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weejub

weejub

Joined
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Pittsboro, NC
Plan is to be ready to roll in <8 years. Sell the B&B, keep the Art Gallery, but move it to a smaller house with the big garage. Maybe VRBO the little house while we travel.

This thread will discuss the features, build, options, etc.

I know this is not a Land Cruiser, but hope to use what we have learned via the IH8MuD family and Toyota products and employ that knowledge in a camping vehicle. For example, we would drive it and the Taco out to Logan's Run - camp in the Sprinter, wheel the Tacoma.

We are also considering simply buying the Sprinter as a family travel vehicle sooner than later (next year) - use it like a big station wagon so we can have more time to build on it.
 
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Accidental double post.
 
Key ideas to consider:

  1. Go with 4WD
  2. Go with Mercedes over Freightliner due to options
  3. Crew Van vs Others - mid windows, no windows in back for structure and privacy
  4. 144" platform in high top
  5. Double alternator vs separate generator
  6. Consider Adventure Wagon kit
  7. Custom electronics vs kit
  8. Outside shower
  9. Built in vs modular options
 
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Look at this thread. Not for the actual build he did on the taco, but the ideas and thought that went into the design and placement of everything.

2013 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Chinook build

  1. Go with 4WD---As I mentioned in a different thread, how often would you be using the 4wd? If often, great, if not, do you really need it?
  2. Go with Mercedes over Freightliner due to options---Id be more concerned with less electronics, greater parts availability, and more/cheaper service options. Most of the frilly stuff, would you be replacing or supplementing?
  3. Crew Van vs Others - mid windows, no windows in back for structure and privacy--- Id go for a panel van, and either add windows where I want them, or none at all. Privacy, security, etc.
  4. 144" platform in high top--- would you do a pop top instead of that? each has its tradeoffs.
  5. Double alternator vs separate generator: Will you be boondocking for long periods of time? Diesel in the van? diesel gen too? Would suck to tote that extra weight around, especially if its a gas genset. Solar panels on the roof would provide power while parked in the sun.
  6. Consider Adventure Wagon kit--- looks pretty cool,and is highly customizable.
  7. Custom electronics vs kit---what do you figure youll need? Nav, entertainment/radio, solar, house power? fridge/freezer be electric, propane, or 12v dc (arb/dometic, etc). How much 120v would you need? with 120v, youre now talking power converter, breaker panel, additional wiring, etc. The more 12volt and LED you can have, the better. There are 12v dc tv/monitors (samsung makes them in 24 inch, you chop the connector off the power supply, and wire that into your power, or add a cla if everything is 12v, you can buy a noco genius smart charger in up to a 4 bank configuration. will smart charge depending on battery type (agm, flooded, etc). Battleborn lithium batteries are a wonderful product, but they are stupid expensive. 900 bucks per 100ah group 31 battery, but they weigh 28 lbs, can discharge down to 25% (vs 50% with agm or flooded), and last many more cycles. They dont like very cold very much
  8. Outside shower--- portable or an additional system (tank, plumbing, pump, hot water heater, etc). takes up space, adds complexity, and weight.
  9. Built in vs modular options You have time to sketch out and design a million diff layouts. That decision will help make itself as you plan
 
Thanks Steve - I will offer my thoughts by the numbers . . . But let me state the GOAL of this vehicle up front - we could be gone MONTHS at a time, etc:

A. Be near the kids whenever they want or we think they need :)
B. Go to EVERY NATIONAL PARK in America Passport Cancellation Locations - eParks - Where your purchase supports America's National Parks.
C. Go to EVERY State, especially the ones we have not been to
D. Stealth camps en route . . . or at "approved" locations like participating Walmarts, Casinos, Cracker Barrels, etc.
E. State Park camp as needed wanted, but in hot/cold conditions as needed
F. Possibly join a national fitness place for showers, pools, workouts, etc.

Love the Chinook build, but this would be our house - want to pull off the road and go sleep without having to set up, etc. A LOT of wood in that thing - entry/exit is high , etc.

1. 4WD: We would be visiting kids, no matter where they live, possibly in snow, etc. We don't want to be limited - we want to be able to go down a muddy road and feel confident.
2. They are the same vehicle - almost no frills in either - both are really commercial vehicles vs typical Mercedes. Cruise control is an option, for example.
3. Window placement for us is perfect. We will have simple magnetic insulated shades to quickly cover if we have to for all windows. Who wouldn't want to see me naked, though?
4. We like the fixed height vs pop top - we decided that with the trailer already - no RTT etc. Easy one for us - just preference. Maintaining tent cloth and the mechanism vs not being able to go in some parking garages is worth it to us. I might be missing something, but no intent to go to Africa and fit in a shipping container, etc.
5. We would simply run the truck vs a generator. Sprinter comes with a second alternator bracket option that I have read makes the truck pretty efficient charging itself. You would only need to fill up your tank and get the variable idle control. We would likely carry spare fuel outside the truck, as well, just like a rear bumper set up. Sprinter Alternators are 220A each. I believe via conversion, that they would be the equivalent of a 5KW Generator approx. The whole system would be a big jump from my Tundra. For example, it would require the more expensive ACR https://smile.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-S...41797&sr=8-4&keywords=blue+sea+battery+switch
7. Not a lot of change vs what we were planning with the trailer, but a lot of work to do here still. We WOULD try to be all electric - topping off as needed with the truck's engine and alternators. Need to re-run the numbers with the Dometic heat pump AC combo, but it looks like it is a 1800W system - maybe one we can ONLY use when the truck is running or on shore power. Looks like you can get about 200 Ah pretty easily under the hood. Battery Tray We can go Interstate lead acid on that from Costco for 225Ahx2@6V in series or 225Ah in 12V for ~$300 for both. We would then go with some big sealed in the back. We wouldn't skimp on solar, but we MAY have to have removable panels for longer camps, but longer camps may be at state parks with electric. Was looking at these for any "indoor" use - 105AH sealed for $240: SLI31DTMAGMDC - Duracell Ultra Platinum AGM Deep Cycle Battery for Deep Cycle BCI Group 31M Marine and Boat at Batteries Plus Bulbs The adventure wagon kit comes with LEDs and a wiring harness - we may alter it or do our own. I've become dangerous with this stuff :\
8. Not interested in a grey water tank, but we do want water and a sink. We will probably pick up diseases from public restrooms . . . Love the idea of putting the 5 gallon potty in the Trasharoo - who told me that?
9. I hope to have two built in "modules." These would be in most of the time. The front one would be sink, electronics, desk, induction stove . . maybe . . Would bolt down, but also plug into an Anderson connector. The rear one would be water, fridge(s), shower, more batteries, etc. They would be harder to get in and out than almost everything else, but take minutes vs seconds. The front one might be permanent - haven't figured it out yet. Prolly keep the ACR under my seat and set up the modules to have batteries that are for the uses in the module. Electric hot water seems like a waste - do you or anyone use the engine compartment kits - that extend your coolant into a heat transfer?? Looks dangerous :)
 
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Cool. All very valid points. Would the van be singles or duals in the rear? do you know what the weight spread would be to run singles vs duals? out west, I saw lots of singles on all terrains, and actually saw a couple of duals on pairs of narrower all terrains. Yesterday afternoon i saw a raised roof, long wheelbase 4x4 sprinter on battleground ave in gso. was silver, black wheels, black ladder on the drivers side. didnt get a chance to snap a pic. i was at the 80's natural habitat (the gas station....LOL). The solar panels on the roof could be made to easily disconnect(assuming you have a ladder mounted for access), and set up on the ground in the sun, while the truck stays in the shade. There are some really good solar and boondocking groups on facebook. I expect lithium batteries to drop by 1/4 to 1/3 or more in the next couple years. If i had the money, I'd be running a battleborn or two in my teardrop, just because of the weight and cycles.

Are the dual alternators set up to have one charge the vehicle battery(ies), and the 2nd charge the house batts? That would be pretty cool.

I wasnt telling you to copy the chinook, just look at how he had thought it thru with respect to placement of stuff, access to stuff when he needed it, etc. Packaging and access to the systems was important to him.

I use a thetford curve portapotty with the teardrop. It has a comfortable seat, and a nice tight seal between the bowl and holding tank. Both important attributes ;)
 
Dualies come on the 3500 in the cargo van only. Ups your payload capacity from 3K to 5K, I believe. I don't think we want/need that.

Can easily run BFG KO2's on it. 265/75R16 - same tires I have on the Tacoma ~31.7", 3200 lb load index/tire.

5600 lbs curb weight vs a FZJ80 at 4800, so only 800 lbs more than an 80.

Payload is 3K, but with the Adventure Wagon set up - we would be going light vs heavy.

Instead of doing hard cabinets and lots of wood and other stuff, we would run stuff like this:

MULE Overhead Storage Locker - Black

I need to check on that portapotty - diseases are bad :) Definitely showering out back - super cool solution with this big shower curtain that goes between doors :)

Dual Alternator would go into the system with the ACR. It would look at the primary battery and then off load any excess to the house battery bank, as I understand it - not sure tho. I am sure I could wire the second one direct, but with the 500A ACR, I don't think I want to, right?
 
Kinda crazy couple, but some pretty good advice, I thought - skip to 2 minutes for the first regret:

 
so this is what you are going for right??

 
LOL, no, more like this:

smugshot_5271755-L.jpg
 
Isn't starting a build thread years before you have the base vehicle a little premature? :lol:

Buy one soon. Start to learn the mechanicals, stay on top of maintenance. Build and camp out of it as you go.

Sell the tacoma/Tundra/whatever pickup you have to get it.
 
If, for some reason, you shift from Sprinter to a Ferd .... take a look at 4x4 Van Conversion kits

I have had work done by them and have see. Their conversions first hand ... quite nice.
 
GLTHFJ60 said:
Isn't starting a build thread years before you have the base vehicle a little premature? :lol:

Buy one soon. Start to learn the mechanicals, stay on top of maintenance. Build and camp out of it as you go.

Sell the tacoma/Tundra/whatever pickup you have to get it.
Click to expand...


The "retire to the road" is years away, but the "buy the truck and start messing with it" could be as soon as the next few weeks. Hopefully not - need to wait until the new year for business financial reasons.

Most likely to sell the '96 LX next vs the Tacoma :(
 
elkaholic said:
If, for some reason, you shift from Sprinter to a Ferd .... take a look at 4x4 Van Conversion kits

I have had work done by them and have see. Their conversions first hand ... quite nice.
Click to expand...

Look really nice, but probably more off-road than we need.

Sprinter has 6'3" of head rooom - looking forward to that. Without insulation I can walk around inside - will have to duck a bit with the additional insulation. :\
 
BenMara said:
2018 Sprinter 4x4 144" Take 2
Ive been watching this one...
Click to expand...

Thanks! Love this one. So many great photos, cool welding, work etc! Sooo freaking nice on the aluminum and finish etc.


I hope to do some things different or at least investigate the pros/cons:

1. Would love to keep most all the electronics on the driver side.
2. Put water on the passenger side to offset my fat'ness
3. Keep all electric lines off the floor.
4. Try not to build up floor more than possible.
5. Try to keep heavy items over rear axle vs behind like batteries and water.
6. Cut the shell as little as possible - Crew Van is more $$, but comes with windows and 2nd row seats that I hope to be able to put in and take out as needed. Hate the looks of that window - floppy looking thing - probably awesome, but scares me LOL

All said, he has a plan, materials he is using are amazing - so much better than most, it is cool and I am sure he has thought about all the above and decided it is worth it for the space he has, etc.

Something like this, only not as good, built by one of the major builders would be $180K :)
 
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