Zenith Electric has made available an electric version of the Ram ProMaster cargo van. It has an electric drivetrain, including a 180-hp motor and a 62.5-kWh bank of lithium-ion phosphate batteries and a list price of $89,500, that can be offset by a federal tax credit of $5,500 and perhaps other grants or credits. It… Continue reading Is electricity the future of Van living/camping?
Category: General
2014 Cargo Van Comparison
With the new Ram ProMaster cargo van now for sale at your local car dealership and the new Ford Transit coming early 2014, it was time to compare the 5 most popular cargo vans. With the European styling of the current models, a substantial shift in their use as a RV conversion may occur.… Continue reading 2014 Cargo Van Comparison
Simple Garden Bridge
THIS STRAIGHTFORWARD BRIDGE SERVES AS A FOCAL POINT IN THE LANDSCAPE. IT IS LOCATED AT THE FAR END OF THE GARDEN AND FUNCTIONS AS THE BEGINNING OF A DRY RIVER BED THAT CROSSES THE BACK YARD. The space underneath can be retrofitted later on, to accommodate a water source which can transform the dry bed… Continue reading Simple Garden Bridge
Magazine Rack (3)
Assembly and Finishing All the parts are now ready for assembly. Now that all the parts are ready, it’s time to glue and clamp everything together. After a couple of hours drying time, the rack gets a final sanding. A quarter is used to indicate the corners at the top of the two side panels. They… Continue reading Magazine Rack (3)
Magazine Rack (2)
Enhance the Tiger Maple Before continuing with the assembly, the three front pieces that are made out of Tiger Maple, need some ‘popping’, that is, enhancing the visibility of the curl in the wood. Tools & materials required: Dye, sand paper and jar. A little ‘Dark Mission Brown’ powder dye is combined with some distilled… Continue reading Magazine Rack (2)
Magazine Rack (1)
Utilizing every available space is a priority; the area to the right of the rear side window is large enough to accommodate a magazine rack and is conveniently close to the bed. This will allow for some late night reading. Back to the workshop for some woodworking! The main wood choice is again Cherry in… Continue reading Magazine Rack (1)
Monitor Console
Between the window and the side doors is a narrow strip of wall available to house a small console. It is the future location of the battery monitor and a reading light. With a narrow piece of wood, the length of the console, placed against the inside wall, the curve of the wall is transferred… Continue reading Monitor Console
Bed, Wall & Window
Before continuing with the other side of the van interior, it’s time to put the wall and window above the bed, back together again. Two issues remain: the battery cables and the solar controller cable need to be installed. The other is the decision I have to make, whether to go ahead with batting as… Continue reading Bed, Wall & Window
Amazon store redesign
In the past 3-4 weeks, I have completely redesigned the Amazon Store at cargovanconversion.com. New layout, added features, more product reviews and newly included items. All products pertain specifically to this Cargo Van Conversion and are/can be used during the construction and installation phases of this project. New materials, appliances and tools will be added… Continue reading Amazon store redesign
12V Fan Switch
Recently a fan was installed to cool the solar components, like controller, battery charger, etc. As it is not necessary to run the fan continuously, a switch can regulate its use. Radio Shack sells this 12V switch with a ground (+), a power (-) and a accessory spade. Right now there is a wire running… Continue reading 12V Fan Switch