guess. I would start with the obvious. The top one looks to have power from the battery? My guess would be the lift or the aftermarket A/C. I would play around with the different accessories with the ignition over on run and listen for the relays to switch when a button is pushed or switch thrown.

[robert]

I'd highly recommend either putting vapor barrier over that fiberglass insulation or switching to something that won't absorb moisture. You give off a lot moisture just breathing and cooking in the van will add a lot more. be sure you treat any interior rust issues as you go or they will get worse after you start sleeping in it.

[skot433]

IF they are aftermarket, then it's anyone's guess. I would start with the obvious. The top one looks to have power from the battery? My guess would be the lift or the aftermarket A/C. I would play around with the different accessories with the ignition over on run and listen for the relays to switch when a button is pushed or switch thrown.

I figured out that the top one is the relay for the interior lights, I'm still learning about the basics of automotive electronics.. the other two, I'm still not sure about, one of them went to a switch that sent power to the motorized step I removed. I cant get them to trip however... I guess I'll mess with them later...

I'd highly recommend either putting vapor barrier over that fiberglass insulation or switching to something that won't absorb moisture. You give off a lot moisture just breathing and cooking in the van will add a lot more. be sure you treat any interior rust issues as you go or they will get worse after you start sleeping in it.

Thanks for the tip, I honestly hadn't considered the chance of the insulation absorbing moisture, I realized after reinstalling all the interior panels, that I'm going to have to remove them again to run some electrical wiring and some plumbing... When I pull it all out, I'll put each piece of insulation inside a heavy duty trash bag, whamo, moisture barrier insulation....

[skot433]

Have been busy working and using Vanna. We've been to Yosemite twice and she is a breeze to drive. Tons of power and 20.3 mph. Couldn't be happier.

Since my last post I've installed a 16 gallon water tank, 12v pump and a 2.5 gallon gray water tank.

I've also relocated the brd to the rear of the van and modified the bed to convert into a double.

I'll post pics soon.

[SWbySWesty]

Would love to see pics of the conversion bed.

[thatcabledude]

This is going to be a cool build. Keeping an eye on this one.