DIY Build
Interesting idea. Park almost anywhere, less chance of theft.
I'm working on my own DIY build plan, 3.7 MWB, Med top.
We've had a VW Westfalia for the past 20 years, 100K plus miles and smiles. Many customizations have made it very livable and increased storage. Longest trip 5 weeks, 5500 miles through the SW last spring.
Want more space, internal shower, engine power/reliability, better AC, but don't want to lose the visibility, manueverability, parkability (trips often include days in cities, and it has to be a daily driver as well).
We're into gawking mode, so plan for maximum windows, almost 360 degree visibility. Someone once described the Westfalia as like "driving an aquarium." But I'm thinking some stealth features might be worthwhile.
A few questions about your build:
"Retractable shore power electrical reel"
Can you describe this? length, brand, where did you get it?
"Indoor shower pan"
Size, where did you get it? I assume it's not permanently mounted, so where do you store it? How is it connected to the gray water tank? What are you using for a curtain?
"Maxxair roof vent/fan"
Did you also look at Fantastik? What features make the Maxxair better?
"24 gallon SS inside fresh water tank
11 gallon SS outside gray water tank"
I like the idea of SS tanks rather than plastic. Where will you get them? Custom?
"All wiring outside the walls with "SO" rubber cords
"Free floating" house electrical independent of Sprinter. Not grounded to Sprinter."
This sounds interesting. What are the advantages of outside wiring and free-floating electrical. Since it's independent, not charged by the system alternator, you're relying entirely on the solar?
"Sink with cold water faucet"
Since you're heating water, why not a hot/cold mixer?
I'm hoping for a transverse bed in the rear. I need at least 6'. Specs say 5'10", but I've read elsewhere that is at floor level, that it's wider at the beltline a few feet up. Also may be able to use an inch or two into the sidewalls if the structural members are in the right place. Anyone have a photo or diagram of the interior walls?
One of my design benchmarks is the British manufacturer Vantage, Motorhome Van Conversions, Van Conversions | Vantage Motorhomes, esp their MED model.
But they're using Ducato/Promasters and I've moved my target vehicle to Transit for a number of reasons.
Look forward to reading more about your build.
Larry
Portland, OR
Interesting idea. Park almost anywhere, less chance of theft.
I'm working on my own DIY build plan, 3.7 MWB, Med top.
We've had a VW Westfalia for the past 20 years, 100K plus miles and smiles. Many customizations have made it very livable and increased storage. Longest trip 5 weeks, 5500 miles through the SW last spring.
Want more space, internal shower, engine power/reliability, better AC, but don't want to lose the visibility, manueverability, parkability (trips often include days in cities, and it has to be a daily driver as well).
We're into gawking mode, so plan for maximum windows, almost 360 degree visibility. Someone once described the Westfalia as like "driving an aquarium." But I'm thinking some stealth features might be worthwhile.
A few questions about your build:
"Retractable shore power electrical reel"
Can you describe this? length, brand, where did you get it?
"Indoor shower pan"
Size, where did you get it? I assume it's not permanently mounted, so where do you store it? How is it connected to the gray water tank? What are you using for a curtain?
"Maxxair roof vent/fan"
Did you also look at Fantastik? What features make the Maxxair better?
"24 gallon SS inside fresh water tank
11 gallon SS outside gray water tank"
I like the idea of SS tanks rather than plastic. Where will you get them? Custom?
"All wiring outside the walls with "SO" rubber cords
"Free floating" house electrical independent of Sprinter. Not grounded to Sprinter."
This sounds interesting. What are the advantages of outside wiring and free-floating electrical. Since it's independent, not charged by the system alternator, you're relying entirely on the solar?
"Sink with cold water faucet"
Since you're heating water, why not a hot/cold mixer?
I'm hoping for a transverse bed in the rear. I need at least 6'. Specs say 5'10", but I've read elsewhere that is at floor level, that it's wider at the beltline a few feet up. Also may be able to use an inch or two into the sidewalls if the structural members are in the right place. Anyone have a photo or diagram of the interior walls?
One of my design benchmarks is the British manufacturer Vantage, Motorhome Van Conversions, Van Conversions | Vantage Motorhomes, esp their MED model.
But they're using Ducato/Promasters and I've moved my target vehicle to Transit for a number of reasons.
Look forward to reading more about your build.
Larry
Portland, OR
