[orton]

I have been keeping an eye out but not seen one up close yet. Seems like the perfect quiet solution.
Maybe for next winter.

Google "Electro warmth". I have the 36" x 60". About $100.

Max amperage is 6.2 when on the full on # 7 setting. I use the # 1 or # 2 setting and that uses about 1% of my 255 amp-hr house battery capacity overnight. The lower settings just turn the power on for shorter times.

The negative is your body is warm but your head is in the cold van air. That problem was solved with a balaclava.

 

[jonsobi]

Yes, familiar with the no top insulation problem! I use a beanie. Also find socks make all the difference. I still like the excuse to cuddle, so the 12v blanket might develop a short from time to time.

 

[jonsobi]

Memorable Stops and Boondocks

Here is a link to some memorable stops in the T-Pod this month.

Converting a van might change your life.

https://goo.gl/photos/pHRfYiWiAqzcPYMe8

 

[foxharp]

Here is a link to some memorable stops in the T-Pod this month.

Converting a van might change your life.

https://goo.gl/photos/pHRfYiWiAqzcPYMe8

it's all about the places we go, right?!?

 

[jonsobi]

It so is, and the people we meet. We stopped watching the endless negative news media. When you get out there, it is so positive and remarkably harmonious.

 

[jonsobi]

Itching For Another Trip

Drove the T-Pod for the first time in 11 days due to service woes.

Took it out to show to my granddaughter for the first time. She loves it already. We spent an hour or two cruising around her town. We "camped" in her school yard a bit. Then had our first meal in it. A&W fries and Rings with 4 ketchup pods. Then off for an ice cream. Who says you have to go camping in the woods?

Not sure I liked the way my son in law and daughter were measuring the T-Pod up. Even the neighbors were all dropping by for a demo!!

Next Trip will be up to Tadousac in Quebec.

Itching to go.

 

[RandomJoe]

I had people all over my van today. I've only had it 1 1/2 weeks, barely have the insulation done, no building yet - just a kayak on the floor!

Went kayaking at a nearby wildlife refuge at dawn and when I returned to the van the guy running the paddle board rental came over to check it out. He was in awe at the space inside!

Went by the kayak shop to help a friend pick out a new kayak and spent a lot of time in the parking lot with various people looking inside and discussing design / build options.

Then my friend had to go all over it - after we'd taken his new kayak for its maiden voyage, of course! He had a one-track mind until that was out of the way!

The things definitely draw attention!

 

[jonsobi]

Its all good. We get so many lookers, my wife is taking turns and is pretty proficient now at giving the tour and demo.

 

[Hack Saw]

Thanks. I'm planning a 130wb build also. Nice pics. Looking forward to more as the project evolves, that is, don't they always despite 'completion?' One thing I was considering was to remove the two ceiling rib, or beam, for the headroom aspect of things. As weight will not be an issue, nor even the aspect of commercial-vehicle-duty use, you have an opinion of this? I'm 6' even and would simply make for a cleaner, albeit, short standing area.

 

[EddieZ]

... One thing I was considering was to remove the two ceiling rib, or beam, for the headroom aspect of things...

Jeebus, no! The roof is already paper thin and marginally supported. Then, you've got to figure those beams are part of what keep the whole thing reasonably rigid.

 

[Hack Saw]

Curious if anyone has seen or used this idea: With some nylon fabric screening, merely make (by gluing?) a screen that slips down over an open door and is held in place once closed. Maybe with a strip of flexible magnet on the outside portion. Then you can regulate the amount of air flow by simply regulating the window up or down to need. In other words, the screen fits down over the door frame like a sock, if that helps explain it. Any thoughts? Done before?

 

[Knot Yett]

Curious if anyone has seen or used this idea: With some nylon fabric screening, merely make (by gluing?) a screen that slips down over an open door and is held in place once closed. Maybe with a strip of flexible magnet on the outside portion. Then you can regulate the amount of air flow by simply regulating the window up or down to need. In other words, the screen fits down over the door frame like a sock, if that helps explain it. Any thoughts? Done before?

I have seen somewhere on the web, a company that sells these ready-made.....not so cheap....been considering making my own. Fiberglas screen can be stitched using a sewing machine....I have done this to make screens for my side and rear door openings. For the front door windows I would like to do this also....but, the mirrors create a problem. I think it would be easier to just cover the rear corner of the door (that is to say just the open window). The metal strip between the two sections of glass will hold magnets. Fiberglas screen should work OK but real mosquito netting would be even better as it is much more flexible. I have some shear curtain material that I could try, but the weave is so tight it may block too much air flow.
Even on a cool day of camping my cab gets very warm and it would certainly help to have air passing through!

 

[jonsobi]

Interesting discussion. The framed vents I made have seen little use so far. They have the advantage of offering some wind and rain protection, but not as much air flow as the concept of using screen and magnets on the metal window strip.

More investigation will follow... If the weather ever warms up here in Ottawa!!

 

[Knot Yett]

Interesting discussion. The framed vents I made have seen little use so far. They have the advantage of offering some wind and rain protection, but not as much air flow as the concept of using screen and magnets on the metal window strip.

More investigation will follow... If the weather ever warms up here in Ottawa!!

How about a good after-market solution from someone like HEIN, PLEASE STEP UP TO THE PLATE. If you can make roof-top frames for fans and A/C units then you must have the skill and equipment to create window frames? Don't know how many you could sell but put me down for a pair.

 

[foxharp]

the slipover product mentioned above is likely from skreenz: http://www.skreenz.com/what_are_skreenz.htm and http://www.skreenz.com/FordTransit.htm .

if you look at how they would fit on the transit, you'll see that the mirrors will interfere with the simplicity. and as mentioned, they're not cheap, though for a low volume custom-fit product, it's probably not unreasonable. (roughly $100 for a pair.) they have two versions: one a slipover, and the other uses velcro.

from past experience, using magnets to hold screens to the outside of the door works pretty well. the transit doors are pretty huge, so getting the screens in place wouldn't be trivial. the other issue i recall is that if the netting gets wet (in the rain) then moving the window up or down will pull the magnets off the door frame.

 

[jonsobi]

Loads and Weights

Just weighed the T-Pod conversion loaded for light touring on our way to Prince Edward county.

Front axle 1540kg
Rear axle 1460kg

Total 3000kg (6613 lbs)

Two people, full fridge, full gas, full water, clothes for a week.

Our last weight from Arizona was identical on the front, but 200kg more on the rear due to all the stuff we haul from winter to summer house.

 

[jonsobi]

T-Pod Touring Notes

Just completed a week long tour in the T-Pod up the North shore of the st Lawrence in Quebec, and then up the Saguenay fjord and down through Montreal. Just me and Susie, our Bichon. Mama stayed home.

The T-Pod is in its element for this type of travel. Here in no particular order are some highlights, pointers, and lessons learned:

Touring speeds less than 60 mph. Fuel economy range 11.8 - 12.5 lph, 18.5-19.5 mpg.

T-Pod weight 3000 kg, 6600lbs, GVWR 8600 lbs.

5 gals fresh water lasted the whole trip. Still on same 1lb propane cylinder. Made extensive use of available bathroom facilities, but that porta pottie is awesome if the coffee kicks in suddenly!

Never used any camping facilities. It's absolutely liberating to take whatever side road you fancy with absolutely no regard for where you will sleep that night. We Parked in some of the most amazing places. On a cliff edge overlooking the tidal basin, on a remote quay on the Saguenay fjord, by a municipal ball park, adjacent to a river park near baie comeau, and once on a quiet residential street. Silent, sound sleeps on the comfy Ikea queen mattress. I often left the rear Windows uncovered and enjoyed some amazing views from bed as the sun set

Only used the inverter once, to charge my RYOBI tool battery. Do not consider the inverter as an essential piece of kit any more, just as something in the nice to have category.

The two burner Coleman is very efficient, makes coffee and provides hot water for ablutions and dishes in the morning, and heats up a single pot meal in the evening. I took every opportunity to enjoy Quebec's local cafe's, brasseries, or casse croutes, and used free Wi-Fi wherever I could get it.

Had a long leisurely shower for a loonie in the municipal park in Tadoussac.

Found some remarkable history in this region. It was a main commercial transportation artery for fishing and logging long before roads were built. Very rural and agricultural today. Big shipping highway on the st Lawrence. Pilots are sent out from shore to guide in the huge container ships through the tricky estuary. Tadousac is a great whale-watchers paradise, and Belugas are a common sight up the Saguenay fjord.

I had the time of my life. It just would not have been the same staying at hotels or campsites.

Don't tell Ford, but I absolutely love my T-Pod.

If you are thinking about doing this, stop; just do it.

 

[cargovanconversion]

Just did a trip from Florida to Toronto. Similar or even slightly better mpg (T250 LWB MR 3.7L) at 60-65 miles. Similar experience with water and propane but for a single person.

Never been to that part of Canada, but close. Quebec City north to Bonaventure Island, Gaspé, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia. Just beautiful areas and refreshingly friendly people. And if I am thinking about doing this, I will do it (again).

Van Williams

 

[foxharp]

5 gals fresh water lasted the whole trip.

you mentioned your water needs for your last trip, too, and i think they were similar. you must be getting your daily drinking water from elsewhere? i found i was going through at least 2.5 gallons per day, traveling with just me and the dog.

sounds like a great trip! we've been up that way several times, on both the north and south shores of the st. lawrence, usually on motorcycles. next time it will likely be in the transit.

 

[jonsobi]

Good point. I typically use the 5 gallon jug for coffee and cleaning, and the pooch's supply. I always have 350ml bottled water in the cab area, and go through one or two a day. I carry two spare gallon jugs for back up, but seldom use them. When I go up to kingdom MTB trails, I will need more drinking water for my back bag if I do any serious biking.

For hand washing, the reliant jug is easy to set on a dribble, wasting very little.

I am also addicted to cold club soda and apple juice drink boxes from the fridge. My spouse is always telling me I don't hydrate enough.

I probably manage with one gallon per day, but should drink more.