r1alvin

Yea its doing well. Since I last charged it, I have taken 3 showers, rinsed my bikes off 3 times, and also used it while making the youtube video and its discharged from 12.6VDC down to 12.0VDC. The cells are discharging evenly as all 3 individually measure in at 3.99VDC. This Venom pack that I had was an anomaly. I was in a bind and needed a 3S pack a while ago and got this from my local hobby shop. I typically purchase Lipo's from Hobbyking. I'm probably going to pick up one of these Zippy Flightmax 8,000mah packs right here : https://hobbyking.com/en_us/zippy-flightmax-8000mah-3s1p-30c-lipo-pack.html?___store=en_us

Began Phase 2 Cabinet last night,,,this whole process for me has been 95% gears turning in my brain and measuring, 5% actual cutting and building. I dont use any fancy software or cardboard cutouts,,,just kind of going along with what I think will work and going for it. Although a bit pricey, I bought 2 of these 16" folding shelf brackets from my local Rockler Woodworking,,,the pair has a combined load rating of 750lbs! As I entered the store, I came across a large stack of very nicely finished 1/2" 30"x 24" Russian Birch plywood for 7.99 a piece. Picked up 2 pieces and plan on going back for some more today. This cabinet will be a bit tricky because I need to figure out a way to not block my rear heat vent by the floor,,,,but the plan is for a single hinged lid and a 30" x 16-17" extension ply that flips up and locks in place. In the down position, I will have full access to the 2nd row area where I originally built up that floor shelf.

You're welcome! I don't understand a whole lot either. Heck I dont even have a manual for this van lol. The biggest help has been a combination of Youtube, a few of the other build threads on this site, and knowing what I need from my van,,,

Interesting I didn't know they were both on the same footprint,,,glad you told me that thanks! I do see that the 37QT model is 3" smaller in height compared to the 50,,,not much. Hmm...I will have to take a few measurements and see but it seems the 50 may be the way to go since the vertical real estate in the transit is abundant,,,,

3rd and final coat of Durapoxy drying. Wood has soaked it in very nicely. I used a tinted Oil Based Primer before applying the Durapoxy coats. The color should be pretty close if not the exact same color as the interior panels.

Thanks I'll keep that in mind. Would be cool to see someone put a current clamp on a running unit in different conditions to see some numbers. In any case, an idling Transit Connect should easily keep the fridge up and running with no issues.

Time for a new Fridge. The ARB I'm looking at only draws .85Amps per hour

yes I do understand that it needs to be powered by electricity. lol Options are endless there so I'm focusing more on the actual a/c units and arrangements first.

I am currently looking at a small 12V fridge/freezer combo unit made by ARB. Leaning towards smaller 37quart size vs. the 50quart model. Anyone have experience with these devices? do they work well? is the 37 to small for 1 person and 2 dogs? i feed my dogs freshpet stuff so it has to stay cool,,, I am also contemplating a small (8,000btu) Portable A/C unit like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B2BSXS2/ref=asc_df_B00B2BSXS25019855/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B00B2BSXS2&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167149293059&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1685624209074481986&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026282&hvtargid=pla-274004431568 It has a flexible heat vent to run either out a side widow or maybe out the rubber exit plug in the floor on the back of the van. What do you all think?

thanks! I have to keep reminding myself that less is more. It's so easy to go a bit overboard on the build. I just want to keep it as simple and efficient as possible. As I just left Kelly Moore paints with a quart of oil based primer and a gallon of eggshell duropoxy color matched to the darker plastic inside the van,,,

Phase 1 of Cabinetry is nearly complete. Ditched the green coiled hose for a shorter much nicer 5' stainless steel water hose. Currently taking measurements of the Mid Van area to begin that box and complete the bench/bed arrangement.

IMO I think the spray foam stuff would be too messy but everyone has their own methods,,,If you are using Dynamat, just cut small strips and apply the best you can reach inside the pockets. The rear liftgate has access holes you can reach into with the strips the sides dont give you much access.

Began the framing for the water tank today. My first time using a Kreg Jig and I LOVE this thing! So cool! So far all the joints are glued amd screwed with pocket holes,,,Right now I'm a bit worried that the tank will be a super tight fit in the box. I measured everything twice so I think it will be good. Stopping for the night as I need to pick up a 1x12 for the bottom of the cabinet. This thing will e bolted straight down into the frame with those existing M10x1.50 threads I left access to in the floor. I'm going to countersink and use tapered head stainless M10x1.50 hardware. Cabinet and tank won't budge once it's done.

Main reason I went with liftgate was because the company vehicle that I have driven for the past 6 years has left and right cargo doors and I always find myself being lazy and only opening one door. 1 single motion to open the liftgate, and you're done. The shade and rain block is a bonus as well

I just want a service manual that wont break the bank

Right but then I would have to transport my mountain bike inside the van. This tank takes up less real estate. I also use a Thule rack to carry my bike as shown on page 1. I may still look into this option if I end up having to carry a portable gen or it gets too clustered inside the van. My goal is to only carry essentials.

Alright so here's where I'm at. Picked up this 8 gallon water sprayer from Northern tool on sale for 59.99. Unfortunately, the motor that came with it was weak and had no "on demand" cut off switch so I bought a 12V motor with that feature as well as more psi (60 vs 40). Works wonderful! The hose is from Target I'm not sure if I plan on keeping it or not. The idea is to be able to rinse my mtn. bike off and also rinse myself off. Could also be used for the dogs. Now, I am trying to figure out the cabinetry around the tank,,,,I am looking into a hinged lid type setup so that I can have a 32" wide sleeping area and also have some sort of an extension for additional length over the lower floor surface towards the front of the van.

Interesting but I don't have remote start on my keyfob or in my van.

Another

Not too bad eh? Everything went back in fairly snug,,,

Thanks,,,The A/C project is on hold for now. I was told that it will require reinforcement of the roof structure, however, it seems some of the local upfitters have no experience performing this task on the Transit Connect. Until I can find some experienced help in this area or figure it out on my own,,,I'm going to hold off for now. If anyone with a Transit Connect has a roof top a/c unit and can chime in or post a thread I'd love to read it.

Got the Laminate Planks in,,,the silver colored oak was a special order item,,,fawn looked good enough, plus it will match the beagles fur when they shed LOL. stuff is super easy to work with,,,I used my trusty knockout set to punch the access holes to the floor bolts. The Tie downs hold the entire floor securely in place, so no tape, glue or velcro needed! I hope this floor lasts a while,,,if not, it will come back out!

I used the carpet that I pulled out as a template and cut open access holes to most of the M10 hardware underneath the Hardboard. I also saved the Hardboard scraps to reinsert into the holes that I'm not planning on using. Flooring samples are below, Floating Luxury Commercial/Residential Vinyl Plank,,,The stuff is water resistant and has a Limited lifetime residential warranty. I think I'm going to use the darker Burnished Oak Steel on the right. Samples are 2mm thick,,,actual vinyl is 4mm thick,,,the 4mm will slip right under the rear threshold but not underneath the plastic flange for the 2 tie down clips,,,,I kind of like the idea of having a floor that can be removed easily if I change my mind in the future,,