Doug from Detroit - 99 Safari build

[tonydobbs]

1/4" spacer plus the magnet equals about .450" space from roof.

Ah, I misunderstood, sounds like you have a good setup!

[AstroWill]

Looking good Doug!

[97cargocrawler]

Those rubber grommets in the roof are going to become troublesome. I strongly suggest you swap those out for a more weather-proof fitting.

Or squirt a ton of polyurethane sealant around them and the cable, inside and out.

[doogaloo]

97cc, I used the same self leveling sealant like on the fan, over the rubber grommets. Should be OK. Continuing with mounting USB ports, cigarette lighter adapter, and power meter for house battery. Also cut the panel from the jack storage area to fit with cover over house battery.

[sixsix]

Looking good Doug!

^ that



Mike

[doogaloo]

Did a little wiring tonight. Will continue on the weekend. Will have to remove side panel. Some other goodies are coming, so no need to rush.

[stent]

hi doug,
i like the way you used the cubby lid.
i've bought but haven't installed one of those drok ammeters to monitor the stereo amp drain when i hook up a sound system.
can you show how you hooked up the shunt ?

[doogaloo]

Hi Stent. I don't know the details on your stereo system. I'm running a second "House" battery. So it is probably wired a little different than if you are using the alternator to power your stereo. But basically all of your grounds for your power amplifiers, head unit, etc. will be wired first to the shunt. The other side of shunt is wired to ground.

[stent]

Hi Stent. I don't know the details on your stereo system. I'm running a second "House" battery. So it is probably wired a little different than if you are using the alternator to power your stereo. But basically all of your grounds for your power amplifiers, head unit, etc. will be wired first to the shunt. The other side of shunt is wired to ground.

thanks so much for the diagram !!!!!!!

[doogaloo]

Added ARB awning.

[doogaloo]

Also trying to determine if the fridge I purchased is kind of big for long weekends and occasional week trips. I'm OK restocking every couple of days. Could use some input. the fridge in picture is a Whynter 45 quart Slim profile.

[WinnieVan]

You could likely go smaller, but I am a huge fan of my 45L fridge.

It depends how much stuff you "need" to keep cold. I like that I can pretty much keep 12 cans of beer cold and all my groceries safe. Best part about the 12V fridge is when I get home -- nothing is soggy, so I can just throw it in the fridge at home and use it as normal groceries!

[stent]

i like the fridge

[doogaloo]

OK. Still pushing to get things complete before my trip to UP at the end of the month. Returned the big metal refrigerator (Amazon ) and purchased a smaller fridge. Built a utility box for a lack of better description. The refrigerator will be fastened to it by threaded inserts that are supplied on bottom. A seven gallon water container plumbed to a pump will provide the ability to hose myself or other objects down. I am also planning on mounting a 300W DC/AC converter on the side.
Also completed wiring the van so the utility box can plug in along with the interior panel on passenger side with power meter, USB, etc. on storage cover.

[sixsix]

OMG - The wiring, etc, etc, organization, etc are Sick!
Nice clean work. Seems those Dometic units are a wise choice.



Mike

[doogaloo]

The utility box is complete. Four coats of poly, wired, pump is plumbed for water. Tire jack also stores inside.

[Alainzen]

Nice work Doug! Very inspiring to see a conversion like yours. I have been scratching my head to figure out a way to not tear down the whole inside of my van and yours looks good!

What are you planning as far as a bed? I see a bike rack in the back, anything specific for (mountain) biking?

[Rockridge]

Coming together nicely

[doogaloo]

I plan on mountain biking in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

[doogaloo]

So I have good news and bad news. The good news is that everything is in place. Looks great and works great. The bad news. Finished everything Saturday evening and turned on the fridge. Got cold in 30 minutes, GREAT!!! The van was parked all through Sunday afternoon. Went to start the van and the battery would not turn the van over. The only thing is the fridge, which is a heavy load, caused this? I have the C-TEK wire with the battery (alternator) positive wired direct. Is it a good idea to put a relay in series that's activated by the ignition?